Jindal Films Europe to launch multiple sustainable products

Jindal Films Europe (JFE), part of the B. C. Jindal Group, has set a target to launch 5-10 new sustainable films, annually, for flexible packaging. The initiative underscores JFE's role in driving sustainability for the industry and end consumers in this evolving consumer preference landscape. The company's efforts span from product innovation to active participation in industry-wide recycling initiatives to using recycled and renewable materials.

As consumers and brands increasingly prioritize sustainability, JFE has positioned itself at the forefront of developing eco-friendly packaging solutions. The company invests heavily in R&D and advanced manufacturing capabilities to create sustainable, recyclable films that meet the evolving needs of the market while minimizing environmental impact.

Sharing views on the same, Manfred Kaufmann, CEO, at JFE said: ‘At JFE, we are not just responding to the sustainability challenge; we are actively shaping the future of flexible packaging. Our close collaboration with customers allows us to design films that precisely meet their ambitious sustainability goals.’

JFE’s product range includes multi-layer films in thicknesses from 12 to 70 microns, available in transparent, white, metalized, coated and uncoated varieties. As per the company, it can launch 10 new products annually, all of which are designed for sustainable, recyclable structures. JFE has made significant advancements in BOPP (bi-axially oriented polypropylene) films, enabling the creation of mono-PP, recyclable structures. These developments include ultra-high barrier metalized films to replace aluminium foil, Alox (transparent, oxidized aluminium layer) barrier films that provide high-level barrier protection while allowing consumers to see the product inside and films with improved heat resistance that allow the use of thinner films in customer processes like printing and sealing.

As part of the ongoing technological breakthroughs, JFE has also introduced a new BOPE (bi-oriented polyethylene) option under the Ethy-Lyte range. These films are designed to replace PET films in lamination with PE sealants, facilitating the creation of mono-PE recyclable structures. The Ethy-Lyte range is continuously expanding, with new barrier films being developed for both duplex and triplex mono-PE packaging structures.

In addition to product innovations, JFE is also considering reducing its carbon footprint by producing thin BOPP and BOPE films, which are inherently carbon footprint efficient for customers. JFE has also implemented the most effective way of energy consumption and waste reduction. The company installed a solar plant at its main manufacturing site in Brindisi, Italy. It is also using recycled or bio-based resins to further reduce carbon footprint.

‘Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just our products,’ explained a JFE spokesperson. ‘We’re constantly looking for ways to make our manufacturing processes more environmentally friendly, from energy efficiency to renewable power sources to transition the industry and the consumers to a whole new way of looking at flexible packaging.’

JFE’s efforts align with the packaging industry’s broader move towards a circular economy, which is seen as the most efficient way to conserve Earth’s resources and minimize environmental impact. As an active member of CEFLEX, the company collaborates along the value chain to design collectable, sortable and recyclable packaging for the new circular economy model. CEFLEX is the collaborative initiative of a European consortium of companies representing the entire value chain of flexible packaging.

The company’s two main pillars, BOPP and BOPE films, allow the market to design mono-material packaging solutions that are easily sortable and fully recyclable, offering fully recyclable structures that can replace materials like aluminium foil or PET films, even for the most demanding barrier needs.

JFE has also introduced its Re range and incorporated recycled and renewable materials into its products. This is being achieved by providing films made with bio-based PP resins, developing technology to incorporate mechanically recycled content in their films and offering chemically recycled post-consumer circular films, reducing the use of virgin resins.

As the industry continues to evolve, JFE is enabling a more sustainable future for the flexible packaging industry through ongoing product development, customer collaboration and industry partnerships with a focus on environmental responsibility.