With the commencement of the 10th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit 2023 at the prestigious Reliance Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, featuring a thought-provoking keynote address by Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of UFlex Group. In his speech, Mr. Chaturvedi emphasized the pivotal role of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and enzymatic processing in accelerating sustainable innovation within the flexible packaging industry.
Reflecting on the evolution of the plastics industry, Mr. Chaturvedi noted, “Back in the 1960s, when chemical companies were developing large-scale plastic production facilities, they coined the slogan: If you want to save the planet, use plastic. We truly believe that today, if producers can reach consumers globally, it is possible only because of flexible packaging”. He highlighted that the production size has increased exponentially since then, necessitating a shift towards multi-layer plastic (MLP) packaging and the development of a robust recycling ecosystem, including bio-enzyme technology.
“At UFlex, we have made significant investments in industrial and MLP waste recycling facilities across our global locations,” Mr. Chaturvedi stated, “and very recently, in enzyme-based delamination and recycling technology for aseptic packaging. We should continue to focus on mechanical recycling. Chemical recycling may not be happening today but will happen in the future.”
Mr. Chaturvedi emphasized the importance of leveraging machinery and AI for waste collection and sorting to reduce the environmental footprint and improve the livelihoods of marginalized waste workers. “Waste collection and adequate access to post-consumer waste are two of the biggest problems that we face in India. It is critical to recognize that it is not the process of recycling that presents the most significant hurdle in addressing plastic pollution. Rather, it is the efficient and holistic collection and management of plastic waste that emerges as the cornerstone of our battle,” he concluded.
The 10th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit 2023 also features specialized sessions dedicated to sustainability, including panel discussions with eminent speakers from the Central Pollution Control Board of India (CPCB), the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of the Government of India.
With more than 100 exhibitors and a strong presence of brand owners, the summit promises to be a pivotal platform for discussions on sustainable packaging and environmental responsibility in the flexible packaging industry.