Flexible packaging dominates India’s plastic waste problem, accounting for 73% of all plastic packaging across the food, personal care, and homecare sectors. However, its non-recyclable nature poses significant challenges. Huhtamaki India took a pivotal step by hosting the second edition of Think Circle at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, unveiling groundbreaking solutions for a circular economy.
The event marked the launch of the Design for Recycling Guidance for Films and Flexible Packaging, developed by the CII-India Plastics Pact in December 2024. This initiative highlights actionable steps, such as using mono-material designs, reducing harmful pigments, and optimising adhesives and labels for better recycling compatibility.
Dhananjay Salunkhe, Managing Director at Huhtamaki India, emphasised the importance of this initiative, “These guidelines are a crucial step toward creating a circular economy by ensuring flexible packaging is designed for recyclability. At Huhtamaki, we are committed to collaborating with partners to raise awareness and support the widespread adoption of recyclable packaging.”
Industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators participated in a panel discussion titled Redefining the Circularity of Flexible Packaging in India. Experts from Godrej, Mondelez India, Nestlé, and more shared insights on aligning packaging practices with sustainability goals.
Salla Ahonen, Senior VP of Sustainability at Huhtamaki, underscored the urgency of action, “India’s growing demand for packaged goods underscores the critical need for sustainable packaging solutions. Collaboration among stakeholders and improved recycling infrastructure will be key to solving this challenge.”
With India’s flexible packaging market projected to grow to $12.72 billion by 2025, this initiative paves the way for systemic change. Finland’s Ambassador to India, HE Kimmo Lähdevirta, added, “Combining Finnish expertise with India’s dynamic innovation ecosystem can set global benchmarks for sustainability.”
The Think Circle event and the new guidelines provide a roadmap for companies to adopt recyclable practices, signaling a much-needed shift toward sustainability in India’s packaging ecosystem.
