Expansions: Covestro ups capacity for PC films in Thailand; Jindal launches BOPA nylon films in India

With the mechanical completion of new production lines at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Park in Thailand, German materials firm Covestro says it has further increased its global capacity for polycarbonate (PC) specialty films. The investment is in the higher double-digit million Euro range, the project has been completed on schedule. A total of around 40 new jobs will be created.

Covestro has been operating a production facility for Specialty Films in Thailand since 2007. The range comprises polycarbonate films from the Makrofol range and Bayfol products made from polycarbonate blends. These specialty films are used in many applications across multiple industries, such as healthcare, mobility and Identification documents.

Since 2022, the Map Ta Phut site is ISCC Plus-certified, enabling it to manufacture and supply mass-balanced products. With the mass balance approach, bio-based or recycled raw materials are fed in at an early stage of raw material extraction and mathematically allocated to the finished products. This saves fossil raw materials and reduces CO2 emissions, while the quality of the mass-balanced products remains identical to that of purely fossil-based products. With this drop-in solution, manufacturers can continue to use their proven formulations, equipment, and processes.

In addition, Covestro adds it already offers a range of films made partly with plant-based raw materials or partly from recycled plastics.

Meanwhile in other news, JPFL Films Private Limited, a subsidiary of India’s biggest flexible packaging company, Jindal Poly Films Ltd, has announced that it has launched what it says are the first biaxially oriented polyamide (BOPA) nylon films in India. The firm invested Rs 120 crore at its facility in Nasik.

This unveiling of BOPA nylon films is in line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and a strategic move to bolster the company’s growth, it says.

One of the main characteristics of this offering is its isotropicity (same set of characteristics or properties in all directions) produced in exclusive Japanese double bubble film technology that promises dimensional stability puncture resistant and homogeneity across the length and width of the product. In addition, the product is suitable for high-speed printing and serves as an effective barrier for aroma and gases.

Speaking on the launch, Dr Mahesh N Gopalasamudram, Deputy CEO (Growth Division), JPFL Films,said, “With the launch of BOPA nylon films, JPFL Films Private Limited has emerged as the first player to bring the innovation to the Indian market. This unique product offers improved mechanical properties and aroma barrier. This will also play a pivotal role in bringing solutions across pharma, medical, FMCG and food applications. It will be noteworthy to point out that 100% of these films were imported till recently.”

He added, “BOPA films is also produced by our group company Jindal Nylon films in Italy.”

Jindal Poly Films (JPFL) started the flexible packaging films business in 1996 and has grown into a US$500 million turnover company with 2,500+ workforce. JPFL Films, a key subsidiary, is the largest flexible packaging films manufacturer in India and provides a one-stop solution to its customers across all segments. Its Nasik plant, it adds, is said to be the world’s largest single location facility for the manufacturing of flexible packaging films.

Part of the US$2.5 billion BC Jindal Group, which was established in 1952, the group has a diverse workforce of more than 10,000 people across India, Europe, and the US. Key business verticals include flexible packaging films, energy generation and downstream steel products.

SUBSCRIBE to Get the Latest Updates from PRA    Click Here»