Flint Group, a global leader in inks and coatings for printing and packaging, has reinforced its commitment to India by inaugurating a manufacturing unit in Savli, Vadodara, Gujarat. This facility marks a significant milestone in the company’s regional expansion strategy.
Opened on 26 November, the state-of-the-art plant was unveiled by Doug Aldred, chief commercial officer at Flint Group, and Upal Roy, managing director for India, Africa, and the Middle East. The facility will produce water-based inks and coatings for the paper and board sector, alongside energy-curable inks for labels and the narrow web market.
Strategically located 10 kilometers from Flint Group’s flexible packaging site in Lamdapura, the new unit complements the company’s existing local operations, which include a solvent-based ink plant and a non-toluene ink facility.
Expanding Local Capabilities
The Savli plant will manufacture Flint Group’s AQUACode water-based inks and coatings, offering sustainable, high-performance solutions for paper and board converters. This phased approach to production will include full in-house base manufacturing by early Q2 2025.
The facility will produce the award-winning EkoCure Dual Cure range designed for traditional UV lamps and low-energy UV LED systems. This innovation simplifies inventory for printers transitioning to UV LED technology by providing a single product suitable for all presses.
Strengthening India’s Role in Flint Group’s Global Operations
Speaking to Packaging South Asia after the launch, Aldred highlighted India’s significance in Flint Group’s global strategy. “Our expansion into flexible packaging and the establishment of our Lamdapura factory have made us a leading supplier in this market over the past decade,” he said.
Recognizing the growth potential in paper and board, the company has strategically added local manufacturing capabilities. “This segment will be a major growth area over the next five years,” Aldred noted, expressing confidence in Flint Group’s ability to achieve similar success in India as in other global markets.
In the narrow web sector, Flint Group has transitioned from a global production model to local manufacturing in response to customer feedback. “This strategic step will bring us closer to our customers and enhance our offerings with innovative solutions tailored to the Indian market,” Aldred explained.
Leveraging Indian talent and innovation
The new facility will serve as a hub for innovation and expertise, supported by Flint Group’s global raw material development laboratory in Lamdapura. “This lab is integral to our global operations, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety,” Roy emphasized.
Darren Miller, chief human resources officer, added, “India provides access to exceptional talent, which we are leveraging to drive global innovation and operational excellence.”
A promising future for India’s packaging industry
India’s packaging industry is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing demand for consumer-packaged goods and advancements in printing technologies. Aldred noted that India has been one of Flint Group’s leading markets, achieving double-digit growth in flexible packaging and narrow web over the past decade.
Thomas Gray, vice president of strategy and marketing, attributed this growth to robust GDP trends, demographic changes, and the rising demand for sustainable packaging. “These factors benefit the entire value chain, including Flint Group and our customers,” he said.
Looking ahead, Flint Group plans to expand its blending operations and increase its warehouse network, particularly in tier-two cities, to further capitalize on the growing market.
Commitment to sustainability
Flint Group’s new facility reflects its strong focus on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient processes and reducing waste. “The Indian packaging industry is increasingly adopting eco-friendly solutions like flexo printing and flexible packaging to minimize food waste,” Roy stated, highlighting the evolving market dynamics.
With its strategic investments and a clear focus on innovation, Flint Group is well-positioned to strengthen its foothold in India and support the country’s packaging industry as it transitions to more sustainable practices, the company officials stated.
