ITC Limited unveiled the ‘ECF’ mark as part of its strategic initiative to help its customers clearly communicate the unique value proposition of the use of high-quality ECF (elemental chlorine-free) environment-friendly packaging for their products. The ECF mark was unveiled by Mr Manabendra Mukherjee, Honourable Minister for Information Technology and Environment, Govt. of West Bengal. ‘ECF’ is a registered trademark of ITC.

ITC is strategically focusing on FMCG, Foods, Pharmaceutical and Textile industries as fast-growing market segments for its ECF range of value-added products because of the emphasis that these industries place internationally on premium, exclusive, pure and hygienic packaging.

ITC is the first and so far the only Indian company to use in its paperboard manufacturing facility in Bhadrachalam in Andhra Pradesh ECF pulp. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was formulated in Kyoto in December 1997 and came into effect a few days ago, the use of chlorine in the manufacture of paper and other industries has to be eliminated by 2005 AD.

Elaborating on the huge opportunity for ECF packaging in India, Mr Pradeep Dhobale, the Chief Executive of ITC’s PSPD (Paperboards and Specialty Papers Division) said, "We estimate that around 40,000 tons of packaging is being used in the sweetmeat and desserts market annually in India. With ITC making value-added ECF products readily available, discerning Indian consumers will now get the benefit of world-class safe food-grade ECF packaging."

"Considering the fact that in the interest of consumer safety leading international food products & pharmaceutical companies strictly use only ECF packaging in the US and EU markets, their Indian counterparts are expected to follow suit soon, thus presenting a significant opportunity for ITC." Mr Dhobale added.

"ITC has invested more than Rs 750 crores in its paperboards business in the last two years to acquire international competitiveness in cost and quality. We are now well positioned and poised to partner with leading Indian FMCG, foods, textile and pharmaceutical players in their plans to increase sales in domestic and international markets." Mr Dhobale added.

ITC is the leader in India in the value-added paperboards segment, which caters to the crucial need for high quality packaging in the FMCG, foods and pharmaceutical industries. ITC’s paperboards manufacturing capacity is close to 350,000 tonnes, creating the potential to attain a leadership position in the entire Afro-Asian region. ITC’s global quality paperboards now command significant brand equity in over 40 countries.