In this exclusive interview, Rajesh Srivastava, senior vice president of UFlex Chemical Business, shares valuable insights into the company’s recent innovations and strategic priorities. From pioneering sustainable technologies like water-based inks and solvent-less adhesives to driving global expansion and food safety compliance, Srivastava highlights how UFlex Chemicals is shaping the future of packaging with performance and responsibility at its core.
Mahan Hazarika: Could you share some recent investments UFlex Chemicals has made that you believe have positively influenced the packaging industry?
Rajesh Srivastava: At UFlex Chemicals, we have made significant investments in R&D and sustainable technologies, particularly focusing on low-VOC, water-based inks, solvent-less adhesives, and energy-curable coatings. One of our key developments includes water-based ink systems for flexographic and gravure printing that deliver excellent performance while reducing environmental impact. We have also advanced in solvent-less polyurethane adhesives designed for high-speed lamination with improved pot life and better recyclability. Recognizing the global shift towards energy-efficient curing systems, we have invested significantly in developing UV-LED curable inks and coatings. UV-LED technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with the industry’s sustainability goals by reducing the carbon footprint and eliminating ozone emissions.
Mahan Hazarika: What are your expectations as an ink and chemicals manufacturer from the supply chain, especially brand owners and converters?
Rajesh Srivastava: As an ink and specialty chemicals manufacturer, we believe that meaningful progress in the packaging industry relies on close collaboration across the supply chain, particularly with brand owners and converters. We look to our partners not only for business alignment but also for shared responsibility in driving innovation and sustainability. A strong commitment to sustainability is essential – this includes setting and actively pursuing measurable environmental goals that are in line with global standards. Equally important is transparent feedback and open communication, which help establish continuous improvement cycles, enable faster innovation, and ensure our solutions remain aligned with end-user needs.
We also expect our partners to adopt newer, greener technologies such as water-based inks, solvent-less adhesives, and UV-LED curing systems, which support compliance with evolving environmental regulations while improving performance and efficiency. Furthermore, a willingness to co-develop customized solutions is highly valued, as it allows us to address niche challenges together and explore emerging market opportunities.
Mahan Hazarika: What are your company’s strategic priorities and goals for the next 5 years?
Rajesh Srivastava: Over the next five years, UFlex Chemicals is focused on driving transformative growth by aligning innovation with sustainability, global expansion, and operational excellence. At the core of our strategic roadmap is a commitment to advancing green chemistry and circular economy solutions. We are investing significantly in the development of sustainable products, including low-VOC inks, solvent-less adhesives, and energy-curable coatings – supporting both environmental goals and regulatory compliance.
We are also leveraging our strong foundation to scale our global footprint. This includes forging strategic international partnerships and expanding our export capabilities to position UFlex Chemicals as a trusted global supplier of high-performance inks and specialty chemicals.
In parallel, we are prioritizing digital transformation across our manufacturing and supply chain operations. By embracing smart technologies, we aim to enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, we are investing in continuous skill development and safety training to build future-ready teams with a strong focus on sustainability, compliance, and operational excellence.
Through these strategic initiatives, we are determined to lead the industry with innovative, environmentally responsible, and high-performance solutions that meet the evolving demands of both domestic and global markets.
Mahan Hazarika: With the growing demand for sustainable solutions, how do you see the market evolving for water-based and solvent-less technologies?
Rajesh Srivastava: Sustainability has become a defining factor in the evolution of the packaging industry, and the demand for safer, non-toxic alternatives is accelerating the shift toward water-based and solvent-less technologies. This transformation is being driven by a combination of stricter global environmental regulations, growing consumer consciousness, and bold sustainability commitments from leading brands. Regulatory bodies worldwide are enforcing stringent norms around VOC emissions and hazardous materials, compelling the industry to move towards low-VOC, recyclable, and eco-friendly solutions. At the same time, consumers are increasingly seeking packaging that reflects their values – safe, sustainable, and responsible. Brand owners, too, are stepping up with ambitious goals, aiming for fully recyclable or compostable packaging to reduce their environmental impact.
UFlex Chemicals has been at the forefront of this shift. We have proactively strengthened our R&D capabilities to offer sustainable, high-performance alternatives. Our portfolio includes water-based inks and coatings, as well as solvent-less adhesives, which not only meet environmental standards but also deliver superior application performance.
Mahan Hazarika: What is UFlex Chemical Business’s stance on food safety compliance?
Rajesh Srivastava: Food safety is a core pillar of UFlex Chemicals’ operations, especially in applications related to food packaging. As part of UFlex, we are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that all our products meet the highest international standards for safety and regulatory compliance. Our approach is built around anticipating regulatory changes, investing in innovation, and maintaining rigorous quality controls across our processes.
We actively address several key challenges in this space. First, we ensure strict compliance with global regulatory frameworks, including REACH, the Swiss Ordinance, US FDA guidelines, and other regional food safety norms. Our team stays ahead of evolving standards to ensure our offerings remain compliant and future-ready. Second, we focus on food safety and migration control, ensuring that our products are thoroughly tested to prevent any harmful substances from migrating into food products. Third, we manage the volatility in raw materials and potential supply chain disruptions by working closely with trusted suppliers and maintaining robust procurement strategies.
Technological advancement is another cornerstone of our compliance strategy. UFlex Chemicals continuously invests in R&D to develop innovative solutions that balance sustainability, performance, and regulatory adherence. Whether it’s developing low-VOC inks, solvent-less adhesives, or energy-curable coatings, our goal is to deliver products that are safe for food contact, environmentally responsible, and commercially viable.
Mahan Hazarika: Which of your products do you consider the best in the market, and what sets them apart from the competition?
Rajesh Srivastava: UFlex Chemicals has developed a strong reputation in the industry for its high-performance, sustainable solutions, with standout products such as our low-VOC inks, solvent-less laminating adhesives, and energy-curable coatings being among the most sought-after in the market. These solutions have earned the trust of both domestic and international customers due to their exceptional balance of performance, compliance, and environmental responsibility.
What truly sets these products apart is their consistent and superior performance across a wide range of printing and lamination conditions. They are engineered to deliver high efficiency, durability, and visual appeal, making them suitable for demanding applications. Designed with food safety and sustainability at their core, these products comply with global standards, supporting brand owners and converters in meeting their environmental commitments and regulatory obligations.
Another key differentiator is the level of customization we offer. UFlex Chemicals works closely with customers to develop tailored solutions based on specific end-use needs, printing technologies, and substrate types. This ensures optimal compatibility and performance in diverse operating environments. Moreover, our products are supported by a robust technical service team that provides on-site troubleshooting, process optimization, and operator training – ensuring seamless integration and enhanced productivity for our customers.
