The 11th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Business Summit concluded in Mumbai on 1 October 2024, focusing on developments in flexible films, laminates, and sustainable packaging solutions.
Held at the Jio World Convention Centre from 30 September to 1 October, the event attracted 2100 attendees from 825 organisations across 28 countries, showcasing global advancements with over 100 exhibition stalls.
Organised by ElitePlus and supported by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, the summit highlighted sustainability within the packaging sector, exploring new technologies, design innovations, and industry regulations. The agenda highlighted collaborations between global brand owners and plastic waste processors to drive the use of post-consumer recyclates (PCR), regulatory frameworks shaping industry practices, and new business opportunities through sustainable initiatives.
Attendees spanned five key sectors: raw materials, machinery, converters, brand owners, and plastic waste processors, with regular participation from policy-makers and industry associations. The event also marked a first by addressing alternative flexible packaging materials that could complement or replace plastics through advanced conversion technologies.
The summit included discussions on topics such as the evolving role of packaging in customer experience, AI-driven engagement, and sustainability in eCommerce. Saugata Gupta, CEO of Marico, discussed leveraging AI for sustainable packaging, while Jacob Duer, president and CEO of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, underscored India’s role in global sustainability with 12 projects focused on circularity and waste management.
Ashok Chaturvedi, chairman and managing director of Uflex Group, stressed the need for realistic sustainability programs that balance circularity with product preservation. He noted that certain applications still require specialised multilayer packaging for optimal performance.
The summit also recognised industry leaders, with Shri Amit Ray receiving the Professional Excellence Award for his contributions to the Indian plastics sector, and Shiv Kishan Agrawal, founder and chairman of Haldiram’s, being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his impact on the snack and packaging industries.
Key discussions included polymer market trends, regional cost dynamics, and the potential for India’s polyethylene production growth. Experts projected global polymer demand to reach 428 million metric tons by 2035, driven by economic growth and evolving consumer needs.
Other sessions explored flexible packaging’s role in green energy, alternative materials like paper and foil, and enhanced printing technologies. Advances in mono-material structures and high-temperature-resistant films were also highlighted as critical to achieving greater recyclability without sacrificing functionality.
Notable technologies featured at the event included Bubble Guard, a multi-layered recyclable polypropylene solution, with applications ranging from construction to automotive sectors. The summit provided ample networking opportunities, introducing a dedicated lounge within the exhibition area for the first time.
Nidhi Verma, co-founder and managing director of ElitePlus, expressed gratitude to participants, speakers, and partners, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to supporting innovation and sustainability in the packaging industry. ElitePlus looks forward to hosting the 12th edition of the summit in 2025.
