SUMUKHA’s product mix consists of Water Base Adhesives, Aqueous Over Print Varnish, UV OPV, Solvent Blister Coating, Water base Blister Coating for Printing and Packaging Industries.
Corrugman : Could you brief us about Sumukha Hi-Tech?
Narayanan Krishna : Established in 2000, Sumukha Hi-Tech Products Industry is a prominent manufacturer based at Pondicherry, India. The company specializes in producing a comprehensive range of water-based adhesives and coating products tailored for the printing and packaging industries with some exclusive and specialized products viz.
Blister Coating, Barrier Coating which is a replacement for PE. Over the years, Sumukha Hi-Tech has developed a robust network of distributors and branches across India, ensuring widespread availability of their products.
CM : What are your company’s principles, mission & vision?
NK : Mission: To provide innovative adhesive and coating solutions that exceed customer expectations while prioritizing sustainability and excellence.
Vision: To lead the industry with cutting-edge technology, being recognized globally for quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility. Sumukha Hi-Tech upholds core values of honesty, transparency, and integrity, continuously investing in technological upgrades, product innovation, and quality control to meet the evolving needs of their customers.
” We offer a range of individualized products to ensure each customer receives a one-of-a-kind experience “
CM : Can you give an overview of Sumukha Hi-Tech’s product range for the corrugation industry, and which product do you consider the most advanced or widely used?
NK : Sumukha Hi-Tech offers the following products for Corrugation Industry
- Flop Pasting adhesive to regular machines
- Flop pasting adhesive for high speed machines viz. Bobst, Emba
- Sheet/Flute Lamination adhesive to paste liner with printed boards
- Water based coating for top side of Corrugation boxes for Water repellant properties
- Water based coating for inside (for direct food contact application) with barrier properties.
CM : How do Sumukha Hi-Tech’s acrylate-based adhesives enhance bond strength and provide better mileage in corrugation?
NK : While the specific formulation details are proprietary, acrylate-based adhesives are generally known for their excellent adhesion properties, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors. These characteristics contribute to enhanced bond strength and better mileage in corrugation applications, ensuring durable and cost-effective solutions.
CM : How does the coat weight impact adhesion strength and gloss in Sumukha Hi-Tech’s adhesives for laminating clear/metallized BOPP films?
NK : Coat weight, or the amount of adhesive applied per unit area, significantly influences both adhesion strength and gloss. An optimal coat weight ensures sufficient adhesive to bond surfaces effectively, enhancing adhesion strength. Simultaneously, it contributes to a uniform surface that can enhance gloss, especially important when laminating clear or metallized BOPP films to achieve a high-quality finish.
CM : What key properties of Sumukha Hi-Tech’s sheet lamination adhesives ensure durability in fluted cartons and board-to-board pasting?
NK : Key properties include strong initial tack, flexibility, and resistance to moisture and temperature variations. These characteristics ensure that fluted cartons and board-to-board pasting maintain structural integrity under various environmental conditions, providing durable and reliable performance.
CM : What role does drying speed play in Sumukha Hi-Tech’s adhesives for high-speed corrugation applications, and how can it be optimized?
NK : In high-speed corrugation applications, the drying speed of adhesives is crucial to ensure efficient production and strong bonding. Adhesives with appropriate drying times prevent issues like warping or weak bonds. While specific formulations are proprietary, optimizing drying speed typically involves adjusting the adhesive composition to balance open time and setting time, ensuring compatibility with high-speed machinery.
CM : How do Sumukha Hi-Tech’s water-based adhesives compare to solvent-based adhesives in terms of strength and environmental impact in corrugation?
NK : Sumukha Hi-Tech specializes in water-based adhesives, which are formulated to provide strong bonding comparable to solvent-based adhesives. Additionally, water-based adhesives are more environmentally friendly, emitting fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reducing health hazards for workers. This aligns with global trends favoring sustainable and eco-friendly industrial practices.
CM : Why is pH balance important in Sumukha Hi-Tech’s adhesives for corrugated lamination, and how does it affect bonding performance?
NK : Maintaining the correct pH balance in adhesives is essential for optimal bonding performance. An improper pH can lead to issues like reduced adhesive strength, altered viscosity, and potential corrosion of application equipment. Sumukha Hi-Tech ensures that their adhesives are formulated with a pH that maximizes performance and stability, ensuring strong and durable bonds in corrugated lamination.
CM : How do temperature and humidity affect the performance of Sumukha Hi-Tech’s adhesives in corrugated board manufacturing?
NK : Temperature and humidity significantly influence adhesive performance. High humidity can slow down drying times, while low temperatures can increase viscosity, making application more challenging. Sumukha Hi-Tech’s adhesives are designed to perform consistently across a range of environmental conditions, but it is advisable to control manufacturing environments to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels for best results.
CM : Technical features of your manufacturing plant ?
NK : The manufacturing facility is located at Puducherry, India, and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to produce a diverse range of adhesive and coating products. While specific capacity details are not publicly disclosed, the plant adheres to stringent quality standards, ensuring consistent and high-quality output.
CM : May we know about your environmental management policies?
NK : Sumukha Hi-Tech is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company focuses on developing eco-friendly products, such as water-based adhesives and coatings, which have a lower environmental impact compared to solvent-based alternatives. Additionally, they have obtained certifications like FDA approval and Biodegradable and Compostable certifications for their Barrier Coating products underscoring their dedication to environmentally conscious practices.
” Driven by a passion for innovation, our team of experienced chemists and engineers continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in adhesive and coatings technology “
CM : How advanced are your lab facilities in ensuring the quality of your machineries?
NK : The company employs a team of experienced chemists and engineers who continually push the boundaries of adhesive and coating technology, ensuring that their products meet the highest industry standards.
CM : Challenges are facing in the market?
NK : While there are no specific challenges, it is common in the adhesive and coatings industry to face challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices, stringent environmental regulations, and intense competition from both domestic and international players. Sumukha Hi-Tech addresses these challenges through continuous innovation, maintaining high-quality standards, and offering a diverse product range to meet various industry needs.
CM : What is your goal in the Industry?
NK : Sumukha Hi-Tech aims to lead the industry with cutting-edge technology, gaining global recognition for quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility. The company is focused on building a long-term, sustainable business, continually working to change the way people think about and engage with their products.
CM : In what ways are technological advancements occurring in the Indian Corrugation Industry?
NK : The Indian corrugation industry is witnessing several technological advancements, including automation of production lines, adoption of high-speed corrugation machines, and the use of advanced adhesives and coatings that enhance the strength and durability of corrugated products. Companies like Sumukha Hi-Tech contribute to this progress by developing innovative adhesive solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry.
CM : How do you view the growth of the Indian Corrugation Industry in recent years and its future ?
NK : The Indian corrugation industry has experienced significant growth, driven by increased demand for sustainable packaging solutions and the expansion of e-commerce. With a focus on innovation and quality, companies like Sumukha Hi-Tech are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth by providing essential products that support the industry’s development.
” We work closely with each of our clients to understand their unique requirements and challenges, allowing us to provide personalized solutions that deliver tangible results “
