Business
Packaging industry sees e-commerce driving next growth phase
New Delhi, May 4
As it completes 50 years on
May 14, the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), an autonomous body
under the commerce and industry ministry, sees the next phase of growth
for the $25 billion (Rs.1.5 trillion) industry coming from e-commerce,
as more traditional retailers also take to online selling.
In the
process, the institute, which since its inception has focused on
research, education and export promotion, also sees much demand for
students pursuing the trade. The institute, accordingly, will see see
inauguration of a innovation centre and the ground breaking for a new
hostel.
Also at the commemorative celebrations will be the unveiling of a new logo crafted by the National Institute of Design.
"The
institute has come a long way since its inception in 1966. It's a proud
moment for us. What started with one centre in Mumbai has now expanded
to Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. We're in the
process of setting up campuses in Guwahati and Vijaywada," said IIP
director N.C. Saha.
According to the institute, its students were
in great demand, particularly with fast-moving consumer goods and
pharmaceutical companies that have recognized the positive cost and
brand implications of packaging.
Notable among the recruiters
are Hindustan Unilever, Mendelez International (Cadbury's), Nestle
India, Bayer India, Reckitt Benckiser, PepsiCo, Marico, Lupin Limited
and Ranbaxy, "With so many retailers now selling goods online,
e-commerce has made packaging more specialized than before."
The
institute also said the $24.6 billion market, which was growing at is
about 13-15 percent had a great potential as India’s per capita
consumption of packaging was just 4.3 kg, compared with 6 kg for China
and 19 kg for Taiwan.
The celebrations will extend to the whole
year with special events planned across various centres. The events
planned include seminars, exhibitions, conferences and alumni-organised
interactions at the Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai
centres.
The chief guests for the inaugural function are
Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao, scientist R.A. Mashelkar and
Commerce Ministry Additional Secretary Rajani Ranjan Rashmi.
As a
part of the celebrations, the institute will also host its 6th
international packaging exhibition, Indiapack 2015, from October 8 to 11
at the Bombay Exhibition Centre. The highlight of the exhibition
includes the World Packaging Congress (WPC) and an international and
sellers meet