Impact of Covid-19 on packaging industry

Coronavirus which originated in Wuhan, China, has already claimed more than 45000 deaths worldwide. The virus has spread to many parts of the world, including India, where total cases count nears 2000 and death toll up to 50. To protect the country and  slow down the spread of Covid-19, prime minister Narendra Modi announced a total lockdown of the country and asked 1.3 billion citizens to stay at home starting midnight of 25 March for the next 21 days. However, during this lockdown period, the government has allowed manufacturing operations and delivery of essential commodities like food and medicines to continue. Packaging is integral to pharmaceuticals, FMCG, food, and a whole host of segments that fall under the purview of the essential services maintenance act. Many packaging plants, along with food and pharmaceutical plants across the country, are operational now. Still, a country-wide lockdown has resulted in short supply of raw materials, lack of workforce, transport restrictions, and more. Jeevaraj Pillai, joint president – Packaging and New Product Development, UFlex says, “We were among the…

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