Pidilite maintains growth amid challenges

Although the Nifty Next 50 has fallen by 9% so far in 2025, Pidilite's stock has dropped by 6%, thanks to its ability to maintain solid volume growth. The company has reiterated its target of double-digit volume growth and an EBITDA margin of 20-24%. For 9MFY25, volumes grew by 9.2%, with the EBITDA margin approaching 24%, keeping it on track to meet its FY25 goal.

During a conference in Kerala in February, Ashok Narayan, chief of sales and marketing at Pidilite Industries, shared with WhatPackaging? magazine that the evolving consumer landscape and the impact of post-pandemic shifts are accelerating trends in convenience-driven packaging and eCommerce. "The pandemic fundamentally altered how consumers engage with products, increasing the demand for quick-turnaround solutions and automated processes. The print and packaging industry has had to adapt rapidly, with investment in automation and digital workflows becoming essential," he said.

Narayan shed light on the adhesive industry’s role in packaging transformation. "Mono cartons are directly linked to the FMCG sector, which accounts for nearly 67% of demand. With flexible packaging growing at a faster pace, automation is becoming critical for converters," he stated.

He explained that the rise in demand for flexible packaging is being driven by changing consumer preferences, particularly in urban markets where convenience and sustainability are key considerations. "Flexible packaging is experiencing rapid growth as it offers lightweight, cost-effective, and high-barrier solutions for various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care," Narayan added.