During the CPHI-PMEC 2023 exhibition, Cilicant showcased a range of innovative solutions in the active packaging sector. Cilicant, with its robust research and development capabilities, has introduced numerous products, some of which are patented. One notable offering was Frexil, a desiccant canister designed to tackle dusting issues, particularly prevalent in desiccant canisters containing activated carbon.
Cilicant, located in Pune, India, is a prominent active packaging manufacturer primarily focused on serving the global pharmaceutical industry. “Active packaging, as defined by us, involves the incorporation of functionally active components that, when applied in a scientifically efficient manner, contribute to enhancing the shelf life of products,” said Fahmim Hussain, marketing director, Cilicant.
In its active packaging solutions, Cilicant provides various products such as desiccants, oxygen scavengers, odor adsorbers, and other adsorbents. These components are strategically designed to address key factors affecting shelf life and product stability, particularly moisture and oxygen. Products are meticulously crafted to effectively mitigate these challenges, ensuring a robust solution for extending shelf life and maintaining product quality.
Frexil utilizes patented technology to produce tablets within an integrated canister, effectively mitigating concerns related to dusting. Additionally, Cilicant offers another product Oxabide, an oxygen scavenger with a series that includes Oxabide and Oxabide CP. Oxabide CP stands out as the most compact solution for oxygen scavenging. It is designed to be effective even in environments with the narrowest headspace, boasting powerful absorption capabilities.
Key growth strategies
“Our journey began in 2011 as a desiccant manufacturer, focusing initially on silica gel, a widely used desiccant. Over time, we evolved into a comprehensive active packaging manufacturer. Our product range expanded beyond desiccants like silica gel to include oxygen absorbers, odor absorbers, and various innovative and patented solutions.
“The transformation from a desiccant manufacturer to an active packaging specialist has been a resilient and cumulative effort. We owe much of our growth to the unwavering support of industry partners and customers. From a single manufacturing facility, we have now expanded to operate four facilities, totaling almost 100,000 square feet of production area,” said Hussain.
She added, “Notably, our global presence is taking shape with the establishment of an office in the United States. This marks the beginning of our international journey, and we aspire to further extend our footprint globally. With the backing of our industry partners and customers, we are confident in achieving more milestones in the future.”
Holistic approach to sustainability
Cilicant’s commitment to environmental responsibility is deeply embedded in its approach, characterized by a multifaceted strategy. Hussain emphasized Cilicant’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility, underscoring a comprehensive strategy that defines their approach to sustainability. “For us, sustainability entails making every practical effort to minimize our carbon footprint and enhance operational efficiencies throughout our organization, encompassing various activities and processes. Our approach is holistic, addressing internal processes, sourcing, equipment selection, and, crucially, our supply chain,” she explained.
Illustrating their dedication, Hussain pointed out, “We are proactively working to minimize waste through enhancements in existing processes, technological upgrades, and other means. A significant portion of our commercial vehicle fleet for human transportation has already transitioned from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric. The HVAC systems installed in our facilities utilize technology that repurposes generated heat, effectively reducing energy consumption. Our infrastructure includes systems for wastewater treatment, and we strive to adopt more efficient machinery and motors whenever technically feasible. Notably, we are actively engaged in the development of sustainable products, with a particular focus on environmentally friendly packaging.”
Hussain concluded, “Our dedication to sustainability is comprehensive, touching every aspect of our organization rather than being limited to product offerings. By collectively integrating these efforts, we strive to make a meaningful contribution towards a more sustainable future.”