In a recent interview, Gaurav Talwar, managing director, Brilliant Polymers, shared insights into the flexible packaging market and the growing trend towards solvent-free additives. Talwar highlighted that the flexible packaging industry, particularly in Asia, is thriving, with food applications leading the demand. He explained, “Today’s modern adhesives are needed to guarantee food safety of the packed food. This necessity creates significant growth opportunities for the adhesive industry, especially in India.”
Talwar noted the pressing challenge of sustainability facing the market, emphasizing the importance of a circular economy and reducing plastic waste in oceans and rivers. He said, “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done from the adhesive side. We want to focus on what we can do.” With regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) gaining traction, Talwar stressed the need for the industry to adapt.
“Brilliant Polymers has been at the forefront of this shift, transitioning from traditional solvent-based adhesives to solvent-free alternatives,” Talwar explained the advantages of this change, mentioning, “Solvent-based adhesives required the evaporation of solvent, resulting in 60-65% of volatile material being released into the atmosphere.” He further elaborated that since the early 2000s, India has increasingly embraced solvent-free technologies, which offer numerous benefits, including up to 50% cost savings in adhesive expenses and enhanced operational efficiency.
“The Indian industry has really gravitated towards solvent-free technology,” Talwar remarked. He pointed out that Brilliant Polymers currently derives 70% of its revenue from solvent-free products, indicating a robust market acceptance of this innovation. The company is now introducing high-performance products aimed at converting the remaining solvent-based applications, such as those used for tomato ketchup, hair dye, and shampoo, to solvent-free solutions.
Moreover, Talwar noted the impressive adaptability of the Indian flexible packaging industry. He shared that bulk packaging previously limited to 5 kg is now being produced in 15 to 25 kg capacities using solvent-free technology. “It’s amazing to see that the Indian flexible packaging industry is so receptive to the change,” he added. This eagerness to adopt new solutions stems from both sustainability and economic advantages.
When asked about the limitations of solvent-free production, Talwar expressed optimism, stating that most applications can now be handled with solvent-free technology. However, he acknowledged that while the cost of high-performance products, such as retort packages, remains a challenge, advancements in cost engineering will eventually address these issues.
On the topic of machinery investments, Talwar indicated a clear trend towards solvent-free systems. “For the last 2-5 years, new investments have been happening in solvent-free technologies,” he explained, noting that the number of new solvent-free machines entering India annually is significantly higher than those for solvent-based systems. He predicts that over the next 5 to 10 years, the reliance on legacy solvent-based equipment will diminish.
Talwar also addressed the motivations behind brands and converters adopting sustainable solutions. He suggested that it is a combination of government regulations and increasing awareness among brand owners. He pointed out, “Brand owners are also becoming very conscious,” and stressed that when suppliers can offer value, making the shift towards sustainability becomes easier.
In conclusion, Talwar highlighted the need for continued collaboration among industry stakeholders to foster sustainable practices without incurring excessive costs. “If we want sustainability to happen, we have to offer it at a value to them,” he said.
