A decade of successful collaboration between FKuR Kunststoff GmbH and India's SKYi Innovations LLP, acting as distributors of the FKuR bioplastics range, has laid the foundation for a promising presence in the Indian market. Both companies finally established the SKYi FKuR Biopolymers Pvt Ltd joint venture at the end of 2019 to further strengthen their cooperation.
The local production of biodegradable, partially bio-based plastics has now begun. This is a further step in implementing the FKuR mission to leave the world a little better than we found it by using sustainable plastics solutions. The production site is located within a special industrial zone in Chakan in the Pune district of the state of Maharashtra. This zone accommodates over 2000 large and small companies.
The joint venture produces a significant part of the Bio-Flex product range for local demand as well as for distribution to neighbouring regions. This makes the JV the first dedicated manufacturer of compostable biopolymer compounds in India. Patrick Zimmermann, member of the executive board of FKuR Group explains this strategic step: "After our participation at Plastindia 2012, it was clear to us that the Indian continent is a strategically important bridgehead and a hub for our products in Asia and Africa as well."
In addition, Carmen Michels, also a member of the FKuR Group executive team and one of the four directors of the JV adds, "Given the global drive to reduce consumption and disposal of single-use plastics, reduce plastic waste and adopt sustainable solutions, the demand for compostable plastics is also growing in these regions, with a focus on packaging and catering applications, as well as agribusiness. In particular, compostable plastics can make a positive contribution to waste management in India, as setting up organic recycling is infinitely easier and less costly compared to other disposal options (such as mechanical recycling or thermal recovery)."
The plant built for this purpose will employ up to 40 people in the first expansion phase. A modern compounding line is run on three shifts. In the company's own testing laboratory, which contains a small blown film line along with other equipment, the qualities of the incoming raw materials and the end products are monitored according to German standards.
Dr. Sachin Jain, Managing Director of SKYi Innovations LLP and, like Michels, Director of the JV, adds, "SKYi FKuR Biopolymers combines German technology with Indian agility and entrepreneurial spirit.
Together, we will bring advanced 'Made in India' solutions to the market and offer our customers excellent service with high flexibility and short lead times."
