The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) marked the beginning of its Diamond Jubilee Year celebrations on 14th May 2026 in Mumbai, commemorating 60 years of pioneering contribution towards packaging innovation, sustainability, education, research and industrial development in India. Established under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, IIP has played a vital role in strengthening India’s packaging ecosystem through scientific packaging practices, sustainable solutions, export competitiveness, skill development and technological advancement across industries.

The landmark celebration reflected on IIP’s rich six-decade journey while reinforcing its commitment towards building future-ready and environmentally responsible packaging solutions aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, Shri Jitin Prasada ji graced the occasion as Chief Guest and delivered a powerful address on India’s growth story being driven by the twin engines of technology and trade.

Speaking at the event, Shri Jitin Prasada ji emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India today is no longer viewed merely as a population of 1.4 billion people, but as a trusted global partner and one of the world’s largest aspirational markets.

He highlighted the growing importance of AI, machine learning, sustainable technologies and innovation-driven manufacturing in strengthening India’s packaging ecosystem and global competitiveness.

“The future belongs to nations that embrace innovation, quality and sustainability. The packaging sector will play a defining role in shaping India’s global competitiveness. We must make in India, package in India and design in India — not only for ourselves, but for the entire world,” Shri Jitin Prasada ji said.

The Minister stressed that Indian consumers today are highly aspirational and quality conscious, adding that the era where “export quality” was considered separate from domestic quality is now over.

“There can be absolutely no compromise on quality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji always emphasizes three things — quality, quality and quality,” he remarked.

Reflecting emotionally upon his own constituency Pilibhit, Shri Jitin Prasada ji shared that nearly 95 percent of the flutes used across the world are produced there, though very few people are aware of it globally.

“But with strong packaging, branding and visibility, even a traditional product like the Pilibhit flute can reach every corner of the world. That is the power of quality packaging and presentation,” he added.

The Minister also spoke extensively about the opportunities emerging through Free Trade Agreements and India’s evolving role as a preferred destination for manufacturing and investment.

Addressing students, innovators and MSMEs, he highlighted the importance of future-ready technologies, research, sustainable packaging, biodegradable materials and testing infrastructure to help Indian industries compete globally.

He also reiterated the Government of India’s commitment towards ease of doing business, mentioning landmark reforms like the Jan Vishwas Bill which significantly reduced outdated compliances and regulatory hurdles for entrepreneurs and investors.

“India wants to roll out the red carpet for investors, not red tape,” Shri Jitin Prasada ji said, urging global investors to view India not merely as a market, but as a long-term strategic partner.

The Minister also encouraged the packaging industry to embrace sustainability as a responsibility rather than a compliance burden, stressing the importance of biodegradable materials, recycling and green packaging solutions in the years ahead.

The event also witnessed the presence of Guest of Honour Shri Raju Desai, Vice President, Plastindia Foundation, along with senior government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, exporters, manufacturers, alumni and stakeholders from across the country.

Held under the leadership of Shri R K Mishra, IRS, Director, IIP, and Shri Prabhakar Bantwal, Chairman, IIP, along with the Governing Body Members and Team IIP, the Diamond Jubilee celebrations highlighted the growing importance of innovation, sustainability and collaborative growth within India’s packaging sector.

Adding further significance to the occasion, Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, released a special commemorative postal stamp honouring the Indian Institute of Packaging’s 60-year legacy. Shekhar Amberkar, Deputy Director & Head – International Packaging Centre, Indian Institute of Packaging, also played a key role in the celebrations and the institute’s international outreach initiatives.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of the official Diamond Jubilee logo, release of the Diamond Jubilee souvenir and signing of an MoU with FDDI, marking a new phase of collaborative growth and institutional development.

A special presentation on Bharat Packaging Expo 2027 was also showcased during the event, highlighting India’s growing global positioning in the packaging and manufacturing ecosystem and reinforcing the country’s vision towards innovation-led industrial growth.

The celebrations further served as a platform for discussions around smart packaging, circular economy practices, sustainable materials, innovation-driven manufacturing and the evolving future of packaging in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Speaking on the milestone, Shekhar Amberkar, Deputy Director & Head – International Packaging Centre, Indian Institute of Packaging, said: “For six decades, the Indian Institute of Packaging has stood as a catalyst for innovation, education and sustainability within India’s packaging sector. As we enter our Diamond Jubilee Year, we reaffirm our commitment towards building globally competitive, sustainable and future-focused packaging solutions that contribute meaningfully towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.” Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, said: “The commemorative postal stamp celebrating the Indian Institute of Packaging is a tribute to an institution that has contributed immensely towards industrial development, innovation and nation-building. Packaging today is not merely about protection and logistics, but also about sustainability, communication and economic growth.” The Diamond Jubilee Year celebrations are expected to continue through a series of conferences, industry engagements, academic initiatives, innovation-driven collaborations and sustainability-focused discussions across the year, highlighting the evolving role of packaging in India’s growth story.

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