HBTU Kanpur signs MoU with Mercury Industries to boost packaging, paint technology research

PAKISTAN – Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur, has entered into a strategic partnership with Mercury Industries Limited, a leading manufacturer of metal and plastic packaging solutions.

The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration in research, innovation, and industrial training, with a special focus on advancing the university’s Department of Paint Technology.

In addition, it seeks to create a dynamic platform for joint research projects, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer, particularly in can coating products and printing ink applications.

It also includes provisions for industrial training, industry visits, and the supply of raw materials for laboratory work, providing students with practical exposure to real-world challenges in packaging and materials science.

Founded in 1985, Mercury Industries has established itself as a trusted name in India’s packaging sector.

The company manufactures a wide range of products, from paint cans and industrial drums to food cans, gift cans, and plastic containers, catering to packaging requirements from 50 ml to 20 litres.

It is a certified vendor for several leading brands, reflecting its strong reputation in the market.

Speaking at the signing, Professor Arun Maithani, head of HBTU’s Paint Technology Department, described the collaboration as a “significant achievement” for the university.

“Through the support of Mercury Industries, our students and faculty will gain direct exposure to cutting-edge industrial technologies in packaging inks and can coatings. This partnership will not only enhance academic learning but also open new avenues for applied research and sustainable solutions,” he said.

The MoU was signed on behalf of HBTU by Registrar Amit Singh Rathore, who highlighted the importance of industry-academia partnerships in creating a skilled workforce.

For Mercury Industries, the collaboration underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainability in packaging.

By working closely with academia, the company aims to tap into emerging talent and accelerate the development of next-generation packaging solutions that meet evolving industry and environmental demands.

Industry experts note that collaborations like this are becoming increasingly vital as India’s packaging sector undergoes rapid transformation, driven by sustainability goals, regulatory shifts, and growing consumer demand.

With the packaging industry in India projected to reach US$204 billion by 2025, such partnerships are expected to play a critical role in building capacity for research and innovation.

The initiative positions HBTU and Mercury Industries at the forefront of packaging research in India, bridging the gap between academic excellence and industrial application.

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