The two-day 5th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit 2016, held in Mumbai from 21–22 September, was a packed event with close to 50 speakers talking on topics such as trends in speciality films, smart packaging, retail, sustainability, technology trends, brand value, etc. The panel of speakers comprised of industry experts as well as representatives from leading companies in chemicals, plastics, flexo and gravure printing, FMCG, retail, adhesives, films, etc. Close to 800 delegates attended the event.
Opening the summit, Kamal P. Nanavaty, president – strategy development, Reliance Industries spoke about how new technologies are disrupting various industries and why incumbents need to change the way they operate. Cloud computing, apps, 3D printing, robotics and internet of things are some of the biggest game-changers of recent years, he said, adding that packaging industry has been impacted as well. Under this changing business environment, he stated, smart packaging will gain more currency.
The highlight of the keynote session on first day was a talk given by Kishore Biyani, group chief executive officer of Future Group, who said that the Group is now focusing aggressively on food and food processing business and would be keen to collaborate with various stakeholders in the packaging industry. “We expect to consume close to 6,000 tons of packaging material in the next 2–3 years as we expand our food business,” Biyani said. According to him, FMCG market is moving towards premiumization and packaging will play a crucial role in it. When it comes to food industry, he said food processing firms are looking for packaging solutions that will help retain freshness, extend shelf life and cut delivery time. He invited packaging solutions providers to collaborate with Future Group at one of its food parks.
The rest of Day 1 was packed with presentations on advancement in materials for packaging, technology trends for manufacturing speciality films, advancement in printing technologies and machines for flexible packaging, and brand value. After the session Suresh Gupta, chairman, Huhtamaki PPL was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award for his contribution to the flexible packaging industry.
Day 2 began with a keynote session addressed by Ashok Chaturvedi, chief managing director of Uflex, who spoke about innovation through brand protection. The keynote address was followed by a session on additives, adhesives and coatings. In addition, there was a session on improvements in stretch film production, brand building and innovation in lamination. The day came to a conclusion with a panel discussion on post-consumer waste management.
