A brief discussion with Mr. Pankaj Poddar, CEO of Cosmo Films Ltd. on challenges during pandemic and the way ahead!
Q. How is the company fairing in these challenging times of Covid-19?
A. The demand for Packaging & Label films has been high due to increased consumption for packaged foods, liquid soaps, bathing soaps and hand sanitizers. The increased demand has helped us run the capacity at full potential though we had challenges in end March and early April.
Q. Tell us about the recent product launches at Cosmo Films in the synthetic paper segment?
A. Cosmo Synthetic Paper is an ideal replacement of pulp-based paper in applications that require better durability and longevity. We have multiple types of synthetic paper to suit different printing needs and applications. Some of the key applications for which our synthetic paper is used are: Tags & Labels, Certificates & Marksheets, Restaurant Menu Cards, Durable books, Medical records, Immunization programs, Ration cards, Visiting Cards, Photo albums, Property documents, Passport pages, Book Marks, Glass coasters & Table mats and stickers etc.
Q. We understand you have a manufacturing unit in Korea. Tell us about your international market and its situation during the pandemic?
A. Beyond India, we have Thermal film manufacturing unit at Korea. We also have sales, slitting & warehousing set-up at USA, Canada, Germany and Japan. Through these sales networks we sell in more than 100 countries around the globe. The market however is slow everywhere now.
Q. Tell us about the variety of films made by you and the various industries that use them.
A. Established in 1981, Cosmo Films Limited today is a global leader in speciality films for packaging, lamination & labeling applications, and synthetic paper. Our films offerings include biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films and cast polypropylene (CPP) films. With the engineering of innovative products and sustainability solutions, Cosmo Films over the years has been partnering with worlds’ leading F&B and personal care brands and packaging & printing converters to enhance their consumer experience.
Q. What are your plans for the remaining of 2020?
A. Post the Covid-19 pandemic, there would be a major shift in consumer buying behavior. People would prefer buying packaged items and would probably shift to e-commerce stores to buy their daily essentials as well; which would definitely favor packaged goods manufacturers. And with qualities like low transportation costs, better food safety, and enhanced barrier properties, plastics would play a major role to fulfill the requirements of the consumer.
Within 2020, our focus areas are to continue working on sustainability solutions and expand our product base of Synthetic Paper.
As part of our R&D roadmap, we are working on several new technologies including intelligent packaging solutions, biodegradable materials and direct thermal printable films.
Q. In your opinion how important it is for the Trade Exhibitions to come back in action.
A. Trade Exhibition in India and across the globe offer an opportunity for the packaging, printing, and converting fraternity to come at one place to meet, explore business opportunities and experience the latest technologies in the industry. So yes, they play a very important role in making connections and bringing the whole industry together under one roof. In the current scenario though, they may take a backseat.
Q. Anything else you would like to add on…
A. Cosmo Films is an innovation led and consumer-oriented brand. As has been in the past, we shall continue to research in developing newer solutions for end consumers. We are also expanding our horizon to Sustainable Chemicals & Polymers over the coming years.
