WPC 2015: Two day magnum opus

More than 1,200 Indian and international packaging technologists and executives gathered on 9 October, Day One of the World Packaging Congress.

11 Oct 2015 | By Priya Raju

During the knowledge-packed day, they discussed the industry’s challenges, even as the gathering grasped successful practices from leading regional and international experts. It was a rare uncommon sight to see the delegates attend the inaugural event as well as the three plenary sessions, at the Hotel Renaissance in Powai. Everyone was in agreement that it is India’s moment and a rare opportunity for the packaging industry.
 
“The experts, leading icons and trendsetters of the packaging industry are at this event. Those who miss it are missing a unique opportunity. It’s a cost-effective opportunity. We are used to seeing these speakers in Chicago, Austria, London or Berlin. But in this case, it’s also the cutting edge work in our own neighborhood!” said Dr N C Saha, director, of Indian Institute of Packaging.
 
In terms of size, the event was grand, even as speaker after speaker stressed the future of Indian packaging, which is going to be big, bullish and beautiful. Factors such as rising income levels of population, growing middle class and youth aspirations, urbanisation, and enhancing the affordability of packaging, are the key factors of growth in the industry. The union food processing minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal delivered a stirring speech on Day One. The highlights of her extempore address were the government’s commitment to 42 mega food parks (MFP) approved by the government which Badal said could be operational by 2019.