The Printing And Packaging Industry In Pakistan
Packaging refers to the enclosing or protecting of goods for the purpose of distribution, storage, sale and use. Every business which selling products need its products to be properly packed for safety and carriage purpose, for this the packaging industry is mostly segmented according to the type of material used to pack the product. In this blog, we embark on an exploration of the present state of Pakistan’s packaging industry, uncovering noteworthy trends, persistent challenges, and inventive solutions.
1. Materials of product packaging:
The material or types of packages are as under:
1. Paper & Cardboard: Includes cartons, corrugated boxes, bags and paper sacks.
2. Plastic: Includes PET bottles, plastic boxes, plastic films such as BOPP film, CPP film & BOPET film, and flexible packaging such as plastic bags, pouches etc. Plastic packaging can also be segmented as flexible or rigid depending on the materials characteristics.
3. Metal: Includes cans, foils and drums made from materials such as tinplate and aluminum.
4. Glass: Includes glass bottles and jars.
2. Packaging industry in Pakistan, trend, challenges and innovation.
In the evolving and growing economy of Pakistan, the packaging industry stands as a bridge, fulfilling the gap and connecting manufacturers and consumers. Over time, this sector has witnessed substantial expansion, propelled by increasing consumer demands, technological improvements, and a burgeoning manufacturing landscape.
- Evolving Interest in Eco-friendly Packaging: In accordance to the environmental consciousness, there is a mounting call for sustainable packaging alternatives in Pakistan. Consumers are well aware of their environmental impact, taking the industry towards eco-friendly materials like biodegradable plastics, recycled paper, and compostable packaging. Packaging entities are aligning with this trend, incorporating sustainable methodologies into their manufacturing processes.
- Innovation and Technological Strides: The integration of cutting-edge technologies has completely transformed Pakistan’s packaging industry. Automation, intelligent packaging, and digital printing have become commonplace, enhancing efficiency and customization capacities. Modern printing techniques allow for vivid designs and personalized packaging, catering to the diverse tastes of consumers.
- Revolutionizing Food Packaging: The food and beverage sector acts as a catalyst for the packaging industry, propelling the adoption of innovative solutions. To address concerns related to food safety and durability, packaging companies are investing in advance solutions such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and active packaging. These technologies serve to prolong the freshness of perishable goods, curbing food wastage.
- E-commerce Packaging innovation and challenges: The inclination of e-commerce has generated in both opportunities and challenges for Pakistan’s packaging industry. While there is an escalating need for secure and efficient packaging to protect goods during transportation, the industry tangles with sustainability challenges due to the increase in single-use packaging materials. Achieving equilibrium between product protection and environmental consciousness stands as an important factor to consider.
- Legalizations and law regulations: Adhering to regulatory standards holds paramount importance in the packaging industry. The government of Pakistan is taking steps to regulate use of plastic and promote sustainable methods. Staying abreast of these regulations is compulsory for packaging companies to ensure compliance and contribute to the country’s environmental goals.
- Export Horizons: The packaging industry in Pakistan holds the potential of becoming a significant partner in the global arena. By upholding quality standards and offering economic solutions, Pakistani packaging firms can explore opportunities to export their products, contributing towards the country’s economic growth.
3. Economical size of packaging industry in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s packaging industry has an approximate size of USD~5.53bln (PKR~897bln) in FY20 as compared to USD~5bln (PKR~750bln) in FY19. Source: (Pakistan Bureau Of Statistics).
Conclusion:
The printing and packaging industry in Pakistan is on a edge of a transformative phase, amplifies by sustainability technological advancements, environmental standards and changing consumer behaviors. As the industry cruise through these challenges, there is a clear opportunity for innovation and collaboration. By adopting sustainable methods, advancing in technology, and staying position to regulatory developments, the packaging sector can continue to grow, contributing to the overall growth of Pakistan’s economy.
