Cosmo First Ltd Boosts India’s Specialty Film Strength with KARO IV Lab Stretching Machine
Leading specialty film producer Cosmo First Ltd. stated that it has acquired the cutting-edge KARO IV laboratory stretching machine from Brückner Maschinenbau, placing India among the world’s leaders in the development of film technology. This calculated investment supports the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat program, which aims to increase India’s manufacturing capacity and lessen reliance on imports. Cosmo First’s standing among a select group of international film makers with cutting-edge R&D capabilities is further enhanced by this endeavor.
Through the reduction of development time and expenses for films intended for specialized uses, the KARO IV technology will greatly improve India’s capacity for producing specialist films. It will boost in-house development of proprietary film technologies and allow the domestic development of specialist film applications that are now imported, increasing self-reliance in high-performance flexible packaging. Before beginning production trials, the technology will enable Cosmo First to carry out comprehensive research and development, speeding up R&D timelines through affordable laboratory-scale testing.
“The KARO IV will transform how we approach film development in India,” said Mr. Kulbhushan Malik, Business Head, Cosmo Films, the flagship company of the Cosmo First group. “By enabling precise testing of films in both sequential and simultaneous stretching modes, we can now develop new film recipes and evaluate properties at a fraction of the cost and time previously required. This technology represents a significant leap forward in our ability to innovate. It opens doors for collaboration with academic institutions, supporting talent development in polymer science and reinforcing India’s position as a serious player in the global R&D landscape.”
The KARO IV features high stretching ratios from 1.01 x 1.01 up to 10 x 10, heating capability up to 400°C with up to 3 independent heating modules, an advanced EPC control panel with programmable test sequences, and state-of- the-art measurement equipment for stretching forces, displacement, and temperatures. The machine is equipped to handle a wide range of film types, including BOPP, BOPET, and BOPA, with consistent and accurate control over test film processes. The technology positions India to compete at the highest levels of specialty film innovation. Key competitive advantages include faster prototype-to-market cycles compared to traditional development methods, enhanced ability to develop eco-friendly, mono-material films aligned with circular economy goals, and the capability to partner with global brands for co-development of advanced film solutions.
The Indian packaging industry, historically, has lacked advanced lab-scale film stretching systems that could accurately simulate commercial production conditions, as most Indian manufacturers rely on full-scale production lines for R&D, making innovation costly and less agile. Additionally, the packaging industry is facing a regulatory and consumer pressure to shift from non-recyclable multi-material plastics to recyclable mono-material films. The installation will address significant gaps in India’s packaging innovation infrastructure.
Cosmo First increased its BOPP manufacturing capacity by almost 40% to 2,77,000 MT annually with the recent commissioning of a new BOPP line. By facilitating the quick creation of recyclable films and addressing India’s growing environmental concerns, the investment in KARO IV strengthens Cosmo First’s dedication to sustainable manufacturing. Through possible university partnerships, it facilitates the development of domestic knowledge in advanced polymer science and permits testing of novel barrier coatings, laminates, and formulations that satisfy recyclability targets.
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