Uflex launches new packaging upgrade for international names

On 2nd May 2018, the prestigious flexible packaging materials and solution company, Uflex, revealed it has made leaps in the tubes industry by creating multi-layered flexible laminates that lead to the production of flexi-tubes.

Easy as ABC​

Using an ABC approach, this focuses on aesthetics, barrier properties and counterfeit-proof to provide brands with flexible packaging options. These can then be applied to their beauty and personal care items.  

Uflex has released its Optika range of flexi-tubes to provide a contemporary alternative to other lami-tube manufacturers. High definition graphics, 360-degree printing, metallic effects using advanced registered printing, registered lamination, superior surface finish using matte and gloss effects, and electron beam (EBM) coating for ultra-high gloss are modern techniques used.

Standing out​

Holography is a key area for Uflex to enable it to provide a selection of anti-counterfeiting features on its packaging to offer security. These feature multiple lenses, single lenses and security strips among other tailored brand protection features.

“We have adopted a special process that imparts depth to the printing and imagery prominently highlighting the main elements of the brand artwork,”​ stated Ish Dhawan, Head, Product Development at the Tubes vertical of Uflex.

Commenting on this creation, Dhawan added: “The inside and outside seamless printing with metallic effects coupled up with the refractive properties of the transparent Flexi-Tube creates an absolutely never seen before visual appeal at the point-of-sale (POS).” ​

On its production materials in its Optika range, Dhawan continued: "For Optika we use ultra-clear polyethylene as the innermost substrate that further imparts mesmerizing aesthetics to the Flexi-Tube. The optical illusion created by printing inside the tube gives distinct visual effects as the gel/liquid gets consumed over a period of time.”​

Highlighting the importance of visual stimulation for beauty and cosmetic products, Uflex will “step up the aesthetic quotient of the Flexi-Tubes manifold. In fact, we are the first ones in the world to be using this specialised printing technology/ process thereby enhancing the Unique Selling Proposition (USP) for our esteemed clients who happen to be custodians of some of the top beauty and cosmetic brands. For doing this, our design & manufacturing teams work in close collaboration with merchandisers of several top-notch beauty and cosmetic brands to simulate the optical/ visual effects at the POS.”​

The value of flexi-tubes​

Ashwani Sharma, President  & CEO, New Business Initiatives at Uflex commented about the potential opportunities to comes from flexi tube due to their value-adding capabilities:“With the existing tooling apparatus at our plant, we can manufacture flexi-tubes ranging from 19 mm to 50 mm in diameter. Our capacity is 300 million flexi-tubes per annum with ten machines in operation currently.” ​

All Uflex plants have received accredited from  ISO 9001, 14001, HACCP & BRC certifications, and the company boasts a host of globally-recognised clients including P&G, L’ Oreal, Kimberly Clark and, Johnson & Johnson. The company is now considering expanding its manufacturing capacity by an additional 200 million tubes by the end of 2018.

“I am happy to say that through immaculately designed Flexi-Tubes my engineers have been able to add tremendous value to the business of Beauty, Cosmetics, Personal Care, Pharmaceutical and Hotel Toiletry Brands across the globe. The ABC of Flexi-Tubes starts with Uflex – a fact abundantly evinced by the ever-increasing popularity this product segment has been enjoying on the global turf. OPTIKA with its unique properties will serve as a boon for global cosmetic brands,”​ concluded Ashok Chaturvedi, Chairman and Managing Director Uflex.