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Multilayer Packaging technology has transformed the food and beverage industry
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Tuesday, 01 June, 2010, 13 : 11 PM [IST]
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 There is a visible shift to plastics, and in particular to PET and multilayer packaging. The multilayer packaging technology involves integration of various polymers with EVOH - Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol, which acts as an oxygen barrier. This is where Bangalore based Manjushree Technopack has been a pioneer in India, in providing multilayer packaging solutions for packing food and beverages. Today, the multilayer packaging technology, available with only a handful of companies, globally, it is increasingly being used to pack daily consumable food items such as Milk, Fresh Fruits, Ketchup, to name a few. It is being considered an ideal alternative to glass and metal packing. Internationally, Multilayer packaging is popular with retailers like TESCO and WAL- MART. In India, the impact of Multilayer Packaging, on packaging efficiency, retail sales and consumer experience is gaining ground.Vimal Kedia, MD, Manjushree Technopack Ltd, provides an insight into this technology in an interaction with Nandita Vijay over email. Excerpts:
Would you be able to provide some more inputs on the multilayer packaging technology (MPT) provided to HUL for ketchup?
Multilayer packaging provides an oxygen & moisture barrier to the package. This extends the shelf life of the packed food product. Multilayer packaging also reduces the weight of a pack and is unbreakable. It offers great scope for different closure systems and attractive branding and labelling.
Any processed food or ketchup can get spoiled due to bacterial growth after processing, if the same is not packed in suitable containers. Manjushree Technopack Limited is probably the only company in the country producing multilayer containers. These containers can be sterilized up to 120ºC and are a good replacement for glass and tin packaging.
Multilayer containers have a layer of Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) sandwiched between PP and any other grade of plastics, desired as per the packaging requirements. This EVOH gives the oxygen and moisture barrier properties to the container. This facilitates product in the container to stay fresh with a shelf life of over 12 months.
Speaking specifically about the offering to HUL, the multilayer container has several firsts to its credit; a) Ketchup in Plastic Bottles b) ‘the eye catching Inverted Design’, c) Equipped with a silicon valve – a unique technology to control flow of Ketchup d) Easy opening-closure system e) The package weighs only 60 grams as against the traditional 700gm Glass Package.
What did the company offer Rhodes Foods?
Multilayer Wide Mouth Jars were offered to the Rhodes Food Group in Cape Town, South Africa, to pack fresh fruits. It was first used to pack fresh cut peaches. After winning the WorldStar Award and becoming popular among consumers, it is now being used to pack other fresh fruits such as pineapple, etc. Until now, these fruits were packed in metal cans.
This transparent Multilayer jar is re-closable, and comes with attractive labelling. It is unbreakable and also offers a different kind of closure system.
What according to you are the unique features of Multilayer Packaging?
It prevents oxygen and moisture ingress in the container---this enhances its barrier properties, Transparency, Sterilizable / retortable up to 120°C and
extended shelf life for processed foods.
How cost effective is it for customer?
Multilayer technology is almost equivalent to the cost of metal cans, or may be in few cases just about 15% more expensive.
Which are the other companies which have evinced interest in this?
At present there are a few ketchup producing companies in India showing keen interest in multilayer technology, as well as, some large exporters who want to pack fresh fruits, mango pulp and many other fresh vegetables such as gherkins and jalapenos.
When did the company enter this space? What was the duration of R&D?
Manjushree began its multilayer initiative in 2003. It took us six months to master and perfect the technology and the machinery acquired by us. Given the permutations and combinations of materials involved, multilayer is now more an art rather than a science.
Any new investments were required for the company?
After the purchase of the first machine in 2003, the second machine was purchased in 2005 keeping in mind the increased requirements of our customers.
Which are the other players globally offering this and is the latest in food packaging?
Other global players offering this technology are AMCOR, Ball Corp in US, Visy in Australia, Graham packaging US and many more.
In India is Manjushree the pioneer for this?
In India, Manjushree is a pioneer in multilayer technology. The high investment required is perhaps a reason why many companies have not ventured into this.
What are the future efforts with this offering?
Efforts are being made to utilise multilayer technology for fresh milk packaging as well as for other dairy products such as flavoured milk, lassi, paneer, yogurt, etc.
Another initiative being taken forward is towards packaging of fresh juices.
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