10 Jun
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

Is it Possible to Break Down Plastic in a Week? Austin Scientists Say Yes

 

Plastic is everywhere. At the grocery store, in our home and office, in the kitchen, and close to our children as toys. We use plastic bags to clear out our trash and all the plastic waste we dispose of gets collected at landfills. Since plastic is tough and long-lasting with no options for recycling, it is difficult to do away with it, making it a problematic material that pollutes our precious environment and planet.

 

BREAKING DOWN PLASTIC: THE HOPE

 On its own, plastic can stay around for hundreds of years as it is a challenge to break it down completely. However, scientists at Austin’s University of Texas have given plastic warriors reason to be hopeful. The team is creating an enzyme that can break down plastic and help in its degradation in as few as seven days.

 

The logic is simple. The enzyme will break down the plastic into smaller portions, creating new plastic that can be recycled and reused.

 

The process is called Depolymerization which means breaking down a polymer back to its original molecular components, further reusable as new forms of plastic.

 

THE MUCH-AWAITED ENZYME

The team of scientists has named the enzyme –FAST-PETase – Functional, Active, Stable, and Tolerant PETase. According to reports, it can break down almost 51 variants of plastic within 7 days. Of course, factors such as temperature and pH conditions need to be maintained.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The fight against plastic waste is a long one. But it is also a necessary one, considering its negative effects on Mother Earth. Though the need of the hour is to replace plastic with more sustainable options, before it can be done on a mega level, having a solution like FAST-PETaseenzyme that can break down plastic in seven days is much awaited.

 

Do you want an expert opinion on your plastic usage and how to look for better packaging options? Then feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

Source:  https://singularityhub.com/2022/05/06/machine-learning-helped-scientists-create-an-enzyme-that-breaks-down-plastic-at-warp-speed/

24 May
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

What FMCG Companies Must Know If Still Using Blown PVC

PVC is the most widely used shrink film in India, manufactured in bulk, and so it is readily available. It works with almost all kinds of shrink tunnels and container materials and is most versatile. But, since PVC is carcinogenic nature, it is not recommended and avoided by many global companies. However, it is also the most easily recyclable shrink film. If properly collected and disposed of, it creates high value for scrap recycling companies.

CAST or Calendared PVC is of superior quality. However, many of its cheaper versions such as Blown PVC is available and widely used, often replaced with CAST PVC. Both these PVC’s have specific uses.

 

How are Cast and Blown PVC Different and What Makes Cast PVC Better?

Blown PVC films are manufactured by extruding resin vertically through a circular die and blowing air in the center of the film bubble. The air drives the bubble upward and slowly cools the material. Nip rollers flatten the material into a tube that is reeled, and its sides trimmed to create sheet films. Blown films get stretched in a hot water chamber during the manufacturing process.

Cast films are made by extruding melted resin horizontally through a flat die to create a sheet of material pinned to a highly polished chilled roller. Additional chilled rollers quickly cool the film prior to trimming and rolling. Cast films are minimally pre-stretched allowing for improved depth of drawing for thermoforming operations. Typically, cast films have low thickness variation due to an even distribution of PVC resin.

 

When to Use Cast Film Vs Blown Film?

Blown PVC has low, uneven shrinkage. It may come with process scratch lines and is difficult to print in multicolor.

 

Recommended Use:

  • It is better to use Blown PVC in outer plain packing, or
  • When the print design has only two to three colours, or
  • Where product branding is not critical
  • If your PVC sleeves are shrinking at room temperature in transit and storage regularly, use the grade of Cast PVC with High Dimensional Stability

 

Key Differences

Property Blown PVC CAST PVC
Film Clarity Low gloss and Hazy High Gloss, better visibility
Thickness variation More than +/- 10 Micron +/- 5% (around 2 micron)
Flatness Ribs on the film Mostly Flat film
Storage and Transportation A major challenge due to high natural shrinkage Better resistance to heat. So easier to handle.
Shrinkage Approx. 45% Approx. 58%
Printability Lot of misregistration issues Flat film, allows perfect registration quality
Surface Finish Heavy machines process scratch lines on the surface Minimal machine process lines
Cost Cheap Higher than CAST PVC

 

Other Factors to Consider

Since Blown PVC is cheaper, it can be used for outer shrink wrap. However, even then there is a catch. The heavy scratch on the film’s surface and the hazy quality of the film makes the product look old/reused.

Also for outer packing, as per current PWM laws, most consumers are required to use 50 mics and above thickness film for outer packing. In blown PVC, there is a high risk of legal tangles as the film has high gauge variation which is up to+/-10 micron. If a 50-micron film is used and has variation in the lower side then it will go below 50 microns at some points.

 

Closing Thoughts

Even though Blown PVC is attractively priced, its results do not outweigh the price. Lower print and shrinkage quality affects the brand. A lot many companies in the industry value price of sleeves more than their brand, which I feel must change. When we make our packaging world-class and at par in the industry, only then we can command a better profit. Hence, such a thought process requires change and a more detailed understanding of how packaging affects profits. I believe it’s important for all FMCG companies to understand the value of the brand and good-looking packaging. I am taking it as a personal mission to make Indian packaging world-class.

To get an expert opinion on this matter, feel free to reach out to me. You can book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

10 May
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

The Rise Of 3d Printing And Its Rewards

Whenever there is a discussion on additive manufacturing technology, the mention of 3D printing is a must. Over the years, 3D printing has gained center stage as a production technology across a wide range of industries like consumer goods, automotive, etc.

 

WHAT IS 3D PRINTING?

 3D printing is a fast-emerging technology and a superior process of using digital files to create 3D or three-dimensional solid objects. It is used at different stages and in different realms, offering exceptional results in the production process.

 

Let’s look at the different ways in which 3D printing can be used in production –

 

  1.  Product Development & Prototyping

3D printers do an exceptional job at producing product prototypes. These prototypes can be easily altered as per requirements. And the best part, 3D prototypes can also take on complex shapes with minimum effort and maximum results. So the sky is the limit when it comes to using 3D printing for prototyping. To use 3D printing to its optimum levels, companies need to invest in the right infrastructure and build the necessary expertise to use this technology to its full potential.

 

  1. Detailed Customisations

 3D printing ranks high on its ability to bring about detailed customization in product design. Features can be added or dropped as desired and tweaking is possible to the minutest details which makes it possible for brands to introduce small batches of products with ease and test the market response. Moreover, costs can be kept low and detailed innovations are easier to achieve. Also, based on feedback, further tweaks can be done in the product design to manufacture the most desired products.

 

  1. Sustainability in Manufacturing

3D printing has long-standing benefits when it comes to reducing the production of wastes and scrap, which is a positive move towards protecting our environment. More so, additive manufacturing with 3D printing reduces energy usage, thus contributing to a sustainable world and a brighter future.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The future of 3D printing is bright on all levels. A lot can be achieved by using this superior technology and making it an active part of our production technology. To implement it correctly, however, there is a need to develop expertise and know-how so companies can reap maximum benefits of this unique digital technology.

Do you want an expert opinion on how to get shrink sleeves mock-ups for your 3D printed container mock-up? Then feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

09 Apr
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

4 Varieties Of Shrink Sleeves For Your Product Packaging Needs

The growth and popularity of custom shrink sleeves have revolutionised the Indian packaging industry. Since shrink sleeves easily take shape and size of product containers and support a wide range of applications, they have become the go-to choice for achieving packaging excellence by brands, designers and developers alike.

Let’s look at the four main shrink sleeves you can choose to give your products highrecall and exclusivity.

 

Full Body Shrink Sleeves: As the name suggests, full-body shrink sleevestake the shape and form of the full body or surface space of the product container. They cover the container from top to bottom along with the cap and provide complete 360-degree coverage. Such a full coverage offers ample space for displaying brand-specific marketing messaging, colourful graphics and artwork.Full-body shrink sleeves are also an excellent choice for combination packaging.

 

Partial Shrink Sleeves: Sleeves that do not cover the product container in their entirety are categorised as partial shrink sleeves. These standard sleeves may encase most or a large part of the container but not its neck or cap. It means that partial sleeves are generally preferred when sealing the container with a tamper-proof seal isn’t required. The perforated edges make the sleeves easily removable which helps with hassle-free recycling.

 

Multi-Pack or Combination Shrink Sleeves: For those times when you wish to package two or more of your products together as a single unit, multi-pack shrink sleeves are an excellent choice.This form of packaging comes in handy when brands run promotional offers and schemes such as Buy 1 Get 1 and Free Samples, etc.

 

Neck Bands:  Neck shrink sleeve labels are the most basic and small-sized packaging labels or shrink films used to seal bottle caps. The good thing about these labels is that despite their small size, they are brandable. These tamper-evident neck seals have perforated marks which make them easy to de-seal and dispose of by the customer.

 

CONCLUSION

Acing your product’s packaging has a lot to do with selecting the most suitable shrink sleeves and getting the process right. In addition to offering a 100% coverage area, heat shrink sleeves are waterproof, come with UV protection and can easily shrink on any container with no compromise on shape.

Taurus Packaging offers the widest range of shrink sleeve labels. We can meet any volumes and any timelines while offering an economical and cost effective service experience. Our Curated Shrink sleeves include Holographic shrink sleeves, Cold Foil shrink sleeves, Invisible ink shrink sleeves, Thermochromic shrink sleeves, and Scented shrink sleeves.

Would you like to select the best shrink sleeves for your packaging needs?Feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com

10 Mar
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

New Packaging Norms Come Into Effect From April 1, 2022

In November last year, the Indian Government had announced some amendments and tweaks to the packaging norms that are now all set to come into effect from April 1. So what are these changes, and how do they affect manufacturers and consumers?

Let us look at these in some detail below.

 

CHANGES IN THE PACKAGING RULES AND THEIR EFFECTS

From time to time, packaging rules are edited to better serve the consumer and protect their rights and interests as well as support the manufacturers in their business. In the same light, the government has directed companies that manufacture products to make several declarations on their packaging, along with some other changes.

In a statement, the ministry of consumer affairs stated, “To safeguard the interest of consumers, the department of consumer affairs has omitted Rule 5 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities), Rules 2011 defining the Schedule II prescribing the pack sizes of various types of commodities. A new provision has been introduced to indicate the unit sale price on pre-packed commodities, which will allow easier comparison of the prices of the commodities at the time of purchase,” the ministry of consumer affairs said in a statement.

 

From April 1, companies:

  1. Must declare the per-unit price or per-kg/per-litre/per-gram/per-millilitre (ml) / per-cm price of products in addition to its MRP
  2. Must mention the MRP clearly in INR, inclusive of all taxes
  3. Must mention both the month and year of manufacture on imported packaged items
  4. Can decide how much quantity of their packaged items they wish to sell

 

The now amended Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules have removed the norms of packaging of “specified quantities” from as many as 19 items. These include tea, biscuits, soft drink, packaging water, milk, bread, pulses and cereals, baby food, detergents, etc.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The changes in packaging norms announced by the government are coming into effect on April 1, 2022. These tweaks will provide the end consumer with a lot more clarity and support to help make sound purchase decisions for themselves and their family.

Would you like an expert opinion on how best to implement the changes in packaging norms and become compliant with the Government rules before April 1? Feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com

26 Feb
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

Next PETG – The Wonder PETG Film

In the last decade, we have seen a growing trend of brands shifting from PVC to PETG shrink sleevesto support the environmental and sustainability factors.

In some of my recent articles, I have written about the challenges with this transition and how we can make the process easier by following a sequence of steps to achieve the transition.

For instance, most containers and hot air shrink tunnels are adjusted to run for PVC sleeves. To make it easier for PETG to run on similar tunnels, the shrinkage curve of PETG must closely be monitored and compared to that of PVC, primarily in the case of hot air tunnels to get best results.

PETG shrink film is stiffer than PVC and has higher shrink force. It’s important to have a PETG film which is suitable for hot air tunnel and Material of Construction of the container.

To attend to these and several other concerns and technicalities and ensure that the process of PVC to PETG shift goes smoothly, having a proficient packaging partner like TAURUS PACKAGING is a must. As is correct planning, sufficient resources, technical expertise and investments to setup sophisticated shrink tunnel infrastructure.

The team at Taurus Packaging holds many years of experience and specialised knowledge as a leading packaging firm, collaborating with leading businesses to help them ace their PVC to PETG transition.

 

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING INNOVATIONSBY TAURUS – NEXT PETG

Over the last 6-7 years, Taurus Packaging has worked tirelessly to develop one PETG film that delivers the best-desired results. After a series of trials and modifications, we have created this wonder film using which we have received success at almost 95% of projects delivered. This wonder film NEXT PETG is a result of years of hard work by the manufacturing and technical team.

Our innovative PETG film is sustainable, cost-effective, and similarly priced as PVC shrink sleeves to make the transition not only sensible but also within budgets.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

 NEXT PETG is the most innovative Wonder Film till date that is taking the packaging industry by a storm.Developed after a series of trials and modifications, the wonder film developed by Taurus Packaging has proven successful at an unbelievable 95% success rate in PVC to PETG transition projects undertaken by Taurus. The future of the packaging industry is in good hands!

18 Feb
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

Are 100% Biodegradable Containers the Future of Packaging in India?

In recent years there has been a lot of talk about the future of packaging and how businesses need to move towards environmentally supportive packaging alternatives.

In this context, recent news coverage has created a lot of buzz around what it could mean to have a packaging alternative that is safe even for cattle to eat!

According to a feature on BetterIndia.com, a Coimbatore-based entrepreneur, Kalyana Kumar has innovated machinery that can create 100% biodegradable, single-use cutlery and containers using items like banana leaves, wheat &rice bran, millet and vegetable waste, palm tree, and tapioca cassava fiber, and more.

As you can guess, these eco-friendly containers, such as spoons, teacups, glasses, plates, regular and air-tight flasks, etc., are made from natural waste materials and completely safe, even if cattle eat them. Considering the widespread concerns about animals feeding on plastic and plastic waste, this initiative on the part of Kumar is a huge initiative towards promoting sustainability.

In an interview with Better India, Kumar said, “PaakuMattai (areca leaf plates) is a widely used alternative to paper plates. It was one of the few available options of organic raw material that requires less processing. but I found that manufacturers depended on Karnataka for its availability. But since the leaves are only available for six months a year, they faced huge losses in the remaining time. That’s what inspired me to use different raw materials that would be available throughout the year.”

A college dropout, Kalyana’s innovative idea and novel step is beneficial not just for the environment but in other ways too. The 100% biodegradable cutlery and containers can be reused as well as turned into cattle feed! As of now, more research is going into how the raw materials can be used even better at Kalyana’s research lab.

In his talk with Better India, Kumar also added, “During my childhood, we mostly used steel containers for all purposes. Plastic and paper alternatives came in later, but while they were more comfortable to use, they caused serious environmental issues. Shifting to sustainable products is the need of the hour and I hope more companies and groups take up this alternative. Our company is a humble attempt to aid this process.”

Reference:

https://www.thebetterindia.com/273423/biodegradable-cutlery-machines-from-natural-waste-coimbatore-entrepreneur

CLOSING THOUGHTS

There is no doubt that the Indian packaging industry can largely benefit from using biodegradable products actively and more entrepreneurs like Kalyana Kumar are the need of the hour.

Would you like an expert opinion on what kind of packaging materials are best for your products and brand? Feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com

07 Jan
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

Taurus Packaging – Experts To Ace Your PVC To PETG Shrink Sleeve Shift.

There have been a lot of discussions about the importance of shifting from PVC shrink sleeves to PETG shrink sleeves. While a total shift to PETG may not be easy since all types of shrink tunnels and containers are not replaceable with PETG shrink sleeves, companies are looking to make this transition to comply with global standards and for the sake of the environment.

After all, PVC is one of the most troubled plastics in use today, and this calls for serious efforts to negate its bad effects. But how to know whether or not shifting to PETG is feasible for your company? And what is the correct course of action to make this shift with minimum disruption and maximum benefits?

These questions become even more relevant when you take into account that almost 90% of PVC to PETG projects fail or get stalled due to insufficient knowledge, lack of proper planning, lack of expert guidance, and costly mistakes.

It’s here that you need the expertise of a Shrink Sleeve specialist like Taurus Packaging.

 

Taurus Packaging – Pioneers in PVC to PETG Transition

 Judging the suitability of a move from PVC to PETG shrink sleeves is the job of an expert. Someone adept at understanding the technicalities and short-term and long-term repercussions of this shift. That’s why companies across India trust Taurus Packaging.

 

With Mr. Chetan Jain at the helm, Taurus Packaging–

  • Provides clients sustainable non-PVC shrink sleeves with exceptional ease zero or minimal additional costs.
  • Helps clients to convert their PVC sleeves to PETG sleeves without changing their existing Shrink Tunnel infrastructure.
  • Educates their clients from start to finish, teaching them the essential steps they need to follow to complete the transition from PVC to PETG.
  • Offers detailed hand holding from start to finish while paying attention to minute details, so there are no mistakes or loopholes.
  • Provides up to 5 of the latest, most innovative sustainable non-PVC shrink sleeve options that you can start using for your business.
  • Informs their clients why 90% of the PVC to PETG projects fail and how to avoid those mistakes.

 

Over the years, Taurus Packaging has carried out hands-on research in PVC to PETG shift. They have worked on numerous client projects and delivered fool-proof solutions that support our environment while being economically feasible.

One of the perfect case studies of their achievements is when one major client was struggling to shift from PVC to PETG for two years after trying with multiple sleeve suppliers and failed to shift even after modifying their shrink tunnels. And they then helped achieve the perfect result in PETG sleeves in one attempt.

Their dedicated team of experts is available round the clock with advice and direction on how to move from PVC to PETG sleeves.

If you are considering making the big shift to PETG shrink sleeves, contact Taurus Packaging today! Their skilled team of experts will reach out to you to discuss your needs and guide you.

 

You can also reach out to Mr. Chetan Jain and book a free discovery call with him at www.chetan-jain.com.

13 Dec
Taurus Packaging

The Resurgence of Paper Bottles: But Are They Even Practical?

From a sustainability point of view, paper reigns supreme. With the sensitization towards the perils of plastic usage increasing across the globe, companies are actively seeking recyclable alternatives to plastic. So much so that many leading brands are embracing paper bottles as their preferred choice of packaging!

Let’s look at this surprising pick in some more detail. 

 

GROWING POPULARITY OF PAPER BOTTLES

 Though paper bottles have been around for some time now, their popularity is seeing an upward swing, with big brands like PepsiCo and Absolut now looking to transition from plastic to paper bottles.

 

A feature on Packaging Digest provides an in-depth look at this shift – 

Interestingly, brand Johnnie Walker’s parent company Diageo is all set to package their spirits brands in 100% plastic-free bottles this year.

Here’s what Drishti Masand, Market Analyst, and Associate at Lux Research had to say about this growing shift in an exclusive interview with Packaging Digest –

“While the concept of a paper bottle is not new, it can be considered as an emerging trend as the popularity and awareness of it is on the rise at the moment with more brands and industries, for example, personal care brands like L’Oréal also adopting paper bottles.”

When asked about the shortcomings of plastic packaging, she pointed out how paper-based packaging requires greater mass than plastic to complete the same function. So in a way, paper’s impact on the environment other than its carbon footprint is higher.

What’s more, relying on paper is a temporary hack as it can result in a major shortage in supply and the higher price is another factor that shouldn’t get ignored.

 

Though it may seem as though the influx of paper bottles can cause a major upheaval in the realm of plastic bottles, it will still take a lot of time for any significant changes to happen. More so because there is considerable hope that recycling plastics will see widespread innovations and technological breakthroughs over the years.

 

PLASTIC LINING INSIDE PAPER BOTTLES

Even if companies start adopting paper bottles extensively to package their beverages, these bottles will still require an internal plastic lining to protect them from environmental factors. Now, considering, this plastic must be separated for proper recycling, the problem still remains, especially because companies are not using such advanced technology. And then there is the question about the plastic bottle caps which also must be removed.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Though it may seem as though we have found a solution to the plastic recycling problem in paper bottles but in reality, it isn’t as straightforward as it may appear. Even if paper bottles do get more takers, it still doesn’t have the capacity to disrupt the plastic bottle industry in a major way. There is hope that with time, many more innovations will be made in the recycling technologies that will help our industries to conquer the plastic menace.

 

Would you like an expert opinion on whether opting for paper bottles is right for your brand? Feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

 

Credits:

https://www.packagingdigest.com/beverage-packaging/are-paper-bottles-sustainable-and-practical

25 Nov
Taurus Packaging

Shrink Sleeves on Beer Cans & Their Advantages

We all know that shrink sleeves have revolutionized the packaging industry with their numerous features and functions. And now its benefits are also being felt by small-scale manufacturers, particularly those dealing in all kinds of aluminum cans.

 

Bottles  Vs. Cans

There has been a growing shift in the popularity of aluminum cans as a preferred choice of material. You will see more and more beer, cocktail, and juice brands now opting for packing their products in these cans rather than bottles.

Several reasons contribute to this preference.

Customers prefer cans over bottles as they are highly portable. Moreover, aluminum cans keep the beverage fresh and reduce costs. And the best part, tech innovations have made it possible to package these cans with pre-printed shrink sleeves which is a major improvement over traditional printing done over the cans.

 

Packaging on cans using shrink sleeves

Let’s look at the top benefits of opting for shrink sleeves as a preferred choice of packaging for beverages and beer cans –

Seamless integration & Appeal: One of the major advantages of shrink films on cans is that they take the shape and form of the containers with ease and provide a seamless look and finish. You can go all out with the colour choices and graphics, etc., so your products stand out on shop shelves. The graphics get complete coverage over the entire body of the container and enhance the end-user experience.

Flexibility: Shrink films provide amazing flexibility to product manufacturers and marketers. Since the graphics and design are first finalised, then printed, and then attached to cans, they make it easy to customise or create new designs as and when required, reducing the need to maintain a high inventory. Simply tweak or finalise a new design, get them printed on sleeves; then go ahead and get them onto the required number of blank cans.

 

Beer cans – Regulations in India

The Indian Liquor Excise Law requires that beer cans carry specific markings, highlighting the name of the state or Union Territory.

For craft beers and alcoholic cocktails manufacturers, this becomes a challenging and cumbersome task, especially if they have multiple flavors or variants. It becomes too much of a task to keep the inventories of each state’s printed cans, especially if the requirement falls at the low to mid-level for niche products.

Clearly, sleeving on cans can be a huge success in such cases.

 

Did you know?

Taurus Packaging can help you with short quantities for state-wise excise approvals as well as easy, low volume orders for each state’s specific labels.

 

With us, you get to benefit from the following –

  • Save big on inventory costs as there is no need to maintain high inventories.
  • Get sleeves quantity lower than MOQ of printed cans
  • Get highly attractive shrink sleeves for your beverage cans that get your products noticed on shop shelves.

Now that you know about the benefits of sleeves on cans, it’s time to revisit your packaging initiatives and make the best of this popular and highly beneficial technology. There’s a lot we can do with finishes and patterns so sky is the limit for your packaging priorities.

Would you like to know more about how Taurus Packaging has helped beverage clients solve their packaging needs and save big on costs? Contact Us and we will be happy to share our case studies with you.

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