At the Hiplex exhibition in Hyderabad, UFlex showcased its advanced machinery, specifically highlighting its solventless laminator. The cutting-edge laminator operates at remarkable speeds, reaching up to 450 meters. Speaking about the exhibition, Sanjay Sabharwal EVP and CMO, engineering business, UFlex, said, “Exhibitions offer more than just display opportunities. They provide a platform to engage with a diverse audience and showcase the comprehensive array of machines in our portfolio. Thus, at the Hiplex exhibition, the solventless laminator took center stage, capturing attention. We also engaged in discussions about our diverse range of printing and extrusion lamination machines.”
Unceasing innovation – UFlex’s ongoing commitment
Innovation is a constant at UFlex. The inception of the solventless laminator dates back approximately 20 years, with UFlex pioneering its manufacturing within the country. However, in more recent times, UFlex’s endeavors led to the development of a registered lamination feature, elevating the capabilities of the machine. This enhancement allows the machine to perform registered lamination, wherein the second substrate is laminated in alignment with specific registration marks. The precision ensures that a designated window is positioned accurately for showcasing the enclosed product.
Elaborating on the advantages of registered lamination, Sabharwal explained, “The benefits primarily cater to the end user’s experience. When lamination is carried out, the main aim is to enhance barrier properties. To achieve superior barrier properties, the usual practice involves laminating a printed substrate with a metallized second film. However, this approach obscures the product within, preventing visibility – the experience is distinctly enhanced when end users can directly observe the product through its packaging. To optimize results, a designated window is typically left open. This window is a small area that serves both for displaying the product inside and maintaining the desired barrier. Crucially, this window needs to be precisely positioned, rather than being randomly placed.”
Ushering new dimensions in business evolution
“UFlex has evolved into an established institution, encompassing diverse business verticals. Consequently, advancements within one vertical often trigger a ripple effect that resonates across other facets of the business. In the realm of progress, it’s widely acknowledged that contemporary developments align with utilizing polymers from the same family for laminations or opting for monopolymers, all while emphasizing the pivotal concept of recyclability. These trends stem from the domain of films, serving as the initial source. However, this journey inevitably extends to encompass the necessity for corresponding equipment,” said Sabharwal.
Recognizing this trajectory some time ago, UFlex proactively devised and introduced two novel products to cater to these needs. First, the CI flexo, a breakthrough innovation enabling the printing of stretchable films. Second, the extrusion coating lamination –a cutting-edge machine facilitating the lamination of multiple films using the same polymer. “This strategic foresight has positioned us to remain at the forefront of forthcoming market developments, preparing ourselves for the landscape we anticipate in the years ahead,” said Sabharwal.
Growth is perpetually intertwined with requirements. Through an evolving market landscape and the dynamic shifts that ensue, in conjunction with its diverse business verticals, UFlex possesses the acumen to instinctively discern and anticipate forthcoming market trends. “This insight empowers us to introduce innovative products aligned with these trends. For instance, the ongoing discourse revolves around PE-PE laminates, with the outer layer potentially incorporating MDO, a specialized form of PE production. As a result, we have proactively readied ourselves by aligning our printing and packaging machinery offerings with the evolving landscape of laminates prevalent within the country,” explained Sabharwal.
Evolving dynamics of the packaging sector in India
“The business landscape is in a constant state of flux. Within India, the packaging sector remains relatively nascent. When we examine the per capita consumption of packaging materials, a stark contrast emerges when compared to more developed nations – the utilization of packaging materials here appears notably disproportionate. This incongruity effectively highlights the substantial prospects that lie ahead. These prospects are translated into a surge of significant order volumes and a consistent demand from increasingly discerning clientele, necessitating enhanced printing and packaging equipment capabilities, characterized by elevated operational efficiency,” concluded Sabharwal.