EPL hits 43% sustainable tube sales across global markets

INDIA – EPL Limited has reported that recyclable, recycled and bio-based tubes accounted for 43% of global tube sales in the first half of FY2026-27, an eightfold increase from 5% in FY2021-22, as the specialty packaging major accelerates its circularity transition.

The company, which operates 21 manufacturing facilities across 11 countries and produces more than 9 billion tubes annually, is now targeting 60% sustainable tube sales by 2030 as it works toward a long-term ambition of a fully sustainable product portfolio. 

More than 85% of EPL’s global installed capacity is equipped to support high-volume commercial production of sustainable packaging formats, positioning it to scale adoption across oral care, beauty and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and nutrition, and home care.

Platina Platform Designed for HDPE Recycling Stream

At the centre of the strategy is the Platina product family, a fully recyclable tube laminate designed to be compatible with the high-density polyethylene recycling stream. 

Featuring optimised ethylene vinyl alcohol barrier structures, Platina is designed to deliver oxygen and moisture protection while maintaining recyclability. 

The platform has received recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers in the United States and RecyClass in Europe.

Recycled Input Rises to 566 Tonnes

EPL is expanding its use of recycled and renewable materials through a broader portfolio. 

Its Etain and r-Platina platforms incorporate up to 50% and 60% post-consumer recycled content respectively, while retaining compatibility with the HDPE recycling stream. 

Its Organic GML offering uses renewable feedstocks, incorporating up to 50% biogenic carbon content in the tube sleeve. Recycled input usage rose to 566 tonnes in FY2025-26, up from 113 tonnes in FY2021-22, accounting for 1.12% of total production.

Leadership Frames Transition as Industry Shift

Hemant Bakshi, managing director and global chief executive of EPL Limited, said reaching 43% sustainable tube sales was more than a milestone, describing it as a testament to how rapidly the industry was evolving toward circularity. 

He added that the company was not merely participating in the transition but actively leading it by bridging materials science and commercial-scale execution, embedding recyclable, recycled and bio-based packaging across its manufacturing footprint so that global brands could meet sustainability targets without compromising quality, aesthetics or performance.

Sonal Jain, global chief human resources officer for transformation and marketing, said achieving circular packaging targets required more than advanced materials science, requiring a future-ready workforce, with women representing 33% of the global team.

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