Noida, September 16, 2023: UFlex Limited's Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, presented a study report on the 'Recyclability of Multi-Layered Aseptic Packaging' during a roundtable event organized by the Plastics Packaging Research and Development Centre (PPRDC). UFlex is an Indian multinational flexible packaging and solutions company. The report launch featured several attendees, including Mr. Deepak Mishra, Joint Secretary of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Government of India, and Prof. (Dr.) Shishir Sinha, DG-CIPET.
The report unveiling was followed by a presentation on 'Aseptic Liquid Packaging - Opportunities & Challenges' by Mr. Ashwini K. Sharma, President and CEO of UFlex's Aseptic Liquid Packaging Business. He also showcased UFlex's advanced aseptic recycling facility in Gwalior, which transforms aseptic packaging waste into various industrial and everyday use products. Mr. Jeevaraj Pillai, Chief Sustainability Officer at UFlex and Trustee of PPRDC, discussed recycling methods for Multi-Layered Packaging (Category III), while Dr.PaijitSangchai, Enzymologist, presented on the topic of Meeting EPR Guidelines for MLP (Category III), alongside Mr. Vikas Garg from A. A. Garg and Company. Additional speakers included Mr. Mihir Banerji, Secretary General and Coordinator at PPRDC, and Mr. Manas Sarkar, Business HR Head and Sustainability Lead of UFlex's Packaging Business, also a Council Member of PPRDC.
Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, Chairman and Managing Director, UFlex Limited said, “We welcome the government’s initiatives toward clean India as it is a stepping-stone for a clean planet. As a global leader in packaging, we have made significant investments in industrial and MLP (multi-layer mixed plastic) waste recycling facilities across our global locations and very recently, in multi-layer aseptic recycling technology. Historically, multi-layer aseptic packaging is considered “non-recyclable” as the packaging structures are made of a mix of materials (such as paper, polyethylene, and aluminum foil). Multi-layer aseptic packaging mostly ends up in landfills or is incinerated. UFlex has invested in an advanced Enzymatic Delamination Technology to enable aseptic packaging recycling. Enzymatic delamination utilizes enzymes to break down the bonding between different layers of the packaging materials, allowing for the separation of individual layers such as paper and polyethylene/foil laminate which can be reused in the production of new products. UFlex has set up a state-of-the-art aseptic packaging recycling facility in Gwalior and would like to invite brand owners, civic bodies, NGOs, and recyclers to visit our facilities and learn more about this technology. This report will help brand owners and recyclers appreciate the technical processes, possibilities, and financial returns on recycling MLAP (multi-layer aseptic plastic) waste. In a country like India, this could provide a direction for the treatment of aseptic plastic waste in a sustainable manner and bring circularity in aseptic packaging”.
"We all realize that this world cannot do without plastic packaging, and it is the biggest contributor to our farmers’ income. 90% of the produce from farmers is made available to consumers thanks to MLP packaging. While we have invested our own time and money, and developed technology to pave the way for recycling in India, we believe that adequate regulatory support in creating the right environment to boost recycling is the need of the hour. Often, a well-drafted law accelerates the pace of change like nothing else”, Charurvedi added.
Mr. Anantshree Chaturvedi, Vice Chairman and CEO of Flex Films International, said, “The PPRDC roundtables are a great initiative to bring all stakeholders together to discuss industry trends and best practices toward a collective goal. We recently showcased our global sustainability project called ‘Plastic Fix’ at the PRDC roundtable that applies recycling, pyrolysis, biodegradable enzymes, and other practical solutions to enhance the recyclability and circularity of plastics.”
Mr. Ashwani K. Sharma, President and CEO, Aseptic Liquid Packaging Business, UFLex Limited, said, “At UFlex, we recognize the critical role of aseptic packaging in our modern economy, and we are committed to driving innovation that aligns sustainability with economic progress. Our advanced enzymatic delamination technology is a testament to our investment and commitment to highly efficient, technologically advanced, and sustainable practices. By upcycling aseptic packaging waste into valuable industrial and daily-use products, we are paving the way to address one of the biggest challenges of recycling aseptic packaging waste for the industry and the country. We look forward to playing a critical role in creating a more sustainable future for India and beyond."
The event drew participation from brand owners and industry experts across the country who engaged in discussions regarding the future of recycling and compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines. The Plastics Packaging Research and Development Centre (PPRDC) is a non-profit research and development center established by the Multilayer Plastics Films Sanitation Trust. PPRDC recently organized a one-day roundtable thematic discussion on ‘Sustainable Packaging and EPR Regulations’ in Delhi, focusing on educating industry stakeholders about EPR norms and building a circular economy.
