Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

With over two & half decades of experience in packaging development, strategic sourcing, and supply chain optimization, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to some of India’s leading FMCG, healthcare, and personal care brands. My journey spans hands-on packaging R&D to executive leadership roles, where I currently serve as General Manager – Strategic Sourcing & SCM at Weener Plastics (Silgan Dispensing).
I specialize in rigid and flexible plastic packaging, vendor negotiations, cost optimization, and process automation. My technical foundation encompasses in-depth expertise in polymers, printing, machinery, and regulatory compliance, complemented by certifications from the Institute of Packaging Professionals (UK) and the Institute of Value Engineering. I am a member of the national advisory committee for IPPMI and the Food & Drink Technology Forum. Honorary member of FIEO, a setup by the Ministry of Industry & Commerce.
Throughout my career, I’ve led cross-functional teams in driving innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. I’ve also authored industry papers, earned patents in sensorial packaging, and built resilient vendor ecosystems that support long-term growth and agility.

Q2. How do you see the future of circular packaging solutions—such as PCR, biodegradable plastics, or advanced recycling—unfolding in India?

India is at a pivotal juncture in its packaging evolution, and I believe circular packaging solutions will play a transformative role in shaping the next decade of sustainable growth.
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, biodegradable materials, and advanced recycling technologies are no longer niche innovations — they’re becoming strategic imperatives. With increasing regulatory pressure, rising consumer awareness, and global brand commitments to ESG goals, Indian manufacturers are being encouraged to make more responsible packaging choices.
However, the transition is complex. PCR adoption faces challenges in consistent quality and supply chain traceability. Biodegradable plastics require robust infrastructure for composting and segregation, which is still developing. Advanced recycling — such as chemical recycling — holds immense promise but demands significant investment and policy support.

Q3. How is automation and digitalization in manufacturing influencing packaging standards, quality, and costs?

Automation and digitalization are redefining the packaging landscape — not just in terms of speed and efficiency, but in how we approach quality assurance, traceability, and cost control.
a. Enhanced Standards and Consistency Automated packaging lines ensure repeatability and precision, reducing human error and variability. This leads to tighter control over seal integrity, fill volumes, and label placement — all critical for compliance with global packaging standards, particularly in regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals and personal care.
b. Real-Time Quality Monitoring Digital sensors, vision systems, and IoT-enabled machines allow for continuous quality checks. Defects can be flagged instantly, and corrective actions can be automated. This minimizes rework, scrap, and customer complaints — while building a robust audit trail for regulatory and client documentation.
c. Cost Optimization and Predictive Maintenance While initial Capex for automation may be high, the long-term ROI is compelling. Digital tools enable predictive maintenance, reducing unplanned downtime and extending the life of machines. Energy consumption, material usage, and labor costs are optimized — often resulting in 10–20% operational savings.
d. Smart Packaging and Data Integration Digitalization also enables innovative packaging features — QR codes, RFID, and serialization — which enhance supply chain visibility and consumer engagement. Integration with ERP and MES systems ensures a seamless data flow from the shop floor to the boardroom.
In short, automation and digitalization are not just tools — they’re strategic enablers of packaging excellence. Companies that embrace them are better positioned to meet evolving customer expectations, regulatory demands, and sustainability goals.

Q4. How has the overall size of the Indian packaging industry evolved over the past decade, and what growth trajectory do you see going forward?

Over the past decade, the Indian packaging industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, both in terms of scale and sophistication. Packaging consumption in India has doubled from 4.3 kg per person per annum in 2010 to 8.6 kg by FY20, driven by rising consumer demand, urbanization, and the expansion of organized retail markets.

Q5. Which end-use industries are emerging as the biggest contributors to packaging growth, and how do their market shares compare?

India’s packaging industry is being reshaped by the rapid expansion of several end-use sectors, each contributing uniquely to volume, innovation, and value-added demand. The biggest contributors to packaging growth today are:
1. FMCG & Personal Care
•    Market Share: ~45–50%
•    Drivers: High-volume SKUs, brand differentiation, shelf appeal, and rural penetration.
•    Trends: Sachetization, sustainable formats, and sensorial packaging innovations.
2. Pharmaceuticals
•    Market Share: ~10–12%
•    Drivers: Regulatory compliance, serialization, and cold chain packaging.
•    Trends: Blister packs, tamper-evident seals, and smart packaging for traceability.
3. Food & Beverage
•    Market Share: ~20–25%
•    Drivers: Convenience, hygiene, and e-commerce delivery formats.
•    Trends: Flexible pouches, retort packaging, and biodegradable trays.
4. E-Commerce & Logistics
•    Market Share: ~8–10% (fastest growing)
•    Drivers: Direct-to-consumer shipping, return logistics, and protective packaging.
•    Trends: Corrugated boxes, void fillers, and QR-enabled smart labels.
5. Industrial & Automotive
•    Market Share: ~5–7%
•    Drivers: Bulk handling, export compliance, and durability.
•    Trends: Heavy-duty drums, IBCs, and anti-static films.
Growth Outlook
•    E-commerce packaging is growing at a CAGR of 15.1%, outpacing traditional sectors.
•    Pharma and personal care are expected to grow steadily due to rising health awareness and premiumization.

Q6. Which players are most aggressively investing in sustainable packaging solutions, and how is that changing procurement dynamics?

India’s packaging landscape is rapidly evolving, with several players aggressively investing in sustainable solutions to meet regulatory, consumer, and global brand expectations. These investments are reshaping procurement strategies across the value chain.
 Leading Players in Sustainable Packaging
1.   UFlex Ltd.
•    India’s largest flexible packaging company.
•    Investing in recyclable mono-material laminates and compostable films.
•    Developed PCR-based packaging for the FMCG and pharma sectors.
2.  Huhtamaki India
•    Focused on fiber-based and recyclable packaging.
•    Partnering with global brands to replace single-use plastics in food and personal care.
3.  TCPL Packaging
•    Expanding into recyclable cartons and paper-based alternatives.
•    Strong R&D focuses on reducing plastic content in secondary packaging.
4.   Essel Propack (now EPL)
•    Pioneer in laminated tubes with recyclable barrier technology.
•    Collaborating with global personal care brands for circular packaging formats.
5.   Multinational FMCG & Retail Brands
•    Unilever, Nestlé, P&G, Amazon, and Flipkart are pushing suppliers to adopt PCR, biodegradable, and reusable formats.
•    These brands are setting aggressive sustainability targets, influencing converter investments and vendor qualification criteria.

Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?

As an investor evaluating companies in the packaging and supply chain space, the most critical question I would pose to senior management is:
“How are you aligning your packaging innovation and sourcing strategy with global sustainability mandates, and what measurable impact has this had on your margins, customer retention, and regulatory compliance?”
This question probes three essential dimensions:
•    Strategic foresight: Are they anticipating shifts in EPR, PCR content, and circularity regulations — not just reacting to them?
•    Operational execution: Have they embedded sustainability into procurement, design, and vendor partnerships — or is it still a siloed initiative?
•    Financial and reputational ROI: Are these efforts translating into cost savings, premium positioning, and long-term resilience?
In today’s landscape, packaging is no longer just a cost center — it’s a strategic lever for differentiation, compliance, and ESG credibility. Investors need to see not just intent, but execution backed by data.