Avery Dennison has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) at the institute’s Mumbai campus, marking a new academic–industry collaboration in the packaging sector.

The agreement was signed by RK Mishra, director of IIP and additional DGFT Mumbai, and Saurabh Agrawal, vice-president and general manager for South Asia at Avery Dennison. Under the MoU, the organizations will jointly launch a Management Development Programme aimed at mid-level packaging professionals.

The three-day program will be delivered across IIP’s Mumbai campus and Avery Dennison’s facility in Pune, combining academic inputs with practical, industry-led exposure. It is targeted at professionals working in sectors such as food and beverages, home and personal care, wine and spirits, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, agrochemicals, solar, batteries, automobiles and appliances.

Mishra said, “The MoU is aimed at bringing capacity building to a new level for the packaging industry leadership, with a focus on leveraging emerging opportunities while fulfilling the societal obligations of sustainable development.”

Agrawal said, “This MoU marks a significant milestone for the packaging industry in India, as it brings together an industry partner and an academic institution to strengthen packaging talent in a meaningful way.”

The management program is designed to address emerging priorities, including sustainability, compliance, artificial intelligence and changing consumer behavior. The first cohort of participants is scheduled to begin in March 202,6 with 20 participants planned.