Rain-Ready Packaging: Kris Flexipacks chairman highlights monsoon game-changer for FMCG

In an essay which he shared with WhatPackaging? magazine called Rain-Ready, Brand-Steady: Packaging That Delivers, Sheth said that traditional corrugated boxes are being phased out in favour of high-barrier multi-layer film pouches. These advanced pouches offer superior protection against moisture, oxygen, and odour, making them ideal for safeguarding vulnerable products like rice, chocolates, snacks, and confectionery during the wet season. Unlike cardboard, laminated pouches are seal-tight, tamper-evident, and resistant to sogginess, ensuring delicate contents maintain their quality from transport to shelf.

Sheth also pointed out that monsoon-friendly packaging extends beyond physical protection, offering brands a unique canvas for creative storytelling and emotional connection with consumers. Sheth suggested incorporating designs and messages that acknowledge the challenges of the monsoon, creating a more immersive "unpouching" experience.

Sheth shared two success stories, including a Maharashtra-based basmati rice exporter who reported a zero-moisture complaint rate for two consecutive seasons after transitioning to laminated 3D pouches. Similarly, a chocolate maker in Kerala saw a 40% spike in festive sales during the monsoons after introducing foil-lined, laminated stand-up pouches with seasonal graphics.

These examples, according to Sheth, underscore that well-thought-out packaging not only prevents product damage but also enhances brand equity, improves customer satisfaction, and drives business outcomes. Sheth concluded that in a hyper-competitive marketplace, laminated pouches deliver confidence, consistency, and care, reassuring consumers that brands understand their needs even amid nature's unpredictability.