The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I) organized “The NextGen Packaging Conclave” themed as “NextGen Packaging: Navigating through Tastes and Standards” on 2nd August, 2024, at KIMS Auditorium, Bhubaneshwar. MSME and large corporates from sectors like Agri and food processing, Agri-chemicals, dairy and dairy products, pharma and health care products, home care products, printing industry, label manufacturers, and manufacturer of packaging materials attended the Conclave.

Guest of Honour, Mr. K C Mohanty, ED, IPICOL, Government of Odisha mentioned that the Packaging sector is a priority sector for Odisha. The plastic and packaging industry is very important for sectors such as food processing sector, agri-retail, beverages, chemical and petrochemicals etc. and without a robust plastic and packaging sector, these sectors cannot function well. Both National and investment from MNCs is coming in these sectors in Odisha, so there is a huge demand for Nextgen packaging companies in the State. For investment facilitation in the plastic and packaging sector, the State Government is providing many incentives like land at concessional rates, capital investment subsidy, exemptions on electricity duty, SGST reimbursement, etc. ED, IPICOL had a G2B meeting with all the relevant stakeholders and Speakers of the Conclave.

In a fireside Chat on the theme “New Age Packaging & Printing: Technology, Trends, Design and Cross Border Standards”, the Guest of Honour, Mr. Shrihari K. Rao, President - AMESA Region, Essel Propak Ltd., Mr. Rao mentioned that the young Indian buyers are very conscious of Sustainability, Aesthetics and Functionality. Gen Z and Covid changed the whole face of the packaging and printing sector. Mr. Rao also explained in details the disruptions, disturbances and the expected changes in the packaging and printing industry. He suggested that the companies need to adopt good process in terms of start to finish. However, he mentioned that there is a lack of well-trained professionals in the packaging industry. Investment in skill development and training programs is often inadequate. There is a need for more degree colleges offering courses on packaging. Mr. Rao further said that quality and standardization in packaging is of paramount importance as it is a very heterogenous field. Advising the MSMEs and small business players on ways and means to compete with global players Mr. Rao highlighted the importance for MSMEs to have clean floor shops and focus on quality and standardization.

Mr. Ronojoy Basu, Chairman, The Next Gen Packaging Committee, BCC&I & Area Sales Manager, Middle East & South East Asia, Emerson + Renwick Group mentioned that plastic is not an enemy provided the focus is upon recycling and sustainability. The Industry’s future is very bright in the segment. Lots of standardization is being brought into this sector. Mr. Basu also highlighted the lack of talent pool and skilled manpower in the packaging sector. The country needs more colleges and degree courses catering to the Packaging Sector.