Kunal Bajaj's insight into Jupiter's anti-plastic pollution approach

A leading player in multilayer flexible packaging and retort packaging, Jupiter Laminators strives to offer 100% recyclable flexible packaging solutions. The group closely works with many FMCG brands for their specific requirements of sustainable and recyclable packaging.

Bajaj highlights the pain points faced across the value chain. Despite awareness of ill-effects of plastic on the environment, some continue to litter on the streets, streams, and practise landfill burning. Those who manage to put the waste in the bin fail to dispose of it the right way. The issue aggravates with improper collection and thereby affects effective recycling. 

“Plastic is a fantastic creation. It is convenient, versatile, affordable and recyclable. The challenge is not the material, rather its effective segregation to combat pollution,” says Bajaj.

He spoke about 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) of packaging as tools to effective resourcing and waste management. Redesigning the framework across the supply chain is vital. It begins with the perception of consumers regarding packaging, developing the right film structure for recycling. This enables brand owners to create value from outside to inside in the value chain. 

For converters to become adept at 100% sustainable practices, they must network with technology partners such as Exxon, ITC Cosmo; industry associations IIT, IIP, CII, CFTRI, AIPMA, ElitePlus; and advocate with government bodies including CPCB, Niti Ayog.

“The India Plastics Pact platform brings together stakeholders for innovation, collaboration, and voluntary commitments to accelerate the transition to a circular plastics economy in India. The Pact is the first of its kind in Asia and joins a global network of 14 other Pacts. Managing plastic waste is an important aspect of India’s sustainability journey, and the Pact provides an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute constructively through ambitious time-bound targets,” said Seema Arora, deputy director general, CII.

Bajaj spoke about advanced recycling technologies, and flexible packaging as growth lever for sustainability. He shared examples of Cadbury Australia which utilises recycled material for packaging, Nesquik paper packaging, and Mars paper packaging.

Jupiter is a BRC accredited, ISO certified and SEDEX recognised company which specialises in production of recyclable cast PP, PE films and MOPP, MOPE labelling solutions. MOPE film is a substitute to current PE standard with properties such as thickness of 30-45 microns, improved gloss effect and planarity.

Preeti Jaiswal, AGM NPD and MR, Jupiter Laminators bagged the Packaging Person of the Year at the Women to Watch Awards 2023 hosted by PrintWeek and WhatPackaging? Magazines. 

Jaiswal and her team have developed a paper and foil-base laminate for sandwiches, burgers. “Paper side keeps it safe, and the foil side helps to retain the heat and flavours,” says Jaiswal. “Jupiter Laminators has started exports of this product.”

Bajaj concludes with a message to the plastics value chain. “Brand owners must collaborate to develop sustainable innovative solutions, in alignment with government guidelines. Also, the rules must make a visible impact on ground.”