Constantia Flexibles is opening what it claims is the world's first plant in India to exclusively produce more sustainable and recyclable flexible packaging. Production at the new plant will focus on the more environmentally friendly EcoLam packaging family.
The reduction of waste in general and plastic waste in particular is a relevant topic, also for the food, household and personal care industry in India. The Indian government recognised this problem and introduced the so-called „Plastic Waste Management Rules“ adopted.
Among other things, these regulations stipulate that single-use plastics, such as pouches, must be completely avoided by 2022. Another component of the new regulations is the gradual elimination of multi-layer plastics that cannot be recycled.
„We are aware of our responsibility towards the industry, end consumers and, above all, the environment. That is why we are not only focussing on developing more environmentally friendly packaging, we have also designed the world's first plant in which Only sustainable packaging are produced. The plant named Constantia Ecoflex Ahmedabad is located in Gujarat in India, the perfect market for the realisation of such a pioneering project.“
Alexander Baumgartner, CEO of Constantia Flexibles
Sustainable packaging at the new plant in Ahmedabad
The decision to open a plant in India was relatively easy. Among other things, the new „Plastic Waste Management Rules“ show that the Indian government Pressure on the recycling industry and that it supports initiatives and companies that are committed to reducing waste.
Production at the new plant will focus on EcoLam, a packaging family that is part of Constantia Flexibles' innovative Ecolutions product line. EcoLam is a lightweight Mono PE laminate, which is suitable for a wide range of packaging applications.
Due to the Mono-material structure it is fully recyclable and the CO2-balance is about 32 % lower than comparable products. The EcoLam product family is available in different barrier grades (EcoLam, EcoLamPlus, EcoLamHighPlus) to fulfil the requirements for barrier properties for a diverse product range.
[infotext icon]After a construction period of just over two years, Constantia Ecoflex Ahmedabad started trial operations in September 2019. The official opening of the first site of its kind will take place on 20 November in Ahmedabad, Gujarat/India. The plant covers an area of 24,500 square metres and currently employs 50 people, a number that is set to triple by the second quarter of 2020[/infotext].Source: Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH
