Umang Gupta: Corrugation industry sees double-digit growth

Reflecting on the event's opening day, Gupta emphasised the robust start of the 11th edition of the show. He noted that the exhibition has become a cornerstone for the corrugation industry, attracting participants from the entire value chain, including vendors, customers, and suppliers. “This place has become the go-to event for the sector. We have seen this exhibition grow each year, and it’s been a tremendous success, largely due to our longstanding partnership with the Indian Corrugated Case Manufacturers’ Association (ICCMA),” he said.

Discussing the evolution of the corrugation sector over the last decade, Gupta pointed out the significant shift from traditional methods to highly automated systems, driven largely by the rise of e-commerce and sustainability demands. The industry, which once relied on conventional machinery, is now embracing automation, with some companies even eyeing artificial intelligence for future advancements.

“The past five to seven years have seen dramatic changes. Where we once saw limited products and processes, today we are witnessing smart manufacturing and ultra-high automation. Sustainability is also at the forefront, with more recyclable materials and eco-friendly solutions being prioritised,” he said.

This shift is fueling domestic manufacturers, further bolstered by the government’s focus on Make in India. International players are also entering the Indian market, creating an atmosphere ripe for exponential growth. Gupta noted that the sector is witnessing consistent double-digit growth, reinforcing its upward trajectory.

As for what’s next for RX India, Gupta outlined the company's future plans, emphasising its diverse portfolio that extends across various industries. With an upcoming warehousing and logistics show in November, RX is gearing up for a busy Q4. Gupta also teased new segments for 2025, including the successful launch of a Paper Expo at this year’s IndiaCorr Expo.

“Our focus is on creating co-located shows to offer an all-encompassing experience for participants. In 2025, we’ll continue expanding into new areas, with shows like the PrintPack in February and PackPlus in Delhi,” Gupta explained.

PackPlus, RX India’s flagship packaging event, offers end-to-end solutions that cover the entire packaging value chain. According to Gupta, this distinguishes the show from others, as it allows visitors and exhibitors to engage with a broader spectrum of the industry in a single event. “We provide an entire ecosystem, adding greater value for our audience by eliminating the need to attend multiple shows,” he said.

Looking ahead, PackPlus is set to focus on not only traditional sectors like food, beverages, and pharma but also emerging industries such as manufacturing and space exploration. “The packaging needs of industries are expanding rapidly, and we are preparing to adapt to these changes. Even sectors like space exploration will require packaging in the future,” Gupta concluded.