In June 2027, the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), in partnership with India Expo Centre & Mart, officially announced the launch of Bharat Packaging Expo 2027, a comprehensive international exhibition dedicated to the packaging industry.
The main aim of the exhibition is to bring together the entire packaging value chain on a single platform. The announcement of the Expo was made during a curtain raiser event attended by senior leaders, brand owners, packaging professionals, technology providers, and representatives from various industry associations.
The event’s opening highlighted IIP officials mentioning the changing role of packaging in today’s business environment, stating that packaging has evolved far beyond product protection to become a strategic business tool influencing consumer experience, brand value, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and supply chain efficiency. The theme of the event, 'Packaging Evolution: From Compliance Pressure to Intelligent Packaging Transformation, reflected the industry's transition towards innovation-driven and sustainable packaging solutions.
Delivering the keynote address on Packaging 2030 – the future of policy, compliance and industry transformation, NS Sundaram said the next five years will redefine the packaging industry globally. According to him, compliance will no longer be neglected as a backend activity, but, on the contrary, will become a competitive advantage. He also emphasized the fact that governments worldwide are introducing mandatory regulations to be followed regarding recyclability, recycled content, carbon footprint reduction, and waste management.
He also mentioned that by 2030, the packaging industry’s success will be dependent on 3 major factors: continuous innovation in sustainable packaging, greater compliance and transparency through digital traceability, and strong collaboration among brand owners, packaging converters, raw material suppliers, recyclers, and regulators. On the other hand, Mr. Indranil Shah joined the discussion virtually and discussed how FMCG companies are facing increasing pressure due to volatile global markets, geopolitical uncertainties, and rapidly changing consumer expectations.
Mr. Indranil explained how packaging teams are now expected to deliver products to the market faster, along with a major focus on other factors such as reducing costs, improving sustainability, and offering greater consumer convenience.
Speaking on Beyond recyclable: why safety is the missing heart of circular packaging, Jatin Thakkar stressed that while the industry has made remarkable progress in developing recyclable packaging, insufficient attention is being paid to packaging safety. He pointed out that transitions towards mono-materials, downgauged structures, and recycled content require equal focus on chemical migration, food safety, and regulatory compliance. He also expressed his fear that India still lacks explicit regulations restricting carcinogenic substances in packaging inks and coatings, urging the industry to adopt safer raw materials and strengthen the validation process as well. “Safety compliance is not a barrier to circularity it is the guardrail that makes circular packaging trustworthy,” he remarked.
Sandeep Kumar Ghosh shared insights into how packaging has supported the company's rapid growth over the past several years. He described packaging as much more than a container, calling it the first interaction consumers have with a brand. He cited innovations such as consumer-friendly scoop placement, enhanced authentication features, holograms, and QR code-based security systems that have strengthened customer trust. He also discussed how data-driven decision-making helped HealthKart evaluate whether to shift from rigid packaging to flexible pouches during recent raw material price fluctuations. Consumer research ultimately showed that most customers preferred rigid packaging for premium nutritional products despite higher costs.
He also highlighted the importance of digital printing in helping direct-to-consumer brands accelerate product launches, along with maintaining flexibility during rapid business expansion.
Addressing the gathering, Sudeep Sarkar outlined the vision behind Bharat Packaging Expo 2027. Unlike conventional exhibitions measured primarily by exhibition space or visitor numbers, Bharat Packaging Expo has been designed as a buyer-centric marketplace focused on delivering measurable business outcomes. As per him, the event expects more than 500 exhibitors, around 30,000 trade visitors, along with delegates from over 60 countries, more than 200 live machinery demonstrations, and over 30,000 curated buyer-seller meetings. The exhibition will also showcase the complete packaging ecosystem in depth, inclusive of machinery, materials, automation, printing, and converting technologies, sustainable packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, logistics, and smart packaging solutions.
He also stated that advanced matchmaking technology will allow the exhibitors to connect directly with procurement heads, packaging development managers, R&D professionals, and supply chain leaders from FMCG, pharmaceuticals, retail, food processing, and e-commerce sectors.
Former IIP chairman Sunil Jain described Bharat Packaging Expo as a transformational initiative that aligns with the Government of India's vision of making the country a global manufacturing and export hub for packaging. He also mentioned that the exhibition will not only showcase Indian packaging technologies but will also aid in strengthening international collaborations, educational initiatives, and export opportunities.
31 July 2026
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30 July 2026
30 July 2026