Packaging Industry Must Embrace Sustainability and Global Standards to Power India’s Manufacturing Ambitions: Jitin Prasada

Prasada stated that packaging will play a critical role in strengthening India’s manufacturing growth as the country benefits from increasing global trade opportunities and ongoing free trade agreement negotiations. He emphasised that the success of such trade agreements would depend significantly on the expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity.

He asserted that India must focus on producing goods not only for domestic consumption but also for global markets, stressing, “We have to make in India and make for the world. We have to package in India and package it for the world.”

Highlighting changing consumer behaviour, the minister noted that Indian consumers have become more quality-conscious and aspirational. He said this transformation has created new opportunities for both domestic producers and exporters. He further stated that Indian consumers will no longer accept low-quality products, adding that the earlier perception of reserving high-quality goods exclusively for export markets is no longer valid.

Prasada strongly advocated the adoption of environmentally responsible packaging practices. He said that green packaging, biodegradability, recycling, and sustainability have now matured into essential industry standards. He urged industry stakeholders to treat sustainability not as a compliance burden but as a top priority for future growth.

He also underlined that technology and trade act as the twin engines of India’s economic progress. According to him, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning will significantly shape the future of the packaging sector. He stressed the need for the industry to rapidly adapt to technological advancements and evolving global standards.

Referring to India’s growing global economic position, Prasada said that developed nations increasingly view India as a major market and a key manufacturing destination. He reiterated that India’s trade and industrial policies are aimed at strengthening this global confidence.

The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business in the country through reduced regulatory compliance and decriminalisation of outdated provisions. He stated, “We want to roll out the red carpet for our investors, not red tape,” referring to initiatives such as the Jan Vishwas Bill, which reduces compliance burdens.

The Indian Institute of Packaging is celebrating its Foundation Day as part of its Diamond Jubilee Year, marking 60 years of its establishment and contribution to the packaging sector in India. The event underscored the institution’s role in advancing innovation, sustainability, and industry standards aligned with India’s long-term development vision.