India is one of the most rapidly expanding flexible packaging markets in the world with a growth of 17- 18% PA. The Multilayer blown film sector constitutes an area of ever-increasing importance in the field of polyolefin films and forms the backbone of the diverse, demanding and constantly evolving flexible packaging sector.

Multilayer films provide flexibility, and can be designed to provide optimum barrier properties to maintain the product quality. The key demand driver for multilayer films is the food sector both processed RTE and commodity foods. There is also a growing demand from non-conventional applications moving from rigid and moulded containers, glass and tin to flexibles on account of lower cost, weight, small pack and shelf appeal.

There has been a phenomenal capacity addition in this sector since last five years. In year 2001 there were only 292 machines with a total capacity of 257 KTA on all India basis but today it has increased by 1.5 times. The no. of MLF machines in 2005-06 was 342 with a total capacity of 397 KTA.

The manufacturers of multilayer extruders are constantly increasing the output and are

providing computerized & automated systems to minimize gauge variations, which is very important when producing 5 & 7 layer films to run 5 - 7.5 µ tie layers. Good quality extruders, correct polymer selection along with maintaining proper processing parameters are the key to top quality manufacture of multilayer films.

Key end uses of MLF include lamination, milk and edible oil together constituting 85% of the total market. Other end uses include detergents, water/country liquor, stretch cling films, shrink films, commodities, etc.

The future of the multi layer blown film sector is very promising & expected to grow at 18-20 % PA for 5-10 years as this provides excellent packaging solutions.

Advent of organized retail industry in India has thrown open a wide range of opportunities in packaging and is further propelling growth in MLF sector. The most interesting packages witnessed are polyolefin shrink films, stretch cling films (hand wrap or machine wrap), and 8-10 colour shopping bags.

Customers who constantly add capacity, update technology and forsee market trends will be the biggest gainers of flexible packaging.