PackPlus 2024, now in its 18th edition, kicked off on 22 August at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, drawing together the entire packaging industry for three days of innovation, collaboration, and insight.
Running until 24 August, this year’s exhibition has established itself as a key platform for industry stakeholders to witness live demonstrations, explore the latest market trends, and attend product launches. Over 200 exhibitors, representing more than 600 brands, gathered to showcase their solutions in packaging, converting, and supply chain management.
This year’s edition of PackPlus places a strong emphasis on sustainable packaging, reflecting a growing shift in industry priorities. Companies such as JK Paper and MLM Group actively promoted paper packaging as a viable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic.
Neeraj Jain of MLM Group highlighted the increasing consumer awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic on the environment. “We are the alternative to plastic packaging. As people become more aware of the adverse effects of plastics, they are shifting to paper packaging, which is witnessing steady growth and will continue to expand rapidly in the future,” he said.
The shift towards paper packaging, however, has not been without its challenges. Debasish Ganguly, general manager of marketing and communications at JK Paper, addressed the concerns surrounding the sustainability of paper packaging, particularly the misconception that it relies heavily on deforestation.
Ganguly clarified that the paperboard manufacturing process involves cultivating trees specifically for production, creating a sustainable cycle. “We, as an industry, plant saplings and cultivate them,” he explained, emphasizing that the paper industry not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also generates job opportunities and supports farmers’ welfare.
In addition to the exhibition, PackPlus 2024 hosted a conference focused on various aspects of food packaging that include honest labeling and transparency, the unboxing experience, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into packaging processes. During a discussion on green packaging, Saurabh Mehta, founder of bioQ Eco Solutions, underscored the transformative potential of sustainable materials.
“If you can eliminate all of the plastic and replace it with sustainable material, you have changed the industry for good,” Mehta stated. The panel discussion on AI explored how artificial intelligence can enhance manufacturing excellence, offering greater flexibility in product customization through adaptive machinery.
On the first day of the exhibition, attendees had the opportunity to explore a wide range of packaging materials and services, with a particular focus on sustainable solutions, finished packaging, and automation technologies.
