Leadership: Pioneering India's aerosol packaging under Hemant Kanoria's leadership

Bharat Containers, a stalwart in the Indian packaging industry since its incorporation in 1956, continues to lead the evolution of aerosol packaging in the country. Under the seasoned leadership of its chairman, Hemant Kanoria, who has been with the company since 1972, Bharat Containers has not only weathered significant industry challenges but has consistently set benchmarks for quality, innovation, and sustainability.

The Indian aerosol industry, once a niche market, has experienced a remarkable surge in the past decade. Bharat Containers has been at the forefront of this transformation, playing a pivotal role from the introduction of Aluminum Monobloc Aerosols in 1966 to becoming a trusted supplier to major pharmaceutical and FMCG giants like Sun Pharma, Reckitt-Benckiser, and P&G. Kanoria says,  "The aerosol industry in India has come a long way since its inception in 1966. Initially perceived as an expensive packaging solution beyond the reach of the average Indian consumer, it took nearly two decades for the industry to gain momentum. However, the past decade, despite the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, has been the most promising, with a remarkable compound annual growth rate of over 15%."

The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its continuous upgrades to manufacturing capabilities, now boasting 10 production lines and advanced printing facilities with four lines featuring eight-colour printing, offering various finishes such as metallic, matte, brushed, pearlised, and halftones. Kanoria shares with us, "We manufacture aluminum aerosol cans in diameters ranging from 25-mm to 63.5-mm, with a current installed production capacity of 18-million cans per month."

Back then versus here and now

In 1972, India's aerosol can consumption stood at a mere 10-million cans per year. Today, this number has exceeded 750-million cans annually. Despite this substantial increase, the per capita consumption in India remains below 0.5, significantly lower than the 10+ cans per capita seen in developed countries. However, with India’s population of 1.4-billion and changing consumer behavior, this number is expected to rise to at least three cans per capita in the foreseeable future.

Kanoria says India’s industrial landscape has evolved significantly, shifting from a culture of ‘Jugaad’ to a more structured and efficient ‘Just-in-Time’ (JIT) approach. Bharat Containers has embraced this transformation, ensuring its manufacturing facilities are on par with global benchmarks. The Company’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence was recently recognized with the PrintWeek Awards 2024 for Packaging Converter of the Year (FMCG), a testament to its commitment to quality and industry leadership.

In a recent interview with WhatPackaging? magazine, Kanoria highlighted Bharat Containers' strong financial performance, achieving healthy double-digit growth in 2024-25. This growth, he emphasised, reflects robust domestic demand and increased trust from their partners, achieved without compromising on sustainability or quality. The company strategically reinvests 10-15% of its annual revenue into new technologies, including advanced multi-colour printing lines, 625-kilowatt solar power systems, and wastewater treatment facilities, leading to tangible energy savings and increased output.

Sustainability isn't a checkbox

Sustainability is a core philosophy for Bharat Containers. As a founding member of the aerosols promotion council (APC), the company was instrumental in phasing out chlorofluorocarbons and continues to lead eco-friendly manufacturing initiatives. Kanoria points out that "Sustainability isn’t a checkbox—it’s a philosophy that drives how we operate," citing their use of gas-powered drying and lacquer curing ovens, solar water heating systems, and wastewater regeneration plants. Kanoria says, "Sustainability is a philosophy that drives how we operate. From being early adopters in phasing out CFCs to implementing solar power and wastewater recycling, our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitment runs deep. Every strategic decision today—whether it's an equipment upgrade or a client partnership—is evaluated through an ESG lens. We owe it to the planet, to our people, and to the generations that follow."

Bharat Containers focuses on three things: operational efficiency, energy diversification, and long-term supplier partnerships. Kanoria says, "For instance, Bharat Containers' transition to solar electricity and gas-based ovens has helped cushion energy cost spikes. Although the cost of our major input, aluminium, was very volatile, bulk procurement helps manage input costs more effectively."

Bharat Containers reinvests approximately 10-15% of its annual revenue into upgrading its machines and working on efficiencies, new technologies, and sustainability initiatives. These include advanced multi-colour printing lines, 625-kilowatt solar power systems, and wastewater treatment facilities. Kanoria says, "The ROI has been both tangible and strategic. Beyond measurable energy savings and increased output, these investments have strengthened our positioning as a premium, future-ready packaging partner in India and beyond."  

Yes, we can

Looking ahead, Bharat Containers is actively developing next-gen aerosol can designs that are lighter and more resource-efficient. Collaborations, such as with Vini Cosmetics on gas-free, eco-safe aerosol applications, are reshaping the deodorant segment. Kanoria says, " Vini Cosmetics introduced a deodorant without gas, among the first in the world, and has successfully taken a major share of the deodorant market, inducing even multi-nationals to introduce this concept. None of the contents of such deodorants are harmful to the environment."

Kanoria also shared insights into his leadership philosophy, emphasising agility, collaboration, resilience, and anticipating change in today's volatile global landscape. He underscores the critical importance of nurturing young talent. He says it’s absolutely critical to understand today's generation. "The future of our industry lies in the hands of a younger, tech-savvy, and environmentally conscious generation. At Bharat Containers, we’re not just investing in machines—we’re investing in minds. We actively nurture young talent through continuous training, cross-functional exposure, and a culture that values curiosity and ownership. Their energy and ideas are helping us stay ahead in a fast-evolving market."

The math is simple. With nearly 70% of the population below the age of 35, increasing affordability, and evolving consumer preferences, the demand for products such as deodorants, body sprays, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, and industrial sprays has soared. Consumers have shifted from traditional talcum powders to modern deodorants and body sprays, further propelling the growth of aerosol packaging.

With India's per capita aerosol consumption poised for growth and government initiatives like Make in India fostering a conducive business environment, Bharat Containers, under Kanoria's leadership, is positioned to continue its legacy of leadership and shape the next phase of growth for the Indian aerosol industry.