A curtain raiser to the forthcoming global event, the ICCA ( International Corrugated Case Association) Global Summit 2027, was held at Hitex, Hyderabad, on 18 February. The summit is scheduled to be held from 11 to 13 January, 2027, in Hyderabad.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Kumar, special chief secretary to the government of Telangana, said it was a matter of pride that the ICCA Global Summit 2027 would be held in Hyderabad for the first time in the 64-year history of the global corrugated packaging body. He noted that this milestone would place Telangana firmly on the global industrial map and reflect Hyderabad’s rising stature as an international industrial hub.
Kumar said he was amazed to learn about the versatility of corrugated packaging material, including its use in making makeshift hospital beds capable of supporting multiple adults. He referred to the innovative use of corrugated cardboard beds at the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, where athletes were accommodated on sturdy corrugated cardboard frames at the Olympic Village. He also expressed surprise at seeing artefacts such as a statue of Mahatma Gandhi crafted entirely from corrugated packaging material.
“Corrugated packaging is not just a box — it is the backbone of modern supply chains. From farm produce and pharmaceuticals to eCommerce and electronics, corrugated packaging ensures products reach consumers safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Its strength-to-weight ratio, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness make it indispensable in today’s fast-moving economy,” he said.
Emphasizing sustainability, he said corrugated packaging is biodegradable, largely made from renewable resources, and highly recyclable. “Every used carton can be converted back into paper and reintroduced into the value chain. That is true environmental responsibility in action,” he remarked.
He said the corrugated packaging sector supports thousands of MSMEs, generates significant employment, and drives innovation in automation and design. As global trade expands and e-commerce accelerates, he observed, the importance of corrugated packaging will continue to grow.
“It is not merely a packaging material — it is a strategic industry that powers economic growth while protecting the planet.” He assured full support from the Telangana government and said the state would look forward to tangible outcomes from the summit, including new industrial investments.
ML Agarwal, chairman of Central India Packaging and chairman of the ICCA board of directors — the first Indian to hold this prestigious position in ICCA’s 64-year history — said corrugated packaging offers endless possibilities for innovation, sustainability, and growth. He noted that Hyderabad hosting the summit was the result of collective efforts by industry leadership.
Ankit Agarwal, managing director of the Central India Packaging, India director on the ICCA Board, and president-elect of FCBM, said their coordinated efforts had been instrumental in securing Hyderabad as the host city for the ICCA Global Summit 2027, scheduled to be held from 11 to 13 January, 2027.
Eleni Despotou, chief executive officer of the International Corrugated Case Association (ICCA), said that whenever sustainability is discussed, corrugated packaging is the first material that comes to mind. She said corrugated packaging is approximately 95% recyclable and among the most recyclable packaging materials globally. Describing her visit as her second to India and first to Hyderabad, she said she was delighted to be in the country and impressed by its industry growth.
The speakers announced that Hyderabad will host three major corrugated packaging industry events in January 2027: the ICCA Global Summit 2027, the FCBM CorruPack Summit 2027 representing over 3,000 manufacturers with industry sales exceeding US$ 8.9 billion, and the CorruPack International Expo 2027, a global exhibition expected to feature more than 250 exhibitors, 1,500 delegates, and 300 international industry leaders. These events will position Hyderabad as a global hub for eco-friendly packaging innovation.
India’s corrugated packaging industry, currently valued at approximately ₹90,000 crore, is among the fastest-growing in the world. The global corrugated packaging market, valued at US$ 170.96 billion in 2024, is projected to reach US$ 179.5 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% through 2030. India is expected to be a key growth driver, with the domestic market projected to expand from US$ 7.8 billion to US$ 18.6 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 9.6%, driven by eCommerce, FMCG, food, pharmaceutical, electronics, and organised retail sectors.
Over 250 industry veterans attended the curtain raiser event. The organisers showcased artefacts made from corrugated packaging material, including the podium used for the function and a specially designed photo frame presented to the Chief Guest, demonstrating the creativity and strength of corrugated board applications.
