#TOPPAN

[hotoop]

TOPPANホールディングス株式会社（本社：東京都文京区、代表取締役社長：麿 秀晴、以下 TOPPANホールディングス）は、世界を代表するESG（環境・社会・ガバナンス）指数「Dow Jones Sustainability World Index」（以下、DJSI World）の2024年度版において、2年連続で構成銘柄に選定されました。本選定により、同社の持続可能性に対する取り組みが再び国際的に認められる形となりました。

[basicallyanotherwitchesthing]

Kenneth Mackenzie - The Refuge - Sun - 1969

[psatalk]

Toppan Speciality Films BOPE trials with Brückner

A strong collaboration across the value chain could be the key to a circular economy. At Brückner’s BOPE Summit, industry leaders echoed a shared commitment to advancing mono-material BOPE films for sustainable and recyclable packaging.

An example of collaboration in action were the recent BOPE trials at Brückner’s technology center in Siegsdorf, Germany. On Brückner’s pilot line, the Indian film manufacturer Toppan Speciality Films optimized film properties, examined BOPE structures for printable, metallizable, and barrier films, and produced sample rolls for converting tests. This was achieved through seamless teamwork with global raw material suppliers, including leading Asian producers, and Toppan, which also prepared pre-samplings for their converting trials and customers.

The realization coming from the trials is that leading film producers, raw material suppliers, and equipment suppliers such as Brückner need to work together for the innovations that are needed. Tapas Kanti Mandal, head of the R&D department at Toppan Speciality Films, India along with Young Joon Park, Advisor-Global Packaging subdivision with Toppan stated, “These were very intensive, busy but also very successful days for us. In the end, of course, it’s the results that count – and they were everything we had hoped for.”

Dr Alois Körber, Team Leader Speciality Films in Brückner’s R&D department adds, “A major advantage was that we were able to test the properties of the films produced in our perfectly equipped film laboratory immediately. It was then possible to use the pilot plant to always improve mechanical properties such as stiffness or puncture resistance, shrinkage properties and also optical properties further.”

For Toppan, the recent BOPE trials at Brückner’s technology center were a crucial step in preparing for their upcoming BOPP/BOPE hybrid line, expected to launch in spring 2025, as already reported by Packaging South Asia. These trials provided Toppan with valuable insights into material behavior and the challenges of BOPE stretching, setting the stage for future innovations.

Brückner’s hybrid line concept, which combines BOPE and BOPP production, offers manufacturers such as Toppan the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing market demands, ensuring they remain at the forefront of packaging innovation.

BOPE films (Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene), with their mono-material structure, represent a significant advancement for the circular economy, utilizing widely available PE recycling streams. The benefits of biaxial stretching and optimized converting processes make BOPE an ideal solution for sustainable and recyclable packaging.

Based on a Brückner press release dated 12 December 2024, and edited by Packaging South Asia

[bingus-bungus]

uh oh!!!!!!!!! looks like somebody is trying to install a virus onto my computer!!!!!!!!

[nonribbon]

The guest on J-WAVE TOPPAN INNOVATION WORLD ERA broadcast on Sunday, August 18th will be flower arrangement artist Nicoletta Oprysian!

It's Ta Oprysian!

NON is the host of J-WAVE TOPPAN INNOVATION WORLD ERA.

On Sunday, August 18th, our guest will be Ikebana artist Nicoletta Oprysian!

Nicoletta Oprysian is a Romanian-born Ikebana artist based in Tokyo and a master of the Sogetsu school.

She is also a linguist who earned a bachelor's degree in linguistics from the University of Bucharest in Romania,

and an active person who also works as a fashion designer, perfumer, and perfume stylist.

What inspired her to become interested in language, flower arranging, and perfume?

We delved into Nicoletta Oprysian's creative activities that go beyond language, and the seeds of innovation!

Please listen.

■Program Overview

・Program name: TOPPAN INNOVATION WORLD ERA

・Broadcast station: J-WAVE

・Broadcast date: Sunday, August 18, 2024, 23:00-23:54

・Program website: https://www.j-wave.co.jp/original/innovationworldera/

※Podcast distribution also available

[joandelahaye]

Crazy Killers and Strange Tales

Hello, my Freaky Darlings! I hope you’ve had a wonderful week. So … let’s get right into it. Personal Shit I’m delighted that Sliced and Diced has been unleashed on the world as an audiobook. I’ve wanted to do more with audiobooks for years, but doing more books has been out of my reach for several reasons. But now, thanks to technology, I can do what I’ve always wanted. Don’t you love all the…

[demilypyro]

Have you seen the Tengan Toppan Gurren Lagann animation with Twilight performing giga drill breaker on Nightmare Moon with her horn? It's not only wonderfully animated, but has the fantastic sound effect of a unicorn retracting her horn with a "fwimpf"

I assume you mean this

[marzipanandminutiae]

after reading carmilla (1872), I’ve of course become obsessed with how similar she is to lucille. i will not elaborate.

Not going to lie, I don't really see it myself! Let's review known backstory:

turned into a vampire at age 18 by the ghost of someone she knew who had killed themselves

convinced a former friend or lover to hide her from vampire hunters

killed him and escaped

Now she's an eternal teenager whose whole thing is being very sweet and charming on the surface but weirdly intense underneath and okay I maybe see some similarities there (Lucille is about as charming as a dungeon but she does perform social acceptability pretty well)

besides queerness or queercoding, they're also both possessive and motivated by love. and have really nice hair.

so I suppose, upon further reflection, I see it a bit? not massively, but perhaps GDT had some influences from the novel as well as his other sources

(I'm firmly convinced, for example, that the real-life murder cases of Jane Toppan and Constance Kent influenced Lucille's character)

[vintage-sweden]

Arthur Bäckström with his dogs Tussan and Toppan, 1927, Sweden.

[ingurimonguri]

画面ごしには見えにくかったので、別途撮影しました。あ、DNPとTOPPAN、印刷会社違いだ！

(via コンビニにあるパック酒【鬼ころし】実はすごかった！ 日本酒のプロにその魅力を聞く｜クリーミー大久保（日本酒）)

[witchyfashion]

A feast for the senses, this sumptuously illustrated book will introduce you to some of the most infamous women throughout world history, united by their shared taste for poison. Welcome to the League of Lady Poisoners. This riveting and well-researched volume by Lisa Perrin weaves together the stories of more than twenty-five accused women poisoners, exploring the circumstances and skill sets that led them to lives of crime. You might find yourself rooting for some of them—like Sally Bassett, who helped poison her granddaughter’s enslavers in Bermuda, or Giulia Tofana, who sold her name-brand concoction to women wanting to be rid of their abusive (or otherwise undesirable) husbands. Other stories, though—including that of Yiya Murano, one of Argentina’s most notorious swindlers and serial killers, or the terrifying Nurse Jane Toppan—may prove less palatable. Organized into thematic chapters based on the women’s motives, the book also includes an illustrated primer that delves into the origins and effects of common poisons throughout history, as well as a foreword by Holly Frey and Maria Trimarchi, creators and hosts of the podcast Criminalia. It is a treat for true crime fans, feminist history buffs, and any curious readers fascinated by the more macabre side of human nature. TRUE CRIME GALORE: Women can do anything—even commit murder. This thoughtfully researched and insightful survey into the lives of the poisoners explores the toxic events that put these women in the spotlight, the deceptive methods and substances they used, and their legacies today. The League of Lady Poisoners is a thrilling deep dive for fans of true crime podcasts, docuseries, and books. EYE-CATCHING GIFT: Illustrator and author Lisa Perrin’s beautiful and distinctive art style blends the romantic allure of these pop culture legends with the disturbing and twisted facts of their lives. The hardcover is decorated with shining foil, and the interior contains clever Victorian-inspired lettering, borders, and diagrams that complement the text. Readers and illustrated book collectors will love all the details honoring the Golden Age of Poison.   FASCINATING, DIVERSE STORIES OF WOMEN WHO KILL: These women lived in different time periods and had varying cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds that influenced their motives. Some acted out of defiance—like the Angel Makers of Nagyrév, who taught women how to dispose of their abusive husbands in Hungary. Others schemed their way to power and money, including Empress Wu Zetian of China and Belle Gunness, who killed more than 14 people in the American Midwest. Discover all their stories in this engaging collection . . . if you have the stomach for them.

https://amzn.to/3N4jfXe

[ourstaturestouchtheskies]

Mrs. Benjamin Pickman (Mary Toppan) – John Singleton Copley // Mrs. Daniel Sargent (Mary Turner) – John Singleton Copley // Mrs. John Amory (Katherine Greene) – John Singleton Copley // Mrs. Daniel  Hubbard (Mary Greene) – John Singleton Copley // Watch – Maisie Peters // Is It Over Now? – Taylor Swift

[lelkigyakorlatok]

Philip Larkin: Jön

Hosszabbodó estéken hűvös, sárga derű fürdeti a házak homlokát. Egy rigó énekel a csupasz kert mélyén, babérral körülvéve, frissen nyíló hangja, az első madárszó, medöbbenti a téglafalat. Hamarosan tavasz lesz, hamarosan tavasz lesz – és én, akinek gyerekkora elfeledett unalom, gyereknek érzem magam, aki épp arra toppan be amikor a felnőttek békülnek, de nem ért semmit, csak a szokatlan nevetést, és átjárja a nyugalom. Taródi Luca fordítása

[psatalk]

Interview – Manohara Kumar, Toppan Speciality Films

In a freewheeling interview with Packaging South Asia’s Nilutpal Thakur at Toppan Speciality Films' Chandigarh office, the CEO & whole-time director speaks about their flagship GL-BOPP films, the packaging industry, and how the company is doing its bit to develop sustainable alternatives in packaging

Packaging South Asia met Manohara Kumar, Chief Executive Officer and Whole-Time Director, at Toppan Speciality Films’ office in the towering Nexus Elante mall, a landmark in Chandigarh’s Industrial & Business Park. The discussions ranged from the company’s transition, the launch of the GL films in India and their target markets, and the future of the packaging industry. The sustainability angle and recycling as an alternative figured prominently in our conversation, considering the interaction happened just ahead of a key meeting for a Global Plastics Treaty held in Ottawa, Canada.

GL films and its usages

Manohara – who began his journey with TSF more than 30 years ago as a trainee before steering the organization in its growth trajectory – clarified that at present, only BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene)-based GL Films are being manufactured at the India plant. We asked him if the Indian market is ready for these advanced films and even prepared to pay a premium or if it is aware of what sustainability problems these solutions can solve. Manohara answered by saying TSF is known to be a pioneer in providing futuristic products and, hence, known to create markets for sustainability solutions rather than pitching in existing market segments. “Mostly, brands and customers are informed about the solution, but we as a responsible partner will make sure that they are updated on the advantages and challenges (if any) before they start deploying these sustainable solutions.”

The GL film range, which is used in a wide variety of fields, including the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial materials sectors, is said to be a sustainable alternative to metallized and other films. The GL-SP film uses a BOPP substrate to enable mono-material packaging that caters to the increasing demand for improved recyclability.

According to Manohara, though the target solutions for GL-PET are well established globally, for GL-BOPP, the targeted solutions are under development. For GL, TSF targets sustainability solutions of the mono-material family and transparent laminates, which can be used primarily in dry-content products such as powders, biscuits, and cookies. Some of TSF’s partners are Pepsi, Unilever, Perfetti, Nestle, Marico, and ITC. Among converters, Toppan works with Uflex, Huhtamaki and Amcor among several others.  

“TSF will continue to serve both the Indian and the export market as brand requirements are present in India as well as globally,” he said, adding Toppan Speciality Films and Toppan together have developed the GL-BOPP solutions and this will remain the prime focus of TSF rather than other GL ranges that Toppan produces from its global units. “The primary responsibility of TSF will be manufacturing these films. Sales and business development will be taken care of by Toppan’s exports unit and TSF (in India).”

Outside India, the Toppan Group has production bases in Japan and North America (Georgia, US). A new barrier film production unit is expected to start operation in the Czech Republic by 2024-end.

Advanced machines at heart of production  

In addition, there are six vacuum metallizers, three thermal extrusion laminators, three coating lines, and one CPP line. Another CPP line along with three more metallizers is on the anvil. TSF has more than 20 slitters, including primary & secondary slitters. The company has also ventured into the production of masterbatches.

“We are gearing up to commission a new hybrid BOPP/ BOPE line in 2025. There are many other such strategic projects in the pipeline which the world will witness in the next 5-7 years,” he said, adding the company has DSIR-approved and NABL-certified R&D and quality labs. “Our team’s strength lies in our highly qualified scientists, experienced management, and skilled workforce.”

In 2022, TSF started a dedicated plastic recycling facility in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib, some 40 kilometers from the Bhai Mohan Singh Nagar plant. The waste plastic recycling plant spread across two acres has a customized cleaning and processing plant with 100% wastewater recycling.

Capacity-building, cast films & differentiation

With a capacity of 80,000 tons per annum (TPA), Toppan Speciality Films, which was established in 1990 as Max Speciality Films, has an employee strength of more than 500 on its rolls with a turnover of about US$ 180 million (approximately Rs 1,500 crore) and a global footprint in 45 countries. Coming to capacity building, in the past five years, more than two dozen biaxial film lines have been installed in India, according to industry sources.

Asked if this would not commoditize the market, Manohara admitted that India has seen a considerable expansion of capacity in recent years, and the upcoming years are expected to be challenging. “While it’s natural to have concerns about potential commoditization, it’s important to consider that the market is not just expanding in size but also evolving in its requirements, opening up opportunities for differentiation based on quality, innovation, and sustainability.”

According to Manohara, the key to avoiding commoditization lies in a company’s ability to offer value beyond mere product offerings. This includes developing advanced materials that address the pressing needs of recyclability and environmental sustainability, offering smart packaging solutions that enhance consumer engagement and supply chain efficiency, and providing exceptional service that helps customers achieve their business objectives, he said.

Speaking on the advantages of cast films, Manohara explained that these can play a significant role in the Indian BOPP market due to several reasons. The first is versatility. Cast films, he said, offer a wide range of applications across various industries such as food packaging, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial goods. “Their versatility makes them highly sought after in the Indian market where diverse packaging needs exist.”

BOPP-cast films provide excellent barrier properties against moisture, gases, and odor, thus extending the shelf life of packaged products. “With the increasing demand for packaged food and beverages in India, particularly with the rise of eCommerce and modern retail channels, the need for effective barrier packaging solutions is growing.”

Cast films have good printing characteristics, allowing for high-quality graphics and branding on packaging. In a competitive market such as India, where brands are constantly vying for consumer attention, attractive packaging with vibrant printing is crucial for brand visibility and differentiation, he said. These films can be produced at high speeds with relatively low production costs compared to other packaging materials, making them a cost-effective choice for manufacturers in the Indian market. “This cost-efficiency is particularly important in a price-sensitive market like India.”

With increasing awareness and regulations regarding environmental sustainability, there’s a growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. “Many cast films can be recycled, and advancements in technology have led to the development of bio-based and biodegradable options, catering to the sustainability requirements of the Indian market,” he said.

Sustainability at core

Sustainability is of major concern at a time when the world is looking at eco-friendly alternatives. So how is Toppan Speciality Films addressing these concerns and meeting these goals? Manohara said as the world moves towards stricter environmental regulations and consumers demand more sustainable products, TSF is well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on.

Plastic, Manohara said, can’t be done away with because of its flexibility and durability but it can be managed well with recyclability and a circular economy. He says the company is continuously working on post-consumer recyclates and biodegradable films.

“We offer mono-material solutions that increase the value of the waste stream and support ‘ease of recyclability.’ We have a separate mechanical recycling unit. We are the first one in India to develop biodegradable films according to qualification rules laid down by the government. We are in the last stages of getting clearance. We are also ISCC-certified. Our ongoing investments in sustainability initiatives, coupled with our commitment to innovation and compliance, ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry’s transition to an eco-friendlier future.”

Elaborating on recycling, he said TSF has always focused on mono-family recyclable structures rather than multi-layered non-recyclable structures. “Hence, we continue to deliver solutions in the same direction. We are confident that if each player in the packaging industry moves in this direction, we shall be able to deliver better value for money for our customers and brands.”

Changes in the industry

The film and packaging sector, he explained, is undergoing significant changes, driven by a surge in demand for high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions. “I see several key trends shaping our industry in the coming years propelled by sustainability and circular economy with regulatory bodies worldwide implementing stricter regulations on packaging waste, the development of biodegradable materials, and the demand for simplified packaging structures.

However, for Indian manufacturers, the coming years are going to be challenging. The anticipated expansion in BOPP capacity within the country is expected to disrupt the equilibrium of demand and supply, potentially impacting profit margins adversely. Additionally, India’s exports are likely to face short-term hurdles due to current geopolitical tensions,” Manohara explained.

Talking of TSF versus its competition, Manohara said, “Toppan Speciality Films distinguishes itself through a unique blend of innovation with sustainability, quality leadership, global recognition, product differentiation, commitment to our customers, and a strategic approach to partnerships. While we have profound respect for our competitors, who each bring their strengths to the market, we believe our approach and values set us apart.”

The insightful conversation followed a trip to the Bhai Mohan Singh Nagar factory, some 60 kms away from the Chandigarh, office, about which we will write about in a subsequent issue. Toppan is participating at drupa 2024, stand Hall 3 / B40.

[kennak]

(2024年に商号を変えた企業2万2,058社、業歴124年の凸版印刷（株）はTOPPANホールディングス（株）へ | TSRデータインサイト | 東京商工リサーチから)

[nonribbon]

The guest on J-WAVE TOPPAN INNOVATION WORLD ERA broadcast on July 21st (Sun) will be action director Makoto Yokoyama (from the movie "Shiawase Kanako no Koroshiya Seikatsu" starred by Non)!