Pankaj Kumar: Our packaging films go well with food, cosmetics and pharma

2020 in review
Mitsubishi Chemical is the sole trading partners for Yupo Synthetic paper for India. Our shipments were stuck at the port and whole business was at a standstill, though we all were working from home. After the lockdown, we are yet to begin, as we are still working from home.

Doing business during pandemic
We had a few initial hiccups, but later it became the ‘new normal’. We started having regular sales to existing customers, as logistics was operating smoothly. Of course, there were some cost escalations but business became regular. Online web meetings became a regular platform for interactions among the team. The major issue was the inability of the sales team to visit customers. Business-wise, we are at over 80% of the target.

Plans for 2021
Tele-working, online meetings, less face-to-face contact will be the new normal and also may be the staff strength at the office will be limited on a specific day. We are evolving and working towards the same, but in no way shall the employee productivity be compromised.

One of our group companies in Japan is manufacturing face shields and masks of highest quality. In case it fits the Indian market, we would like to promote the same. Also we would like to promote the hygiene products.

Most popular kit in 2020
As people were at home, more food and cosmetics related products were consumed. Our packaging films go well with food, cosmetics and pharma products. So, we were able to have good sales in packaging segments.