Intro: Biodegradable Packaging Set to Grow at 15% CAGR
Packaging is very important as it adds value to the manufactured products. In India, this sector is being spurred by the growth in consumer markets, especially in processed food, personal care, and pharma end-user industries.
The packaging industry is also being driven by factors such as rising population, increasing income levels, and changing lifestyles that are likely to drive consumption across sectors leading to higher demand for packaging solutions.
According to Siddhartha Sood, Director, Multiply Paper Packaging, based in Sector 58 Noida, the scope of this industry is very good, clocking almost 15-20% growth every year.
During COVID-19, there was slowdown in this industry due to overall business slowdown, but after COVID-19, there has been a lot of demand for packaging designs that are easy to sell and have a strong sustainability.
Sustainable Packaging
According to Naresh Khanna of IIPStar, post pandemic, there has been a lot of demand for packaging designs that are easy to sell and have a strong sustainability story. Paper packaging is seen as sustainable. Globally companies are using recyclable board, but in India virgin board is still being used, said Naresh Khanna.
Says Naresh Khanna, there are many green plants coming up to cater to the export market. Corrugated packaging is also exploding due to exports.
Another kind of packaging that is more sustainable is litho laminated packaging. The litho-laminating process is a means of creating corrugated board that has a high quality, litho printed surface.
As a part of sustainable packaging there is a thrust on biodegradable packaging.
Sidhartha Sood said sustainable packaging is what they do. He said, most of the packaging is with recycled paper and not Virgin Kraft. Virgin Kraft paper is very expensive.
Growing awareness of plastic waste hazards and technological advancements has influenced various manufacturers in India to innovate environment-friendly packaging.
There have been a lot of developments in this field. In March 2023, Parason and ABB India – a leading manufacturer and supplier of pulp and paper machinery increased the production of biodegradable packaging options. This was done with the aim of reducing single-use plastics.
Also since July1, 2022, government put a ban on manufacture, importation, storage and distribution of any-single-use plastic products that have high potential of littering and no after use.
The FSSAI has taken initiatives towards reducing plastic footprint in the F&B industry, wherein many food businesses in India have pledged to eliminate single-use plastic in the coming years, develop environmentally-friendly substitutes, and an effective plastic collection and recycling/distribution system.
Growing awareness of plastic waste hazards and technological advancements has influenced various manufacturers in India to innovate environment-friendly packaging.
There have been some developments in this field. In March 2023, Parason and ABB India – a leading manufacturer and supplier of pulp and paper machinery increased the production of biodegradable packaging options. This was done with the aim of reducing single-use plastics.
Also since July1, 2022, government put a ban on manufacture, importation, storage and distribution of any-single-use plastic products that have high potential of littering and no after use.
The FSSAI has taken initiatives towards reducing plastic footprint in the F&B industry, wherein many food businesses in India have pledged to eliminate single-use plastic in the coming years, develop environmentally-friendly substitutes, and an effective plastic collection and recycling/distribution system.
Naresh Khanna says, “Biodegradable packaging is possible, but the government has not come up with accelerated certification. There are some new laws for all plastics, called the Plastics Waste Management Rules. All people who are making plastic packaging have to register on government website.”
Minimalistic Packaging
Although minimalistic packaging is being talked about, Sidhartha Sood says it is a myth. This kind of packing will not last long and have strength. He said, he has not seen many companies doing minimalistic packing . Even Amazon, TataCliq and Ajio pack their goods twice or thrice. They use 2 to three layers to prevent breakage and display their quality.
Cost-effective packaging for small businesses:
Packaging has to become cost-effective for small businesses. In this, paper bags is a segment that is exploding. In addition, there are many solutions that are coming to India like bubble wrap not on plastic but paper. In packaging there was a lot of void, styro foam was a big no no, according to Naresh Khanna. So more solutions are coming. Packaging for small businesses is becoming more sustainable. According to Sidhartha Sood, cost-effective packaging is being used by small companies. He said even corrugated and mono-carton are pretty cost-effective.
