Chakravarthi AVPS at UNIDO Meet on Sustainable Packaging

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

In a landmark address at the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) roundtable in Bangkok, Thailand, Hyderabad-based packaging expert Chakravarthi AVPS, chairman and managing director of Ecobliss India and global ambassador of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), called for a transformative shift in how the world perceives packaging. 

The event, themed Accelerating Sustainable Industrial Development of the Food Packaging Industry in Asia, was held in collaboration with WPO and Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Netherlands, on 16 June 2025.

Reframing Packaging as a Value-Preserving Necessity

Chakravarthi, speaking to representatives from over 15 Asian nations, highlighted the critical role of packaging in addressing global food loss. “India loses up to 30% of its food post-harvest due to inadequate packaging, handling, and cold-chain infrastructure,” he said. “We must rethink packaging not as an expense but as a value-preserving necessity.”

According to the report by Next Move Strategy Consulting, the global Flexible Packaging Market size is predicted to reach USD 379.37 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2025-2030.

His address underscored India’s leadership in sustainable packaging innovation, spotlighting eco-friendly materials like banana fibre, areca leaf, and sugarcane bagasse. These natural fibre-based solutions, alongside advancements in active and intelligent packaging for dairy and perishables, are positioning India as a global pacesetter in the packaging industry.

Key Highlights of India’s Packaging Innovation

• Eco-Innovations: Adoption of sustainable materials like banana fibre and sugarcane bagasse for composite packaging solutions.

• Active and Intelligent Packaging: Rapid implementation in dairy and perishable sectors to enhance shelf life and safety.

• Traceability Pilots: State-led initiatives for horticulture and seafood exports to ensure transparency and compliance.

• Green-Tech Startups: A surge in innovative packaging startups driving sustainable solutions across India.

• Cold-Chain Expansion: Growing networks and R&D centres to support food preservation and logistics.

“India’s packaging industry is evolving rapidly and holds immense potential to lead sustainable transformation across Asia,” Chakravarthi stated, emphasizing the country’s role in shaping the future of food security.

A Global Platform for Sustainable Development

The UNIDO roundtable, moderated by Johannes Bergmair, general secretary of WPO, featured distinguished speakers, including Luciana Pellegrino, president of WPO; Ali Badernah, divisional chief of UNIDO; and Eelke Westra, programme manager at WUR. Together, they reinforced packaging’s pivotal role in achieving global sustainable development goals (SDGs), emphasizing its importance in food preservation, consumer safety, and environmental sustainability.

Redefining Packaging’s Role in Food Security

Chakravarthi’s address at the UNIDO meet signals a broader movement to reframe packaging as a cornerstone of sustainable industrial development. By showcasing India’s advancements and advocating for innovative, eco-conscious solutions, he has positioned the nation as a leader in the global push for sustainable packaging practices.

As the world grapples with food security challenges, India’s innovations in packaging offer a blueprint for reducing waste and fostering sustainability across Asia and beyond.

Source: https://www.printweek.in/news/chakravarthi-avps-delivers-keynote-at-unido-global-meet-in-bangkok-60614

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting