IIP Delhi, PPRDC launch Plastics—Packaging and Recycling course

The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), Delhi, has partnered with the Plastics Packaging Research and Development Centre (PPRDC) to launch a specialised three-month professional certificate course on Plastics—Packaging and Recycling.

The programme’s inauguration at the IIP Delhi campus drew a gathering of industry veterans and academic leaders, including RK Mishra, director of IIP; Prof (Dr) Tanweer Alam, additional director and regional officer at IIP Delhi; and Dr Alka Rao, advisor to the FSSAI. The ceremony also saw participation from senior industry figures such as Ashwani K Sharma of UFlex and Mihir Banerji of PPRDC, highlighting the strong synergy between institutional learning and industrial application that defines this curriculum.

Delivered through a hybrid learning model, the course integrates traditional classroom instruction with immersive industry exposure and hands-on laboratory training. The curriculum is meticulously structured to cover 32 subjects across 15 sessions, guided by a faculty of over 21 experts. Participants will explore a wide range of topics, from the fundamental properties of plastic packaging materials and advanced recycling technologies to the nuances of regulatory frameworks and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies currently shaping the Indian landscape.

Targeted at engineering graduates, working professionals, and budding entrepreneurs, the programme arrives at a critical juncture for the industry. With the global plastic recycling market valued at USD 12.5-billion in 2024 and projected to nearly double by 2030, the demand for specialised expertise is surging. The course seeks to address this widening skills gap by providing practical insights through industry visits and case-based learning, ensuring that students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

Jeevaraj Gopal Pillai, president of flexible packaging and new product development at UFlex, emphasised that the circular economy has transitioned from a theoretical concept to an operational necessity. He noted that the industry requires innovators who can fundamentally reimagine the lifecycle of packaging materials. This sentiment was echoed by Dr Alam, who reaffirmed IIP’s commitment, as a national institution under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to building a robust talent pipeline that aligns with India’s sustainable development goals and scalable recycling needs.

By fostering a deep understanding of end-of-life pathways and material science, the IIP-PPRDC partnership aims to support innovation and entrepreneurship across the packaging sector. Aspirants and interested participants can reach out to IIP Delhi at iipdelhi@iip-in.com for programme-related queries and support.