The Tinplate Promotion Council launched the first ever international Seminar to highlight the Technical, Environmental and Economic benefits of Tinplate

The Tinplate Promotion Council (TPC) in keeping with its aims and objectives launched the first ever international Seminar to highlight the Technical, Environmental and Economic benefits of Tinplate the primary packaging media with the emphasis on the recent developments in this field. Welcoming the august gathering and dignitaries Mr Bushan Raina, Chairman TPC, elaborated the paradox of the situation of food surplus on one hand and yet not taking benefit of the availability of tinplate - an ideal solution to the situation. He also cautioned the industry of the threat starring the trade due to the regime of WTO and thus the need to augment and take benefit of the developments witnessed in this area of tinplate - a packaging media which accounts for over 60 % of packaging of food and beverages in the developed parts of the world. Mr Raina further observed that the per capita consumption of Tinplate in India is a meagre 0.3kg as against the developed world average ranging from 8-10 kg; a clear index of the appalling fact and yet the scope and opportunity of this versatile packaging material.

Mr Sujit Gupta, Director Tata Industries, the guest of honour in his address reiterated that the Tinplate industry could play and contribute to the growth of the packaging industry. Both the tinplate manufacturing, converting and ancillary sources of supply have to strive further and reach global standards to meet the dynamic needs of the industry.

Inaugurating the Seminar Mr A.N.P.Sinha, Jt.Secretary Ministry of Food Processing Industries congratulated the TPC for the efforts in creating awareness among the packaging and package user sector, on the need for continuous R&D and evolve improved and more functional systems. He re-emphasized on the significance of value added packaging for the food sector and convenience features. The ministry he observed, has drawn up a number of programmes for quality upgradation of both food processing and packaging. The presentations from experts, from the world over should help the domestic industry in streamlining the action plan.

Dr Nigel Davenport of Crown Cork and Seal USA in his keynote highlighted the shifts and trends witnessed in the tinplate packaging and the re-emergence of Tinplate in many packaging applications.

The International seminar deliberated various technical aspects relevant to the tinplate, its conversion, development in machinery and materials including printing inks, lacquers, coatings, lining and compounds, easy open ends besides technological and economical and Eco-friendliness in five Technical Sessions during the two days. As many as 18 experts both from India and overseas shared their experience and responded to the specific information needs. The presentations broadly covered domestic global perspectives, developments in conversion technologies and lacquers, coatings and inks, market developments and consumer convenience features and Economical and Environmental benefits. The presentation also highlighted specific legal issues, newer developments related to designs and shapes, peel of ends, down-gauging of metals, scope for U.V inks, cost saving techniques and newer application.

The international event was sponsored and supported by leading Indian and International organisations Viz.

• Akzo Nobel Coatings India Pvt. Ltd. India
• Alfons Haar Inc. USA
• Lanico- Maschinernbau Otto Nienshc GmbH Germany.
• Soundronic A.G Switzerland
• Tata Steel, India
• ICI Packaging Coatings, Asia Pacific
• Joint Plant Committee, India

Over 220 delegates representing Tinplate manufacturing and conversion, ancillary materials manufacturers, M/C design - development and manufacturing industry and cross section of food and non-food industries attended the seminar. The highlight of the event is the concurrent exhibition display held in the same venue. The valedictory open house discussion suggests the need for such get-togetherness, more frequently, that should help in better understanding of the subjects and undertake relevant R&D work besides innovations.

Follow-up of the inputs received will be now translated into an action plan and the TPC has now taken up the task of designing a 3-5 year programme(s) and a strategic plan to evaluate the recommended actions & implement the same.