Henkel Flexible Packaging Academy

Thought process to set up the demo centre
To propel the industry towards development, sustainability and innovation with the ever-changing consumer preferences, organised retail chain formats and the evolving dynamics of the population. Housed at Henkel’s Koparkhairane manufacturing site, the Flexible Packaging Academy is the first of its kind in the India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) region offering certified training program on laminating technology to entrepreneurs, production managers, supervisors, operators and quality control professionals from the flexible packaging industry. Equipped with a commercial sized laminator, the academy is also used for testing customer products.

Presses / products/ kit at the academy
Henkel’s Flexible Packaging Academy is a place to showcase not just our products but also an expertise on lamination process.  The commercial sized lamination machine installed within the academy premises is used to demonstrate practical application of adhesives on laminates.

Describe a typical demo that you provide…
Our training course called Lamination Techniques combines essential theoretical knowledge about the adhesive lamination process with hands-on practical training. After the one-week training session, the participant becomes an IIP-certified – Specialist in Lamination Techniques for Flexible Packaging (IIP) – and knows exactly how to utilise the many possibilities of modern lamination technology during the production cycle.

How many customers have visited the centre to see the kit being operated in action before they decide to invest?
More than 100.

In what way do you focus on applications including design, graphics and finishing embellishments?
The topics covered by our training session include: the possibilities and properties of flexible packaging, different substrates and their properties, adhesive technologies (solvent-based and solvent-free), adhesive handling, test methods for laminates, troubleshooting in production, machine operation, solving lamination issues (curling, tunnelling and wrinkling).

Any special program for training or skill upgradation?
The main objective itself is of training and skill upgradation.

Do you host an annual show or networking event at the centre?
We generally host three training sessions annually at the academy.

Have you planned an outreach with print buyers and brand owners?
No.

What about apprenticeship for students?
We do not have a provision for this at present.

Five important handbooks / tech tutorials at the centre?
The training sessions at the academy use company owned propriety content.