Emerging Role of Corrugated Packaging in Global Scenario

Harish Madan
Past-President, Federation of Corrugated Box Manufacturers of India Director, SnS Containers Pvt. Ltd., Dehradun

Historical Perspective
50 Year old industry. Initially Corrugated Boards were imported from Japan.

Corrugated Packaging

Over a few Years, 8 10 Automatic Board Making Plants were imported. These Plants are still in operation at various places in India.

Corrugated Packaging

Fragmentation of the industry. Mushrooming of box units all over India. Manual and semi automatic machines set up. Industry reserved for SSI Sector. Resulted in constraints of technology development.

Present Scenario
Wave of Globalization sweeping the industry. Many global brands entering India. Demand for high quality boxes of international standards increasing. Consolidation taking place.

Corrugated Packaging

Technology Development
Integrating Manufacturing Processes.

Corrugated Packaging

Indian Machinery Mfrs takes on the challenge and start making Automatic Plants. 25 to 30 Indigenous Automatic Plants installed in last 10 years B U T.. s p e e d s < 50mtrs/mnt

Corrugated Packaging

Printing Processes on corrugated transform from screento offset to Flexo.High Speed Flexo Ceramic Anilox Rolls upto 400dpi. PLC Controlled High speed, Multi Colour Flexo Printing Machines with Slotter, Die Cutter units

The China Factor

Corrugated Packaging

Enter Chinese Corrugating Lines Speeds > 100mtrs/mnt to 4 5 0 mtrs/mnt ! ! Converting Machines-Printers, Slotter, Diecutters Machine manufacturers capable of producing almost 300 plants in a year ! !

 Initial resistance to high cost of the Plants gradually being overcome. More and more progressive Corrugators opting for sophisticated Chinese plants. 10 to 12 Chinese plants already installed. Another 10 plants in pipe line.

Corrugated Packaging

Quality
Awareness for the need of Systems to maintain Consistency in Quality for our Customers.

Corrugated Packaging

Corrugators started implementing Quality Systems and attaining ISO Certification.

Corrugated Packaging

Modern Quality Systems like ISOs, Six Sigma, 4M, etc., are being put in place, resulting in higher Productivity and Consistency in Quality. Streamlined Shop Floors. Material Handling Systems are being put to use.

Future Outlook
Educated and enlightened entrepreneurs entering the industry.

Corrugated Packaging

Indian Corrugated Industry ready for a quantum leap in terms of Quality, Productivity and Technology. Box making industry will endeavor to be at par with international standards.

Benefits
Improved Management Practices.

Corrugated Packaging

Better Quality Boxes with good graphics > Value Add Capability to deliver large volumes at short lead time.

Future Outlook
On the machinery side, technology upgradation is imperative, to match the speeds and sophistication of Chinese machines. Some alliances between Indian and Chinese/ Taiwanese machinery manufacturers are on the anvil.

Corrugated Packaging

Constraints
High Import duty. Excise Duty Structure.

Corrugated Packaging

Quality and fluctuating prices of Kraft Paper.

Efforts by F C B M
FCBM appealing to concerned authorities to remove constraints.

Corrugated Packaging

Corrugated Packaging

Corrugated Box continues to be the most preferred mode of Packaging because of its versatility, strength, cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness. As shipping container or secondary package the box has few rivals.

Corrugated Packaging

Emerging as a Primary Pack, POP, Pallet, etc. Box is also being effectively used as a marketing tool. Consumer friendly packages.

Corrugated Packaging

Innovative Designs Value Engineering for Cost Innovations. Improved Graphics, great Value Addition Eco-friendly material fitments are making corrugated boxes the preferred choice for packing fresh fruits, vegetables, electrical, electronic equipments and a host of other applications.

Customer sees better value-addition in a corrugated box

Corrugated Packaging

Future Challenges
Higher Strength Lesser Weight Better Graphics Lower Tolerances

Corrugated Packaging

Future Challenges
Shorter lead times JIT Deliveries Quality Certifications Incorporation of Bar Codes, RFID as part of Box

Corrugated Packaging