The Paperboards Business has set up a dedicated ‘Nextgen Cell’ which is actively engaged in building a robust innovation pipeline.
Excerpts from ITC Annual Report 2021-22
Both Fiama and Vivel have been frontrunners in adopting sustainable packaging. The carton soap portfolio for both brands has fully migrated to recyclable paperboard cartons; Vivel wrapped soap portfolio has also been transitioned to recyclable packaging. Further, Fiama Shower Gel bottles are now made with 30% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) material. These innovative packaging solutions have been developed leveraging the synergistic capabilities of ITC’s Packaging and Printing Business and Life Sciences and Technology Centre (LSTC) and are a testament to ITC’s philosophy of embedding sustainability into its business value chains.
ITC’s Paperboards and Specialty Paper Business fortified its clear leadership in the Value Added Paperboard (VAP) segment through the introduction of innovative new products customised for end-use industries and maintaining best-in-class service levels for key customers. The Business is also a leading player in the eco-labelled products segment as well as the premium recycled paperboards space.
ITC is actively engaged in developing and promoting suitable paper and paperboard substrates to replace single-use plastics. ‘FiloPack’ and ‘FiloServe’ under the ‘Filo’ series are certified as ‘100% Recyclable’ by Central Pulp & Paper Research Institute (CPPRI), while ‘OmegaBev’ and ‘OmegaBarr’ under the ‘Omega’ series are certified as ‘Bio-degradable under compostable environment’ by Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET). These products, which serve as alternatives to plastic coated containers, cups and other deep freeze applications, registered robust growth during the year and continue to gain popularity with increasing awareness levels amongst customers. The portfolio was also augmented with the launch of a new range of Specialty Papers for e-Commerce/courier envelopes and paper tapes. The Business is stepping up investments in this fast-evolving space which holds immense growth potential supported by the R&D capabilities of ITC’s Life Sciences and Technology Centre and through external collaborations with global specialists. To rapidly scale up its future-ready product portfolio through cutting-edge innovation, the Business has also set up a dedicated ‘Nextgen Cell’ which is actively engaged in building a robust innovation pipeline.
During the year, the Business delivered robust performance in the Specialty Papers segment. Market standing stood enhanced during the year driven by product mix enrichment, diversification of the customer base and launch of innovative products such as anti-viral and anti-bacterial Specialty Paper – ‘NPP Pro’ for use in pharmaceutical leaflets and packaging applications. The domestic industry continues to remain under pressure on account of cheap imports from China. The recent introduction of anti-dumping duty on Décor paper is expected to increase ‘Make in India’ opportunities and enable import substitution.
ITC’s Printing & Packaging Business continues to craft innovative packaging solutions leveraging its deep understanding of end-user needs and the capabilities of ITC’s Life Sciences and Technology Centre. Recognising the need for sustainable packaging and the resultant emerging demand for plastic substitutes, the Business launched its flagship ‘InnovPack’ campaign and identified certain end-use segments with potential for rapid adoption of sustainable packaging and plastic substitution solutions. Further, a steady pipeline of pioneering solutions anchored on molecular science research is also in place such as ‘Bioseal’ (compostable packaging solution for Quick Service Restaurants, personal care and packaged foods industries), ‘Oxyblock’ (a recyclable coating solution with enhanced barrier properties for packaged foods, edible oils, etc.) and ‘Germ free coating’ (solution for microbial free packaging surface addressing the consumer consciousness towards hygiene and safety). These products continue to receive encouraging response; the portfolio is being augmented progressively with a range of solutions that are in various stages of commercialisation. Investments are being stepped up in this fast-evolving space which holds immense growth potential.
Company Press Release
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