Impact of COVID-19 on the Packaging Industry
Every industry, including packaging, has witnessed the impact of COVID-19. From event cancellations to short supplies due to extreme lockdown observations, we’ve seen it all. But to what extent has it affected the packaging industry? Mr Pankaj Poddar, CEO Cosmo Films, in an interview with Brands & Leaders said: “Packaging industry shall be in a better position to navigate in this crisis though it is also facing several challenges of costs going up, demand coming from only a few sectors is putting pressure on the prices, labour issues and other operational challenges”. Like a coin, every situation has two sides, and so does this. With people concerned about their health more than ever, the industry has seen a rapid increase in demand for packaged items. Earlier, while the additional packaging for food products like fresh vegetables & fruits was considered a waste now has become preferable. You may find many more such instances. Let’s have a look at how COVID-19 has affected the resilient packaging industry. Resilience The packaging industry has wide applications and functions in a relatively mature market. It has benefitted from the association with pharmaceutical and food products which are essentials. These products have been subject to rising demand due to COVID-19. There has been a noted higher demand for packaging materials, especially for shelf-ready food packaging to fill up the grocery store shelves.