Kirit Modi says, automatic plants produce 50% of total brown boxes

Today, the present production of packaging by ICCMA members constitutes almost 25% of total all-India corrugated box production. And the capacity being served by all the automatic corrugated plants is to the tune of 50% of total capacity.

On the eve of the IndiaCorr Expo – SinoCorrugated 2014 (from 14 to 16 October at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon) which is currently running in its second edition and being organised by Reed Manch Exhibitions, Kirit Modi talks about ICCMA and the corrugation industry.

Next five years: The corrugated packaging Industry in India is steadily growing at 10% per annum. Various policy initiatives rolled out by the new NDA government would definitely perk up GDP growth. I feel that the corrugated packaging industry would grown between 12‐15% p.a. in the next five years. The e‐commerce, automotive sector, export‐oriented units, fresh farm produce etc are the major user industries which would contribute maximum growth impetus.

The ICCMA vision: There was a need to have a focused and interactive platform where all constituents of this industry can exchange innovative ideas and drive growth strategies. The corrugated packaging Industry in India is undergoing phenomenal transformation. Units modernising and switching to automatic processes are increasing in numbers with each passing day.

Automatic corrugated plants: These units have made very high investments in their facilities to offer far better quality of corrugated boxes than being supplied so far by traditional‐technology based units. ICCMA was started with these goals with about 40 members and in a short span of three years we have tripled the membership to 120+. ICCMA’s inaugural congress held last year at Delhi was a resounding success in terms of participation and networking opportunities.

Technological advancements in the corrugated packaging industry: There has been rapid advancement in adoption of technology. Most of the existing players have opted for technological upgradation in their equipments to deliver better quality and output to the end‐users. Faster converting machines, high‐end corrugators are some of the options being considered by many units.

Made in India: the new government's focus is on the development and growth of the manufacturing sector. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s mantra is promotion of ‘Made in India. The corrugated box industry is bound to grow in step with the growth in manufacturing sector. Focus of the new administration is to get investments from abroad, develop industrial corridors in different regions of India etc. These are some of the major positives for this industry.

The IndiaCorr Expo – SinoCorrugated show: The IndiaCorr Expo from from 14 to 16 October at the BEC, Goregaon is a very welcome development. It has already proven to be an ideal platform for overseas machinery suppliers to engage with local corrugated box industry by showcasing their latest machinery as well as technology. Number of visitors from India used to visit Shanghai for SinoCorr every two years. Now they have an option to visit IndiaCorr once a year. Last year’s exhibition held in Delhi was a massive success. I think, exhibitors participating would be able to meet many more Indian box makers and understand their needs far better and then offer suitable technology options.

Data courtesy: ICCMA 2014.