There are about 20,000 packaging units across the country, comprising of packaging raw material manufacturers, converting industry and packaging machinery sector. Most of the units fall under small-scale sector. It is estimated that, out of this, only 700 - 800 units could be considered as large scale.

Over the last two decades, it has been observed that the trend is towards the flexible packaging materials, especially for the of consumer goods. Consumption of flexible packaging materials may also see 20-25 per cent increase in the year 2005, it is estimated.

The field of packaging of drugs and pharmaceuticals has witnessed a revolution in the recent years. The trend has been accelerated by economic liberalization. Any product, either food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, engineering or electronic, do require optimum package design to get through the production centre and to reach the consumer in safe and sound condition. And this, of course, should be with the minimum cost of packaging.

In other words, the subject of packaging has become very important for the marketing of any product as packaging acts as an instrument or tool for marketing. Packaging also makes a bridge between production and marketing. By definition, packaging is defined as a techno-economic means for minimising cost of delivery and maximising the sales. In other words, it's a system dealing with handling, storage, distribution retailing and end use.

Packaging is also a combination of science, art and technology. Considering the growing demand of packaging in the consumer market, it is observed that most of the consumer products manufacturing companies are demanding packaging professionals for procuring consistent qualitative packaging materials in optimum cost. In addition, it is also observed that the purchase and marketing departments of various companies who deal with the packaging material require packaging experts.

Courses offered by IIP

The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) is an autonomous body working under the administrative control of Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. The institute was established in the year 1966 with its principal laboratories and headquarters at Mumbai. The Institute has got 3 regional centres located at Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi. The institute is involved in various activities like testing, training and consultancy in the field of packaging. IIP is the only institute in the Asia-Pacific region offering various educational programmes in the field of packaging.

In the recent years, it is observed that packaging programmes have got a tremendous demand by the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) companies as well as pharmaceutical industry for the package design and development of consumer products. The students after completing the 3 months certificate programme are normally absorbed in the packaging material converting as well as user industries in the supervisory level.

But the qualified students of two years post graduate programme are normally absorbed through campus interview. The students are normally absorbed either in Package Design & Development Dept or Purchase or Production or Packaging departments by user industries. In addition, they have also an opportunity to join in quality control or production dept of packaging material converting industries. Recently, the students are also being absorbed by the marketing dept. of the packaging material manufacturers for the selling and marketing of packaging materials. The emoluments for these kind of students are in the range of about Rs. 10,000 - 12,000 per month.

Presently, the intake of students is about 50 per year comprising of Delhi and Mumbai campus.

Two years PG Diploma in Packaging Technology

This course is being conducted by the IIP since 1985 at the head quarters of the Institute, Mumbai. In the entire South-East Asian region, this type of course is being conducted only in India.

Due to the great demand of packaging personnel by the consumer industry and also the packaging and allied industries, the northern regional centre of the Institute which is located at Delhi, has also started the same course since August, 2000.

This two years programme is consisting of 4 semesters where 3 semesters are exclusively devoted for theoretical and practical classes and 4th semester is devoted for industrial plant training.

The course will cover different subjects related to packaging other than non-packaging subjects like Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Electrical Technology, Machine Drawing, Economics etc.

Three Months Certificate Programme in Packaging

This certificate programme on packaging is accredited by the Asian Packaging Federation. This course is being conducted by the institute for the last 31 years. About 15 overseas students from Asia-pacific region are also participating in this programme every year. This course is normally conducted by the Institute at Delhi during September to December every year.

As the course contents cover the basic concept of packaging, specific products packaging, packaging cost and management, it is advisable to get a candidate with 3 years experience in the packaging industry. However, any fresh graduate can also opt for taking admission into this course. Science graduates will be preferred for this course.

The participants whoever are professionals, working in any industry will have the benefit to update their knowledge in the field of packaging. Moreover, on successful completion of this course, the participants are given a pass certificate which will be helpful for them for getting a better career opportunity.

-- The author is joint director & head, Indian Institute of Packaging