New Delhi (India), May 15 – The Indian Institute of Packaging Celebrates 57th Foundation Day with Key Collaborations and Industry Insights
The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) celebrated its 57th Foundation Day on May 14, 2023, at Hotel The Lalit, Andheri, Mumbai. The event, attended by industry professionals, faculty, alumni, and guests, marked a significant moment for IIP and the packaging industry. Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, served as the Chief Guest, with Mr. Rajendra Tapadia, CEO & Managing Director of Safepack Industries Ltd., and AVPS Chakravarthi, Global Ambassador of the World Packaging Organization (WPO), as esteemed guests of honor.
The event featured a special panel discussion on “Sustainable Packaging Towards a Green Future: Challenges & Expectations”, where leading industry experts shared their thoughts on the importance of sustainable packaging solutions. Shekhar Amberkar, Assistant Director – Estb. & Head of the International Packaging Centre, served as the Master of Ceremonies.
During the celebrations, IIP signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with prestigious institutions, universities, and government bodies. These partnerships include collaborations with Bihar Agriculture University, NIFTEM (National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management), Tamilnadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), and The North East Handloom & Handicraft Development Corporation (NHDC) in Guwahati. The institute also launched a special book showcasing the packaging designs developed for the ODOP project by the Government of India.
AVPS Chakravarthi, Global Ambassador of WPO, expressed his deep connection with the packaging sector, stating, “Packaging is my family. At WPO, our mission is to provide quality products through packaging. IIP is not just an institution but an emotion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, packaging professionals were on the frontlines, just like healthcare workers, ensuring the safe delivery of essential goods. If we stopped producing a simple corrugated box, the world would grind to a halt.”
Rakesh Mishra, Director of IIP, highlighted the significance of the day, stating, “Our 57th anniversary is a moment to reflect on our past achievements, evaluate the present, and discuss the future of packaging. It is a proud moment for all our members.”
Shekhar Amberkar also shared exciting news, announcing that India is set to host the WorldStar Awards by WPO next year, with IIP playing a key role in the event. India is now ranked among the top 3 positions in the WorldStar Awards 2023.
Rajendra Tapadia, CEO of Safepack Industries Ltd., shared insights on sustainability, stating, “Only 14% of plastics can be recycled, while around 68% of steel can be recycled. Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it must be integrated into every aspect of our work.”
Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma emphasized the critical role of sustainable packaging in the sustainable consumption chain, urging the industry to adopt a holistic approach to reduce environmental impacts.
Founded in 1966, IIP operates under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and has become an apex body for promoting packaging standards. The institute is actively involved in research, testing, consultancy, training, and organizing international and national events such as INDIAPACK and INDPACK. IIP has trained over 36,000 packaging professionals through various programs and has formulated 82 packaging specifications for exportable commodities in collaboration with key government agencies.
Rajneesh Singh is a journalist at Asian News, specializing in entertainment, culture, international affairs, and financial technology. With a keen eye for the latest trends and developments, he delivers fresh, insightful perspectives to his audience. Rajneesh’s passion for storytelling and thorough reporting has established him as a trusted voice in the industry.
