Mission sustainability at the Kamakshi Sudpack plant
Directors Erik Bouts, Carolin Grimbacher and Tharcisse Carl speak to Abhay Avadhani and Disha Chakraborty of WhatPackaging? about how the India ops is equipped with the latest plant technology and can manufacture to the highest standards, including the capacity to operate under clean room conditions.
The Kamakshi Sudpack production plant near Ahmedabad was inaugurated on 14 October 2022. In 2020, the Germany-based film packaging specialist Sudpack had entered into a joint venture with Ahmedabad-based producer of printed flexible packaging materials Kamakshi Flexiprints.
28 Nov 2022 | By WhatPackaging? Team
Director Carolin Grimbache says the factory is capable of producing thinner films and recyclable mono structure
WP?: What is Sudpack's sustainable strategy for India?
Carolin Grimbacher (CG): As far as possible, we will align our European strategy. This includes, downgauging, renewable raw materials, recyclable, circular economy to the conditions in India and add special requirements where necessary. In future, sustainability will become a global task.
WP?: How sustainable is the Sudpack-Kamakshi factory?
CG: There is a sustainably constructed building in India. It is a green building with IGBC Platinum Ranking.
WP?: Name three measures which are the USP (for example, investments in chemical recycling) of the factory.
CG: In addition, the factory is capable of producing thinner films and recyclable mono structure. Also there are improved barrier properties for the protection of sensitive food products. And above all, we will apply findings from the sustainability measures in Europe as far as possible in India (chemical recycling).
WP?: Sudpack has announced two new mono-material polypropylene packaging concepts for minced meat that omit bottom trays, thus apparently achieving material savings of up to 60%. What are the specific offerings for India?
CG: Mono-materials (like PP, PE or PET) are available for markets we serve in India. This includes the confectionary industry. And later the pharmaceutical industry.
WP?: What will the merger bring to the Indian market?
CG: Utilisation of synergies of both companies (technologies, market knowledge, financial and human resources, cost advantages) for the Indian, but also nearby Asian market. As a result, better market penetration by leveraging all these advantages.
WP?: Any plans for personalisation of food packaging in India with bespoke messaging?
CG: As soon as awareness of these issues takes hold in the market, we will use the appropriate tools.
WP?: What are Sudpack’s plans for rolling out products and services in the market?
CG: We will inform targeted customers about the advantages of the investment. The establishment of the corresponding structures is underway. The feedback from the market so far is very promising.
The directors Erik Bouts, Carolin Grimbacher and Tharcisse Carl say we will apply findings from the sustainability measures in Europe
WP?: Will the focus be on the food and pharmaceutical industry?
CG: The initial focus is on the food sector. Once all the necessary measures have been implemented, we will also focus more strongly on customers in the pharmaceutical industry.
WP?: What are the strategies for meeting the demand for high-quality flexible films?
CG: With our latest technologies, we can serve this trend in the best possible way.
WP?: Which metrics should brands consider and follow to increase sales and market share when they look at packaging?
CG: Here, the sustainability of packaging is certainly of high importance. The focus should be on truly sustainable solutions and not on limited aspects only. The actual protective effect of the packaging remains a priority.
The Kamakshi Sudpack factory is a green building with IGBC platinum ranking
Kamakshi Sudpack inaugurated its flexible packaging manufacturing plant at Bavla near Ahmedabad. The plant which has been set up with an investment of Rs 200 crore was inaugurated in the presence of Sudpack's managing partner Carolin Grimbacher and managing director Tharcisse Carl. Along with the presence of the managing directors of Kamakshi Sudpack, Harish Goel and Narendra Dhupar, as well as local politicians and VIPs.
The Germany-based Südpack is a leading manufacturer of high-performance films for food, non-food and medical packaging and has invested in Kamakshi Südpack, (formerly Kamakshi Flexiprints), a manufacturer of printed flexible packaging materials.
The new site is a key component of “Sudpack's internationalisation strategy – as well as a strategic hub for the intensified development of the rapidly growing market of the Indian subcontinent and for meeting the demand for high-quality flexible films in a broad range of industries with a comprehensive product and service portfolio." Set up at a cost of Rs 200 cr, the facility will produce packaging material for food and the pharmaceutical industry.
The complex covers a total area of approximately 2.25 lakh square feet and has an installed capacity of 24,000 Tonnes Per Annum (TPA). The plant is equipped with cutting-edge extrusion, printing, coating and laminating machines for the production and finishing of high-performance films. It complies with the IGBC Standards for green building. The site will also comply with future international regulations and standards, such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), BRC, FSMS ISO 22001, QMS ISO 9001 and SMS-ISO 45001.
Kamakshi Sudpack plant in Ahmedabad