IFCA: Packaging industry focuses on sustainability beyond biodegradability

IFCA hosted its annual awards on 13 December 2024 where the print and packaging industry stalwarts were recognised for their work and contributions to the industry. On the sidelines of the awards, a panel discussion was curated on Navigating the Packaging World: What to Expect in 2025.

The participants for the discussion included BS Jolly, managing director and CEO of Edelmann Packaging; Deepak Ganjoo, CEO of SB Constantia; and Amit Khurana, CEO of TechNova India. The session was moderated by Ramu Ramanathan, editor of PrintWeek and WhatPackaging?

Ramanathan initiated the conversation by probing how 2024 had been for the industry, the things that have helped the industry move forward, and how the industry has advanced in terms of sustainability, as the industry mostly equates biodegradability with sustainability. The United Nations (UN) Convention on Sustainability Practices includes 70 chapters, of which health, safety, sourcing, and living wages are part.

Sustainability becoming a priority
During the discussion, sustainability emerged as a central theme, with the panellists discussing the industry’s role in addressing environmental challenges. Jolly underscored the multifaceted nature of sustainability. He said, “It’s not just about biodegradable materials but also health, safety, sourcing, and living wages.”

He mentioned that Edelmann has put in efforts to reduce water usage by 16%, and the company has implemented living wages to demonstrate that sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns to social responsibility.

Ganjoo shared SB Constantia’s commitment to recyclable and mono-material solutions, and he emphasised that their facility promotes a circular economy. “We’ve invested in Ecolab, where we develop barrier solutions equivalent to aluminium but fully recyclable,” he said.

Jolly acknowledged the costs associated with sustainability; he agreed that regulatory changes, such as greenwashing, are a positive development. “These guidelines demand credible evidence of sustainability, ensuring transparency and accountability,” he stated.

Navigating market dynamics through growth/de-growth
The panellists further addressed the scenario of growth and de-growth, which is driven by market pressures and consumer demands. Ganjoo highlighted that the Indian economy is very resilient. He noted, “India is in growth momentum, with a population of 1.5-billion driving diverse consumer demands.”

However, the panellists acknowledged the challenges, such as increasing operational costs and competitive pressures. Commenting on the perception of the industry, Jolly expressed, “When someone calls us simply converters, it hurts. Creativity and innovation need recognition.”

Speaking about the need for agility, Khurana pointed out that, “Turnaround times are critical. Brands expect faster delivery and innovative solutions.”

Innovation in factories
The speakers highlighted that factory innovations help enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Ganjoo outlined SB Constantia’s focus on renewable energy. He said, “We’ve adopted solar and turbine energy solutions, especially in Gujarat, leveraging government incentives.”

Consolidation of operations also plays a key role. Ganjoo added, “We’ve streamlined plants across the country to improve sourcing flexibility and address volatile demand efficiently.”

Khurana underscored the need for automation and lean manufacturing to enhance productivity and maintain competitiveness.

Disrupting the traditional model with digital printing
Digital printing has caused a disruption in the industry for the betterment of the industry collectively. It is capable of enabling short runs, personalisation, and rapid turnaround times. Describing the shift, Khurana said, “It’s no longer about large runs. Digital printing allows startups and MSMEs to experiment with packaging, providing agility and customisation.”

Citing an example of Swiss Pac, a company that specialises in digital printing for export markets, Khurana said, “They deliver high-quality, feature-rich prints, embedding QR codes and anti-counterfeit measures.”

The panellists agreed on the growing demand for connected and smart packaging. Ganjoo noted, “AI-enabled packaging allows traceability from production to end-use, offering consumers transparency and trust.”

Newspaper majors entering packaging
Another discussion highlight was the entry of newspaper majors into the packaging sector. Khurana explained, “With the decline in print revenues, top newspapers are leveraging their facilities to create micro-packaging centres.”

He continued, “They’re targeting tier-two and tier-three towns with small-scale investments.”

Legacy print media venturing into the printing and packaging industry reflects the diversification of the industry regarding adaptability and the potential for cross-industry innovation. “Newspapers have the infrastructure and local market connections, enabling them to explore packaging opportunities effectively,” Khurana added.

The way forward
The participants shared a bullish outlook for the packaging industry in the country. They predicted significant growth in the coming decade. “India is poised for its industrial revolution,” said Khurana. “The question is how we differentiate as manufacturers and service providers.”

The panellists emphasised the need for adaptability. Jolly remarked, “Long-run jobs are disappearing. The industry must embrace shorter runs and technological disruptions.”

During the discussion, the key focus areas identified were sustainability, digital transformation, and consumer engagement. “The future belongs to those who innovate and connect with consumers,” concluded Ganjoo.

Jolly added, “We must glamorise the industry to attract young talent and foster a service-oriented mindset.”

The panel discussion on Navigating the Packaging World: What to Expect in 2025 highlighted the industry’s journey and the growth transformation that the industry has undergone. The priority for the future should be sustainability, embracing digital innovations, and leveraging cross-industry synergies. The sector is well-established and poised for growth, but challenges do remain. However, as Jolly aptly stated, “The future is bullish. It’s up to us to adapt and thrive.”