With India’s pan masala packaging requirements drawing attention amid discussions around FSSAI regulations, manufacturers are exploring materials and technologies that could address evolving industry needs. Among the companies looking at this opportunity is Xiamen Changsu Industrial Co., Ltd., a Chinese manufacturer of high-performance functional films and sustainable packaging materials.
A member company of Sinolong New Materials, Changsu Industrial specialises in the research and development of high-performance films and intelligent manufacturing. Its portfolio includes new energy films, bio-based compostable films and functional films, serving industries ranging from biomedicine and food to new energy and daily chemicals. The company is also a global leader in BOPA film production and sales and has achieved large-scale production of new bio-based biodegradable films in China.
Against this backdrop, Changsu is exploring potential applications for its bio-based film technology in India’s pan masala sector. Its proposed solution uses PLA (polylactic acid), a material derived from bio-based feedstock, for flexible packaging applications. The company is interested in working with Indian manufacturers to evaluate the material’s suitability for sachet packaging and their specific production requirements.
PLA-Based Films for Sachet Applications
Changsu’s proposed packaging material is intended for flexible sachet applications, including pan masala, gutka, zarda and mouth fresheners. According to the company, it can be used in small retail formats, including ₹1, ₹2 and ₹5 packs.
The material is based on PLA and may incorporate coatings or lamination to meet the functional requirements of the finished packaging. Changsu describes its approach as bio-based and biodegradable plastic technology rather than a completely paper-based or plastic-free solution. The company places particular emphasis on compostability, considering the characteristics and disposal habits associated with small sachets.
The development of alternative packaging materials involves balancing environmental considerations with the requirements of product protection, manufacturing and distribution. Changsu is exploring this balance through its film technology, with application-specific evaluation helping determine the material’s suitability for different products and operating conditions.
Compatibility with Existing Packing Machinery
For manufacturers considering alternative packaging materials, compatibility with existing production infrastructure is an important factor. Changes to machinery can increase investment requirements and complicate the introduction of a new material.
Changsu states that its proposed film is compatible with existing vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) and horizontal form-fill-seal (HFFS) machines used in the pan masala industry. According to the company, machinery modifications are not required, and the material can be used on high-speed packing lines.
The company also reports that the packaging can withstand rough transportation and storage. Its puncture resistance depends on the coatings incorporated into the final structure, while the material supports printing for branding and statutory warnings.
These characteristics are relevant to manufacturers seeking to evaluate alternative materials within established production systems. Trial runs can help assess the material’s performance on individual packing lines and identify any application-specific adjustments that may be required.
Product Compatibility and Storage
Packaging for pan masala and related products must meet requirements associated with product formulation, storage environment and distribution. Changsu reports having conducted compatibility testing for pan masala, gutka, zarda and mouth fresheners.
According to the company, the material is compatible with tobacco, lime, catechu and flavouring compounds. Changsu also reports heat resistance above 85°C and indicates that the packaging can support a shelf life of at least one year under Indian climatic conditions.
The company has further reported data relating to high-temperature summer conditions and high-humidity regions. These factors are relevant when evaluating packaging for the diverse climatic conditions encountered across the Indian market.
For manufacturers, the suitability of the material will depend on their individual products and operating requirements. Changsu is interested in working with industry participants to explore these applications through technical discussions and trials.
Regulatory Considerations and Quality Assurance
The applicability of FSSAI packaging regulations is an important consideration as manufacturers assess alternative materials for the Indian market. Changsu is exploring the potential of its bio-based film technology in this context and is looking to engage with manufacturers to understand their requirements.
The company states that its packaging has food-grade certification and that compliance with tobacco-packaging norms is confirmed. It also reports that migration testing is available through SGS and that relevant compliance certificates can be provided. The applicability of the material under the relevant FSSAI requirements would need to be established for the intended use.
Samples, Trials and Customisation
Beyond its film technology, Changsu offers practical support for manufacturers interested in evaluating the material. The company is accepting sample requests without a fixed minimum order quantity and offers trial runs, research and development support, and customisation.
These arrangements provide manufacturers with an opportunity to assess the material under their own production conditions and explore structures suited to their packaging requirements. Discussions can cover aspects such as sealing characteristics, print quality, puncture resistance and other application-specific considerations.
Changsu has expressed particular interest in technological cooperation with Indian pan masala manufacturers. The company also states that large-scale supply in India is possible, providing scope for discussions ranging from initial material evaluation to potential commercial applications.
It has indicated a potential adoption timeline of one to six months. The actual pace of implementation will depend on technical evaluation, regulatory requirements and the needs of individual manufacturers.
Exploring Opportunities in India
With its experience in high-performance film manufacturing and its work on bio-based biodegradable materials, Changsu Industrial is exploring opportunities to extend its technology to the Indian pan masala sector.
Its proposed PLA-based film offers a potential option for sachet packaging, supported by sample availability, trial runs and technical customisation. For Indian manufacturers, engagement with Changsu could provide an opportunity to evaluate the material and explore its suitability for their production processes.
As the industry considers its packaging requirements in the context of FSSAI regulations, the evaluation of alternative materials will depend on how effectively they address practical manufacturing needs alongside environmental considerations. Changsu’s interest in technological collaboration provides an opportunity to explore these applications with Indian manufacturers and assess the role its bio-based film technology could play in the market.