At Paperex 2023, packaging providers in the paper and paperboard segments took advantage of the ban on select single-use plastic and showcased their wide variety of paper-based packaging and converting solutions. The allied segments also showcased their products such as rolls, testing equipment and web control systems.
Rubber rollers from Arvind Rub Web Controls
Gujarat-based rubber roller manufacturer, Arvind Rub Web Controls, showcased its range of rubber rolls for paper-based converting at the exhibition. A provider of paper, plywood, steel, and several other industry segments, Arvind’s Rollers specializes in making expanding rolls for paper converters to remove wrinkles. Metal expanders, rubber expanders, and Teflon expanders are some of Arvind’s prominent products.
The company supplies its products across India while exporting to more than 52 countries. It has a solid penetration in Africa and some Middle Eastern countries. The Indonesian market is the next stop for the roller manufacturer.
“We are in discussions to expand to Indonesia as there’s a lot of scope in that country. We have clients there and all we need is to establish a manufacturing unit. In the coming two to three years, our customers can expect our presence in the market. That unit will be our second since 1984 — the first one being in Gujarat,” said Nirav Patel, director of Arvind Rub Web Controls. “For the current financial year, we are getting better responses from the domestic market. However, exports have slowed down over the last financial year. We are optimistic about the upcoming year and hope for a year-on-year growth,” he adds.
ABB’s testing equipment
As a testing equipment manufacturer for paper and paper-based packaging industries, ABB presented its range of products to test the density, surface, and strength of paper. Testing equipment has been taken seriously in recent years, especially after the pandemic. Manoj Sukumaran, area sales manager for ABB’s automotive division, told Packaging South Asia that the surface properties of paper play a vital role in both packaging and printing.
“Packaging is shifting towards paper at a phenomenal pace. The ban on select single-use plastic items pushed paper-based packaging converters to make the best use of this gap. Packaging paper, primarily, requires strength. With the printing technologies available in the market today, the appeal of paper can be enhanced beautifully. But the confusion over which paper would best suit a converter’s need is a space where we come in. The printing industry does not believe in testing the quality of paper as it feels it is the responsibility of the mills. So we are focussed on creating awareness in the printing industry.”
BASF’s focus on sustainability
BASF India, a dealer in chemicals, materials, industrial solutions, surface technologies, nutrition and care, and agricultural solutions, celebrated its collaboration with Triveni Paper Mills and Board, a manufacturer of paper and paper-based products at Paperex. Balakrishnan Pancharethinam, GM of sales of the paper chemical division, said the theme of Paperex — sustainability and growth – echoes BASF and Triveni’s contribution together as a partner.
Pancharethinam said, “As BASF, we are committed to the dispersants industry. At a time when industrialists are reluctant to put money and steel on the ground, we successfully launched three dispersant plants in the past one-and-a-half years in the global markets. We are constantly thinking about what’s next. This is the kind of commitment we are here to highlight with Triveni as our partner. Our regional technical experts are on a constant lookout for more sustainable solutions and what better we can offer to our customers. Our motto should be clear — the ecosystem should grow and should be profitable.”
Erhardt + Leimer’s (EL) web systems
Gujarat-based Erhardt + Leimer India, a known name in the area of web control and web inspections, showcased its range of equipment for the paper and converting industries. Auto web guiding, stretcher, and web tension control systems were the products at the company’s stand at Paperex, which it supplies to the paper industry.
According to Amol J. Dave, general manager of sales, the desired growth could not be achieved this year due to delays in strategic decision-making. “For 2024, we have better expectations,” Dave said.
“Post G20 now, we think Indian manufacturers will focus more on exports. More support from the regulatory bodies is expected to meet compliance. We are focussed on exporting to African and Middle-Eastern countries and hope to penetrate more foreign markets.”
