At the 12th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit, held on 3–4 September 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, Gaurav Talwar, managing director of Brilliant Polymers, outlined the company’s progress in innovation, sustainability and global expansion in an interview with Packaging South Asia.
Talwar described the summit as a vital platform for learning, benchmarking and showcasing Indian capability. “It’s amazing to see the amount of interest in India and the flexible packaging industry,” he said, adding Indian brands, adhesive and ink makers, and machinery manufacturers are increasingly driving technology development. “India is going to grow very fast, and new technologies will now originate here before moving to global markets.”
Solvent-free adhesives remain central to Brilliant’s strategy. The company achieved 72% solvent-free sales in 2025, compared with 70% last year, a level of penetration that outpaces most other markets. Talwar likened the shift to the transition from fossil fuel vehicles to electric mobility. “Our challenge now is to close the gap from 72% to 100%,” he noted.
To accelerate the move away from solvent-based systems, Brilliant has launched five new technologies covering bulk packaging for atta and cement, laminates for hair dye and dishwashing liquids, digital ink-compatible adhesives, high-gloss carton lamination, and solutions for metallized polyester packaging to prevent metal transfer.
Talwar emphasized the sustainability gains of solvent-free systems. “Switching to solvent-free reduces carbon impact by an estimated 40–60%. While the industry works towards monomaterials and circularity, we can already make a difference today,” he said.
The company has established a dedicated sustainability group, completed Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions assessments, and secured TÜV certification for the second consecutive year. A mitigation plan is in place, with a net zero target expected soon.
Brilliant Polymers projects revenue of ₹850–900 crore in FY2025-26 and aims to surpass ₹1,000 crore by FY2026-27. Packaging accounts for 99% of its business, with 30% of sales now generated overseas, led by the Gulf, Africa, Southeast Asia and South Asia, with new markets opening in South America, the UK, US and Eastern Europe.
India’s packaging sector is forecast to sustain 11-13% annual growth over the next three to five years, driven by GST reforms and rising FMCG demand. To meet this momentum, Brilliant’s Amarnath plant has scaled capacity to 60,000 tons and is expected to run at full capacity within three years, with further expansion planned.
“India’s packaging ecosystem is increasingly innovative,” Talwar said. “In the coming decade, technologies developed here will find their way to global markets. That’s the exciting change we are part of.”
Five cutting-edge solutions from Brilliant
Foil lamination: Brilliant’s Max Cure solvent-free adhesives are designed for both first and second ply foil laminations. They pass the boiling water Test even on polyolefin and metal surfaces, making them suitable for demanding packs such as ketchup, shampoo, hair dye and dishwashing liquids.
Bulk packs and thick poly lamination: The Max Cure range is also being adopted in heavy-duty laminations involving films up to 150 microns and bulk packaging of up to 25kg. Applications include rice, atta and cement bags, where the adhesives provide strong bonds, robust performance and operational efficiency.
Ink-friendly solvent-free adhesives: Formulated to work across a wide variety of ink systems — including PU, NCPU, UV, digital, vinyl and water-based inks — these adhesives offer converters a reliable solvent-free option. They are especially suited to applications such as snacks, pet food, tea and dishwashing liquids.
No metal transfer: Brilliant’s SR75/S631 reverse catalyzed solvent-free adhesive eliminates the risk of aluminum transfer in PET/MetPET and PET/MetPET/Poly laminates. This ensures barrier integrity and appearance are maintained, with early adoption in shampoo and alcohol-based packaging.
High-gloss carton applications: The S755 single-component solvent-free adhesive supports both flexible packs and cartons, delivering fast cure, strong fiber tear and smooth machinability. It provides a high-gloss finish for products such as tea bag sachets, mouth fresheners and cartons for toothpaste, tea and soap, combining aesthetics with sustainability.
Real-world impact
Brilliant’s solvent-free adhesives are delivering measurable gains including lower applied adhesive costs, reduced energy consumption, zero VOC emissions, enhanced operator safety and a smaller carbon footprint.
