A PIONEER IN FLEXIBLE PACKAGING MANUFACTURING

SRF Flexipak (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd forms an integral part of SRF Limited’s global Packaging Films division, bringing world-class manufacturing expertise to the African continent. The company’s journey began in 2011, when it established a Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) manufacturing line – marking the introduction of South Africa’s first and only BOPP film production facility.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of SRF Limited, SRF Flexipak benefits from the heritage and strength of its parent company, which was incorporated in India in 1970. SRF limited is a diversified, global business with interests in packaging, chemicals, technical textiles and coated & laminated fabrics.

Strategic Location

Strategically located in Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal, SRF Flexipak’ s flagship facility was designed to bring first-world production capabilities to the region. The plant features an advanced 5-layer co-extrusion BOPP line capable of producing films from 10 – 80 microns, as well as a 2.8-metre vacuum metallisation plant with a second metalliser plant to be commissioned in April 2026. SRF Flexipak produces a diversified range of film grades including clear, metallised, white, matt, pearlised label, tape grade and anti-fog options. SRF Flexipak manufactures an extensive range of BOPP films, widely used in food packaging, household goods, personal care items, and various industrial applications

Production Capacity and Economic Contribution

The company operates with an annual production capacity of 34 500 metric tons, which includes 7200 tons of metallised films per annum. With the commissioning of the additional metallising plant, metallised film capacity will increase to 13 000 tons per annum.

SRF Flexipak employs approximately 250 skilled employees, making it a significant contributor to industrial employment and skills development in the region. The business plays an important role in strengthening South Africa’s manufacturing base and supporting regional supply chains across Southern Africa.

Leadership and Management

SRF Flexipak South Africa is led by Pieter Jordaan, who serves as country head. Under his leadership, the organisation has built a strong reputation as a high performing manufacturing operation focused on quality, consistency, and sustainability. His leadership approach emphasises operational discipline, customer partnership, and employee wellbeing.

The South African operation is supported by a team of experienced professionals with expertise across engineering, quality assurance, production, supply chain management, commercial operations, and sustainability. This leadership depth ensures the business remains competitive within a global manufacturing environment.

Products and Market Applications

SRF Flexipak supplies high performance BOPP and metallised films that meet stringent international standards for strength, barrier protection, machinability, and print quality. These attributes are essential for customers operating in highly regulated and competitive markets.

The company’s films are designed to enhance product protection, extend shelf life, and improve visual appeal on retail shelves. Applications span food packaging, household products, personal care items, labels, and various industrial uses. SRF Flexipak works closely with customers to develop packaging solutions that support both performance requirements and sustainability objectives.

Industry Leadership and Competitive Position

At SRF Flexipak, leadership is not defined only by market position – it is shaped by the company’s values. These values guide how SRF Flexipak partners with its customers, engages with communities, and collaborates internally. The organisation’s longstanding motto, “Easy to do business with”, is more than a slogan; it is the philosophy behind its customer-first approach.

Today, SRF Flexipak continues to cement its status as a trailblazer in South Africa’s flexible packaging industry. With its cutting-edge production infrastructure, high volume manufacturing capacity, SRF Flexipak stands firmly at the forefront of innovation. Its influence extends across sectors ranging from FMCG and food packaging to industrial applications, with its products supporting businesses across South Africa and other African markets. These strengths – exclusive national capability, technological superiority, global backing, and market reach – solidify SRF Flexipak’s standing as a trusted and pioneering leader in the flexible packaging sector.

As the only BOPP film manufacturer in South Africa, SRF Flexipak holds a distinctive position within the flexible packaging sector. This position is reinforced by advanced technology, high volume manufacturing capacity, and the global technical and financial backing of SRF Limited. The company supplies customers across fast moving consumer goods, food packaging, and industrial sectors throughout South Africa and other African markets.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Sustainability is a core pillar of SRF Flexipak’s operating model. The company’s environmental strategy is guided by the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, which drive continuous improvement in material efficiency and resource use.

A key focus area is downgauging, which includes reducing BOPET film thickness from 12 microns to 8 microns without compromising performance. This results in a material reduction of approximately 33% and lowers the use of virgin polymer at source. SRF also incorporates up to 90% post consumer recycled PET, converting recycled PET bottles into packaging films and supporting circular material flows.

SRF’s BOPET and BOPP films belong to technically recyclable polymer families, and product development prioritises simplified structures that are compatible with existing recycling streams. Ultra High Barrier BOPP films with exceptional oxygen and moisture barrier properties and Super Thermal Resistant BOPP films with thermal stability up to 175 °C play a key role in replacing complex non recyclable structures.

Environmental performance is supported by certified ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 management systems. Energy efficiency initiatives include closed loop cooling systems and smart lighting. At group level, 31% of electricity is sourced from renewable energy. Manufacturing operations are designed around closed loop resource management, with almost all production waste recycled in house and 100% of wastewater recycled across production units.

Future Outlook

Through ongoing investment in technology, people, and sustainable manufacturing practices, SRF Flexipak continues to strengthen its leadership position and shape the future of flexible packaging in South Africa and across the African continent.