Technological watch

FKuR Kunststoff and SKYi Innovations have established the SKYi FKuR Biopolymers joint venture to further strengthen their cooperation.
The local production of , partially bio-based plastics has begun. This is a further step in implementing the FKuR’s mission to leave the world a little better than was found 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.
Production of Bio-Flex® Product Range
The joint venture produces a significant part of the Bio-Flex® product range for local demand as well as for distribution to neighboring 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."
Bio-Flex® is a family of flexible bioplastics for a wide range of processing methods. They are fully biodegradable or compostable (according to EN 13432) and are based entirely or partly on natural raw materials. Main applications are flexible films, including agricultural, household and hygiene, as well as thermoformed and injection molded products.
SKYi FKuR Biopolymers sells locally manufactured Bio-Flex® products as well as other regionally demanded grades from the extensive FKuR portfolio in India and other countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as in Middle Eastern countries such as Dubai, Oman and Qatar.
Reduced Consumption of Single-use plastic
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. 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 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."