UFlex unveils India’s first U-shaped paper straw production as government bans plastic options
19 Apr 2022 --- UFlex is setting up India’s first U-shaped paper straw manufacturing line for its aseptic liquid packaging business at its packaging plant in Sanand, Gujarat, India.
The flexible packaging material solution and polymer science company’s paper straw manufacturing line will employ fully automated Dutch technology, delivering a production capacity of approximately 2.4 billion straws annually.
Ashwani Kumar Sharma, president and CEO, Aseptic Liquid Packaging Business, UFlex, tells PackagingInsights: “Paper straws are environmentally friendly products and 100% recyclable and renewable. Our U-shape paper straw is food-grade, moisture resistant, sustainable and compatible to aseptic liquid cartons for portion packs.”
UFlex-Asepto is importing the machinery and equipment from Dutch technology company Tembo Paper.
The U-Shape paper straws will be available in 145 mm and 165 mm sizes and be attached to and utilized for portion packs for juices and other beverages. UFlex paper straws will be food grade, moisture-resistant and made from environmentally sustainably sourced papers, which are 100% recyclable.
UFlex Asepto says it sets up the world’s fastest and India’s first U-shape paper straw line for aseptic liquid packages. Regulation compliance
Commenting on the launch of the new line, Sharma says: “In the wake of prohibitions on the use of single-use plastic coming into force across the world, including Indian government upholding its decision to not exempt some plastic straws from the impending ban, this move by UFlex is not just significant but also timely.”
“With the launch of U-shaped paper straws, we are ready to change the dynamics of the industry. We are constantly looking for strategic ways to improve the environmental performance of our products and create avenues for superior, convenient, and [environmentally] sustainable packaging.”
“We aim to attain 100 million straw production in the first month and raise it to 200 million in the next couple of months. We aim to produce 2.4 billion straws annually,” adds Sharma.
Long-term potential
Meanwhile, Pierre Mousson, managing director at Tembo Paper, says with global restrictions on single-use plastics changing, a long-term solution is urgently required.
“By combining our significant knowledge and strengths, we are enthusiastic to work together to promote and execute [environmentally] sustainable solutions. In the long run, this cooperation would carve out a significant position in the Indian market for mutual business success,” he says.
Earlier this year, UFlex had launched a host of flexible packaging solutions focused on brand optimization, user experience and environmental sustainability. Up until then, UFlex had recycled almost 30,000 metric tons of plastic waste per year with a target to reach 100,000 metric tons.
By Natalie Schwertheim
