Ramesh Kejriwal emphasises sustainability and innovation as the two pillars of packaging

Ramesh Kejriwal began his talk by highlighting  "The paradigm shift in the global packaging industry." He said, "There is a consumer demand for eco-friendly options especially amongst the new generation who are extremely
conscious of the green environment. The new regulations with stricter norms are also driving towards sustainability packaging. The big brand owners with global footprint are becoming the torch bearers of this move."

Kejriwal spoke about sustainability. He said, "One of the most significant trends is the rise of recyclable and biodegradable packaging. Today, companies are increasingly adopting cellulose-based or paper-based materials because they decompose naturally or have better recyclability and don't contribute to long-term pollution."

He pointed out, "From the perspective of end use, the cellulose-based solutions have lower carbon footprints compared to their plastic counterparts. Innovations like water-resistant paper and paperboard and functional barrier coatings are providing alternatives to traditional plastics packaging, ensuring that packaging can still meet the rigorous demands of package performance and product compatibility.

Kejriwal said, "In addition to sustainability, versatility is a key trend. Flexible packaging films made from cellulose are becoming more predominant and reality in the market. These films can be used for a range of products, from food to pharmaceuticals, offering a balance of protection and environmental benefits. They are lightweight, which reduces transportation costs and associated carbon emissions, further enhancing their eco-friendly profile."

He spotlighted one more innovation which is the use of advanced manufacturing techniques to produce high-quality cellulose packaging. Kejriwal said, "These methods improve the durability and functionality of paper-based packaging, ensuring it can withstand various environmental conditions while maintaining its integrity."

Herein, Kejriwal mentioned Gable top liquid packaging is highly sustainable through its use of renewable materials like paperboard and its recyclability, minimising environmental impact. He pointed out that its innovative design ensures efficient storage and transportation, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions throughout the supply chain.

Next, Kejriwal spoke about molded pulp products that started their journey in QSR industry and industrial packaging. He said, these are seeing mainstream applications in food packaging in form of bottles and containers.

Finally, Ramesh Kejriwal spoke about the circular economy. He said, "This approach focuses on minimising waste and maximising the reuse of materials. In the cellulose packaging sector, this means increasing the use of recycled content and designing packaging that can be easily recycled at the end of its life. Companies are investing in technologies to improve the quality and recyclability of paper fibers, ensuring they can be reused multiple times without significant degradation."

He signed off by stating, "The role of material science innovation is significant in developing disruptive primary packaging from cellulose-based materials."

Kejriwal told the delegates in the audience that "Innovations in cellulose and paper-based packaging offer a promising path toward greater sustainability. These advancements are not only reducing our reliance on plastics but also providing versatile, functional, and smart solutions that meet the needs of modern consumers and businesses. By embracing these trends, we are taking significant steps towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible packaging industry."