Telangana's Proactive Approach to Packaging Sector Sparks Economic Growth, Jobs

Hyderabad: CII Telangana is organising its third edition of ‘Conference on packaging innovations: Shaping the future, enhancing experiences’  on September 13. The conference focuses on packaging solutions and their impact on shaping the future of industries while enhancing customer experiences. Chakravarthi AVPS, chairman - CII TS-Packcon Conference and global ambassador of World Packaging Organisation talks about the emerging opportunities in ethnic foods, pharma and consumer goods among others to B Krishna Mohan. 

Scope

The packaging segment spans across multiple segments- plastic, tin, aluminium, foil, glass, paper, bubble wrap, corrugated boxes, vials and a host of others. Each of these spawn across organised and unorganised sectors creating proportional employment opportunities, including in the tier II cities. The entry barriers in the segment are low. Globally, the packaging segment has crossed $ one trillion in valuation and within India it could be more than $70 billion. The segment grows higher than the economy and will attract sizable investments. Covid has brought the packaging segment to the centre stage again.

Ethnic foods and pharma

Among other segments, the ethnic foods segment is now booming. The packaging has increased the shelf life of this segment. Infact, most people who want to pursue higher education or employment opportunities without exception pack a lot of food items. It is the packaging that increases their shelf life and makes them easy-to-carry. Pharma exports have crossed about $25 billion. The US is the biggest importer of pharma products from India. Packaging is the last point of contact between the drug and the patient. The packaging gives complete information about the dosage required, the ingredients, the expiry date and others.  Pharma products have never been more important than now.

Government support

Government’s support is very much needed for the packaging sector. Telangana has been proactive with its thrust on food processing. This will give a big push to the segment even as they extend the shelf life. Also, the State has designated industrial parks for plastic, which is also weaving ancillary industries into the ecosystem. The segment employs skilled, unskilled, semi-skilled people across the segments. Packaging also has an impact on indirect employment, particularly logistics.

Circular economy

Since several materials are used in packaging, sustainability and circular economy are key aspects. Raw material processing apart there is a lot of thrust on recycling, which again extrudes as a separate branch. There have been many innovations in the pharma segment, many medicines can be stored at room temperature as well. This cuts the need to make big investments in temperature controlled facilities.

Future

Packaging in days to come will be more personal, giving out information like the calories, ingredients and other parameters. Unit packaging will also increase- smaller units in a bigger package. This will ensure that there is no wastage due to exposure to oxygen. Also, many perishable items can be frozen for about 20 days. The ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook segments will flourish further.  Smart packaging, where traditional packaging evolves into interactive, data-driven solutions that bridge the gap between brands and consumers, will rise significantly.

Conference

It will deliberate smart packaging technologies, consumer engagement and  product safety. entrepreneurial opportunities, advancements in food packaging and pharmaceuticals.