An interview from Mr. Jigar Ankola, Director, Edicon Paper Product
Established in December 2019, our journey in the realm of paper manufacturing has been nothing short of remarkable. It was in December 2021 that our dream truly took flight as we commenced production, making strides in the industry as manufacturers of Coated Duplex Board.
Print3 : Could we know more about Edicon?
Jigar Ankola : Edicon Paper Products is a leading paperboard manufacturer based in Gujarat, India, specializing in high-quality duplex and triplex boards. The company emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including recycling and reusing water. With an annual production capacity of 1,50,000 metric tons, Edicon serves a wide range of industries, providing packaging solutions for FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and more. Their products are known for durability, print quality, and sustainable materials.
P3 : What are your company’s principles, mission & vision?
JA : Edicon Paper Products operates with a strong set of principles focusing on sustainability, innovation, and quality. The company’s mission is to lead in providing eco-friendly, high-performance paperboard solutions for various industries, ensuring customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility. Their vision is to create value through continuous improvement, while supporting both their clients and the environment. Edicon’s corporate culture encourages teamwork, integrity, and employee development. They value ethical business practices and maintain a strong commitment to environmental conservation, making these principles a cornerstone of their operations.
P3 : What are the products offered by Edicon Papers, and which one is the main product?
JA : Edicon Papers offers a wide range of high-quality paperboard products designed for various packaging and printing applications. Some of the key products in their portfolio include:
Duplex Boards (Grey Back and White Back): These boards are available in GSM ranges from 180 to 500 and are commonly used for general packaging, shipping cartons, and retail packaging. They provide a good balance of strength, printability, and cost-effectiveness.
Triplex Boards (White Back): These boards are thicker and sturdier, typically used for premium packaging, display boxes, and luxury product packaging. They offer excellent print quality and durability, with a smooth, white surface ideal for vibrant and high-end designs.
Kraft Back Boards: These boards are designed for heavy-duty packaging and high-speed printing jobs. With a GSM range of 250 to 500, they provide robust and durable packaging solutions for industrial products and goods that need to endure long transportation or rough handling.
Coated Boards (Gloss, Matte, Satin): These boards are available with various coating options for high-quality printing and visual appeal. They are commonly used for premium packaging, point-of-sale displays, and products requiring a high level of print fidelity.
Specialty Boards (e.g., Iconic Ocean, Iconic Crema): These are specialty boards with specific characteristicslike enhanced stiffness, smoothness, and high-performance coatings. They are designed for packaging applications that require top-tier quality and strength, such as high-end consumer products or packaging that requires both durability and exceptional print quality.like enhanced stiffness, smoothness, and high-performance coatings. They are designed for packaging applications that require top-tier quality and strength, such as high-end consumer products or packaging that requires both durability and exceptional print quality.
“Paper mills are often blamed for excessive water wastage. At Edicon Paper Product, we recycle 100% of the water discharged from the factory”
P3 : How does the GSM (grams per square meter) of a duplex board affect its suitability for different packaging applications, especially in the context of Edicon Papers’ product offerings?
JA : The GSM of paperboard plays a crucial role in determining the thickness, strength, and rigidity of the material, which directly affects its suitability for various packaging needs. Edicon Papers offers duplex boards in GSM ranges from 180 to 500, making them versatile for different packaging applications.
For lighter packaging such as retail boxes, food packaging, and paper bags, a lower GSM (180-250 GSM) would be ideal. This lighter weight allows for greater flexibility but may lack the durability required for heavier or more fragile products. Edicon’s boards in the higher GSM range (450-500) are more rigid and sturdy, offering excellent strength and resistance to external pressures, making them perfect for packaging heavier or fragile items. These boards also provide superior printability for high-quality, vibrant prints.
P3 : What are the benefits of using duplex boards with a grey back, as offered by Edicon Papers, compared to boards with a white back in packaging applications?
JA : Duplex boards with a grey back, such as those produced by Edicon Papers, are cost-effective and ideal for industrial and bulk packaging applications where the reverse side of the packaging does not require high-reduces the environmental footprint of the material. The grey backboards are ideal for applications where only the front surface is visible and needs to be printed, such as in packaging for shipping or bulk goods.
The use of recycled fibers in the grey back is environmentally friendly, aligning with sustainability goals by reducing the demand for virgin pulp. It also ensures that Edicon Papers’ products remain cost-efficient while still providing the necessary strength and performance for various packaging requirements.
P3 : How does the coating of paperboard (e.g., gloss, matte, satin) in Edicon Papers’ products impact their performance in high-speed printing jobs and packaging applications?
JA : Coating plays a significant role in enhancing both the aesthetics and performance of Edicon Papers’ products, particularly when it comes to high-speed printing jobs. The choice of coating—gloss, matte, or satin—affects print quality, durability, and visual appeal.
Gloss Coating: Glossy finishes make printed colors appear vibrant and sharp, enhancing the visual impact of packaging. This type of coating is ideal for packaging that needs to attract attention, such as retail packaging or high-end consumer products. It also allows for quick, high-quality printing in high-speed jobs, as the smooth surface ensures excellent ink adhesion.
Matte Coating: A matte finish provides a non-reflective, soft appearance, which is desirable for premium products like cosmetics, luxury goods, or specialized packaging. Matte coatings also help prevent smudging and fingerprints, making them ideal for products where cleanliness and a sophisticated look are important.
Satin Coating: The satin finish offers a subtle sheen that combines the best of both gloss and matte coatings. It’s ideal for mid-range premium products and ensures that Edicon Papers’ boards maintain a refined look while being suitable for high-speed printing jobs.
Coatings also offer protection against external factors like moisture and abrasion, which helps maintain the quality of the packaging during transportation and handling.
P3 : What about your manufacturing facility?
JA : Edicon Paper Products operates state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in India with a strong focus on advanced technology for the production of duplex and triplex boards. The company has a comprehensive distribution network that ensures its products are available across India and in international markets. Through strategic partnerships and dealers, Edicon maintains a robust presence, providing high-quality paperboard solutions to various industries. They prioritize sustainable practices and operational efficiency at every level, from production to distribution.
“Not only our products are made from recyclable material, our products can be 100% recycled after use. Which makes it opt apt for a sustainable future”
P3 : How does using recycled fibers in Edicon Papers’ paperboard production contribute to sustainability and reduce environmental impact?
JA : Edicon Papers uses recycled fibers in the production of its paperboards, significantly reducing the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. Using recycled materials helps conserve natural resources by reducing the need for virgin wood pulp, which helps prevent deforestation and preserves biodiversity. The use of recycled fibers also lowers energy consumption compared to producing paperboard from virgin pulp, which reduces carbon emissions and the overall environmental footprint. Furthermore, recycling fibers helps divert waste from landfills and contributes to a circular economy by reusing materials that would otherwise be discarded.
The process of using recycled fibers also consumes less water, contributing to the conservation of water resources. This makes Edicon Papers’ production process more sustainable and appealing to businesses that want to reduce their environmental footprint while still ensuring high-quality packaging.
P3 : What is your goal in the Industry?
JA : Edicon Paper Products aims to expand its reach both domestically and internationally, focusing on sustainable growth and increasing production capacity. The company is working towards advancing its technological capabilities, ensuring higher efficiency and product quality. Their future business plans revolve around expanding their product portfolio to meet evolving market demands and strengthening their market presence globally.