WhatPackaging? - Latest Articles

InstaGood’s whale-shaped RVMs bring playful sustainability to Chennai’s Marina

Divya Subramaniam — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:03:00

Chennai-based InstaGood is reimagining public participation in plastic waste management with a fleet of whale- and fish-shaped reverse vending machines (RVMs) installed along Marina Beach. The initiative blends design, technology and behavioural nudges to address PET bottle litter in one of India’s busiest beachfronts.

Branded “InstaBin”, the machines are designed to resemble marine life, encouraging users to ‘feed’ a whale by depositing used PET bottles. In return, the machine dispenses a reusable cloth bag—an incentive aimed at promoting both recycling and alternatives to single-use plastic. The first unit became operational on 6 April near the Marina swimming pool, with additional whale-shaped machines and six fish variants being deployed across the Lighthouse–Anna Memorial stretch.

The concept builds on InstaGood’s earlier “Meendum Manjapai” automated cloth bag dispensers and lessons learnt from prior RVM pilots. “We wanted to create an Indian version of reverse vending machines where people do not have to pay, while also addressing misuse such as non-recyclable objects being inserted,” says Krishnna Priyadarshini Elanchezhian, CEO, InstaGood.

The machines are engineered to accept various inputs but only reward PET bottles, verified through an internal mechanism. To prevent misuse, such as users collecting multiple bags, the system has been programmed with a time delay between successive rewards. Each unit can dispense up to 500 cloth bags per day, depending on capacity.

Corporate partnerships are helping scale the model. Banking software firm Temenos has sponsored multiple installations across Chennai as part of its CSR initiatives. The Greater Chennai Corporation has also awarded a tender for nine machines at Marina Beach, signalling growing institutional support.

From an operational standpoint, the IoT-enabled machines are equipped with cameras to capture real-time data, reducing the need for manual supervision. Collected PET bottles are transported to InstaGood’s facility, where they are segregated into caps, labels and bottles to enhance recycling value.

Looking ahead, InstaGood plans to integrate digital reward systems, enabling users to earn redeemable eco-points. The company believes such interventions can strengthen consumer engagement while advancing circularity in urban packaging waste streams.

Diagnosis before design: BK Karna calls out India’s packaging paradox

Noel D'Cunha — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:12:00

Speaking to PrintWeek and WhatPackaging? during Bharat Print Expo 2026, BK Karna highlights the strong momentum in India’s packaging sector, with growth exceeding 18%—well ahead of global averages. “We are growing, and this growth reflects the critical role packaging plays as the lifeline of every product,” he says. “At the same time, the focus must remain on right-sizing—because excess packaging is a disease.”

Karna, who heads the Packaging Clinic & Research Institute (PCRI), frames the sector in clinical terms. Diagnosis comes first. Cure must follow. Yet today, he observes, much of the industry—barring a few exceptions—is bypassing both.

At PCRI, the work is structured across four verticals: material analysis, laboratory validation, training, and consultancy. The institute runs testing across more than 200 parameters, but what sets it apart, Karna explains, is interpretation. “A test report is not for compliance alone. We explain what it means, how it should guide development, and where the gap is,” he says.

That gap, he insists, is everywhere.

The expiry date myth and the validation gap
One of the most overlooked issues is expiry date validation. Across sectors, Karna notes, products carry expiry claims that are rarely backed by scientific documentation. “Any declaration must be supported by validation. Without that, it is just an assumption,” he says.

PCRI’s consultancy practice focuses heavily on this space, combining material behaviour, storage conditions and supply chain realities to determine actual shelf life. It is not glamorous work, but it is foundational. And it exposes a broader problem. Much of the packaging ecosystem still operates on precedent rather than proof. “Industry is moving in one direction, institutes in another,” Karna says. “We need to connect them.”

Sustainability versus over-packaging
If validation is one blind spot, sustainability is another, often misunderstood one. Karna is blunt about the contradictions. “Companies claim sustainability, but you receive a small product in a large pack. That is not sustainability. That is ignorance,” he says.

The issue, he explains, is not intent but awareness. Over-packaging persists because systems are not designed to adapt packaging to product variability. E-commerce, in particular, struggles with product classification at scale. Millions of SKUs are mapped to limited packaging formats, leading to inefficiency.

The solution, Karna argues, lies in what he calls PMT analysis: nature of the product, nature of the market, and nature of the transportation. “Do not use any packaging without a PMT study,” he says.

It is a simple framework, but one that demands discipline. And discipline, in a volume-driven market, is often in short supply.

Design is not decoration
Karna is equally critical of how design is approached. In many cases, he suggests, design has been reduced to aesthetics, disconnected from function. “Design is the shaping of thought into action,” he says. “It must respond to the product and the market.”

He breaks packaging design into three components: structural, graphic and specification design. Structural design ensures protection and stability. Graphic design communicates. Specification design defines material and performance parameters.

When these elements are not aligned, inefficiencies creep in. Designers create concepts that converters struggle to produce. Brands impose decisions without collaborative problem-solving. “We need brainstorming, not monopoly,” Karna says. “Indian designers are capable, but often controlled.”

The consequence is predictable. Packaging that looks good but performs poorly, or worse, costs more than it should.

Material science without application
Material science, too, is underutilised. According to Karna, the industry focuses heavily on analysis but not enough on functional interpretation. “Functional properties must be understood in application. That is where the gap is,” he says.

He points to everyday examples. Toothpaste tubes still come with secondary cartons that are discarded almost immediately. Pharmaceutical blister packs often have cavities larger than necessary. Ink and chemical packaging follow legacy formats without questioning efficiency.

“These are not small issues,” Karna says. “They are systemic.” His argument is not to eliminate packaging, but to optimise it. “No need, no use. But where needed, no compromise,” he adds.

There is, of course, an uncomfortable question lurking beneath this logic. If packaging becomes more efficient, does the industry shrink? Karna dismisses the concern. “Growth will remain. India has not even explored many areas of packaging,” he says.

In his view, rationalisation in one segment will be offset by innovation in others. New materials, new applications, and new sectors will drive demand. The challenge is not volume, but value.

Audit as a discipline

One of PCRI’s more distinctive contributions is the concept of a packaging audit. Unlike financial audits, which focus on compliance, packaging audits evaluate justification.

“Audit gives standardisation. It gives economic justification for the specification,” Karna explains.

This involves assessing whether a packaging format is appropriate for its function, whether material usage is optimised, and whether costs align with performance. It is a diagnostic tool, but also a strategic one.

The Institute also runs an online postgraduate programme, now in its 11th batch, aimed at bridging the knowledge gap among industry professionals. Karna points out that many managers handle packaging effectively, but lack grounding in fundamentals.

“Basics are missing. And without basics, decisions become assumptions,” he says. The programme is designed to be accessible, with minimal fees and weekly sessions, reflecting PCRI’s broader mission to democratise technical knowledge.

A call for early awareness
Perhaps Karna’s most ambitious idea is to introduce packaging education at the school level. He has written to authorities suggesting a curriculum focused on “people, planet and product.”

The reasoning is straightforward. Sustainability cannot be taught as a slogan. It must be understood as a system.

“Just saying eliminate plastic is not enough,” he says. “We must think judiciously.” Karna’s critique extends even to industry recognition. Awards, he suggests, often celebrate cosmetic innovation rather than structural improvement. “Do not go for cosmetic awards. Go for real design,” he says.

It is a sharp remark, but consistent with his broader philosophy. Packaging, in his view, is not an afterthought. It is the interface between product and consumer, science and perception.

And like any interface, it needs precision. “Packaging is the last operation of production, but the first impression for the consumer,” Karna says. “If we get it wrong, everything else is compromised.”

VDMA announces extensive showcase for Interpack

Anand Singh — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:52:00

Located in the technology lounge in hall 4, booth C54, the VDMA will address three key themes at Interpack 2026: smart amnufacturing, innovative materials, and future skills. The exhibit will function as a central hub for companies to navigate the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which introduces new packaging obligations from 12 August 2026. A dedicated VDMA PPWR infopoint will provide guidance on these requirements for both B2B and B2C sectors.

Working with Fraunhofer ivv, the association will highlight several advancements in material science. For fiber-based packaging, the Papure technology enables paper joining without adhesives using laser pretreatment and heat-contact sealing. To enhance functionality, the Transmet process applies ultra-thin inorganic barrier layers to paper. For recyclate processing, the Motiv pilot facility will demonstrate how manufacturers can test prototypes for new recyclate materials from batch size one.

The VDMA will also showcase digital tools designed to mitigate skills shortages. This includes Imagesam, an automated visual quality monitoring system, and Smartid, a tamper-proof product passport that combines surface fingerprinting with a QR code to prevent counterfeiting. Resource efficiency will be addressed through the Vera data collection system, which tracks energy consumption for every process step to provide data for CSRD sustainability reporting.

The Cirqmind project will offer an interactive learning trail, demonstrating the recycling process from plastic lids to injection-molded products using AI demonstrators.

The association will also host a Press Lunch on 7 May, at 13:00 in the technology lounge. Christian Traumann, chairman of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, and managing director Richard Clemens will discuss the industry's economic situation and the role of mechanical engineering in achieving a sustainable packaging supply chain.

Vinsak to showcase smart packaging technologies at Interpack

WhatPackaging? Team — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:05:00

Vinsak Group will present a suite of advanced print and packaging solutions at Interpack 2026, as the industry accelerates towards connected, compliant and data-driven packaging formats.
At Booth 8A-C74, the company will spotlight the Rotatek Universal Series, a web offset press designed for high-value segments such as pharmaceutical cartons, in-mould labels (IML) and flexible packaging. The press is engineered to deliver precision and consistency while meeting the stringent quality and compliance requirements increasingly demanded by regulated sectors.
With regulatory frameworks tightening across pharmaceuticals and food packaging, Vinsak’s showcase will centre on enabling converters to align with evolving standards. The company will demonstrate how integrated print and digital technologies can support traceability, security and sustainability — areas now critical to both brand owners and regulators.
A key highlight will be Vinsak’s inkjet systems for variable data printing, which enable unique identification on every pack. These systems support applications such as serialisation, anti-counterfeiting and supply chain transparency, reflecting the growing shift from static to intelligent packaging.
In addition, the company will feature its track-and-trace solutions, designed to offer end-to-end visibility across the product lifecycle. From production through distribution, these systems help ensure product authenticity, regulatory compliance and operational control.
Mohan Pailwan, vice-president, Vinsak Group, said the company’s focus at the show is to demonstrate how packaging can evolve into a “trackable and compliant asset” through the integration of offset, inkjet and digital traceability technologies.
With increasing emphasis on connected packaging ecosystems, Vinsak’s presence at Interpack underscores the industry’s transition towards solutions that combine print excellence with data intelligence.

Koehler Group to show circular paper solutions at Interpack

Anand Singh — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:24:32

The Koehler Group plans to exhibit its portfolio of sustainable paper and board at Interpack 2026 to meet the growing demand for circular packaging. The German manufacturer will showcase its range from 7 to 13 May 2026 in Hall 8A, Booth D42, highlighting three core product lines: Koehler Nexflex functional barrier papers, KATZ food plate wood pulp boards, and Greenium premium recycled papers. These solutions align with EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) goals by replacing plastic with fiber-based alternatives.

Koehler Paper will display the NexFlex range, featuring recyclable flexible packaging papers designed for standard machinery. The Koehler Nexplus series includes functional surfaces providing barriers against oxygen, grease, mineral oil, and water vapour. These are suitable for high-speed horizontal and vertical FFS processes for food and non-food items. The series also features Nexcoat for high-clarity printing and Nexpure for a natural, uncoated aesthetic.

Subsidiary KATZ will present the KATZ food plate, a spruce wood and starch-based board produced in Germany's Black Forest. This material serves as a natural mat for dry and greasy foods, absorbing grease while remaining stable in refrigerated displays. The group will also showcase innovations in alternative raw materials, including paper made from cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) fibers and the Coffeecup paper project, which upcycles disposable coffee cup pulp into premium recycled paper.

For high-end applications, Koehler will feature Greenium, a 100% secondary fiber recycled paper designed for high colour intensity. The exhibit will also include Colorline IQ, a recycled paper optimised for digital printing systems like HP Indigo, delivering offset-quality results for customised packaging.

Interpack Spotlight Forum sets agenda for packaging's future

WhatPackaging? Team — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:07:23

The Spotlight Forum at Interpack 2026 will run across all seven days of the fair in Dusseldorf, bringing together exhibitors, brand owners, trade associations, policymakers and consultants to address the questions that are reshaping the global packaging industry.

The opening day takes regulation as its focus, examining the opportunities and risks presented by the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, or PPWR. Day sponsor REA Elektronik will be joined by Mondi, Wipak and SIT Group, along with association representatives and politicians, for a direct examination of the practical and commercial implications of European packaging law.

Resource efficiency follows on day two, with Flexible Packaging Europe and the European Co-Packers Association among the associations represented alongside exhibitor Aasted. The session will address how manufacturers and brand owners can reduce raw material and energy consumption across the packaging supply chain.

Day three turns to smart packaging, with Domino, Braskem and TNA contributing presentations alongside the Fraunhofer Institute and Amazon, both of which will offer insights into their future-proof solutions.

The growing role of artificial intelligence and automation takes centre stage on day four. Day sponsor Syntegon leads a programme that includes McKinsey and a broad range of market players, exhibitors and consultants, with automation positioned as a growing force in how packaging lines will be conceived and operated.

Circular economy forms the focus of day five, covering the full spectrum of packaging materials from plastic to metal. Exhibitors including Metsa Board, Sonoco and Jokey will present alongside brand owners Seeberger and Nespresso. The retail giant Schwarz Group will also feature through PreZero, its in-house recycling service provider, which will outline how the food retail sector is approaching the practical realities of a closed-loop circular economy.

Innovative packaging takes the spotlight on day six, with new materials and processing possibilities showcased by Tesa, Pro Ampac, Henkel, the VDMA and Printcity. A start-up pitch session at lunchtime will give emerging companies the opportunity to present directly to an audience of industry decision-makers.

The final day is dedicated to young talent, with the VDMA and IK among the associations presenting their initiatives for the next generation. HR managers from exhibiting companies will discuss strategies for attracting young people to the industry, while school and university students are expected to attend and exchange ideas. The forum closes with the Science Slam, where the audience will help decide which next-generation research project takes the top prize.

Fresh-Lock to showcase flexible closure systems at Interpack

Anand Singh — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:00:14

US-based reclosable packaging manufacturer Fresh-lock will present its latest innovations at Interpack, scheduled from 7 to 13 May 2026, where it will occupy stand B87 in hall 10. The company will display closure systems designed for various pouch formats, focusing on versatility and production efficiency.

Fresh-lock will exhibit several solutions from its 8000 Series portfolio. This range is engineered to support circularity and waste reduction while maintaining manufacturing speeds. The company states that these technologies will help brands transition from generic environmental claims toward quantifiable progress regarding 2030 sustainability targets.

As regulatory and consumer pressure increases regarding recyclability and source reduction, the team will collaborate with other packaging suppliers to redesign formats for measurable impact. The company, which has produced recyclable closures for more than three decades, will focus on technical solutions that reduce material usage at the micron level.

Natalie Kaczorowski, business development manager of Fresh-Lock, says, "Flexible packaging closures are the doorway to the product experience." Kaczorowski notes that whether a brand focuses on improving convenience or overall packaging performance, the right closure technology can transform consumer interaction. She adds, "Interpack gives us the opportunity to collaborate with suppliers and industry leaders from around the globe and further explore how our next-generation closure technology can help move the packaging experience forward."

The company will have English, German, and Spanish-speaking representatives available at the stand to discuss the full portfolio of press-to-close zipper and slider technologies.

Interpack will host Young Talents Day to bridge industry skills gap

Anand Singh — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:56

The event, to held at Dusseldorf, will offer a central platform for career orientation across diverse sectors including food technology, engineering, and sustainable management. According to the organisers, the programme will focus on "future skills" ranging from technical digitisation to sustainable circular thinking.

A key feature of the day will be the young talents tour, where participants will receive practical introductions from young industry representatives. The tour will include site visits to major exhibitors such as Koch Pac-systeme, Fawema, Loeschpack, Theegarten-pactec, and Gerhard Schubert to demonstrate current technologies and job profiles along the value chain. For school pupils interested in apprenticeships, a specialised career tour will match participants with potential employers directly on the show floor.

The Spotlight Forum will complement these tours with sessions like Nextgen Plastics, while a science slam will allow young researchers to present packaging projects in an interactive format. In Hall 4, the VDMA Technology Lounge will showcase the Cirmqind project, an interactive exhibit where young visitors will experience the circular economy through waste sorting, recycling demonstrations, and AI-driven processes.

Participation in young talents day is free for students and trainees with a valid ID, though organisers require binding registration for specific tours due to limited capacity. The initiative aims to uncover how job profiles are evolving in response to global sustainability and digitalisation trends.

Coatings market: The USD 10bn barrier sector rethinks sustainability

Divya Subramaniam — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:00:39

The global packaging coatings market is undergoing a "genuine transition" as stringent regulations, particularly the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), force the industry to abandon traditional materials and adopt sustainable alternatives. This seismic shift affects a market valued in the billions, barrier coatings alone are globally worth nearly USD10 billion in 2025.

According to Robert Outram, consulting project director at Smithers, the necessity for change lies at the intersection of essential performance (shelf life and aesthetics) and the demand for greater sustainability. Outram's work is reflected in the new Smithers market study, The Future of Packaging Coatings to 2031 which unpacks where the market is heading and what it means for converters, brand owners, and coatings suppliers alike.

Flexible packaging remains the largest segment of coated area, accounting for over 42% of the market and valued at nearly USD 4.7 billion in 2025. However, the segment is under "mounting regulatory and consumer pressure" over its environmental impact. This is creating real momentum for paper-based formats due to their recyclability.

In terms of technology, extrusion coatings, mostly polyolefins, remain the largest segment, accounting for about a third of volume demand in 2025. Water-based coatings are the second largest and are growing fast.

The technology "clearly on the retreat" is solvent-based coatings. Its decline since 2023 is set to "accelerate," driven by stricter VOC regulations and the broader shift away from multilayer flexible films toward mono-material and paper-based formats.

For coatings suppliers, key growth opportunities include technologies like SiOx and AlOx deliver excellent barrier performance at extremely low coating weights, ensuring they do not compromise recyclability. A high-profile example of this shift is Starbucks rolling out SiOx-lined paper cups across Europe in 2025.

Also, there are water-based acrylics. These hold strong potential if their barrier performance can approach EVOH levels. Then there is fluorocarbon replacement. In the food service sector, there is an "real urgency" to replace fluorocarbon coatings with alternatives like vegetable-based waxes and water-based acrylics. While food and beverages remain the dominant end-use sectors (nearly 40% and 31% of global volume, respectively, in 2025), the fastest-growing end application is pharmaceuticals. The highly regulated pharma sector, historically dominated by PVdC, is now seeing momentum build to adopt more sustainable alternatives.

Although the Asia-Pacific region dominates overall market volume, Europe is the most dynamic market for coatings innovation. The PPWR, which came into effect in February 2025 with full implementation due by July 2026, is driving this demand for new sustainable solutions.

Outram said that the single biggest challenge facing the industry is "Closing the performance gap between sustainable and conventional technologies, without adding cost". With brand owners still demanding the same high shelf life and mechanical performance, suppliers must move fast to meet regulatory deadlines while maintaining current standards.

Capital-A taps for INR 160 crore Fund II, banking on manufacturing expertise

Prabhat Prakash — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:06:00

The firm is targeting a base corpus of INR 300 crore, with a selective greenshoe option that could raise the total fund size to INR 400 crore.

The fund’s close is substantially anchored by its General Partner, signalling strong conviction and alignment with a robust domestic investor base. This base comprises a mix of family offices, high net worth individuals, industrialists, and seasoned corporate leaders, including the Chamaria Group, Steel House Family Office, Manjushree Ventures Family Office, and domestic institutional platforms such as the Anand Rathi Group. The firm is also in advanced discussions with other domestic institutional and quasi-sovereign investors.

According to a press note issued by the company, Capital-A’s Fund II is positioned to back 15 to 18 early-stage companies across emerging industrial and deep-tech sectors. The fund has already deployed capital into seven investments, including Manastu Space, Agrileaf, Misochain, and CraftifAI.

The firm's focus on advanced manufacturing, AI, robotics, defense and aerospace components, semiconductors, and hardware technologies reflects a broader strategic shift in India’s industrial economy, driven by global supply chain realignment and strengthening domestic capabilities.

These sectors differ from traditional software businesses, demanding longer development cycles, higher upfront investment, and deep operational involvement. Ankit Kedia, founder and lead investor at Capital-A, noted that this complexity is now being recognized as a long-term opportunity.

Kedia said, “We are seeing a clear shift in how both founders and investors are approaching manufacturing and deep tech in India. These businesses require patience, strong execution and deep operational involvement."

Readers of WhatPackaging? will be keen to know that the firm draws its investment philosophy directly from the operational experience of its leadership. Capital-A, founded in 2021, leverages decades of experience in building and scaling manufacturing businesses in India, notably through its association with Manjushree Technopack.

Kedia referenced this history, stating, “Having spent years building and scaling manufacturing businesses at Manjushree Technopack, our focus at Capital-A has been on partnering early with founders solving real industrial problems and working alongside them to build enduring companies”.

Baumer HHS to highlight complete systems at Interpack

Anand Singh — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:00:28

The Krefeld-based manufacturer will showcase its portfolio from 7 to 13 May 2026 at Dusseldorf in Hall 18, Booth E07. The company provides industrial gluing technology for folding cartons, corrugated packaging, and end-of-line processing. Martin Kotecki, packaging business development manager at Baumer, says the company takes a holistic approach where all components are optimised for specific applications to ensure process reliability and energy efficiency.

A primary exhibit in Dusseldorf is the next-generation Xmelt complete system for hot melt applications. The system comprises the Xmelt fusion melter, DF hot melt hoses with metal cores, and PXH 1000 electric application heads. With a power input of 1.6-kW, the Xmelt fusion achieves a 30% higher melt rate compared to previous models, reducing preheating time to less than 20 minutes.

Kotecki says the system is ready for operation in approximately half the time required by standard tank systems. He says this increased availability allows users to produce roughly 1,600 additional packaging products during the time other melters are still heating up. The unit features an integrated adhesives database for automatic settings and an Auto Eco mode that lowers temperatures during production interruptions to save 6% on energy consumption.

The accompanying DF hot melt hoses utilise a metal core to reduce energy consumption by 20% while preventing adhesive charring. These hoses offer a service life approximately three times longer than conventional alternatives. For the application stage, the PXH 1000 electric head provides a closing force similar to pneumatic dispensers, ensuring precise cut-off for high-viscosity adhesives. The head is rated for over one-billion cycles to support long-term process stability and reduced maintenance.

The company will also demonstrate the Xdot system for digital braille application. Marcell van Meegen, business development manager at Baumer, says the company will showcase a new application within this segment at the fair. Further live demonstrations will include a palletising solution that utilises hot melt adhesives to secure loads. This method is designed to reduce plastic film consumption in logistics by up to 80%.

All exhibits align with the manufacturer’s sustainability strategy, titled Rethink. Renew. Recycle., which focuses on reducing adhesive waste and CO2 emissions across the supply chain. Attendees are also invited to visit the Baumer solution-center in nearby Krefeld for further technical demonstrations of quality assurance and gluing applications.

SVP to showcase reclosable solutions at Interpack

Anand Singh — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:00:19

Mumbai-based manufacturer SVP Packing Industry will showcase its portfolio from 7 to 13 May 2026 at Interpack, Messe Düsseldorf. The company provides reclosable solutions for diverse sectors, including garments, pharmaceuticals, food, and hygiene. Its technology focuses on both inbuilt press-to-close profiles and separately attached zipper systems for monolayer and multilayer films.

Its product range includes magic seal and zip lock bags manufactured from LDPE. These units feature an inbuilt profile that enables reusability and can be produced with customisations such as coloured lines on the flap, write-on panels, or tamper-evident seals. For high-clarity requirements, the company offers PP attached zipper bags. These PP-based bags provide higher shine and aesthetic appeal for retail applications and are available in thicknesses ranging from 50 to 100 microns.

The company serves the garment sector with PE/PP attached zipper bags, also known as super LD bags. These polyethylene-based solutions offer enhanced clarity compared to standard LDPE to ensure product visibility while maintaining the reclosable feature. These bags support rotogravure and flexographic printing in up to eight colours.

SVP will also display its Slide-rite series, which incorporates a slider runner on the zipper track for easier operation. The series includes PE storage bags for food and household items, as well as polypropylene document bags for office use. These are available in various formats, including retail packs of 15 pieces in small, medium, and large sizes.

Beyond finished bags, the company manufactures specialised zipper profiles for flexible packaging converters. These profiles are designed to be integrated into existing packaging lines to provide reclosable functionality to standard pouches and bags. The exhibit will also feature speciality medical bags, three-wall and four-wall kangaroo zipper bags, and bulk zipper profiles for industrial integration.

Mamata Machinery targets mono-material shift at Anuga Foodtec

Rahul Kumar — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:00:11

Mamata Machinery showcased its Rectech technology at the Anuga Foodtec 2026 in New Delhi, targeting the flexible packaging industry’s shift toward the circular economy. The Ahmedabad-based manufacturer introduced the "recyclable ecosystem" as a mono-material polyethylene (PE) concept designed to replace conventional non-recyclable composite structures like PET-PE and PET-MPET-PE.

The development addressed the industry’s reliance on multi-layer laminates, which currently complicate plastic waste management and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates. By utilizing films from a single polymer family, the technology allowed for direct recycling without the need for the complex secondary certifications associated with Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content.

A company representative explained that while the firm branded the ecosystem as Rectech, the manufacturer’s existing machine range was already capable of processing these recyclable materials. "It is not a model; it is a concept," the representative stated, noting that the technology bridged the cost gap that previously hindered the adoption of sustainable substrates.

The versatility of the system was demonstrated through advanced pouch designs, including "owl-shaped" pouches featuring bottom gussets and punch holes. Functional closures, such as standard and sliding zippers, were integrated directly into the machine modules, allowing for complex geometry without compromising the recyclability of the pouch.

The company’s technology remained a staple for major Indian snack and food producers, including Haldiram, Balaji, and Bikaji. Technical officials noted that these high-volume brands continued to favour indigenous machinery over European alternatives due to proven performance across multiple production sites.

Beyond the snack sector, the company highlighted its capacity to support the dairy and food industry through a unified framework for film production, conversion, and packaging. The firm positioned the Rectech ecosystem as a solution for brand owners seeking commercial scalability and compliance with evolving environmental regulations.

Multivac bridges the technology gap for Indian dairy processors

Rahul Kumar — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:00:00

Multivac is repositioning itself in the Indian market as more than a packaging specialist, offering integrated processing solutions designed to move local businesses toward industrial-scale efficiency. At Anuga FoodTec India 2026, the company highlighted its industrial slicer portfolio, emphasizing how European technology can be adapted to meet the specific requirements of Indian food brands.

"We have about 100 people here in India in different hubs for sales and service," says Holger Wörth, an industry expert at Multivac. "We also have a production factory here in India and three daughter companies. So, we are very much present in the Indian market." This local infrastructure supports a diverse range of equipment, from the Professional series, cutting at 250-sph, to high-performance lines reaching 2,000-sph.

A critical challenge for Indian dairy processors is the transition from manual block-cutting to precise retail portioning. Wörth notes that the "wedding" between slicing and packaging is essential for profitability. "What you always need is a grinding machine," Wörth says, highlighting a common operational hurdle. "Nearly no slicer works without a grinding machine. If you give it to some other company normally, it's more expensive. Instead, you should use your own grinding system."

For Indian businesses looking to reduce "give-away"—the overfilling of packs to ensure weight compliance—Multivac integrates weighing and scanning technology. This ensures that even with uneven cheese blocks, every pack reaches the exact target weight, such as a 200-gram retail standard.

The company also addresses the "bridge" between processing and final containment through various loading options. While manual loading remains common, the firm is introducing automated belt and robotic loading to the region. "The most flexible way is the robot," Wörth explains. "It is a stainless steel robot, very hygienic, and it can be used for many things."

Beyond hardware, the company focuses on the total cost of ownership for Indian enterprises. By providing modular systems and local technical support, Multivac enables indigenous brands to adopt technologies like interleaving—placing film or paper between slices—and Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) to extend shelf life for the growing modern retail and export segments.

Plexconcil to showcase India’s packaging prowess at Interpack

Prabhat Prakash — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:33:00

The Plastics Export Promotion Council (Plexconcil), is preparing to spearhead India's presence at Interpack Germany. The event will host the India Pavilion featuring twenty leading plastics exporters. This initiative serves as a platform to exhibit the manufacturing excellence and innovation driving the country’s rapidly expanding packaging sector.

Shifting geopolitical dynamics and disruptions in supply chains have prompted global businesses to diversify their sourcing strategies, and India has emerged as an alternative. The country provides cost competitiveness along with a pool of skilled manpower and a stable political environment. Plexconcil continues to play a proactive role in promoting Indian exporters to international markets.

At the India Pavilion, the showcase will include flexible and rigid packaging, injection and blow moulded products, packaging machinery, films, sheets, and industrial packaging solutions. These offerings demonstrate India’s capacity to serve high demand sectors such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and various industrial applications.

The economic relationship between India and Germany provides a solid foundation for this presence. Bilateral trade between the two nations has expanded steadily through mutual trust and economic cooperation.

Germany remains a significant trading partner for India within Europe, specifically in the fields of engineering and chemicals. Notably, Germany ranks among the top five destinations for plastics exports from India which underscores the depth of the commercial relationship between the two regions.

Prospective trade developments, including the advancing India and European Union Free Trade Agreement, are expected to further enhance market access for exporters. Plexconcil is working to create awareness about the opportunities arising from this agreement to ensure Indian companies are well positioned within the European market.

The India Pavilion initiative opens avenues for increased exports but also encourages technology transfer and joint ventures. As industries worldwide continue to recalibrate their supply chains in search of dependable partners, India’s participation at Interpack sends a clear message regarding its readiness to play a larger role in the global manufacturing ecosystem.

Visitors can experience this packaging excellence firsthand by visiting the India Pavilion and the Plexconcil booth located at Booth Number 8BG18 2 in Hall 8B during Interpack 2026.

Nichrome showcases high-speed packaging machine at Anuga Foodtec

Rahul Kumar — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:29:21

Nichrome India showcased its Filpack Servo 15K at Anuga Foodtec India 2026 in New Delhi, targeting the high-volume requirements of the dairy sector. The heavy-duty machine was designed to produce Central Seal Pillow Pouches (CSPP) for 200-ml, 500-ml, and 1,000-ml volumes with a specific focus on hygiene and speed.

The system operated at a peak performance of 15000-pph. To maintain product integrity, the machine utilised stainless steel for all contact parts and featured an integrated UV film sterilisation system for the packaging material. A key feature of the model was its independent balance tanks, which allowed the operator to handle single or different products simultaneously across the line.

During the event, company representatives highlighted the machine’s role in extending product shelf life. By employing Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) technology, the system vacuumed oxygen from the trays and injected a combination of Nitrogen and CO2. This process inhibited microparticle growth, allowing dairy products to achieve a shelf life of approximately 45 days.

The technical discussion at the stand compared the unit’s efficiency to global standards, noting that the 15,000-sph rate remained competitive with international vendors. The machine also managed thermal requirements for milk processing, handling temperatures ranging from 55°C to 120°C, with constant heat sealing requirements exceeding 300°C.

Beyond dairy applications, the manufacturer noted that the mechanical vacuum filling system could be adapted for other free-flowing liquids such as ghee and soda. The Pune-based firm, which maintained a strong research and development presence, positioned the Filpack Servo 15K as a maintenance-friendly solution for indigenous brands looking to scale production without compromising on precision or hygiene standards.

Tipa to display its new barrier films and laminates at Interpack

Abhay Avadhani — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:02:00

Tipa Compostable Packaging, has recently expanded its diverse portfolio to include four new breakthrough high-barrier film and laminate products. These films and laminates provide enhanced moisture and oxygen barrier properties, expanding use cases for food and snack markets to use compostable packaging without compromise on product protection or shelf life.

Additionally, the Tipa team will showcase their new compostable produce labels and sachet solutions for single-serve drink mix-ins and supplements.

With continued growth in demand for sustainable flexible packaging, these new laminates extend Tipa’s mission to offer compostable alternatives without compromising on performance, barrier, or machine compatibility. Key applications include single-serve and sachet applications, chips and other salty snacks, protein and drink powders, nutraceuticals like vitamins and gummies, ground coffee and tea, and more.

Tipa’s new laminates offer breakthrough moisture and oxygen barrier properties, allowing a variety of foods to use compostable packaging with no compromise on shelf-life. The new laminates include both paper and transparent print layers giving brands options to meet the functional and aesthetic needs of their products. All of Tipa’s films and laminates are designed to be run on conventional packaging machinery and are printable and sealable.

Compostable alternatives to non-recyclable materials help address the plastic pollution problem from the design phase, improving circularity for flexible and multi-layered packaging.

“Consumers enjoy the convenience of single-serve packets of everything from powdered drink mixes to their daily vitamins. Now that convenience does not have to create more waste and brands can continue to deliver the products their customers want while contributing to a sustainable future,” said Daphna Nissenbaum, co-founder and CEO of TIPA.

Tipa’s existing portfolio includes a range of high-quality compostable packaging, including films, laminates, and applications designed for a wide variety of uses. With manufacturing in Europe, North America, and Australia, Tipa ensures proximity, reliability, and sustainability for businesses.

Tipa Compostable Packaging will be at Stand 9F01A in Hall 9 with new solutions for sustainable flexible packaging in the food and beverage industry.

Hilda introduces linear cup filling machine at Anuga Foodtec 2026

Rahul Kumar — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:01:17

Hilda Automation showcased its latest liquid packaging technology at Anuga Foodtec India 2026 in New Delhi. The Mumbai-based manufacturer introduced an automatic two-head linear cup filling and sealing machine designed to handle diverse dairy and beverage products including lassi, curd, yoghurt, shrikhand, and milk products.

The featured model, which was launched in 2023, was engineered to meet specific output requirements for indigenous Indian brands. The unit utilised a piston filling system and two-head sealing mechanism, operating at production speeds ranging from 22 to 26 cpm for 200-ml volumes. The equipment accommodated cup diameters between 50-mm and 80-mm with the use of change parts, though the display model focused on the 72-mm to 73-mm standard.

The machine offered flexibility in volume management, featuring dedicated heads for 200-ml and 400-ml filling. While the system could run different products at various intervals, it was designed to operate one specific volume at a time to maintain precision. For instance, when the 200-ml cycle was active, the 400-ml head remained blank. The machinery was compatible with high-density polyethylene and polyester materials, and could also process biodegradable substrates.

A company representative noted that while many manufacturers produced similar machinery, the firm lays special focus on its after-sales infrastructure. The company maintains a technical team of 56 personnel and an after-sales service department of 22 people stationed across India to address machine issues.

Hilda Automation operates five manufacturing units in Rabale, with additional facilities located in Vasai and Rabale. The company’s research and development department provides retrofitting and modification services for clients who required higher output levels beyond the basic investment tier.

Marchesini to highlight aseptic packaging and remanufacturing at Interpack

Abhay Avadhani — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:02:00

In Hall 15, stand A42 1‑6, visitors are expected to see technologies and services for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets.

“Interpack 2026 will be an important opportunity for Marchesini Group to present its latest innovations, including a machine for filling and capping non‑injectable liquids,” said Valerio Soli, CEO of Marchesini Group. “We will also showcase several solutions from the aseptic business unit, giving visibility to our ongoing collaboration with AST. Sustainability and robotics will take centre stage as we support our customers in implementing the PPWR regulation, balancing product safety, traceability and material recyclability,” Soli added.

One of the main innovations at this year’s edition will be Orbita‑L, a modular machine for filling and capping non‑injectable liquid products, featuring two key advancements: A magnetic transport system that enables 100% in‑process weight control (100% IPC) and a servo‑driven dip tube tightening unit that optimises the capping phase. This solution, presented for the first time, will be located in a reserved area accessible only through pre-booked appointments.

The over‑1,500‑square‑metre booth will also host several flagship solutions from the aseptic business unit, which offers a complete range of technologies for filling lines dedicated to injectable products. A compact system for the automated filling and closing of vials, syringes and cartridges will be on display, as well as a monobloc machine for the automatic inspection of syringes, equipped with integrated denesting and renesting units.

A large area will also be dedicated to sustainability. Marchesini Group will showcase its expertise in developing machines and production lines capable of packaging products using paper, mono‑material plastics, recyclable and recycled‑content materials, as well as aluminum.

In recent years, collaboration with suppliers and customers has led to the creation of a dedicated team committed to turning the PPWR Regulation guidelines into a concrete opportunity for innovation and growth.

To further explore these topics, a series of talks on European regulations will be held at the stand, with a focus on technologies that enable the replacement of PVC and the introduction of recyclable mono‑material alternatives for blister and tray thermoforming.

The sustainability area will also feature an integrated and robotised high‑speed line for packaging blister packs made entirely of PP, paired with a cartoner equipped with a new automatic carton magazine, showcased for the first time. The line will also include an AI‑based line clearance system developed by SEA Vision, a company specialised in vision systems for product traceability.

The company aims to display extended machine lifecycles through Rinova’s remanufacturing technology. This commitment will be showcased through a refurbished cartoner, assembled only up to 60%. During the exhibition days, the Rinova team will continue the assembly directly on-site, bringing the workshop to the fair and showing visitors how the remanufacturing process takes place.

A dedicated area will also be reserved for cosmetic packaging. Marchesini Group Beauty will showcase two lines for packaging liquid products: One consisting of a compact robotic feeder and a filling machine capable of handling different types of bottles. This features the collaboration between Axomatic and Vibrotech. The other line includes an automatic tube filling and dosing machine for plastic tubes, paired with an automatic cartoner from V2 engineering.

Lastly, a dedicated area will be reserved for robotics and the new frontiers of AI. In fact, several models from the Next Generation Robotics platform will be unveiled at the fair, a new generation of industrial robots built on modular, high‑performance multi‑axis architectures, integrated with machine vision systems and AI–deep learning algorithms. An interactive installation will also be featured, designed to showcase all the robotic applications developed over the years.

AI will also underpin the “Morpheus” predictive maintenance solution, which visitors will be able to explore at the show, along with the services available through the customer portal, and the augmented reality format‑change system.

Smarter filling tech is helping beverage brands unlock scale

Rahul Kumar — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:30:28

The true litmus test for homegrown beverage brands is no longer just unique flavour profiles— it is the engineering grit required to scale from 50-lakh to 20-million bottles. At drink technology Delhi 2026, the consensus among industry leaders was clear: the shift from global hydration standards to indigenous roots is powered by sophisticated filling and sterilisation tech. These technical leaps allow brands to ditch chemical preservatives, finally meeting the consumer’s demand for a "clean label" without sacrificing shelf stability.

Engineering the shelf life
The journey from factory to fridge begins with a fundamental struggle: achieving stability without additives. Saurabh Munjal, co-founder and chief executive officer of Archian Foods (Lahori Zeera), says that to secure the necessary shelf life, brands must lean on advanced sterilisation methods like heat-filling and UHT processing. Adapted from the dairy industry and tetrapack systems, these processes heat the liquid to eradicate bacteria before sealing it in a package that prevents any foreign particle ingress. This integrity is what allows a brand to deliver a consistent product across India’s vast geography without relying on synthetic stabilisers.

Munjal notes that while his brand acted as a category creator, the hurdle today is becoming a category leader: a goal that demands massive production capabilities. The company currently packages 10-million bottles every day, yet remains sold out. He suggests that a capacity of 20-million bottles would have been necessary to fully service the market appetite and fend off the multinational corporations (MNCs) now eyeing the ethnic beverage space. To manage this volume, brands are moving toward decentralised manufacturing, strategically placing units in regions like Karnataka to ensure logistics prevail over geographic distance.

The economics of the bottle
Packaging decisions are the ultimate driver of a brand's financial macros. Munjal explains that for mass-market products, general trade remains the powerhouse, with roughly 70% of Indian beverages sold through mom-and-pop stores. Because liquids are heavy and logistics are intensive, trying to build a beverage giant purely via e-commerce is an "illogical" pursuit due to lopsided customer acquisition costs. The physical bottle must earn its keep on a shelf in a high-cost retail environment, making the choice of substrate and barrier levels a make-or-break decision for the bottom line.

This physical reality dictates capital management. Shivam Ginglani, founder and chief executive officer of Ginglani Distillers, says the most grueling part of the business is the constant rotation of capital, especially when breaking into new markets. This is further squeezed by regulatory "hard facts," such as the 40% GST on carbonated drinks. Such tax brackets—vastly higher than the 5% seen in confectionery— force brands to build lean, mean business models starting from the manufacturing floor.

Strategic retail and trial
The distinctiveness of an Indian flavour like Zeera gives local brands a winning edge during the consumer trial phase, provided the packaging and price point hit the mark. Ajai Thandi, co-founder of Sleepy Owl, says his brand has pivoted toward financial independence and tighter credit controls to ensure growth isn't strangled by debt. He argues that even as a brand matures, a "beginner’s mindset" is vital to solving the creative and technical puzzles of the supply chain.

Ultimately, the rise of the indigenous beverage is a battle of production efficiency. While MNCs might undercut prices with "sugar-free" versions—which are actually cheaper to manufacture—homegrown players are betting on high-quality, technically sound packaging to deliver authenticity at scale. Munjal’s goal is to build something India can be proud of on a global stage, ensuring that the next generation reaches for an Indian version of a classic beverage rather than a foreign-branded cola.

Manufacturing Profile: Scaling the Indian Sip

The transition from 5-million to 20-million bottle capacity is the definitive threshold for category leadership in India. Achieving this scale requires a pivot to UHT and heat-filling systems to ensure product integrity in a supply chain where 70% of sales are through traditional general trade. This technical prowess must be balanced against a 40% GST on carbonated products, making packaging durability and shelf-stability the primary drivers of financial survival.

Decarbonising India’s beverage supply chain

Rahul Kumar — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:41:07

The transition toward a circular economy in the Indian beverage sector is no longer a peripheral corporate social responsibility concern but a core driver of business resilience. As the industry grapples with complex supply chains and cost pressures, leaders from across the ecosystem identify hidden emission pockets and the shift from "paper-based" goals to ground-level execution.

Identifying the hidden carbon load
While packaging often dominates the sustainability narrative, substantial emissions reside in less visible segments of the value chain. Amar Shrivastava, co-founder of Orrchid Brews, identifies refrigeration as a primary, yet underestimated, contributor to the carbon footprint. For some companies, cooling and fermentation account for 50% of total costs. Shrivastava highlights the impact of refrigerant leakages, noting that while carbon dioxide has a calibration value of one, R22 gas possesses an emission value of 1,830, making leak detection critical for climate goals.

Beyond cooling, the weight of packaging material directly dictates transportation emissions. A standard 330-ml beer bottle weighs approximately 250 g, meaning one litre of product requires 750 g of glass. This high packaging-to-product ratio increases fuel consumption during both initial delivery and reverse logistics for recycling. To mitigate this, Shrivastava suggests the use of stainless steel kegs in 20-, 30-, or 50-litre capacities as an effective method to reduce packaging waste and transportation intensity.

The infrastructure gap in circularity
The beverage industry faces a significant disparity between the recyclability of materials and the actual recovery rates in remote geographies. Vidya Bhooshan, regional CSR head for North India at Bisleri International, explains that while PET is considered "gold" in the recycling industry due to its high value, the economics of collection often fail in rural or hilly areas. High reverse-logistics costs frequently prevent scrap dealers from transporting low-value plastics to urban processing centres. Bhooshan advocates for decentralised recycling infrastructure within a 100-km to 200-km radius of consumption points to bridge this gap.

Regulatory mandates are currently driving the adoption of recycled content. Indian brands are now required to incorporate 30% recycled material in packaging, a figure set to rise to 40%. Vinay Henry, senior manager of sustainability for India and Southwest Asia at The Coca Cola Company, reports that approximately 3.5-lakh tonnes of food-grade recycling infrastructure is currently ready for commercialisation in India, with expectations to reach 6-lakh tonnes by the first quarter of 2027. However, the primary challenge remains the informal and fragmented nature of the collection ecosystem, which currently directs 80% to 85% of collected PET toward the textile industry rather than back into bottle-to-bottle loops.

Building sustainability into the business model
For sustainability to become a competitive advantage, it must be "inbuilt" rather than treated as an add-on expense. Manish Parmar, vice president of supply chain at Country Delight, argues that localising procurement can drastically reduce Scope 3 emissions. By limiting the sourcing radius to 50–150 km from processing plants—compared to the industry standard of 500–800 km—the company avoids approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Operational timing also plays a role in emission reduction. Delivering products between 05:00 and 07:00 allows vehicles to avoid traffic congestion, increasing two-wheeler fuel efficiency from 35–37 km/l to 45–50 km/l. Parmar notes that these efficiencies, combined with internal "Kaizen" programmes for water and energy reduction, have helped the business lower resource consumption by 15% to 20%.

Consumer psychology and the premium trap
A common industry concern is the cost-sensitivity of the Indian market, yet data suggests a shift in consumer willingness to pay for sustainable brands. A survey cited by Shrivastava indicates that 73% of Indian consumers are willing to pay a "little premium" for sustainability, provided the brand delivers clear value. However, the panellists agree that consumers should not be charged for a company's operational inefficiencies.

The industry is also evolving its social footprint by focusing on stakeholder welfare as a "performance multiplier". This includes offering 3% to 6% price premiums to farmers for "gold standard" raw materials and increasing diversity within the supply chain. At Country Delight, women’s representation in the supply chain coordination function has reached 50%, while the employment of persons with disabilities has grown to include over 30 individuals in the past year.

Key Focus Areas for Decarbonisation:
Refrigeration: Transitioning from R22/R134a to hydrocarbon-based, HFC-free cooling systems.
Packaging: Lightweighting glass and PET while increasing the use of 20-litre refillable containers.
Logistics: Optimising route planning and adopting EVs for "last-mile" urban delivery.
Sourcing: Implementing drip irrigation and high-density cultivation programmes for ingredients like sugar and mango.
Waste Management: Developing decentralised collection hubs to support the 40% recycled-content mandate.

Parakh Agro, Elecster deepen UHT pouch ecosystem

WhatPackaging? Team — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:31:00

Finland-based Elecster is strengthening its India presence through a long-standing collaboration with Parakh Agro Industries, combining UHT processing technology with locally manufactured high-barrier films and service support.

The partnership, active in India since 2010, has evolved beyond equipment supply to include a dedicated spare parts and service vertical. This enables local stocking and faster turnaround for Elecster’s installed base, reducing dependence on imports from Europe.

“We now have a separate team handling spare parts and service for register lines, ensuring local availability and support,” said Ronald Dsouza, UHT Technical Specialist (Sales and Service), Elecster.

Elecster specialises in UHT (ultra-high temperature) processing systems, operating across India, Africa and South America. In India alone, the company has installed 36 sterilisers and over 100 filling heads, servicing major dairy brands including Karnataka Milk Federation (Nandini).

A key innovation lies in its flexible pouch solution, positioned as a cost-effective alternative to carton-based systems such as Tetra Pak. The system uses five-layer co-extruded films incorporating EVOH for high oxygen barrier properties, enabling ambient shelf life of up to 90 days without refrigeration.

“Compared to rigid cartons, flexible pouches are easier to transport, store and significantly more economical,” said Prasad Upasani, head - technical sales and prepress Parakh Agro. “For consumers, this translates into meaningful savings, while maintaining product safety and shelf life.”

The films are engineered specifically for Elecster’s filling lines, with recipes transferred to Parag Agro for local production. Early challenges included print distortion and film instability under India’s varied climatic conditions, which were resolved through joint R&D efforts.

From a processing standpoint, the system relies on continuous-flow UHT sterilisation at around 135–140°C, ensuring microbial safety while preserving product quality. Unlike conventional pasteurised milk, which typically lasts a few days under refrigeration, UHT-treated milk in these pouches remains stable at room temperature.

Sustainability remains a focus area. While multi-layer films pose recycling challenges, the companies are exploring mechanical recycling and internal reuse streams, including converting production scrap into polymer-based stationery products.

With growing demand for cost-efficient, shelf-stable dairy packaging, the Elecster–Parag Agro collaboration is positioning flexible UHT pouches as a viable alternative in India’s evolving milk packaging landscape.

Converter’s Box: Substrates, Inks, Structures

Film structure

Type: Co-extruded, high-barrier flexible pouch
Layers: 5-layer structure
Typical configuration: PE / Tie / EVOH / Tie / PE
Core barrier: EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) for oxygen barrier
Seal layer: LDPE/LLDPE blend for heat seal integrity and burst strength
Thickness range: Typically 80–120 microns (application dependent)

Substrates & materials

Primary polymer: Polyethylene (PE-based structure)
Barrier material: EVOH for extended shelf life (up to ~90 days ambient)
Additives: Anti-block, slip agents, and process stabilisers for machinability
Recyclability: Multi-layer structure; recyclable via mechanical recycling with compatibilisers (non-food applications currently)

Printing & inks

Process: CI flexo printing (inline or offline)
Ink systems: Solvent-based inks (preferred for adhesion and resistance in high-temperature filling environments)
Challenges addressed:
- Ink adhesion under high heat (UHT conditions ~135–140°C)
- Print distortion/stretch under climatic variation
Solutions: Ink reformulation and film surface optimisation through joint R&D

Processing compatibility

Filling system: UHT aseptic pouch filling (Elecster lines)
Temperature resistance: Designed to withstand sterilisation temperatures up to ~140°C
Seal performance: High hot-tack strength for vertical form-fill-seal operations
Throughput: Compatible with high-speed lines (~6,000+ litres/hour)

Conversion considerations

Tight control on gauge variation critical for sealing and barrier consistency
Registration stability essential due to multi-head filling systems
Scrap segregation (printed vs unprinted, barrier vs non-barrier) required for effective recycling streams

Circular or chaos? Beverage packaging at crossroads

Rahul Kumar — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:53:02

The panel discussion Circular or Chaos? Reinventing India's Beverage Packaging Playbook, held on 23 April at drink technology Delhi 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, brought together founders and senior industry executives to examine the state of sustainable packaging. Moderated by Garima Shahi, ESG consultant, the session surfaced a consensus that policy frameworks are advancing faster than the systems needed to execute them.

A hybrid, not a circular, economy
Jaywantjit Singh, founder and director of Oasis Beverages, described India's current position as neither linear nor circular, but hybrid. EPR rules are robust on paper, he argued, but inconsistently enforced on the ground, with much of the country's recycling infrastructure still driven by informal rag-pickers rather than formalised collection systems. He drew a pointed contrast with the GST rollout — binary in enforcement from day one — and estimated that meaningful circularity was at least three to four years away.

No universal material
Ayan Chattopadhyay, senior manager – filling and packing at Nestle, addressed the recurring debate around which packaging material is most sustainable. His answer was unambiguous: there is none. Glass carries a high carbon footprint in both production and transportation despite its recyclability. Paper, while compostable, requires sourcing from responsibly managed forests and presents durability challenges. Plastics such as PP are lightweight with lower transport emissions, but their global recycling rate remains low and the necessary collection infrastructure is absent across much of India.

He pointed to digital tools — industrial internet of things (IIoT) sensors, digital twins, AI-based cameras for anomaly detection, and blockchain for traceability — as practical ways manufacturers can reduce waste and manage costs while working within whatever material constraints apply.

Stainless steel and the green premium
Mayukh Hazarika, founder and chief executive of Raincheck Earth, offered the panel's most unconventional case study. His brand packages gin in stainless steel flasks fitted with an integrated jigger — a 30-ml measure built into the cap. “The moment you say, 'buy us because we are sustainable,' it is the weakest argument,” he said. His view was that sustainability should be evident rather than advertised, and that greenwashing — positioning a product primarily on environmental credentials — undermines perceived product quality.

On cost, he was direct: The green premium must be passed to the customer. His brand carries a 30% export market, which provides additional commercial headroom that purely domestic brands may not have.

Price still trumps sustainability at scale
The panel's sharpest challenge to sustainability advocates came from Nitesh Singh, chief executive and founder of Blue Tea. For the large majority of Indian consumers, he argues, price determines purchase decisions, not packaging. He cited India's per capita income of below USD 3,000 against more than USD 90,000 in the United States as the structural reason sustainability cannot be a mass-market driver in the near term.

He referenced fast fashion brand Snitch reaching INR 1,000-crore in revenue without any sustainability positioning as evidence of how large a segment of the market remains indifferent to environmental claims.

Jaywantjit Singh reinforced the point: Coca-Cola sells certain products in India at INR 10, the same price as glass bottles 30 years ago, while the equivalent retails at INR 60–80 in the United Arab Emirates. Both agreed that mass-market sustainability in India will require policy enforcement rather than consumer preference as the primary lever.

Shahi closed the session by drawing together the main threads: technology as an enabler, clear business strategy, and precise knowledge of the target consumer as the three conditions that make circularity commercially viable rather than merely aspirational.

The panel was held on 23 April 2026 at drink technology Delhi, co-located with IFAT Delhi at Hall 6, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

IMA Group to unveil personal care and ecommerce packaging at Interpack

Anand Singh — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:10:19

IMA will present a dedicated personal care corner at Interpack 2026 showcasing the company’s products for skin care, make-up, personal hygiene, body and hair care, and fragrance products. The area will bring together processing, primary and secondary packaging, and end‑of‑line solutions tailored to the beauty market to showcase the group’s end-to-end solutions for beauty and personal care businesses.

Designed by IMA BFB, the new Primewrap delivers accurate, full overwrapping for single or bundled products, ensuring a tight finish. Within the same machine family, it will be possible to have different transversal sealing options, either along the edge or on the bottom of the carton. With a fully servo-driven architecture capable of reaching up to 70-cpm, precise material control and the option to integrate AI-based features.

G‑blok, the intermittent filling and closing platform from Omas Tecnosistemi, will now feature a puck‑based configuration pre‑arranged for a second closing station, enabling the integration of an automatic retorquer alongside the cap‑positioning unit. This addition enhances flexibility for liquid and creamy products. Its modular architecture and broad selection of dosing systems support rapid changeovers and multiple formats within the same production day. The GP-500 will be available in single‑step and double alternating‑step versions.

IMA Ecommerce offers automatic packaging machines dedicated to ecommerce, e-fulfillment, intralogistics, and 3PL use cases. Technologies proposed by the new division include automatic box forming and closing machines and auto-baggers. High production capacity, ease of use, a compact footprint, as well as the ability to process a large format of boxes are the main design drivers here. The ability to automatically resize the boxes is the technological heart of these machines, demonstrating particular attention to sustainability.

Eco Flex lidding, to be launched at Interpack, will be the latest innovation within IMA’s Eco Flex series. The machine is engineered to automatically close Fefco 0200 (HSC), tray and auto-lock bottom cases, applying perfectly fit-to-size lids. The system features a multi-footprint architecture capable of managing up to 10 different box and lid formats in full random mode.

It automatically detects the product height inside each case and reduces the box accordingly, with a height reduction of up to 400-mm, without the need for pre-scored packaging.

Drinktec: Why Waste Wednesday scales from grassroots to city-level impact

Divya Subramaniam — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:05:00

At a time when India’s waste management debate is often caught between policy intent and on-ground execution, Dr Ruby Makhija’s Why Waste Wednesday initiative is positioning itself as a bridge between awareness and action. The Delhi-based organisation, which has a stall at Drinktec Delhi, is showcasing its decentralised, behaviour-led waste management model to industry stakeholders.

What began as a concept — encouraging citizens to dedicate a few hours midweek to waste management — has evolved into a structured ecosystem spanning an NGO and a for-profit arm. “Why Waste is essentially about questioning our habits. Wednesday is symbolic — it’s about making time for responsible waste practices,” says Makhija, an eye surgeon by training who transitioned into the sector nearly a decade ago.

Her journey began with a zero-waste-to-landfill pilot in Delhi’s Navjeevan Vihar, aligned with the Solid Waste Management Rules rollout. The model, built on segregation, recovery and circularity principles, is now being replicated across residential colonies, institutions, and large-format events. Notably, her team has executed zero-waste systems at high-footfall venues, including events at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where waste was segregated at source into multiple streams rather than post-collection sorting.

At the heart of the model is strict source segregation. Makhija advocates a four-stream approach — wet, dry, sanitary and special care waste — irrespective of downstream inefficiencies. “You have done your job if you segregate correctly,” she says. Complementing this are behavioural interventions such as refusing single-use plastics and enforcing anti-littering norms.

The initiative has recently demonstrated scale in Hisar, Haryana, where a city-wide programme launched in December 2025 has crossed 50% source segregation within a few months. The system relies on granular tracking mechanisms, including daily vehicle mapping, tray-based volume estimation, and weighbridge verification at transfer stations. According to Makhija, the city is now processing 35–40 tonnes of clean wet waste daily, a key indicator of segregation efficiency.

Importantly, the programme leverages existing municipal manpower, including apprentices, rather than deploying entirely new resources—an approach that enhances replicability. “We are building systems and SOPs so that the process continues irrespective of individuals,” she notes.

Alongside municipal partnerships, Why Waste Wednesday also operates circular economy projects such as Paperloop, which facilitates exchange of collected paper waste with recycled paper, addressing both recovery and market linkage challenges.

Makhija is clear that awareness alone is insufficient. “Policy and enforcement are critical. Without accountability, behaviour does not change,” she says, advocating stricter implementation of waste and plastic regulations at both producer and consumer levels.

As the organisation engages with industry players at Drinktec Delhi, the focus is on building cross-sector collaboration. Makhija believes platforms like these are essential to align policymakers, corporations and citizens.

Looking ahead, her priority is to expand into tier-II and tier-III cities and rural areas. “Waste management is not just about infrastructure — it is about behaviour, belief and a sense of belonging,” she says, underlining the need for a cultural shift alongside systemic change.

Nykaa celebrates Earth Day with Recycle and Rewards programme

Jiya Somaiya — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:55:00

Nykaa’s Recycle and Rewards launched across 14 select stores in major hubs, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, signalling a phased expansion plan to establish a nationwide network for responsible packaging disposal.

The initiative is designed to lower the barriers to responsible waste management by transforming retail outlets into collection hubs. Customers are encouraged to bring cleaned, empty beauty and personal care packaging (regardless of the original brand) to dedicated recycling bins located in-store.

To incentivise this shift in consumer behaviour, the retailer has attached tangible value to used materials. Participants receive an immediate discount on in-store purchases and accumulate reward points per empty unit — redeemable across both digital and physical touchpoints. By removing minimum threshold requirements, the programme seeks to move away from sporadic sustainability drives in favour of consistent, long-term disposal habits.

Logistics and waste processing infrastructure
Beyond the storefront, the programme relies on a structured backend infrastructure to ensure that collected materials are successfully reintroduced into the recycling ecosystem.

All waste collected from retail bins is routed through Nykaa’s logistics network and managed by authorised recyclers. This systematic approach is intended to ensure that complex beauty packaging — often comprised of mixed materials that are difficult for municipal systems to process — is handled according to professional environmental standards.

The company has reportedly recycled 160-metric tonnes of plastic and over 2,000-metric tonnes of carton waste in the previous fiscal year.

Material reduction
The launch of Recycle and Rewards serves as an extension of a broader corporate framework that prioritises the Sustainability at the Core philosophy. This transition is evident in the company’s supply chain, where 96% of orders are now delivered in more sustainable packaging formats.

Operational shifts include a transition to zero-paper processing and a significant internal reuse programme for corrugated boxes and brand packaging within warehouses and the Superstore vertical.

By addressing both industrial waste generated at the warehouse level and consumer waste generated at the vanity, the company aims to close the loop in the beauty packaging lifecycle and reward positive disposal behaviour.

The future of responsible packaging: A masterclass with Dr NC Saha

WhatPackaging? Team — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:53:00

With over 38 years of experience, Dr Saha discusses the critical evolution of the industry, from the Food Packaging Act of 2015 to the upcoming ResPack 2026 conference to be held on 1 and 2 June, at The Lalit, Mumbai.

The chapters are as follows:

00:00 - Introduction: Dr NC Saha reflects on his tenure at the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) and mentoring 15,000 students.

00:58 - ResPack 2026 and the FIPSA Awards: Overview of the upcoming two-day knowledge platform featuring 34 expert speakers and the responsible packaging awards.

51:03 - The architect of Indian standards (BIS and FPA 2015): Discussion on the publication of 82 national standards and the backstory of the Food Packaging Act 2015.

01:33:50 - The science of packaging and insights: Deep dive into the technical distinction between carry bags and true hermetic packaging, plus innovations like breathing films.

02:04:00 - Closing remarks: Final thoughts on the growing demand for packaging professionals and future challenges.

Dairy sector needs organised growth, value addition and sustainability: Meenesh Shah

Rahul Kumar — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:02:00

India’s dairy sector must accelerate the shift towards organised procurement, value-added products and sustainable practices to unlock its next phase of growth, said Meenesh Shah, chairman and managing director, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) at Drinktec Delhi.
Addressing delegates at the opening session, Shah highlighted India’s transformation from a milk-deficient nation to the world’s largest producer, describing it as a model for developing economies such as Sri Lanka and Kenya. “India’s dairy journey offers replicable lessons in building self-sufficiency,” he said.
The address underscored dairy’s central role in India’s economy, supporting nearly eight crore farmer families and acting as a critical buffer against agricultural uncertainties such as droughts and erratic rainfall. It also remains vital for food security, particularly for India’s large lacto-vegetarian population that depends on milk for protein intake.
However, structural challenges persist. Nearly 60% of milk continues to be handled by the unorganised sector, raising concerns around adulteration and quality. The speaker stressed the need to expand organised value chains — across both cooperatives and private players — to improve traceability, consumer trust and farmer incomes.
Value addition emerged as a key growth lever. With the industry committed to returning up to 80% of consumer value to producers, higher-margin products such as cheese, paneer and functional dairy are seen as essential to sustaining farmer remuneration. The segment also presents export opportunities, particularly as India currently accounts for less than 1% of global dairy trade.
Efforts are underway to make India export-ready by addressing animal health challenges, including Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and brucellosis, which remain key trade barriers.
Sustainability was another major focus area. Initiatives such as ration balancing have demonstrated methane emission reductions of up to 15%, while manure management is being leveraged for compressed biogas and organic fertilisers. From large-scale plants to decentralised farm-level systems, these interventions aim to reduce the environmental footprint while creating additional income streams.
The address concluded with a call for industry-wide collaboration to scale organised procurement, drive innovation and align with India’s 2047 development vision.

Indian printing and packaging industry at WEPACK

Jiya Somaiya — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:09:00

At the World Expo of Packaging Industry (WEPACK), the Indian Day program was held at the 7A700, WEPACK Carnival Conference Zone, Hall 7. The event brought together over 150 Indian entrepreneurs, Chinese manufacturers, and the WEPACK team to foster networking and explore collaborative opportunities in India’s packaging and printing sectors.

Organised by RX and co-hosted with Indian trade associations, the Federation of Corrugated Box Manufacturers of India (FCBM) and Offset Printers Association (OPA), the program served as a platform for high-level dialogue, innovation showcase, and business matchmaking between Indian delegates and international solution providers.

The agenda began with a sign-in and networking session, followed by welcome speeches. Rajendra Bhati, president of the FCBM, addressed the gathering first. He was followed by Kamal Mohan Chopra, president of the Integrated Printing, Photography and Multimedia Technologists’ Association (IPPAMTA), who represented the Indian printing and packaging industry.

In his welcome speech, Chopra highlighted the critical need for stronger collaboration across the graphic communication value chain. He stated, “The future of our industry lies in seamless networking between all platforms of printing, packaging, photography, and multimedia technologies. Only through joint efforts and shared knowledge can we achieve accelerated progress and unlock new growth opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs on the global stage.”

He further emphasised, “As we stand at the intersection of tradition and cutting-edge technology, it is essential that we build robust bridges between Indian industry and international innovators. Let us commit today to fostering meaningful partnerships that will drive innovation, enhance quality, and expand market reach for the entire Indian graphic arts and packaging ecosystem.”

The session continued with a tech talk on Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Solutions Application in India Market delivered by Terry Chen, board chairman of Smartech Machinery and Legend Pack.

The Indian Day at WEPACK 2026 showcased the dynamism and potential of India’s packaging and printing industry. It provided an opportunity for Indian delegates to engage with global technology providers and explore emerging business avenues in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

The event concluded on a positive note with participants expressing optimism about the new partnerships formed and the promising future of Indo-Chinese collaboration in the packaging and printing sectors.

Maharashtra doubles down on plastic circularity on Earth Day

Divya Subramaniam — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:41:00

On World Earth Day, the Maharashtra government has sharpened its focus on plastic waste management, placing PET recycling at the centre of its latest sustainability drive.

At an event held at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Environment Minister Pankaja Munde launched the Maha R-PET Campaign alongside the broader Vasundhara Rakshak Abhiyan 2026. While the latter targets citizen awareness, the R-PET initiative is designed to address a critical gap in India’s plastic recycling chain — clean, segregated collection.

The campaign will focus on recovering used PET bottles from high-consumption zones such as hotels, malls, cinema halls and office complexes. By ensuring source-level segregation, the state aims to improve the quality of recyclable feedstock, a key requirement for scaling food-grade recycled PET (rPET) applications.

In its first phase, collection centres will be established across Mumbai and Thane, creating an organised aggregation network for post-consumer plastic. For converters and recyclers, this could translate into more consistent material streams and reduced contamination.

The move signals a shift from awareness-led campaigns to supply chain interventions—where the success of plastic circularity hinges less on collection volumes and more on material quality and traceability.