The FFS technologies and the future of polymer packaging webinar shed light on the importance of FFS packaging, potential demand trends, the process, and the challenges of the Indian market. Sponsored and supported by W&H, Aventus, Exxon-Mobil, and the Delhi chapter of the Indian Plastics Institute, the webinar was organized by IppStar and Packaging South Asia. Moderated by Naresh Khanna, editor of Packaging South Asia, the 90-minute webinar attracted 600 registrations and 300 attendees and at its height – 71 online questions.
Vineet Gupta, the vice chairman of the Delhi chapter of the Indian Plastics Institute and Head of Technical Marketing of HPCL-Mittal Energy in his keynote remarks highlighted the refineries coming into production in the country that will generate significant demand for polymer packaging and logistics both domestically and for exports. He clearly outlined the opportunity for polymer packaging as well for other chemicals and bulk products.
“FFS packaging distinguishes itself from the conventional packaging technique. Being formed, filled, and sealed in one machine is something new and highly important as well for the Indian market,” said Jorn Griesel, senior sales manager, Aventus, adding, ”Characterized with the heat sealing system, it is trouble-free, with low maintenance, much faster and more reliable.
“FFS technology reflects a paradigm shift in polymer packaging, said Rajan Jolly, sales manager, Aventus highlighting the structured inline efficiency of the equipment and the output of non-slip stackable packed products on palettes ready for logistics including sea freight.
FFS in India
FFS technology is somewhat new with its operation and maintenance just gaining traction. “FFS is new to India so the skill set is also limited for its operation. Not difficult but new,” reassured Dibyendu Deepak, CEO, Repono.
Expressing his concerns about the low acceptability of the technology in India and his hope for the future, Jolly said, “In spite of the high global acceptability, India is not a key player in this category because the Indian market primarily caters to the domestic demand. But now the industry is embracing automated logistic and warehousing systems. So I feel we have a better opportunity in going ahead with FFS technology.”
Nilesh Shah, global technology lead, and Nishant Paliwal, head of market development, ExxonMobil highlighted the influence of government policies in providing the right and conducive environment for the production and export of the materials as well the demands of high-quality polymers to produce the films needed for downgauging and recyclable packaging without compromising the strength and quality.
Divyanshu Katiyar, flexible packaging equipment sales manager, and Christoph Heepe, technical sales manager extrusion, WindmÖller & HÖLSCHER, highlighted the process of making heavy-duty films for the FFS packaging solution. “We could break the conventional method and were able to achieve the highest possible output while down-gauging the packaging as well,” said Heepe.
“For a successful FFS packaging you need three components – good packaging, using good FFS film from the appropriate raw materials and technology, and reliable operation and maintenance as well,” said Deepak. Increasing acceptability of the technology demands operational and maintenance inputs and here Haver & Boecker pitches itself as one of the best maintenance provider companies in India. “The customer wants the best for its high investment machines, so here we come into play offering a variety of modules to the customer for operation and maintenance,” says Nobert Wirth, managing director (India), Haver & Boecker.
The webinar provided inputs from equipment, raw material suppliers, converters, maintenance, and logistics experts as well a keynote from an end user. It embodied the innovation and collaboration needed to address high-demand opportunities with efficient and profitable industrial strength solutions. Shri Prakash Werlemann-Gupta, the managing director of WindmÖller & HÖLSCHER India, graciously and warmly acknowledged the experts and the enthusiasm of the converter for their participation.
IppStar and Packaging South Asia’s next webinar sponsored by Mettler-Toledo will take place on the afternoon of 5 October 2023. It will cover the food packaging safety and inspection systems. Further, the PackNXT one-day conference on active and intelligent packaging in conjunction with Amsterdam-based AIPIA will take place at the Lalit Hotel in Mumbai on 18 January 2024.
