Exclusive: Cosmos Twisters targets global expansion in adhesive tapes at Interpack

While primary packaging and high-fidelity graphics often dominate the conversation at Interpack 2026, Namit Jhaveri argues that adhesive tapes remain the unsung guardian of the supply chain. Despite being categorised as a 'C-category' consumable in procurement, the technical integrity of a tape defines the safety of the product during the last-mile journey.

“Tapes play a vital role, but they are often underrated in the packaging family. However, the same regulations that apply to flexible packaging or boxes apply to us. We are now bridging the gap between being a consumable supplier and a high-end converter,” says Jhaveri.

Cosmos Twisters is currently undergoing a significant operational transition. With a current turnover of INR 120-crore, the company plans to announce a vertical integration strategy that includes backward integration into adhesive manufacturing.

The company plans to start with a pilot project featuring a small-scale reactor for R&D in adhesive chemistry. “We will be hiring consultants to develop our own formulations. Once we find success at the pilot stage, we will scale up,” Jhaveri shares. This move is designed to support an ambitious growth target of 25% to 30% for the next fiscal year.

The expansion is also geared towards increasing the company's international footprint. Currently, exports account for 30% of the business, but Jhaveri has set a five-year target to reach a 50-50 split between domestic and international sales, specifically targeting the North American and European continents.

The production process involves rotogravure printing on the BOPP substrate, followed by the coating of water-based acrylic adhesive. “We use water-based acrylic glue because it is a global phenomenon for packaging tapes,” Jhaveri notes. The process concludes with a curing phase before automatic slitting and fully automated packing.

Substrate shifts and the "paper" trend

While there is an increasing number of enquiries for paper-based tapes and biodegradable options at Interpack, Jhaveri observes that the cost parity remains a significant barrier for wide-scale adoption.

“People ask for paper tapes due to environmental factors, but eventually, they return to conventional BOPP tapes because of the cost and availability,” he says. The transition from cellophane (the original "cellotape") to BOPP was driven by the latter’s superior barrier properties and versatile nature as a substrate.

Beyond standard brown or transparent tapes, Cosmos Twisters is pushing the boundaries of the medium as a promotional tool. The company has developed high-fidelity promotional bundling tapes for major brands like Dairy Milk (Mondelez), utilising four-colour printing to mimic the “splash” usually reserved for flexible packaging laminates.

Navigating global headwinds

With Europe being a primary export target, Cosmos Twisters is navigating the complexities of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and EPR norms. Jhaveri remains optimistic about capitalising on bilateral treaties that may ease trade barriers for Indian manufacturers.

“The quality of the tape is our USP,” Jhaveri shares. “By purchasing sophisticated, high-production machinery, we ensure the product is uniform. As we move towards 2027, our focus remains on exhibiting in the US and Europe to establish the technical prowess of Indian-made consumables on the global stage,” he concludes.