Mr. Kulbhushan Malik serves as the Global Business Head at Cosmo Films, overseeing the production of BOPP, CPP, and BOPET films. With over 24 years of extensive experience, he has a strong background in Business and Strategy Management, along with expertise in Sales and Financial Management. His leadership and strategic insight contribute significantly to the company’s growth and innovation in the film industry.
Q Could you share some insights into Cosmo’s recent innovations?
We are excited to announce the launch of our innovative Cosmo Green Graphic Film, a PVC-free alternative designed specifically for large format graphic applications. Our patented product stands out in the market, where most offerings still rely on PVC-based materials. By introducing this eco-friendly solution, we aim to tap into a significant segment with substantial growth potential. Cosmo Green Graphic Film addresses the current demand for sustainable print solution without compromising on the quality of the final output. Thus, it provides an opportunity for businesses to enhance their environmental responsibility.
Q Could you please elaborate on the sustainable solutions offered by Cosmo?
In the packaging industry, we offer a range of innovative solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of food packaging. Our ultra high barrier film serves as a sustainable alternative to aluminum foil in laminate structures, providing superior protection for food products. Alongside this, we have developed various heat-resistant films that cater to diverse packaging requirements. Notably, our product, TeploR, replaces traditional polyester as a printable layer, transforming laminate structures into recyclable versions, thus promoting sustainability. Additionally, our Cast Polypropylene (CPP) films are crafted from high-quality resins, resulting in thin, flexible, and versatile packaging options that simplify the recycling process by enabling a monolayer structure.
The future of materials appears to be leaning towards mono-material solutions, emphasizing the need for structures that are both recyclable and sustainable. As the industry shifts focus, we expect an increased interest in how laminated structures can be developed to enhance their recyclability. This growth will likely bring attention to the different types of barrier films necessary for effective performance, including heat-resistant options. The emphasis on these innovations underlines the importance of advancing materials technology to meet sustainability goals and improve the lifecycle of products.
Q Food safety is a critical concern—what coatings or films has Cosmo developed to address this?
In the realm of sustainable packaging, our Cosmo Specialty Chemical business has introduced innovative Oil and Grease Resistant (OGR) barrier coatings. These water-based, food-approved alternatives provide an eco-friendly solution to traditional polyethylene coatings, making them ideal for various sustainable packaging applications. Furthermore, Cosmo Plastech offers a diverse array of rigid sheets, including PET, PP, HIPS, RPET, and ESD, catering to multiple industrial needs. Additionally, our film category boasts a range of options designed to enhance product shelf life. Among these, Cosmo Films proudly presents sustainable solution films that incorporate both post-consumer recycled (PCR) and post-industrial recycled (PIR) materials, along with other bio-based alternative, reaffirming our commitment to sustainability in the packaging industry.
Cosmo is developing and offering post-consumer recycled (PCR) based polypropylene (BOPP and CPP) films, which provide a sustainable solution for flexible and rigid packaging by using recycled materials, reducing waste, and promoting a circular economy. These PCR films maintain high performance for various applications, including labels, food packaging, and more, while significantly reducing the environmental impact of their products.
Q Looking ahead, how do you predict the packaging industry will grow?
The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector is expected to experience significant growth in the coming period. An increasing number of new players are entering the market, transforming it from the traditional FMCG landscape. With advancements such as quick delivery services and tools like Amazon app, consumers now have access to a vast array of products across various platforms, creating a fresh and diverse demand. Additionally, the government’s recent initiative to reduce GST during the Diwali Festival is likely to boost demand even further across this category. As a result, the overall economic sentiment appears to be on the rise, signaling a positive outlook for the industry.
Q In your view, what are the key obstacles in the Indian market in terms of legal or policy frameworks?
The implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations by the government marks a significant step forward in waste management. However, one of the critical hurdles we currently face is the effective collection of waste and the reduction of littering. It is essential to address these issues by enhancing educational initiatives aimed at consumers, promoting awareness about the impact of littering, and providing practical solutions for waste disposal. Specifically, flexible packaging presents a notable challenge in this regard, as it is often more difficult to collect and recycle compared to rigid materials. Therefore, a concentrated effort to improve waste collection systems and consumer education is crucial to successfully implement these regulations and reduce environmental impact.
Q What can consumers do to help build a circular economy?
The importance of waste segregation and litter prevention cannot be overstated. Education plays a crucial role in instilling these values from the grassroots level. It is essential for the government and various organizations to collaborate in informing the public about the significance of not littering our streets and the benefits of properly segregating waste. Furthermore, emphasizing the necessity of reusing materials can foster a culture of sustainability. By changing mindsets around these practices, we can enable a smoother process for all stakeholders involved in the waste management value chain, ultimately leading to a cleaner and more environmentally conscious community.
Plastic has become a significant topic of discussion in recent years, and while it poses challenges, it’s essential to educate consumers about its importance. Understanding that the wastage of food may represent a more considerable issue can shift the narrative. When we look at the overall economics and greenhouse gas emissions, flexible plastics can often rank among the less impactful materials. Therefore, it is crucial for brands and stakeholders to engage in educational initiatives that communicate these insights. By fostering a positive image of plastic packaging and emphasizing the importance of informed consumer choices, we can create a more balanced and constructive dialogue around the topic.
Q What would you like to say to the brand as a final note?
In today’s world, it is crucial for stakeholders within the supply chain to collaborate effectively in order to develop and implement more recycled solutions for the market. While we are witnessing significant advancements across the value chain, there remains a pressing need for enhanced cooperation among brands, film manufacturers, converters, and other supply chain participants. This collaborative effort can play a pivotal role in addressing the issue of waste. At Cosmo, we have consistently focused on working with brands to facilitate the conversion of existing structures into more recyclable options, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.
In today’s market, the variability in laminate structures, inks, and adhesives among different brands presents a significant challenge. Each brand adheres to its own requirements, which can complicate production processes and hinder efforts toward sustainability. Therefore, there is a clear need for increased standardization in these materials. By establishing consistent standards across the industry, we can simplify manufacturing and improve the overall recyclability of products. This focus on standardization is vital for addressing the recyclability challenges we face and is likely already a topic of discussion among major brands. It is essential that we continue to advocate for this direction to enhance sustainability in our industry.
