Green Report: The sustainability imperative in Indian print and packaging

The Indian print and packaging industry is rapidly transitioning from viewing sustainability as a 'buzzword' to treating it as a strategic imperative and a 'cornerstone' of long-term business resilience. This shift is driven by a deep commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, aligning local operations with global standards, and embracing transparency and accountability.

Companies that once viewed sustainability as an external requirement are beginning to integrate it into operations, investments and executive agendas. The result is an industry that is slowly reshaping itself for a future where green credentials carry as much weight as productivity and quality.

This transformation is not taking place in isolated pockets. It is visible across converters, book printers, packaging houses and material suppliers. Firms are publishing data with increased confidence, reworking process discipline, and investing in energy and material innovations with quantifiable returns.

The overall message is that sustainability is no longer a compliance chapter. It is a commercial strategy.

Corporate commitment and strategic alignment

Sustainability gains real traction only when it is anchored at the level of intent and leadership. Corporate alignment becomes the starting point, guiding how organisations interpret responsibility, set boundaries and define the pace of change. This foundation shapes every operational decision that follows.

Global alignment: The entries show that more and more companies are aligning themselves with global sustainability initiatives and standards. ESG principles are being integrated into core business strategy rather than positioned as parallel commitments. Firms describe structured programmes designed to bring operations in line with international expectations, ensuring that sustainability becomes an essential business function.

Transparency and accountability: Another recurring theme is transparency. Companies are placing greenhouse gas emission reports and sustainability disclosures in the public domain to reinforce accountability. Some submissions highlight the growing expectation from publishers who now request root cause analyses for every rejection. This practice ensures that corrective measures form part of the organisational system and are not treated as one time fixes.

ESG benchmarking: Many entries describe efforts to benchmark themselves against global indicators. Companies seek third party assurance for frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative and subject themselves to comprehensive external audits including Ecovadis Gold evaluations, CDP Climate Disclosure ratings and SMETA reviews. This demonstrates an intent to validate claims and align with international procurement standards.

Science-based targets: A few companies, particularly leading book printers, are integrating science-based targets into their planning. Multivista Global presents a notable example, with validated targets that commit the company to reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by twenty eight percent by 2030. These goals reflect a shift from intention to structured climate action supported by quantifiable milestones.

Environmental stewardship and operational efficiency

A clear trend shows technology investment is now based on P&L as well as sustainable manufacturing practices. The focus is on measurable reduction and efficiency across all operations.

Energy and emissions: Many companies report significant investments in renewable energy. Captive solar power installations are becoming widespread across firms such as Corrucase, Any Graphics and Brilliant Printers. Manipal highlights its average annual wind energy usage which reaches more than ninety two percent.

Energy efficiency receives similar attention. Several entrants note the benefits of replacing older presses with newer, more efficient ones such as the RMGT eight colour model which consumes less energy than the Heidelberg eight colour machine it replaces. Plants are shifting to LED lighting, installing variable frequency drives and conducting periodic energy audits to identify weak areas.

Carbon measurement has come under focus. Many companies also reference detailed tracking of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and the gradual establishment of Scope 3 measurement frameworks across supply chains.

A clear trend shows technology investment is now based on P&L as well as sustainable manufacturing practices. The focus is on measurable reduction and efficiency across all operations.

Circular economy and waste reduction

Companies present examples of structured waste reduction programmes and material circularity models that extend across operations and sourcing practices.

Plastic reduction: Many companies report that they have declared their plants no plastic zones. They have eliminated conventional plastic packaging tapes and shifted to paper tapes which save significant quantities of plastic over the course of a year. Several entries describe transitions from gloss and matte lamination films to aqueous varnish which can remove as much as fifteen thousand kilograms of plastic annually. Use of automated stretch wrap machines with recycled plastic further reduces overall consumption by applying wrap only where necessary.

Sustainable materials: The use of FSC certified substrates is widespread. Several companies report that their entire production is carried out on FSC certified paper and board. Multivista highlights that it uses one hundred percent FSC material. ITC’s submission describes innovations in recyclable and bio-compostable materials through its Oxyblock and BioSeal ranges which provide plastic free options for food and hygiene applications.

Water management: The entries demonstrate responsible water management. Many companies operate sewage treatment plant systems that treat wastewater for non-potable uses. Rainwater harvesting structures are also implemented to replenish groundwater. Submissions note strict compliance with discharge norms, and Manipal describes plans to increase its common effluent treatment capacity to meet future operational requirements.

Strategic sourcing: Several firms highlight supply chain strategies designed to reduce emissions. They describe efforts to locate factories closer to suppliers and customers which improves transit time and reduces the carbon footprint associated with logistics. This indicates that sustainability is influencing procurement, planning and operational geography.

Social responsibility and governance

Sustainability in Indian print and packaging is broadening to include ethical practices, safety systems and design driven social contributions.

Ethical trade: Many companies have undergone SMETA audits to demonstrate compliance with global ethical trade standards. These assessments review environmental care, safe and hygienic working conditions, management systems and the implementation of codes of conduct. This shows a growing acknowledgement that responsible business practices form part of sustainability performance.

Operational safety: Workplace safety appears consistently in the submissions. Companies describe ISO 45001 aligned systems which include regular training, risk assessments, equipment safety measures and the correct handling of hazardous materials. Material safety data sheets are displayed prominently to maintain awareness and ensure safe operation across teams.

Product innovation: Innovation is increasingly influenced by sustainability objectives. Corrucase highlights its water resistant Corrubeds designed for relief and community environments. Any Graphics documents advances in premium label production that meet international environmental expectations while maintaining visual and functional quality. These entries show how sustainability is shaping product development and design decisions.

A future built on green performance

The direction of the Indian print and packaging industry is becoming clear. Green performance is moving from a marketing advantage to a structural requirement. Companies that pursue sustainability with intent are discovering efficiency gains, operational savings and stronger trust from customers. Those who treat it as an obligation risk losing relevance as supply chains tighten their expectations.

The shift will only accelerate. New technology, tighter reporting frameworks and the rise of responsible branding will reshape the competitive landscape. Indian converters are responding with energy, curiosity and a growing appetite for global alignment. The coming years will determine how well the industry balances ambition with accountability, but the early signs point to a sector that is ready to evolve.