UFlex launches new products

With the outbreak of Covid19 and surge in demand for hand sanitizers, the company launched FlexiTubes to pack sanitizers in multi-layered plastic laminated tubes in sizes ranging from 30-200ml. This range proved to be an effective and attractive replacement to pack sanitizers that were earlier available in rigid packaging.

UFlex packaging business has developed easy tear structure for single dose sanitizers that offer ease of convenience and can be effortlessly opened by hand.

Further, the company has developed Flex Protect PPE coverall in collaboration with IIT Delhi approved by DRDO, to enhance safety of frontline workers fighting the COVID 19 pandemic. Flex Protect coverall meets the inadequacies of the conventional PPE coveralls with its anti-microbial coating and 4-layer security seal to protect against the virus and allows better breathability.

The company ventured into manufacturing of N95 masks as well. These are 6-layered personal protection masks without valve which are capable of filtering out bacteria and other particles greater than 0.3 micrometre so that the wearer can protect themselves from respiratory diseases. UFlex N95 masks have greater resistance against splashes and strong resistance against PM 2.5. The raw material is indigenously manufactured to provide the best safety from harmful bacteria and virus.

UFlex chemicals business launched Flexpack 5100, a semi-film forming PU developed for surface as well as reverse inks. It provides high gloss for surface inks and good lamination bond for reverse inks and provides suitability for both flexographic and gravure printing processes. Flexpack 5100 is free of chemical compounds like TDI, MDI and tin making it ideal for indirect food additives for packaging. 

UFlex chemicals business also launched FLEXCOAT PC OPV- 1009, an environment-friendly water-based Overprint Varnish (OPV) for printing over paperboard used for playing cards. It is specially designed to give excellent slip property with very low CoF value, high scuff- resistance and good gloss besides smooth lay and anti-blocking properties. It is suitable for both inline and offline processes and has got the stamp of approval from leading card manufacturers.

The company developed CI FLEXMATT two components OPV, which is a matt coating specially developed for CI Flexo printing process. This ‘soft-feel’ overprint varnish provides excellent adhesion on a variety of substrates including PE, PET, BOPP etc. besides giving matt effect and scuff resistance. It complies with food packaging regulations and is most suitable for hygiene care products.  

UFlex holography business developed a product namely Silver Scratch Film in 12 and 15 micron variants for packaging, labels and decoration industry.

Rajesh Bhatia, Group President (Finance & Accounts) & CFO, UFlex said: ‘First quarter of fiscal 2020-21 has been a quarter of great progress for UFlex. With innovations seen in FlexiTubes, Spout Pouches and other product portfolio, we have been working relentlessly during these challenging times. The demand for pouching saw a huge increase led by personal hygiene category. This was reflected in our quarterly performance via higher sales volumes, huge surge in profitability and much healthier EBITDA margins of 21.1 percent. Even amidst the lockdown, we were able to complete the construction of our new facilities in Poland and Russian and start trial runs.’

Ashok Chaturvedi, chairman and managing director, UFlex said: ‘The Covid-19 pandemic has been an epic test of leadership character. As an essential supplies player, UFlex had the humongous responsibility to ensure continuity of packaging material supplies for food and pharma, which is the lifeline in present context, and allied products. Team UFlex assumed its responsibilities and rose to the occasion in discharging their duties, despite daunting pressures on daily functioning when lockdowns were the order of the day. A natural corollary of all the efforts had to culminate into a remarkable quarter for us.

As regards Covid-19, my personal belief is that the world has to learn to live with this new normal with razor-sharp focus on economics, otherwise the fallout will be more disastrous than the pandemic itself, particularly for the underdeveloped and developing world as they have limited resources to match the fiscal stimulus provided by their developed counterparts.’