At the curtain raiser for Bharat Packaging Expo 2027 held at the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), Delhi Regional Centre, NS Sundaram, chairman of IIP Delhi and CEO of Paharpur 3P, shared his perspective on how policy, sustainability and industry transformation will redefine packaging by 2030.
Before addressing the topic, Sundaram highlighted the vision behind Bharat Packaging Expo 2027, describing it as a platform designed not just for the flexible packaging sector but for the entire packaging value chain and FMCG industry. Having been part of the organizing committee, he called upon industry stakeholders to actively promote the event and help establish it as a globally recognized exhibition.
Speaking on the evolution of packaging, Sundaram noted that during the 1990s, packaging was primarily focused on product protection, shelf life and transportation. Today, however, its role extends far beyond these functions. “Packaging has become an important tool in terms of sustainability, regulation, consumer expectations and business growth,” he said.
According to Sundaram, the next five years will bring significant changes as governments worldwide introduce stricter regulations related to recyclability, recycled content, carbon emissions and waste management. While these evolving regulations create challenges, they also open new opportunities for companies that are prepared to adapt. “Compliance is no longer going to be a back-end activity. It will become a key driver for market access and competitive advantage,” he emphasized.
He also pointed to changing consumer preferences, particularly among younger generations, who increasingly expect sustainable packaging solutions. As a result, packaging decisions are no longer confined to operational teams. “Those days, packaging material was decided on the operations floor. Today, packaging strategy is decided in the boardroom,” he remarked.
Sundaram identified three critical factors that will determine success in the packaging industry by 2030. The first is innovation. He stressed the need for continuous development of sustainable, recyclable and resource-efficient packaging structures while maintaining operational and cost efficiencies. The second is compliance and transparency. According to him, traceability will become essential, requiring the industry to adopt digital tracking technologies such as QR codes and RFID systems to monitor packaging throughout its lifecycle and support waste management initiatives.
The third factor, and perhaps the most important, is collaboration. Sundaram stressed that sustainability cannot be achieved by packaging manufacturers alone. “Packaging is a collaborative effort involving brand owners, material suppliers, recyclers, regulators and government,” he said. He explained that sustainable packaging solutions often require investments in machinery, collection systems and recycling infrastructure, making cooperation across the value chain essential.
Concluding his address, Sundaram urged the industry to view the coming transformation as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Companies that invest in sustainable packaging solutions, digital capabilities and good manufacturing practices today, he said, will emerge as the industry leaders of tomorrow.
“Let us work together and build a packaging industry that is not only compliant and competitive, but also sustainable, resilient and future-ready,” he concluded, while expressing confidence that Bharat Packaging Expo 2027 can evolve into a world-class platform for the global packaging community.
