ITC’s Paperboards and Specialty Papers Business has strengthened its leadership position in the value-added paperboard (VAP) segment through focused innovations, development of customised solutions for end-use industries and superior end-user engagements, the company announced in its annual report 2023-24. The business also consolidated its leadership position in the eco-labelled products and premium recycled paperboards segments.
The paperboards and packaging industry is poised for transformative change in the medium term. Customers are increasingly seeking solutions that are bio-degradable, substitute single use plastic and meet stakeholder and regulatory expectations across industries including food serving & delivery, pharmaceutical, beauty and electronics, the annual report said. The business has adopted a multi-tiered strategy to build solutions that will replace single use plastics and meet emergent consumer needs.
Within ITC’s sustainable products portfolio, Platform 1 comprises a range of recyclable, compostable and barrier coated boards. This range includes the ‘Filo’ series – ‘FiloBev’ (for cups), ‘FiloServe’ (for QSR, bakeries, food retail) & ‘FiloPack’ (packaging for sweets and deep freeze applications) and is witnessing strong growth momentum in both domestic and international markets.
The Filo series has been certified compostable by the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) and the manufacturing unit at Bollaram has been registered with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
During the year, Flustix (Less Plastic) certification also has been received for FiloPack. The business is stepping up investments, including setting up a state-of-the-art coater, in this fast-evolving space which holds immense growth potential, supported by the R&D capabilities of ITC’s Life Sciences & Technology Centre, and through external collaborations with global specialists.
Platform 2 comprises a range of first-to-market Fusion boards that are fully recyclable and replace plastic ‘foam’ board. End-use applications include indoor display solutions involving replacement of plastic signboards and shelves.
Platform 3 offers futuristic packaging solutions comprising premium Moulded Fibre Products (MFP) made from renewable natural fibres such as wood, bamboo, bagasse, waste paper etc. In order to cater to this rapidly growing segment, ITC’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ITC Fibre Innovations Limited (IFIL), forayed into the fast-growing MFP space with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art MFP manufacturing facility in Badiyakhedi, Madhya Pradesh in March 2024. IFIL will leverage the expertise of the Business in fibre value chain, manufacturing excellence and strong sustainability credentials to rapidly scale-up business going forward, the company announced.
Recognising the growing need for sustainable packaging, the Packaging and Printing Business continued to craft innovative packaging solutions leveraging its deep understanding of end-user needs and the capabilities of ITC’s Life Sciences and Technology Centre, the report said.
During the year, the flagship ‘InnovPack’ campaign was further scaled up. Collaborations with several end-use customers aided accelerated adoption of sustainable packaging and plastic substitution solutions. A pipeline of products developed through proprietary solutions such as ‘Bioseal’ (compostable coating to replace plastics), ‘Oxyblock’ (recyclable coating solution to enhance barrier properties in packaging) and ‘Germ free coating’ (solution for microbial free packaging surface addressing the consumer consciousness towards hygiene and safety) have been introduced, with increasing adoption levels across end use segments.
The company continues to focus on developing/scaling up several innovative solutions towards ‘Reducing, Reusing and Recycling’ of plastics; these are under various stages of commercialisation.
ITC’s FMCG brands adopt sustainable packaging solutions
Fiama, Vivel and Savlon have been frontrunners in adopting sustainable packaging for the soap portfolio, the report said. PET bottles of Fiama Showergel and Handwash contain 50% recycled plastic; Vivel and Fiama Soaps packaging is 100% recyclable; Engage perfume sprays are now made with 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material.
Further, plastic free cartons are being used for Engage Cologne and sustainable materials are being used for point-of-sale promotions across several brands.
Other examples include: Sunfeast Farmlite High Fibre Digestive biscuits in 100% paper outer bag, Savlon Wet Wipes with a PET layer comprising 70% Post Consumer Plastic Recyclate.
