Garware Hi-Tech Films Ltd (GHFL) and Lubrizol signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and manufacture advanced Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)-based film solutions in India. The partnership combines Lubrizol’s TPU technology with GHFL’s film manufacturing expertise to target premium Paint Protection Film (PPF) and other specialty applications. The companies will focus on high-value applications across the automotive, architectural, industrial and electronics sectors.
₹118 Crore Investment to Drive TPU Film Manufacturing
As part of the initiative, GHFL plans to invest around ₹118 crore in a dedicated TPU film platform. Nearly 25% of the investment is expected to support new product development and technology capabilities. The dedicated TPU extrusion platform will enable GHFL to accelerate product development, improve manufacturing control and respond more quickly to evolving customer requirements. In addition, the facility will provide a technology base for developing advanced films for multiple specialty applications.
TPU Platform to Strengthen Premium PPF Business
The facility will also support backward integration of GHFL’s premium PPF business. According to the company, it is expected to become India’s first dedicated TPU extrusion platform focused on premium PPF applications. Furthermore, the initiative will support GHFL’s plan to expand its PPF manufacturing capacity to more than 600 LSF. By producing TPU in-house, GHFL expects to improve product consistency and strengthen supply-chain resilience. It will also reduce the company’s dependence on imported TPU films and provide greater control over raw material availability and product development.
Collaboration to Support Innovation and Margins
The partnership is expected to strengthen the economics of GHFL’s PPF business while supporting an estimated 150–200 basis point improvement in consolidated EBITDA margins. Monika Garware, Joint Managing Director and Vice Chairperson, GHFL, said the partnership marks an important step in the company’s move towards a technology-led specialty films business. She added that combining Lubrizol’s TPU technology with GHFL’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities will help accelerate innovation and develop differentiated products for Indian and global markets. The collaboration will also enable GHFL to explore new, high-value specialty film applications beyond PPF, thereby broadening its product portfolio.
Supporting Advanced Materials Manufacturing in India
The initiative is expected to strengthen advanced material processing and specialty film manufacturing in India. Moreover, increased local TPU processing can help build domestic capabilities in high-performance film technologies. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the partnership therefore aligns with the broader Make in India objective by supporting local manufacturing, technology development and value addition in advanced materials.
