The future of specialty film and flexible packaging

The global plastic production, which was merely 1.5 million tonnes in 1950, has now increased to 280 million tonnes by 2011. North America leads the usage of flexible packaging, followed by Asia. China is by far, the largest user of flexible packaging followed by Japan and then India. But looking at per capita consumption of flexible packaging, India and China have a lot to cover. That's because the present per capita flexible consumption is $1 for India and $2 for China which are too small in comparison to $15 for South Korea and $45 for North America. However, India is expected to show sustained growth over the next several years as life style in India is changing and retail revolution has just begun.

The Chemicals & Petrochemicals Manufacturers Association (CPMA) of India with support from Elite Plus Business Services Pvt. Ltd. organised a one-day event called “Specialty Films and Flexible Packaging Global Conference - 2012” in Mumbai on 12 September 2012. The conference was attended by 581 participants (including speakers, session chairmen and media) representing companies from over 20 countries. The conference addressed one of the most vibrant sectors of flexible packaging, which has exhibited over 15% compounded growth since last several years.

Mr.Ulrich Reifenhauser, Managing Director of Reifenhauser GmbH & Co. Maschinenfabrik gave a global overview of the packaging industry. Mr Chitrandar Dar , Chief Executive Food Division , ITC Ltd, enthralled the audience with his view on the road ahead for the consumer sector. The global retail volume as per Euromonitor is close to 4 billion units as of 2011. By 2016, flexible packaging, which represents almost 50% of this volume, will witness a growth of 17%. Flexible plastic represents 1.4 billion units out of a total retail volume of 1.9 billion units.

The conference also addressed various issues, including the global trends and outlook for the flexible packaging sector, recent developments in materials, both in the commodity and in the specialty categories. Recent developments in multilayer film structures, post-extrusion lamination and coating and adhesives for a variety of food and non-food packaging applications were also covered.

The conference also addressed the most sensitive issue of sustainability and environment and packaging's role in support of these initiatives. It was clearly brought out that the producer, consumer, local municipality and a profitable business model all have equal role to play in arriving at a sustainable solution. Overall, 27 speakers addressed all aspects of this vibrant industry and provided tremendous insight into the bright future for sustained growth of this industry.

Global giants in the manufacture of plastic converting machinery were present in full force and demonstrated new range of high throughput machines, which are now available. These machines conserve energy and provide better tolerance to the finished product. International speakers from Europe demonstrated examples of recent developments in packaging, especially targeting the developing market.

The organisers also presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to Mr. Ulrich Reifenhauser, whose company made the first extruder way back in 1948. The award was in recognition to the yeoman service rendered to flexible packaging industry by his company. The second award was bestowed upon Mr. Shri Ashok Chaturvedi - Chairman and Managing Director of Uflex Group, who in a span of 30 years has become a global giant in the area of flexible packaging in India and abroad.

The conference was a resounding success with delegates thrilled with the content of the presentations renowned speakers and the opportunity to network. This was the first time that all sectors connecteNew Balance