With eight plants across India, we convert approximately 12500 tonnes of paper per month.
Borkar Packaging Pvt. Ltd. has been providing packaging solutions for the last seven decades. It is one of the largest packaging companies in India that is involved in the design, development, and manufacturing of folding cartons. The company enjoys a strong presence in almost every segment including FMCG, pharmaceuticals, foods & beverages, and consumer durables. In an interaction with Paper Mart, Mr. Nikhil Borkar, Director, Borkar Packaging Pvt. Ltd. talks about the company’s converting capacity, market scenario, and criteria for future packaging requirements.
Paper Mart: Tell us about your company and manufacturing capabilities — monthly paper converting capacity and the key technologies you have in-house.
Nikhil Borkar: Borkar Packaging Pvt. Ltd. and its sister concern Suraksha Packers Pvt. Ltd. prides itself as one of the leaders in the printing and packaging industry in India for the manufacturing of all types of folding mono cartons, corrugated shippers & labels.
With eight plants across India, we convert approximately 12500 tonnes of paper per month. We provide packaging solutions by demonstrating the latest technology with hi-tech machinery and equipment, which allow us to give our customers the best product and service.
Packaging technology is changing rapidly; however as a convertor, we still face challenges in getting certain types of boards such as emulsion board, antifungal recycled board, kraft backboard, carrier board and transfer metalised board.
PM: According to you, what would be the criteria for future packaging requirements? What challenges do you face with regards to the quality of paper & paperboard?
NB: Looking at current trends, future packaging requirements will be broadly based on the following criteria:
- Growing shift towards biodegradable-plastics, owing to a range of applications – PLA- Polydactyl acid is the most common bioplastics used in India;
- Mono-material packaging technology for recycling packaging;
- Product function ability – Product-specific packaging;
- Longer shelf life and product safety;
- Brand and Tamper Protection.
Packaging technology is changing rapidly; however, as a convertor, we still face challenges in getting certain types of boards such as emulsion board, antifungal recycled board, kraft backboard, carrier board, and transfer metalised board.
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PM: With the ‘New Normal’ imposed due to the pandemic, what is the current market situation and what are your projections for the future?
NB: After the COVID-19 pandemic, most developed countries have burned wastepaper or used it for landfills to avoid coronavirus spread. This has resulted in a huge shortage of raw materials for Indian paper mills. India is experiencing a chaotic situation in procuring of raw materials, due to non-inwards of wastepaper from USA & European countries. Hence, raw material prices have skyrocketed. Kraft paper and paperboard prices have increased multi-fold. Further chemicals such as ink, varnish, starch, fuel like coal, furnace oil are in short supply due to RM disruption.
Most of the mills have low throughput because of a tremendous shortage of coal and raw material. Mills are executing orders at spot booking rates, and we need to comply with this to avoid shortages of incoming raw material.
Also Read: Evolution of Paper-Based Packaging
PM: Please share your views on the market trends and the demand drivers.
NB: The Packaging Industry in India is expected to have good growth during the period (2022-2026). Further, the demand for packaging is growing due to the rising population, increasing income levels, changing lifestyles, increased media penetration through the internet, television, and growing economy. Moreover, it is one of the strongest growing sectors in the country.
The rapid growth of the market is primarily driven by the pharmaceuticals and foods and beverages industries. Huge investments in the food processing, personal care, and pharmaceutical end-user industries are creating scope for expansion of the packaging market. The rise of the Indian middle class, the rapid expansion of organised retail, the growth of exports, and India’s rising e-commerce sector is further facilitating growth. The food industry is expected to hold the largest share in the market. Packaged food is the fastest-growing segment in the Indian packaging industry. The demand for plastic packaging is expected to get replaced by paper packaging, as it ensures food quality, safety, and long shelf life.
The demand for plastic packaging is expected to get replaced by paper packaging, as it ensures food quality, safety, and long shelf life.
