The state of Karnataka, known for its intricate architecture and beauty, is rapidly growing its corrugated packaging industry. According to IMARC, India’s corrugated box market size has reached USD 7.1 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 16.9 billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1% during 2024-2032. The growth of the F&B industry and the e-commerce and quick commerce, along with favourable government initiatives have been the driving factors for the growth of this industry. In order to highlight the significant role of this sector towards the pulp and paper industry, FCBM, an apex body of India’s corrugated packaging industry hosts a conference to motivate the industry leaders to further drive innovation and growth in this sector.
Karnataka Corrugated Box Manufacturers Association (KCBMA) hosted the 52nd FCBM Conference from 20th – 22nd December 2024 in Bengaluru, India. It is an annual conference that converges the corrugated box industry, and brings paper mills, machinery manufacturers, and other associated members and companies in this ever-growing business segment under one roof.
Each year, the conference is hosted by a different regional association, and this year it was hosted by Karnataka Corrugated Box Manufacturers’ Association (KCBMA). This marks the third time the FCBM Conference has been hosted by KCBMA.
The objective of the event was to gather the industry professionals linked to the corrugated box industry segment, share their insights, and explore the latest advancements in the field.
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The dignitaries present at the event were Mr. A.L. Annamalai, Chairman Emeritus; Mr. Dharmendra Pandya, President, FCBM; Mr. T.M. Raghavan, Vice President; Mr. Rajendra Bhatti, Vice President; Mr. Bharat Parekh, Secretary; Mr. Mayank Mehta, Treasurer of FCBM; and Alok Agarwal, Co-Chairman of the Conference. The chief guest of the event was Mr. Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, Defence Economist and Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies and the keynote speaker was Mr. C. Arun Kumar, CEO, Consumer Business, Signify Innovations India Limited (formerly Philips Lighting India Limited).
The theme of the event was ‘RRR’ that is “Rethink, Reinvent, and Resurge.” This theme emphasizes the importance of revamping strategies to stay ahead of market shifts and capitalize on emerging opportunities. It encourages the reinvention of organizational structures and business plans to align with future goals. The focus extends to cultivating smart, forward-thinking approaches to reimagining workplaces and environments, fostering a resurgence in the industry. This transformative process will not only impact bottom lines but will also create a clear and strategic vision for long-term success of the corrugated box industry.
FCBM is a national apex body of India’s corrugated packaging industry, having 13 regional associations and nearly 3000 members spread across the country.
The event began with the presidents of these 13 associations placing their respective flags in front of the dais on the stage. This was followed by the lighting of the lamp.
During the inaugural session, Mr. Amit Parasrampuria, President, KCBMA said, ‘‘This conference is a celebration for shared passion, a platform to exchange ideas, and a moment to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The theme of this year’s event, RRR resolute deeply with our mission and conflicts of this evolving landscape of our industry.’’
He adds, ‘‘Our association has always believed in fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and advocating for the growth and sustainability of industry and our people. Today’s and for next two days, discussions, presentations, and workshops aim to equip us with the knowledge and tools to shape the future of our field collectively.’’
He further adds, ‘‘The world is changing rapidly, and the change calls for adaptability and goal-oriented leadership. Let us use this conference as an opportunity to challenge transactional thinking, embrace diverse perspectives, and create actionable solutions that drive our industry forward. As an association, we are committed to empowering you with the resources, networks, and opportunities you need to succeed. But this is a shared journey, and I encourage each one of you to engage actively, collaborate openly, and contribute your unique expertise. Together, we can overcome barriers and achieve extraordinary things.’’
Taking the event forward, Mr. Manish Bothra, Conference Chairman, discusses the theme of the event, he points out the 3 principles stating:
Rethink: This is the time to challenge the status quo, gain fresh perspectives, and acquire new knowledge through conferences, industrial visits, and activations.
Reinvent: It is time to innovate, adapt, and transform your business. Just as the mighty Himalayan Eagle sharpens its claws, we too must prepare ourselves to soar to new heights.
Resurge: With courage and a fearless spirit, we must aim higher, achieve more, and realize greater gains in all our endeavors.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Arun Kumar- CEO of Consumer Business – Greater India at Signify Innovation India Limited talks about the role of packaging in product development. He says, ‘‘Packaging plays a key role in the consumer business. As said by Steve Jobs, packaging can create a story. Packaging is what attracts the consumer to go and see the product. It plays a very important role in reinventing a product. The role of packaging has shifted from protecting the products to solving the consumer need.’’
He further highlighted the company’s eco-friendly initiatives, emphasizing their commitment to create more eco-friendly packaging that can be reused. Currently, Signify has largely eliminated plastic from their packaging, showcasing their dedication to sustainability. “In fact, 98% of our portfolio is plastic-free, which is a remarkable milestone for us,” he stated.
Taking the discussion forward,he outlined key expectations manufacturers have from the packaging industry. First, he emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to customer needs, highlighting the necessity for tailored solutions. He also underscored the role of leveraging AI and driving innovation, describing it as fundamental to business growth and efficiency. Agility in the supply chain was another critical area, as rigidity can hinder a business’s ability to adapt to dynamic market conditions. Furthermore, he pointed to the growing influence of e-commerce and quick commerce, noting how these sectors have driven significant innovation in packaging and possess immense potential to become major growth drivers for the industry in the next 5-10 years. Lastly, he stressed the need for creative and unconventional approaches, encouraging the exploration of out-of-the-box thinking to address emerging challenges and remain competitive.
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The inaugural session was followed by the technical sessions where the key industry expert shared about the various projects and products related to corrugated packaging. Some of the key speakers at the sessions were Mr. Ramkumar Sunkara who has been a consultant and advisor to paper based packaging industry; Mr. Haresh Mehta, MD, Jayna Packaging who discussed about the innovative products made using corrugated medium and Ms. Eleni Despotou from FEFCO ( European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers) who talked about corrugated in the EU, its challenges & opportunities. This was followed by a presentation by Andal Paper Mills Pvt. Limited, and concluded with a cultural program that brought the two-day event to its end.
All in all, the two day event at Bengaluru was a journey of learning, collaboration and celebration of the corrugated packaging industry. The event brings together distinguished speakers and the finest minds from the country and overseas, who then share their insights and expertise about the transformative trajectory of the packaging industry. The event was a unique experience that is beyond the tentative talks and brings forward the tireless efforts and the conviction of the industry towards the RRR of the packaging segment at the 52nd conference.
