Smart technologies, reducing carbon footprints, and innovations were the key focus areas of The Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) Packaging Summit held on 19 January 2023 in New Delhi.

The 4th edition of the summit held at Holiday Inn also deliberated on the driving changes that multiply the growth of the Indian packaging segments.

Divided into three sessions that emphasized on technology, carbon reduction, and innovations, the conference kicked off with the opening remarks from Pranay Shanker Garg, vice-chairman, CII western UP zone and managing director, Advance Valves India.

Smart technologies

The first session focused on the digitization of packaging with an emphasis on ‘connecting the physical with the digital’. Influenced by digital transformation, smart packaging is a way for brands to connect online and offline offerings. As eCommerce continues to rise, the smart trend in packaging too will see an upward trend, the panelists discussed.

According to Vishwajeet Singh, technical manager, Ansys, measuring the efficiency of hazardous packaging material via finite element analysis (FEA) – the use of calculations, models, and simulations to predict and understand how an object might behave under various physical conditions – will be necessary for consumer assurance. “Transformation in technology and innovations through automation will enhance productivity and precision,” Singh explained.

Sustainability

The next session was more business-environment-centric, elaborating on the business benefits of switching to sustainable packaging. Sustainability is a driver of not only innovation but also the brand and overall business growth alongside biodegradable packaging to reduce carbon emissions and to help reduce climate change. 

Sachin Gupta, marketing director, and product manager, Signode India said, “Reducing the use of wood and replacing it with more optimized methods is the need of the hour. Wood is mostly used in transit packaging. However, the weight adds more charges for transit protection. Using mono cartons instead with proper cushioning is a more viable solution.”

Innovation

Innovation in industrial packaging involves blending rigid and flexible packaging. Digital printing is a myriad of possibilities in various sectors that can even be game-changers in the market. The market for industrial packaging has been projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.61% till the year 2025. It has been researched that owing to the tremendous increase in product portfolio globally, the need for industrial grade packaging has grown manifold, according to Sachin Sharma, head procurement, Godfrey Philips India. 

“Manufactured goods aligned with the logistical demands becomes the key for industrial packaging, whereas aligning with the changing profile of the Indian consumer and preferences – aspects of branding, shelf life, and consumer convenience – become major levers in packaging. As the market worldwide grows, it paves the way for newer ways for industrial packaging companies that utilize advanced technologies in order to strengthen the concept of safe packaging. Industrial packaging is an all-encompassing market that is needed by every product-oriented company and so the sector is experiencing growth on a holistic scale.

The CII works towards creating and sustaining an environment conducive to the development of India, partnering with industry, government, and civil society through advisory and consulting processes.