After successfully installing two solvent recovery units at Balaji Multiflex in Rajkot, Italy’s DEC is sharpening its focus on the Indian market. The Balaji project marks the company’s first venture in India.
Packaging South Asia spoke to Andrea Formigoni, CEO of DEC, a global leader in sustainability and circular economy solutions, during the 11th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit, organized by ElitePlus. Formigoni shared the company’s strategy and its focus on the Indian market.
Formigoni highlighted DEC’s commitment to sustainability, especially in India, which has emerged as a key market for the company. “We are focussing on introducing or reinforcing the sustainability and circular economy model in India,” he stated.
One of DEC’s major milestones in India is the installation of two solvent recovery units at Balaji Multiflex, a prominent player in the flexible packaging sector. Formigoni stressed the significance of these installations, referring to them as a market benchmark. “We are proving that this technology, which has been successful in Europe, the Americas, and Southeast Asia, will work proficiently in India.”
Solvent recovery: a game-changer
DEC’s solvent recovery technology, which recovers solvents used in ink dilution, is a central element of its sustainable solutions. The chemistry of inks varies across countries, but DEC’s technology is designed to adapt to these variations, ensuring efficient solvent recovery regardless of regional differences. “This is a sustainable investment because it recovers the solvent used for ink dilution at a fraction of its cost,” Formigoni explained.
The efficiency of DEC’s solvent recovery units is impressive, often more than 100% of the solvent compared to its initial dilution. This not only enables companies to cut solvent purchase costs by up to 90%, it also allows them to sell the surplus, creating additional revenue streams. For many companies, this offers substantial financial benefits while also aligning with their sustainability goals.
The Indian market and future prospects
Formigoni sees tremendous potential for DEC’s solutions in India. With approximately 1,000 converters in the country, ranging from medium to large-sized companies, the demand for solvent recovery technologies is rising. “We are starting with the large users of solvent because they will benefit the most in terms of return on investment,” Formigoni said.
DEC is working to broaden its reach by targeting more converters in India, with plans to scale its technology to suit different companies. The company operates two manufacturing plants – one in Italy and one in Egypt – which produce key components. These components are then assembled into solvent recovery units and dispatched globally, including to India.
Current projects and expansion plans
At present, DEC has two units installed in India, with more projects in the pipeline. “It’s just a starting point,” Formigoni remarked, highlighting the company’s optimism for growth in the Indian market.
