What Uflex Limited recently did is a perfect pedagogy for the packaging industry on how smart and seamless dovetailing of existing resources, domain knowledge from its various business verticals and expertise can be a real game-changer for everyone across the value chain. The recently launched ASEPTO Smart 78 is a classic case in point. Engineered by Uflex and launched at the PackEx India exhibition in New Delhi, this aseptic liquid filling machine reflects Uflex’s legacy and expertise as a fully integrated flexible packaging solution company. ASEPTO Smart 78 perfectly complements the aseptic liquid packaging material that Uflex will be manufacturing out of its recently commissioned plant in Sanand, Gujarat under the brand name ASEPTO. The aseptic filling line launched by Uflex at PackEx completes the product and service continuum for non-aerated liquid brands to offer them a flawless experience. “That’s the real advantage of dealing with a fully integrated flexible packaging materials and solution company like Uflex,” said Ashwani Kumar Sharma, president and CEO, new business initiatives, Uflex Limited.
The next 24 months will be very exciting for our customers because they did not have much options or choices over the past 25 years… We will be offering the entire continuum of solution-oriented products and services to our clients right from day one – Ashwani Kumar Sharma
“We are integrating and dovetailing the capabilities of our holographic business and other strategic verticals with our liquid packaging business to come up with fully integrated unparalleled non-aerated liquid packaging solution that is a really rare feat. What is most remarkable is the fact that ASEPTO Smart 78 is the first ever fully Indian aseptic liquid filling line. In fact our liquid packaging material manufacturing plant at Sanand is an ode to Government’s Make In India initiative,” said Sharma. “We are using our inherent strengths. The aim is not just to be unique but to offer value for money to our customers. Our endeavour at Uflex has always been to add value to the businesses of our clients globally.”
ASEPTO Smart 78 is the first ever fully Indian advanced and sophisticated aseptic liquid filling line with a capacity of 7,800 packs per hour for pack sizes ranging from 100, 125, 160 and 200 ml slim packs. The machine comes equipped with special tools for superior and optimized operation. It has several significant features such as advanced integration with PLC, lesser electronic parts, better human interfacing making it operator friendly in addition to delivering highest production speed than any other comparable machines. “The machine is low on maintenance which is a big advantage for our clients as it will bring down the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). In this category, most of the machines generally process 7,500 packs per hour unlike ours that has the capacity of processing 7,800 packs per hour,” said Sharma.
ASEPTO Smart 78 is the first ever fully Indian advanced and sophisticated aseptic liquid filling line with a capacity of 7,800 packs per hour for pack sizes ranging from 100, 125, 160 and 200 ml slim packs. In this category, most of the machines generally process 7,500 packs per hour unlike ASEPTO that has the capacity of processing 7,800 packs per hour.
Uflex had conceptualized the aseptic liquid packaging business almost two to three years ago and had started working on engineering the laminates and the machine simultaneously. “The industry had been looking up to Uflex with great expectations to take a leap and lead in this field, and for us it was a great venture because it resonated with Government’s ‘Make in India’ ethos. Today we are ready with the full-fledged aseptic liquid packaging solution with both laminates and the aseptic liquid filling line. We will offer our customers the entire solution right from laminate to the filling machine. All they have to do now is to concentrate on making their beverages without having to worry about the packaging which we are there to take care of, ” said Sharma. “Uflex’s robust and forever on toes aftersales services will further ensure optimized performance of the machine at our clients’ premises.”
“The next 24 months will be very exciting for our customers because they did not have much options or choices over the past 25 years. At this stage, I can say that our non-aerated liquid material manufacturing clients are up and excited for a pleasant alternate packaging supplier that they have found in us in India. We will be offering the entire continuum of solution-oriented products and services to our clients right from day one,” added Sharma.
Speaking about the aseptic liquid market, Sharma said, “The Indian aseptic market is growing in excess of 15% per annum. This is a very promising growth. In the next 5 to 6 years, the market will double up in all likelihoods. The industry is up for great and exciting times ahead,” concluded Sharma.
– Mahan Hazarika
