GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, APRIL 18
Packem Umasree Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Packem SA of Brazil and Umasree Texplast of India, announced the inauguration of India’s First 100% sustainable rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) bottle to FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container/ Jumbo Bag) bag plant. The ceremony, graced by the esteemed presence of the Honourable Governor of Parana, Brazil, Carlos Roberto Massa Junior, and Ambassador of Brazil, Kenneth Felix Haczynski Da Nobrega marks a historic moment in India’s journey towards environmental sustainability.
Located at Gangad village in Dholka taluk near Ahmedabad, Gujarat (India), the plant represents a collaborative effort between two industry leaders committed to advancing environmental stewardship. Through cutting-edge technology and innovative processes, Packem Umasree Pvt Ltd will transform recycled PET bottles into high-quality FIBC bags, pioneering a closed-loop system that minimises waste and promotes circular economy principles.
- This plant will create direct job opportunity to 700 and 1,200 indirectly
- The company has made an investment of Rs 300 crore
- Umasree holds a 49 per cent equity and Packem SA of Brazil 51 per cent in this JV
Punit Gopalka, CEO of Packem Umasree Pvt Ltd, expressed his gratitude to Governor Carlos Junior and Ambassador of Brazil Kenneth Felix Haczynski Da Nobrega for their presence and shared his vision for the project, stating, “We are honored to have Governor Carlos Roberto Massa Junior inaugurate our plant, symbolising the strong partnership between Brazil and India in driving sustainable development. With his support, we are confident in our ability to make a significant impact on the environment while contributing to economic growth and social progress.”
Umasree holds a 49 per cent equity in Packem Umasree Pvt. Ltd., the JV, and Packem, which recently became the first Brazilian company to produce 100 per cent sustainable FIBC/Jumbo Bags made of PET/PCR (rPET), holds 51 per cent. Packem Umasree will be the first company in India to start producing FIBC/Jumbo Bags made from 100 per cent rPET/PCR (Recycled PET) with the concept of Bottle to Bag.
“We chose to form the joint venture with Packem because it is a young and energetic company with a vision for the future. India is a strategic location to serve the global market and we have been operating in this market since 2005. We have launched a 100 per cent recycled and recyclable product and we felt Packem is a perfect fit with our philosophy of sustainability,” said Umasree’s CEO, Punit Gopalka.
“This new facility in Asia will take Packem to global markets that are already served today by Umasree, in PP bags, especially the USA, Canada and Europe. We have been Umasree’s business partners for over 10 years, and it was this relationship of trust that enabled the Joint Venture to further strengthening this partnership,” said Eduardo Santos Neto, CEO of Packem.
“Our rPET big bag will bring great environmental and social benefits to India, in addition to direct jobs. It is estimated that every metric tonne of recycled plastic will create three local jobs for the collection and recycling industry. In addition, our project will create local demand for post-consumer PET bottles, with a positive impact on oceans, rivers and the environment in general,” Eduardo Santos Neto added.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by dignitaries, industry experts, and local officials, served as a testament to the significance of this milestone in India’s sustainable development agenda. Packem Umasree Pvt Ltd is poised to create employment opportunities, foster innovation, and position India as a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
As the first of its kind in India, the plant embodies the shared values of Packem SA and Umasree Texplast, promoting collaboration, innovation, and environmental responsibility. Through this joint venture, the companies aim to inspire positive change and set new standards for sustainability in the packaging industry.
The global FIBC market is led by five countries India, China, Vietnam, Turkey, and Mexico. In 2021, these countries exported 250 million units, with India accounting for 50 per cent of that volume. At least two per cent of the global FIBC/Jumbo Bag market will be able to immediately replace the polypropylene product with recycled PET/PCR bags and this replacement will increase over the years.
