2025-12-23

In an exclusive interview with Pharma Industrial India, Chinmay Korad, Country Head – Pharma, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies India, discusses the company’s key product lines, its growth and expansion roadmap, and how its filtration solutions enable pharmaceutical manufacturers to meet audit compliance requirements and secure critical certifications.

Q. To begin with, could you give us an overview of Freudenberg Filtration Technologies India? What role does the company play in supporting pharmaceutical manufacturers? 

Freudenberg is a 175-year-old company and the inventor of nonwovens, which are the heart of modern filtration technology. We have more than 180 registered patents on this technology. Back in 1998, Freudenberg primarily supplied media to filter manufacturers, and eventually decided to provide the heart of the filter, expanding into the filter manufacturing business. 

Today, Freudenberg is the only company globally that manufactures filters using their own media. All other manufacturers rely on externally sourced media. Nonwoven technology is our core competency - it is the key material which holds or retains the dust. 

In India, our journey began through the acquisition of Pyramid Filters, marking our initial footprint in the filtration space. Since 2012, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies has been active in the pharmaceutical segment, while our nonwovens division originated earlier in 1998.

Currently, we operate in 59 countries worldwide, with filtration manufacturing units in 38 of them. In India, we manufacture filters at our facility located in Sannaswadi, near Pune. The plant spans 48,000 square feet and serves multiple sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry, the automotive industry, paint shops, and gas turbine applications.

Q. Are there any near-term plans to expand—either in terms of manufacturing capacity or market presence?

Yes. Freudenberg firmly believes in staying in a business where we rank among the top two, or at least within the top three players. In India, we are already a leading name in the pharmaceutical segment and in the filtration industry overall, especially when compared to global competitors.

We do have future expansion plans. In fact, we made new investments last year, which enabled us to expand our Pune manufacturing facility. This growth journey is ongoing, and we are continuing to scale further.

Q. What are the key highlights of your showcase at CPHI-PMEC India this year, and which technologies or product lines are you particularly focusing on?

We are currently focusing on fan filter units. With the rapid growth of the semiconductor and battery industries, we are seeing a significant rise in new manufacturing plants being set up across the country. In these facilities, the fan filter unit plays a crucial role—it is often considered the heart of the cleanroom system. Therefore, we are actively promoting this product line.

We have showcased our fan filter units before as well, and they remain one of our core offerings and strategic areas of focus.

Q. As India’s pharmaceutical sector continues to evolve and strengthen its position as a global innovation hub, how can Freudenberg’s technologies support and accelerate this transformation?

We strongly believe in sustainability and long-term growth. At present, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is growing at a CAGR of around 10–10.5 per cent, which has attracted greater investment, technology adoption and support from Germany as well. This growth is driving us to evolve and align ourselves more closely with the needs of the pharma sector.

Pharma regulations are stringent, and compliance is critical. To meet these expectations, manufacturing processes and documentation must be equally robust and transparent. We are, therefore, strengthening our internal systems and continuously upgrading our processes to ensure that we meet—and match—global quality standards. We continue to upgrade our technology and products, which helps us stay at the forefront of the market.

Q. You mentioned that Freudenberg is committed to sustainability. How is the company supporting pharmaceutical manufacturers in achieving their sustainability goals?

Pharmaceutical companies face strict compliance requirements and audits, such as those conducted by the WHO and US FDA. For them, the integrity of a trusted partner is crucial. As a multinational company and reliable supplier, Freudenberg ensures that every filter we produce comes with complete documentation, traceability and verified product performance. This robust support helps pharmaceutical companies successfully meet audit requirements and acquire necessary certifications.

Q. What sets Freudenberg Filtration Technologies apart from its competitors?

Our USP lies in our automated production lines, the use of advanced German manufacturing technology, and 100 per cent product testing before dispatch—something no other company in India currently offers.

Q. Over the next few years, what trends do you foresee in the pharmaceutical industry, and how do you see the demand for advanced filtration technologies evolving?

According to recent reports, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is currently valued at around USD 95 billion and is projected to reach USD 130 billion by 2030. In terms of manufacturing, the government has begun establishing dedicated pharmaceutical Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Initially, we saw one in Sikkim, and now another has been declared in Hyderabad. The Karnataka government is also planning a special economic zone, inviting pharmaceutical companies to invest. These initiatives are generating both revenue and employment opportunities for local communities, reflecting the government’s focus on attracting pharmaceutical investments.

Q. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting AI and automation. How has Freudenberg integrated automation technologies into its own manufacturing processes?

We use AI as a tool to address market potential and specific requirements. All the automation machines we currently use are from Germany. Earlier, such advanced machinery was unique to Freudenberg, but now several competitors have similar equipment.

Since we manufacture filters for cleanroom applications, production must occur in a controlled, contamination-free environment. This is one of the key strengths and advantages of being associated with Freudenberg. We strictly follow all protocols to ensure quality and compliance.

Q. How do you see the future of Freudenberg in India?

Recently, we celebrated 9,000 days without a single accident in a factory, which reflects how much we value the safety and well-being of our people. Last year, we marked 175 years since our establishment—an achievement that is not by chance, but the result of a clear vision.

The company has a long-term vision through 2045, and all acquisitions are made to support growth. With growth comes investment, and Freudenberg continues to invest to expand and strengthen its presence. This is how I see the future of Freudenberg in India.