Manjushree Technopack signs an MOU with IISc for innovative recyclable plastic packaging

Manjushree Technopack (MTL), India's largest rigid plastic packaging solutions provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the top-ranked Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to create innovative and sustainable plastic packaging solutions.

As part of the MoU, IISc will establish a Centre of Excellence for upcycling and recycling thermoplastics used in a wide spectrum of rigid plastic packaging present in everyday life, ranging from soft drink bottles to cleaning products such as washing tablets.

This will see IISc and MTL developing solutions to turn waste into plastic packaging to allow repeated recycling of products. The organizations will also collaborate to develop a recyclable elastomeric material for all plastic pumps/triggers and also work to strengthen the caps of PET bottles, which are made from 100% recyclable plastic.

One of the key aims of this MoU is to replace several non-recyclable packaging materials with recyclable monolayer materials, which will help make transport cheaper and reduce breakage and damage. Another area of focus for the collaboration is the replacement of cardboard-based packagings, such as that used in pizza boxes, with foamed polyolefins, offering improved thermal insulation and weight reduction.

The MoU is yet another step towards realizing MTL's aim of building a greener, cleaner environment through more recycling and reduced use of natural resources.

Thimmaiah Napanda, managing director & chief executive officer, Manjushree Technopack, said, "We are delighted to collaborate with a prestigious institute like IISc to support our vision of sustainable plastic packaging solutions. This is a significant development that will enable us to explore opportunities in existing technologies developed by IISc in the polymer segment. Setting up the Centre of Excellence will be crucial to bringing these innovative products to market more quickly and effectively, and we are grateful to IISc's testing labs with advanced machines, technology, and tools. As we look to the future, we intend to benchmark carbon footprints in process and recycling aspects for various materials in rigid packaging with the IISc"

Suryasarathi Bose, associate professor, Polymer Processing Group, said, "It is an honor to collaborate with Manjushree Technopack (MTL), a market leader in the industry with a strong track record and growth prospects. We aim to leverage each other's strengths by working together on innovative, green-focused projects which we hope will become an industry example in the years to come and make an impact in terms of upcycling and recycling plastic packaging that is present in our everyday lives."

IISc, established in 1909, has become India's premier institute for advanced scientific and technological research and education and is an Institution of Eminence recognized by the Government of India, and MTL. With over 42 academic departments and centers, IISc collaborates with several technology giants to find scientific and technological solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. It is also registered with MCA for undertaking CSR activities in education and research.

MTL is South Asia's largest PET bottle and performs manufacturing company. With 40 years of packaging expertise in India, the company caters to the packaging requirements of the FMCG, pharmaceutical, and liquor industries, and works with some of the biggest brands in these segments, such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Mondel, Reckitt Benckiser, Dabur, L'Oreal, Unilever, Nestle, Heinz, Tata Global, Marico. It is well-known in the industry for its continuous innovation. MTL has initiatives such as Born Again, which provides an avenue for brands and manufacturers to source a consistent supply of high-quality recycled PP and HDPE plastic from responsibly collected post-consumer and post-industrial waste.

Advent International, one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, first invested in MTL in 2018.