The Indian packaging industry must conform with the international packaging standards to compete globally, said Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) director NC Saha while addressing a national conference on 'Make in India -- Packaging Transportation of Hazardous Goods and UN Certification' on Saturday.
"The Union ministry of commerce has constituted a standing committee to formulate the packaging specifications for 500 exportable commodities over the next year. By March 2016, IIP will develop packaging specifications for tea, coffee, spices, cut flowers, marine products, table eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables," Saha said.
Terming India's packaging industry a sunshine industry, he said, it accounts for $24.6 billion share in $77 billion global market. "While globally the industry is growing at 3 to 5 %, China's growth is 18% and India is ranked second with a growth rate of 13-15 %," he added.
Meanwhile, Telangana industries and commerce department secretary Arvind Kumar mooted a proposal for IIP to work with the state government. He further urged IIP to collaborate with the upcoming Pharma City and electronic and manufacturing cluster to ensure that the packaging work is done in conformity with international standards in these clusters.
The conference also focused on the importance of UN certification, the regulations involved and compliance of the safety aspects for packaging and transportation of hazardous goods both involving sea and air transport.
