Elite Plus: Global leaders discuss rigid plastic packaging

The event, hosted by Elite Plus Business Services, was attended by global packaging leaders. It was supported by the department of chemicals and petrochemicals, which is part of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

Industry leaders convened to offer the perspective of brand-owners and recyclers, offering solutions and discussions on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of rigid plastic packaging.  

In the opening remarks, Nidhi Verma, founder and managing director of Elite Plus Business Services, said, “We aim to collaborate with all stakeholders of the polymer industry to provide unique opportunities to accelerate one’s growth. This is a flagship gathering of global minds, industry pioneers and passionate changemakers. We hope to make the economy cleaner and more circular.”

The first keynote address spoke about the drivers of growth in the plastics moulding industry in Eastern India. Navanit Narayan, wholetime director and chief executive officer, Haldia Petrochemicals, said, “Globally, there are only two markets that are really being talked about. China and India. India is growing at about 7%. Countries and companies from across the globe are focussing on the Indian market. We must take advantage of this.”

The first panel discussion deliberated the opportunities for rigid packaging, amidst global alignment. The panel was moderated by Gagan Deep, a strategic advisor and mentor, an independent packaging development and procurement consultant. Hitesh Shenoy, vice president, Packfora, said, “Although India’s scope is undeniable, we are not playing to our potential. Vietnam, a country with one-tenth of our population, has beaten us in the export market. We have to learn from other countries.” Ganesh Kaliyaperumal, director, sustainability and corporate affairs, Bisleri International, said, “Plastics must be disposed of properly so that segregation is in place. Once that gap is filled, we will come closer to a circular economy. We must also focus on the infrastructure for recycling plastics.” 

Navninder Singh, senior manager, packaging material development and initiatives, Asian Paints, added, “From a brand owner's point of view, what is important is how we educate the end customer and consumer. Again, we must understand the vitality of segregation. The recycler must also be a part of the supply chain.”

Graeme Hood, director R&D, Berry Global, spoke about the merger of Amcor in Switzerland and Berry Global in Indiana, creating an all-stock deal, creating a global giant in consumer and healthcare packaging. The deal, described as the largest transaction in Amcor’s history, was first announced last November and was previously valued at USD 8.4 billion. Earlier in 2024, Berry had discussed combinations and other strategic alternatives with multiple other companies. The transaction received respective shareholder approvals in February. “We truly hope to bring new value and propositions to you,” Hood exclaimed.

PET’s impact on the beverage industry was also discussed, with the evolution of PET in the beverage industry being spoken about in great detail. “For the first time in the history of India, we have EPR regulations that mandate recycled content,” Mani Vajipeyajula, co-founder and CEO of Banyan Nation, remarked. “We are producing complete washing lines for different kinds of materials. We are working with big brand-owners at a global level. We want to drive our technology forward,” Marcel Willberg, sales director at Lindner Washtech, said.

With sessions focused on innovation, sustainability, automation, and design, the conference underscored the sector’s evolving priorities and its responsiveness to global consumer and regulatory demands. The conference also showcased advances in manufacturing efficiency, smart packaging, and regulatory compliance, pointing toward a more integrated and forward-thinking packaging industry.

Participants left with actionable insights and a shared vision of a more sustainable and resilient packaging future. Overall, the Elite conference proved to be a focused, high-impact gathering that reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and long-term value creation.