Mansoor Sadiq

The importance of the packaging sector, an essential component of all the leading industries in Pakistan, has raised significantly in recent years, especially with enhanced online business engagements and widespread popularity of e-commerce. Vice Chairman of All Pakistan Paper Merchants Association Shabbir Bhatti said while talking to WealthPK that the packaging sector is one of Pakistan’s leading and creative sectors,fulfillingthe requirements of the export-oriented and domestic industries. Shabbir pointed out that spiralling urbanisation, fast-paced consumer lifestyles, and adoption of e-commerce have contributed to thegrowing market of the packaging sector. The local packaging industry consists of four major segments, including paper, plastic, tinplate, and glass. Paper and plastic segments occupy major share in the market, while other materials such as tinplate and glass have relatively smaller size and are mainlyused for food and beverages sectors. Pakistan’s packaging sector is the fifth largest industry in the country, and the second-largest in South Asia.

Mohsin Yaqoob Sheikh, Vice President of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FPCCI),told WealthPK that in view of the emerging market potential of the packaging sector, the government should make efforts to turn it into a viable industry. He said the importance of a vibrant packaging industry has grown manifold amidst the emerging trends of online businesses and e-commerce. “The packaging sector in Pakistan is moving towards an innovative and state-of-the-art development. It requires right direction and proper handling by the government in order to comply with international standards and criteria,” he emphasised. Mohsin said the government should elevate the packaging sector to a complete industry in order to reap maximum benefits. He said that all packaging material and products such as paper, cardboard, wrapping film, tape, plastics, glass, metal and wood are manufactured in Pakistan, and through concerted efforts, considerable innovation and environment-friendly production has been witnessed over the last few years.

Credit: INP-WealthPk