Global experts, policymakers converge at TG-PackCON

The fifth edition of CII TG-PackCON 2025 – Vision Edition, a two-day national summit connecting industry, policy, and academia to explore how innovation in packaging fuels economic growth, exports, sustainability, and competitiveness, kicked off on 6 November at The Park Hotel, Somajiguda, Hyderabad. The event was hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Speaking at the inauguration, Akshay SC, ITS, joint director general of foreign trade, Government of India, said the government’s guiding philosophy is Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse. “Policies worldwide are built on this principle. Our ministry constantly examines how to give Indian exporters a competitive edge. We must minimise empty space in containers, achieve 100% recyclability of packaging materials by 2030, and ensure clear material composition on labels. Even hotels have replaced disposable PET bottles with refillables — this mindset must extend to packaging,” he said.

Vagish Dixit, past chairman, CII Telangana and MD, Alpla India, challenged the perception that plastic packaging is ruinous. “That’s unscientific. Plastic is integral to modern life; packaging makes our lives safer and more convenient. Plastic is fantastic — and we should be proud of it!” he said, adding that 56 Nobel laureates have emerged from the plastics/packaging industry.

He highlighted that the global packaging market — valued at USD 1.2-trillion — is expected to touch USD 1.5 trillion in 5-7 years, while India’s USD 100-billion sector could grow to USD 150-billion. He urged Indian entrepreneurs to move beyond ‘jugaad’ toward true innovation: “Indians thrive in uncertainty; let’s channel that into invention, not imitation.”

R Sivaprasad Reddy, chairman, CII Telangana and MD, Rachamallu Forgings, said TG-PackCON 2025 is built on the pillars of innovation, acceleration, and elevation. The conference spotlighted three sectors shaping India’s future — food and agri, pharma and life sciences, and technology and consumer goods.

Chakravarthi AVPS, chairman, TG-PackCON 2025 & CMD, Ecobliss India, said this Vision Edition is dedicated to building a robust, innovative, and sustainable packaging ecosystem essential to India’s next growth phase. A high-impact CEOs Roundtable explored “Efficiency, competitiveness, and the new growth equation,” along with a special segment on disruption and deep-drive innovation.

Goutham Reddy, vice-chairman, CII Telangana and executive vice-chairman, Arete Sustainability, said, “Pollution is inevitable, but the question is how can we pollute less. Packaging was meant to reduce food contamination, yet its waste now contaminates our environment. The solution lies in balance and responsibility.”

Manish Jain, MD, Cilicant, explained how active packaging enhances product shelf-life.

Moderated by Dr Vanitha Datla, past-chairperson, CII Telangana and MD, Elico Health Services, the CEOs Roundtable that followed the inauguration featured insights from: Suresh Chitturi, VC & MD, Srinivasa Farms, said, “India consumes 140 billion eggs annually, projected to reach 600 billion in 25 years. Responsible packaging will be key as rural markets evolve.”

Deepak Saira, CEO (API & Services), Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, said, “Pharma isn’t only about medicines, it drives jobs, health, and productivity. Harnessing science, elevating processes, and building consumer trust are vital.”

Priyanka Singla, director – AMEA Brand Engagement and Sustainability, Avery Dennison, said, “India’s EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) framework is among the world’s most forward-looking.”

Bala Prasad Peddagiri, principal consultant & CIO, TCS said, “Embedding intelligence into materials and processes defines packaging’s future.”

Dr Saurabh Shekhar, managing partner, Wipro Consumer Care – Pet Care added, “India’s pet-care sector could hit INR 14,000-crore by 2030; insect-protein packaging will demand innovation.”

Rashi Agarwal, CBO, Banyan Nation, felt that packaging and recycling share a symbiotic relationship. Recycling exists because of packaging.”

Khasim Saheb, MD, Amcor Rigid Packaging Solutions India, said, “India is among the largest rigid-packaging markets — collaboration with technology drives competitiveness.”

Dr Sandeep Goel, MD, Moglix, said “Just as Amazon and Flipkart drive quick commerce, Moglix powers quick manufacturing — we’re also among the largest packaging consumers.”

The food and agri panel just before lunch on scaling value and export readiness was moderated by Vijay Nadiminti, CEO and director, AgHub. The session featured N Balasubramanium (Sresta Natural Bio Products), Sudhir Shah (Sri Srinivasa Dairy Products), and Bithi Roy (Ravi Foods), who discussed packaging’s role in improving shelf-life, reducing waste, and enabling exports.

Roy emphasised that while sustainable solutions are expensive, businesses must proactively adopt them. Vijay concluded that the entire food-agri value chain is evolving to drive growth and efficiency.

The Vision Edition of TG-PackCON highlighted India’s transition toward a circular and competitive packaging value chain, underscoring the role of design, materials, and technology in driving sustainability and export readiness. The two-day event also featured an Innovation Corner and Pitch Arena showcasing cutting-edge technologies, sustainable solutions, and startup innovations.