Jiya Somaiya

Brought to the Indian market by Khyati Traders, the Jinbao JB-106C servo-driven, fully automatic stop cylinder screen press offers a high-precision UV cast-and-cure foiling solution.

Represented in India by Packone Solutions, the DAC Crossover is a controller-less, high-speed vision system designed to eliminate printing defects in real-time across gravure and flexo platforms.

Hi-Tech Inks’ TechLam is a specialised, non-toluene ink system designed for high-speed wrap-around labelling, providing flexibility and solvent release for both gravure and flexographic printing.

Hi-Tech Inks’ Lazer ink is a toluene-free system for reverse printing on PVC and PETG shrink films, combining food-safe compliance with reliable shrink performance.

Spanish bottling automation meets Indian manufacturing as PrintMach LiquiPAX partners with Irundin, while Siegwerk acquires Hi-Tech Inks, strengthening the non-toluene ink segment for wrap-around labels.

Shruti Singhi, founder and creative director at Mother Tongue Design, shares how she bridges the gap between brand strategy and cultural impact with design systems that foster connection

Henkel is advancing its global sustainability strategy within its adhesive technologies business by achieving carbon-neutral production at Kurkumbh in India and Gebkim in Turkiye.

Jayashree Ramesh, purchase and procurement manager at Vijayashree Packaging, shares insights into navigating the shop floor, learning to trust the process, and carrying forward the legacy of a family business.

Mother Dairy has announced the rollout of the country’s first naturally degradable milk pouch, in celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June.

In a move to streamline plant-based labelling and prevent misleading market claims, FSSAI has published the final Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Amendment Regulations, 2026.

The narrative surrounding sustainable packaging in India has officially decoupled from traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, transforming into a baseline compliance mechanism.

At Respack, Bloom Seal highlighted its specialised containment solutions engineered for the domestic agrochemical, speciality chemical, lubricant, and adhesive markets.

At Respack, a plenary session titled New Generation Polymeric Materials for Packaging positioned the primary plastics sector at the centre of the circular economy.

At a time when packaging conversations are dominated by plastics and flexible structures recyclable, a focus panel at Respack mounted a defence for the original champion of preservation: metal.

Respack’s first plenary session, titled, Innovative Sustainable Development in Flexible Packaging, brought together top-tier PSPs, raw material suppliers, and machinery manufacturers.

At Respack, US-headquartered Silgan Dispensing showcased its growing manufacturing footprint and localised R&D capabilities in India.

Transitioning from trading to manufacturing, Gujarat-based Can Ends is leveraging the industry platform to signal its aggressive expansion into the Indian rigid packaging sector.

Leading business reports indicate that the government is reviewing a proposal to mandate standardised cooking oil packaging sizes to eliminate consumer pricing confusion and curb market shrinkflation.

Leading business sources report that the Supreme Court has issued notices over deceptive, compact alcohol packaging, citing severe public health risks and a lack of uniform national bottling regulations.

Smithers’ latest report provides insights into the global PCR packaging market to 2031. The report explores compliance gaps, growth opportunities, and strategies to meet sustainability targets.

On 13 May, the Bureau of Indian Standards seized six-metric tonnes of uncertified PP woven sacks at an Assam facility for violating mandatory packaging certification laws.

Alcobrew Distilleries India has announced a packaging refresh for White & Blue, its flagship whisky brand.

Studio Modak’s Disha Kolhe and Lehar Bhatt share their approach to designing new-age packaging design

PackMan has been observing what the stars whisper. The stars have revealed what the Indian FMCG sector has in store for the packaging fraternity.

WhatPackaging? readers will be familiar with the question I posed on 21 April: Where is my Diet Coke? Well, Diet Coke is back on the shelves in some parts of India, but not quite in its usual form.

The FSSAI has issued a draft notification proposing a total ban on plastic and metallic materials for pan masala packaging, mandating a shift to natural alternatives.

Founded in 2022 as a joint venture with Folding Factory Germany, Folding Factory India provides the Indian subcontinent with patented, German-grade polyurethane (PU) folding rollers, offering a domestic, high-performance alternative to expensive imports and inferior rubber substitutes.

Gopi Kalaria, director of marketing at SwissPac, outlines her journey from fashion design to print, packaging, and marketing.

Nykaa celebrated its 14th anniversary and Earth Day on 22 April with Recycle and Rewards, an initiative aimed at integrating circular economy principles into the daily routines of Indian consumers.

Several Indian printing and packaging companies represented India at the World Expo of Packaging Industry (WEPACK) in Shenzhen, China, which took place from 15-17 April.

A major fire erupted on 21 April at a packaging facility in Gurugram’s Sector 74; no casualties have been reported following the second such incident this week.

Launched in the Indian subcontinent in March 2026 through a joint venture with PrintMach LiquiPAX, Irundin’s high-speed filling systems offer Spanish-manufactured automation engineered for the beverage, spirits, and edible oil sectors.

An aluminium can shortage and rising packaging costs have disrupted Diet Coke supplies in Indian metropolitan cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru, leaving retailers struggling to meet surging consumer demand.

PackMan has been doing a fair amount of reading this summer. Here’s what PackMan unpacked about the Indian FMCG sector.

Odisha has secured India’s first advanced 3D chip packaging facility, an INR 1,943-crore project in Bhubaneswar designed to manufacture high-end glass substrates for global electronics.

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) has announced the operational commissioning of a Kinley water production line at its Avinya manufacturing facility in Banda Thimmapur.

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Bisleri International formalised their ongoing sustainability partnership on 17 April, unveiling recycled-plastic infrastructure at the PCMC premises.

Piccadily Agro Industries has achieved a historic milestone as Indri becomes the first Indian brand to claim the title of Best Special Edition Design globally.

On 31 March, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) finalised the compliance roadmap for the Indian packaging sector with the notification of the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026. Read FAQs below.

At MetPack 2026, Actega is set to showcase a portfolio engineered to solve the most pressing challenges of high-speed manufacturing: regulatory compliance, sustainability, and efficiency.

Drink Technology Delhi will transpire at New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam from 22-24 April. An extension of the global DrinkTec brand, the show will connect over 100 technology providers with 6,000 trade buyers across North India’s beverage clusters.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s 30 March amendment exempts infant nutrition and non-retail containers from mandatory RDA labelling, streamlining compliance for the Indian dairy and bulk packaging sectors. Read FAQs below.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s 30 March draft notification formally replaces 2011 references with 2018 packaging and 2020 labeling regulations to enhance industry transparency. Read FAQs below.

Domino Printech India will highlight automation and GS1-compliant two-dimensional coding solutions at Interpack 2026, supporting Indian manufacturers’ expanding global export footprint.

Launched in February 2026, the Kongsberg X44 Advantage is a digital finishing system designed for short-run production and prototyping across the corrugation, protective packaging, and signage sectors.

Launched in October 2025, the ProMaxx PM Splicer-Rewinder is an ancillary system designed to eliminate downtime during roll changeovers, increasing labelling line productivity by up to 15% across high-volume sectors.

World Packaging Day: The Plastic Detox highlights the health impacts of polymer leaching, as the Indian packaging sector accelerates its pivot toward food-grade recycled content and fibre-based alternatives.

Signode’s recently launched squaring and strapping system integrates directly into corrugation lines to automate bundle alignment and securing, reducing manual intervention at the end-of-line stage.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved 17 recycled PET (rPET) facilities, adding 3,00,000-tonnes of capacity to meet sustainable packaging mandates.

Global Rotogravure Association (GRA) has announced a series of online webinars scheduled for 2026; the sessions offer insights into gravure technology and sustainability.

According to a Smithers report, the eCommerce packaging market grew exponentially in 2025. The report suggests further growth to 2031, fuelled by online retail growth and the push for sustainability regulations.

By prioritising operational efficiency and accelerating its growth agenda, Henkel has offset foreign exchange headwinds. This is reflected by multi-billion-euro sales and an early completion of structural mergers within its consumer divisions.

Bhogle Engineering’s BEW case maker is a semi-automated system designed to streamline the production of rigid boxes and premium hard cases for the luxury packaging sector.

Swastik Technopack’s modular 11-component semi-automatic production line is designed to transition fragrance manufacturers to high-precision, flameproof automation with a throughput of 40-bottles per minute.

The third edition of the National Conference on Packaging arrives as traditional methods are being replaced by artificial intelligence, circular economy models, and next-generation food safety innovations.

Gajesh Mitkari, founder and creative director at Studio Modak, shares insights into the method and madness of creating the packaging design for Mynd and Bloom’s Triveni Sangam incense

Reflecting on technology and trust, Rohan Rai, executive director at Shree Pack Containers, shares why the future of Indian packaging lies in systems, not spectacle, and sheds light on the D2C brand building process of Eda Baby and Child

At GiftsWorld Expo and PaperWorld India, Gujarat-based SwissPac showcased its expanded portfolio of food-grade and sustainable packaging.

The Global Rotogravure Association (GRA) welcomes Haryana-based Jupiter Laminators as a member.

Industry leaders gather at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre this June to forge partnerships, focusing on supply chain resilience and sustainable packaging innovations for the biologics sector.

Indian pharmaceutical leaders and packaging innovators are convening at Tokyo Big Sight to bridge supply chain gaps, showcasing advanced drug delivery systems and sustainable materials.

Java Paper Group’s newly-launched virgin fibre, unbleached brown folding box board, provides the Indian packaging sector with a food-grade, high-bulk alternative to inconsistent kraftliners.

At the summit, industry leaders will master the intersection of technology, circular economy strategies, and design innovation that turns sustainable packaging into a competitive advantage.

The summit focuses on automation, waste reduction, and material trends to align global packaging capabilities with modern consumer demands.

The 5th International Conference on Responsible Packaging (ResPack) focuses on optimal design, innovative materials, and sustainable technology.

AgroFood Djibouti trade exhibition showcases advancements in food processing, agricultural technology, ingredients, and specialised packaging machinery for the East African market.

PackMan has obtained a new hobby while keeping an eye on the Indian FMCG giants, focusing on the aftermath of the GST 2.0 reforms. Continue reading to find out what’s in store for the packaging industry.

PlastPrintPack Nigeria 2026 will showcase cutting-edge machinery, including plastic injection moulding, extrusion equipment, industrial printing technologies, and sustainable packaging solutions.

Miraclon has announced a reinforcement of its partnership with Windmoller & Holscher (W&H) with the installation of a new Flexcel NX Ultra 42 Solution at the W&H Technology Center in Lengerich, Germany.

The new research centre in Bengaluru marks Artience Group’s first research centre outside Japan.

Britannia selected Sidel to deliver its first-ever aseptic PET packaging line for Winkin’ Cow, Britannia’s dairy drinks portfolio.

LOUPE Americas 2026 debuts in Chicago as the successor to Labelexpo, expanding its focus on label innovation to encompass a full-spectrum showcase of flexible packaging and folding carton converting technologies.

The 2026 edition of ProPack expands to Impact in Bangkok, debuting a 65,000-square-meter showcase of AI-driven automation and sustainable processing powered by over 90% renewable electricity.

Plast 2026 in Milan will address key themes including sustainability, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation, with over 1000 expected exhibitors and approximately 38,000 visitors.

Interplas will bring together the entire plastics supply chain – from raw material suppliers and machine manufacturers to processors, moulders, designers and recyclers.

Brand owners, retailers, product designers, manufacturers, packaging and recycling machinery producers, raw material producers, and suppliers of recycled plastic products will be attending the event.

At ChinaPlas, on display will be various machinery, including blow moulding equipment, extruders and extrusion lines, injection moulding, moulds and dies, post-processing, preprocessing, recycling machinery, and more.

PlastiWorld is an export-oriented event, focused on finished plastic goods, bringing together international buyers and manufacturers, as part of its push to scale India’s finished plastics exports.

PackVision Expo 2026 will feature over 400 live demonstrations and a range of packaging solutions, from packaging machinery and packaging materials to eco-friendly packaging solutions.

A new report by Smithers identifies opportunities for growth in moulded pulp and provides insights into industry needs.

At a seminar on circular economy on the sidelines of PlastIndia, Justin Wood, the vice president of strategic partnerships at the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, presented a stark, and yet profoundly optimistic, vision for India.

Autoprint’s Fine Coat 80 is an offline, sheet-fed UV and aqueous coater designed to replace manual rollers and converted machinery with a corrosion-resistant finishing solution for high-volume packaging.

The integration of Tresu’s chamber technology into SASG’s Anilox coating attachment provides packaging converters with a high-precision, servo-driven solution for UV, aqueous, and hybrid finishes on existing offset presses.

The future of India’s seed sector—and by extension, its food security—came into sharp focus at the day-long conference on “Emerging trends in sustainable and innovative techniques for seed packaging”, organised by IIP at FTCCI in Red Hills.

Infinity Technology’s new system is engineered to redefine efficiency and operational reliability, bridging the gap between conventional packaging methods and the demands of modern industrial production.

Chemco Group has commissioned a food-grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) recycling facility in Sanand, Gujarat, marking a milestone towards a circular plastics economy.

Minerals Technologies (MTI) expands in India and China with four new paper and packaging satellites, while doubling capacity at a site in India.

On 13 January, Esko conducted an interactive webinar featuring WebCenter Go, an AI-led artwork management solution aimed at streamlining packaging workflow.

To strengthen its process performance solutions segment, Valmet is to acquire the Severn Group, which manufactures in India, the UK, and the USA.

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) and Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) have partnered to promote plastic circularity.

The units of Total Packaging and Ace Packaging at Daman witnessed a fire breakout on 5 January; no injuries or deaths were reported.

Women to Watch Awards is back in 2026. The packaging industry is transforming, with women in influential leadership positions driving both sustainability and gender inclusivity. Jiya Somaiya speaks to four industry leaders

With years of experience in advertising, packaging, design, and branding, Kinnari Gala, shares the intricacies of packaging design strategies

A panel discussion at the PackMach Asia Expo and DrinkTec India 2025 featured seven MSME leaders in the bottled water industry to discuss changes, opportunities, and challenges in the industry.

PackMan has been spending time reading and travelling across India (Delhi to Chennai, and Goa to Patna). In this edition, PackMan lists and examines trends in India’s consumption demands, trends, and changes.

Emerging beverage brand Dead Honest, known for its fermented probiotic drinks, has successfully launched its new line in a non-traditional format, thanks to a unique partnership with digital labeling specialist DinoLabelDigital.

Beena Gala, director, sales and marketing, Infinity Industries, shares insights on blending sales and marketing, paper-based packaging, and sustainability.

On 19 November, the latest edition of Cafe Gravure, an interactive digital roundtable, brought together global gravure experts to address the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Maselli India, a subsidiary of the Italian firm Maselli Misura, focused on advanced process instrumentation for quality control in the beverage industry, as showcased at PackMach Asia Expo and DrinkTec India 2025.

Team WhatPackaging? spoke to Huihe India’s Pooja Sharma at PackMach Asia Expo and DrinkTec India 2025 about innovations in bottling and filling technologies.