Michelman has announced the opening of its new packaging incubator, the Michelman Innovation Centre for Coatings (MICC), at its facilities in central Mumbai. The Centre is designed to allow all members of the packaging value chain to participate in the design and production of sustainable packaging.
Backed by more than 70 years of water-based coating expertise and outfitted with new state-of-the-art equipment, the MICC is strategically designed for fast and efficient development of sustainable packaging solutions. Shailesh Nema, Michelman India’s Country Manager and Director explains: "This Centre will allow customers to efficiently evaluate new technologies, prototype innovative packaging structures, test improved coating formulations, and quickly commercialise superior packaging.”
The centerpiece of the MICC is a Kroenert pilot coater laminator that allows packaging manufacturers to test new concepts without stopping their production lines. Additionally, collaboration with Michelman’s technical and market experts allows brand owners, film producers, converters, universities and others involved in the research and development of packaging produce more sustainable solutions. The MICC is outfitted with a training and conference facility as well. Nema elaborates: "Michelman is committed to training industry’s next generation of packaging engineers. This facility is available for use by all members of the packaging value chain for this purpose.”
The Centre includes advance equipment for barrier testing, lamination, and for improving both the physical and chemical properties of coatings. These capability improvements will benefit Michelman’s customer service and in-house flexible packaging expertise. This investment complements and supports past acquisition and investment activity throughout Asia and will allow Michelman to better develop and expand its customer base in India and the surrounding region.
