Sharma Enterprises targets packaging growth with gas-fired honeycomb technology

The technical evolution of honeycomb pad production is increasingly defined by the transition from resistive electrical heating to high-efficiency gas-fired systems. At the Corru Pack Print India exhibition in Mumbai this March, Sharma Enterprises showcased a modular six-part assembly designed to automate the complex layering and bonding process required for structural honeycomb.

While conventional Indian manufacturers utilise electric heaters for the curing and drying stages, the Delhi-based manufacturer has engineered a proprietary gas-combustion system for all thermal requirements. In this configuration, electricity is reserved exclusively for the mechanical load of the motors, significantly reducing the total kilowatt-hour consumption per unit of output.

Strategic adaptation for packaging

According to Chaudhary of Sharma Enterprises, the shift to gas heating offers a dual advantage of lower operational expenditure and more rapid thermal recovery times during continuous production cycles. This is particularly relevant as the company adapts its technology for the packaging sector.

For the cooling pad industry, the machines include a specialised oven stage used for resin hardening. However, for the burgeoning paper-based packaging market, the company has streamlined the assembly by removing the hardening oven, focusing instead on the precision cutting and expansion of the cells.

Domestic manufacturing and global pressures

The manufacturing process for these machines involves a hybrid of domestic fabrication and imported precision components. While the primary structural elements and the gas-integration systems are manufactured in India, select high-tolerance parts are sourced internationally to ensure long-term mechanical reliability. This technical expertise is supported by a recent surge in domestic sales, with the company reporting the delivery of 15 units within the last six months alone.

A critical factor in the deployment of this technology remains the stability of the gas supply. Chaudhary acknowledged that while gas-fired machines provide a competitive edge in cost, they are subject to international supply chain pressures. Current geopolitical tensions involving the USA, Israel, and Iran have created volatility in the market, forcing manufacturers to rely on short-term local reserves stored in crates.

Future outlook

Despite these external pressures, the company maintains a strict 60-day production timeline for new orders, or 30 days for pre-configured units. As the first packaging-specific unit prepares for dispatch to a client in Haryana this April, Sharma Enterprises is positioning its gas-fired technology as a sustainable alternative for high-volume corrugation.

The company’s engineering focus for the remainder of 2026 remains on optimising the gas delivery modules to ensure that even with fluctuating fuel availability, the machines maintain the thermal consistency required for high-grade industrial packaging.