Garware Hi-Tech Films, Lubrizol Sign MoU For TPU-Based PPF Films

Garware Hi-Tech Films (GHFL) and Lubrizol have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and manufacture thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based film solutions in India. The collaboration will combine Lubrizol’s TPU technology with GHFL’s engineering, processing and manufacturing capabilities.

The partnership is aimed at developing TPU-based products for automotive, architectural, industrial, electronics and other specialty applications. It will also allow GHFL to integrate TPU film production into its premium paint protection film (PPF) operations.

GHFL is investing approximately ₹118 crore in the TPU film extrusion and manufacturing platform, with nearly 25 percent of the investment earmarked for new product development and technology capabilities. The company said the facility is expected to be operational by December 2026.

Garware Hi-Tech Films To Add In-House TPU Extrusion

The dedicated TPU extrusion facility is expected to provide GHFL with in-house production of a key input for its premium PPF business. The company said the facility is expected to be India’s first dedicated TPU extrusion platform for premium PPF.

The TPU setup will accompany an expansion of GHFL’s PPF manufacturing capacity to more than 600 LSF. According to the company, greater integration between TPU processing and PPF manufacturing is expected to improve control over the input, manufacturing efficiency and supply-chain resilience, while reducing dependence on imported TPU films.

GHFL expects the initiative to support an incremental 150-200 basis-point improvement in consolidated EBITDA margins. This is a company projection rather than a reported financial outcome.

Lubrizol TPU Technology To Support New Film Applications

Under the MoU, Lubrizol will provide its TPU technology and material science expertise, while GHFL will handle engineering, processing and manufacturing. The companies intend to use the platform to develop and commercialise new TPU-based products in India.

The companies have identified automotive, architectural, industrial and electronics applications as potential areas for the TPU film platform. GHFL said the dedicated extrusion capability is intended to shorten product development, prototyping and commercialisation timelines.

Lubrizol said its ESTANE TPU technology would be used to support PPF applications focused on durability, appearance retention and protection.

GHFL PPF Capacity To Exceed 600 LSF

The TPU initiative is linked to GHFL’s broader expansion of its premium PPF manufacturing capacity. The company said its PPF capacity will increase to more than 600 LSF, while the new TPU platform is expected to strengthen backward integration.

GHFL said the localisation of TPU processing is also intended to support product development and reduce reliance on imported TPU films. The company positioned the investment as part of its development of domestic speciality-material processing capabilities.