Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Adhesives“There is positive sentiment in the flexible packaging industry...

“There is positive sentiment in the flexible packaging industry despite shrinking margins” – Gaurav Talwar of Brilliant Polymers

-

“There is positive sentiment in the flexible packaging industry despite shrinking margins” – Gaurav Talwar of Brilliant Polymers

-
Gaurav Talwar of Brilliant Polymers
Gaurav Talwar, managing director of Brilliant Polymers at the 9th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit in Mumbai in September 2022. Photo: The Packman

Speaking to The Packman on the sidelines of the 9th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit in Mumbai in September 2022, Gaurav Talwar, managing director of Brilliant Polymers, said, “Solvent-free lamination has made rapid inroads recently becoming the top pick for companies that are looking at sustainability seriously. Solvent-free laminating adhesive is now the new technology that the flexible packaging industry is moving toward. It enables the manufacture of various sustainable structures such as low monomer, ultra-low monomer, aliphatic system, etc. – this is the direction the industry is heading towards.”

“In solvent-based lamination, we typically have to dilute the adhesives to 35% solid while 65% solid is evaporated into the environment for which we need heat energy. This has huge carbon emissions. In solvent-free lamination, however, this can be avoided,” said Talwar.

Sustainability and source reduction

Talwar, an assertive proponent of source reduction, said, “While talking about sustainability, we also need to strongly consider source reduction. We should use less carbon, volume and mass at every step of the product life cycle and track the impact of a product at each stage. For example, to improve hand hygiene in a way that it is both effective and eco-friendly, Godrej Consumer Products recently came up with its innovative powder-to-liquid handwash Magic – the world’s most affordable and sustainable handwash. Converting the handwash to powder form allows them to significantly reduce the plastic used in packaging. Compared to a regular handwash refill, we need only half as much plastic.”

“Right now the industry is very much engrossed in things like monolayer, plant-based films, recycling of plastics, etc. That is absolutely fine although these structures are yet to be fully vetted, evaluated and tested. But the real question arises after these laminates are being used – how are we going to collect them? That question is yet to be answered. I think a lot of focus is needed not just on mono-material, but also on finding a solution to collect, segregate, process, recycle and reuse this material – that is how a circular economy will happen. I think a lot more needs to be done in this direction and the government has to lead the initiative – be it through a PPP model or with the help of local bodies.”

Strategies ahead and Indian flexible packaging industry

Brilliant Polymers recently inaugurated a new plant in Ambernath which has doubled the total capacity of the company to 45,600 tonnes. Talwar said, “Our strategy for India and global markets is to expand geographically and technologically. Geographically we are now exporting our products to several more countries – earlier it used to be just Africa and Gulf. Now we are catering to all of South Asia, South East Asia, and we are also looking at Europe and the US. Our strategy, especially for India, is to remain focused on solvent-based and solvent-free adhesives. However, we are also evaluating heat seal coating, cold seal coating, and water-based adhesives as the growth areas for the coming years making ourselves a full-service supplier in laminating adhesives.”

Talwar is bullish about the Indian flexible packaging industry. He said, “As far as the flexible packaging industry is concerned, I don’t see any real threat. There is going to be more demand for food, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals products etc. in the coming days. So the demand for flexible packaging will increase even further. Moreover, the industry is talking about expansion and growth. There is a positive sentiment in the industry despite shrinking margins.”

Mahan Hazarika
Mahan Hazarika
Mahan Hazarika assumes the role of Editor at The Packman, a position he has held since 2017, reflecting a distinguished decade-long tenure specializing in journalism within the printing and packaging sectors. Beyond his professional realm, he nurtures a deep appreciation for music, travel, and films, finding inspiration and relaxation in these pursuits.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Latest news

Siegwerk, Borouge, and TPN Food Packaging launch recyclable mono-material packaging solution

Siegwerk, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels; Borouge, a...

Sonipat’s Shree Jee Printers invests in new Komori

A complete house of printing, Sonipat (Haryana)-based Shree Jee Printers serves clients considerably in the publishing and packaging segments....

Morris Packaging and UFlex forge strategic partnership to deliver sustainable woven bag series

Morris Packaging and UFlex Packaging have announced a new partnership in the woven bag series that further strengthens their...

PPL Nigeria – an Indian story beyond boundaries

Established in 2011, Perfect Packaging – the brainchild of Yudhviram Solanki, with the distinction of being the first manufacturer...
- Advertisement -spot_img

London Packaging Week partners with Vital Hardware

London Packaging Week has partnered with charity Vital Hardware in its continuing mission to uplift and shine a spotlight...

Indian buyer invests in Wanjie India’s label press at Labelexpo Europe 2025

At Labelexpo Europe 2025 held at Barcelona in Spain, Wanjie India marked a remarkable presence alongside its parent company...

Must read

SIG lays foundation of its first Indian aseptic carton plant in Ahmedabad

SIG, a leading packaging solutions provider, laid the foundation...

Nestlé launches bio-based lids and scoops made from renewable resource

Nestlé has announced that it will introduce bio-based lids...

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you