Innovative materials to be the key focus at Respack in Mumbai
The Foundation for Innovative Packaging and Sustainability (FIPS) is set to host the fifth edition of Respack 2026, an international conference on responsible packaging, on 1 and 2 June, at The Lalit, alongside the FIPSA 2026 awards ceremony.
09 Apr 2026 | 120 Views | By Abhay Avadhani
The conference, themed around optimal design, innovative materials, and sustainable technologies, aims to address the critical need for circularity in the packaging value chain. The event has secured high-level government support, with Rajit Punhani, IAS, CEO of FSSAI, confirmed as the chief guest.
Other eminent speakers from the public and research sectors include: Dr Alka Rao, advisor at FSSAI, and Dr Sudhanshu, secretary of APEDA, Prof S Sivaram, Padma Shri awardee, and Dr Ashish Lele, director of CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL).
The industry’s technical vanguard will be represented by global and domestic experts, including Julius Läubli of PackSys Global AG and Miroslav Hinkov of Mechatronica. Significant contributions are also expected from major raw material and machinery providers such as Reliance Industries , Indian Oil Corporation, UFlex , Avery Dennison , and ACG.
Respack 2026 will feature an intensive two-day agenda covering a broad spectrum of the industry. Plenary and focus sessions will deliberate on: Innovative materials where discussions will cover bio-polymers as alternative materials, new generation polymeric materials for food packaging, and the role of metal and paper as innovative, responsible packaging media.
Key topics in the area of sustainability include technology for healthcare and industrial goods, sustainable innovations in printing technology, and tube packaging solutions. A major focus will remain on the recycling of plastics as a sustainable solution and the statutory regulation for food and beverages.
The conference will also cover brand owner perspectives on responsible packaging through the five dedicated panel discussions where leading brand owners will share their insights on sustainable initiatives. Participating brands include global giants such as Nestlé India, PepsiCo India, The Coca-Cola Company, Mondelēz International, and Unilever (HUL). Domestic leaders including ITC Limited, Tata Consumer Products, Marico, Mother Dairy, and Dabur India will also participate, discussing responsible packaging for efficient supply chains and consumer-centric sustainability.
The FIPSA 2026 Awards for Responsible Packaging will be held on the evening of 1 June to recognise breakthrough innovations in the field.