Multinational flexible packaging and solutions company Uflex showcased its innovations in tube manufacturing at the Cosmoprof India expo held in Mumbai recently. Talking to Packaging South Asia at the trade show, Venkatesh Rajagopalan, senior vice president–tubes, flexible packaging business, UFlex Limited, shared insights into how the company is setting new benchmarks in packaging for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and oral care.
UFlex specializes in flexible packaging, producing multilayer laminate tubes with its unique manufacturing process under its FlexiTubes brand. Unlike competitors printing on pre-made laminates, UFlex uses reverse printing to embed designs beneath the transparent top layer.
This technique allows for vibrant, fully colored tubes tailored to enhance brand aesthetics. “Our process not only enhances visual appeal but also ensures distinct visibility and shelf differentiation. It’s a game-changer in the industry,” Rajagopalan said.
The company’s expertise extends to innovative finishes, including matte, metallic, and combinations such as spot gloss over matte, catering to premium cosmetic brands. Oval-shaped tubes, another offering, provide more branding space for brands and improve both shelf and logistics efficiency, making them a hit in the cosmetics sector.
Fighting counterfeiting in pharmaceuticals
UFlex has introduced anti-counterfeiting features to address the growing problem of counterfeiting in India’s pharmaceutical market. These features include holographic customized company logos, invisible inks, invisible text, micro text, and UV-visible text, offering brands and consumers robust protection against counterfeit products.
“We have recently partnered with two major pharmaceutical brands to integrate these features. Their products, set to launch in early 2025, will revolutionize how the industry tackles counterfeiting,” Rajagopalan explained.
Leading the sustainability drive
As sustainability becomes a global priority, UFlex is pushing for eco-friendly packaging in India. The company has developed recyclable laminates, embraced post-consumer recycling (PCR) raw materials, and uses water-based inks to prevent VOC emissions into the atmosphere. UFlex offers biodegradable and paper-based tubes, the latter facilitating a reduction in plastic usage without compromising functionality.
Market growth and opportunities
India produces about 30% of the world’s side-seamed laminated tubes, driven largely by the oral care sector. However, per capita toothpaste consumption remains low compared to other markets, indicating significant growth potential.
“Post-Covid, we’re seeing a shift from smaller tubes to larger-diameter ones as consumers move toward cost-effective, bulk purchases. This trend will reshape the industry, requiring manufacturers to adapt their production capabilities,” Rajagopalan observed.
UFlex’s forward-looking investments over the past decade have positioned the company to lead in this evolving landscape, addressing sustainability, anti-counterfeiting, and design innovation.
The future of packaging
With its commitment to innovation and sustainability, UFlex continues to set industry standards. As Rajagopalan put it, “At UFlex, we don’t just meet market demands; we anticipate them, ensuring our customers always stay ahead.”
