Jindal Poly Films to concentrate on coated films

03-Jun-05

As part of its growth plans, Jindal Poly Films (of the Rs 1500-crore B C Jindal group) has identified the coated films segment as its growth engine. Aiming to benefit from the booming organised retail sector in India and worldwide, Jindal will concentrate on coated biaxially oriented polythylene terephthalate (BOPET) films and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films. Coated films, with increased barrier properties and heat-sealabiliy, impart a longer shelf life to edibles. There is a huge demand for such films from food processors. The increase in use of plastic packaged foods due to an altering lifestyle and increasing hygiene consciousness amongst consumers will contribute to the growth of the sector. Current consumption of flexible packaging films in India is low compared with the international markets. India's per capita annual consumption of flexible packaging is pegged at approximately Rs 109, compared with Rs 2194 in North America and Rs 822 in Taiwan and South Korea. Jindal Poly Films 's expansion in the coated films segment will be in two phases. In the first phase, which is likely to be completed by the end of the current year, Jindal Poly will have a production capacity of 9000 metric tpa of coated films. In September 2006, the company will add more capacity to take the total production to 18,000 metric tons.