From the desk of Chairman

Dear packaging fraternity,

At the outset, I take the opportunity to wish you all the very best in 2021. I believe, the new year is started with a renewed hope, happiness and determination.

Indian packaging industry is one of the fastest growing industry, mostly because it spans almost every industry segment. Right from packaging of food and beverages, fruits and vegetables, drugs and medicines, to highly dangerous goods, packaging has led to greater specialization and sophistication over the years. The packaging of consumer goods would require many features like innovative design, attractive graphics, printing and the packages should be made of environmentally –friendly materials with adequate functional properties. This is  possible only by way of extensive research to develop innovative materials from natural resources either as mono layer or in composite form with required properties. At present, very insignificant level of research work is carried out in our country in the field of packaging science and technology.

In order to fill-up this gap, FIPS aims to carry out basic research in collaboration with reputed Institutions / Universities for the utilization of available natural resources and to develop alternative materials with adequate functional properties and translate into Start-up. In India, the traditional or ethnic foods are mostly produced at either cottage or micro industry level and managed by “ Self-help Women’s Group” in the rural areas. But innovative packaging materials with enhanced shelf-life would enable to market the ethnic foods across the country and even to export market and thus, their livelihood would be improved .

FIPS would also conduct training programmes in packaging and sustainability in collaboration with University / Institutions/ Trade Bodies/ Industry Association to upgrade the knowledge of students, executives, MSME to fulfil the mission of “ Skill India”. Besides, the policy Advocacy work related to packaging regulations will also be carried out.

I am extremely thankful to the reputed Institutions, mainly North East Regional Institute for Science and Technology ( NERIST), Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, National Institute of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ( NI-MSME), Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India, North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach ( NECTAR), Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FIIT) of Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), a public University, Kottyam, Kerala, University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya ( USTM), TERI School of Advanced Studies, for their kind concurrence to collaborate with FIPS and also sign ”Memorandum of Understanding” for conducting training programmes and research in packaging and sustainability for the benefit of MSME and students of food Science & technology of different Institutions.

Finally, I wish make an appeal to the Institutions of the relevant subjects in India to come forward and collaborate with this us to fulfil our mission, stimulate the youth to make their Career in packaging and accelerate research activities by developing innovative, sustainable, environmentally –friendly materials for greener environment towards Circular Economy.

Prof (Dr).N. C. Saha
Chairman