Indian Institute of Packaging begins Golden Jubilee celebrations

Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has commenced the celebrations marking its Golden Jubilee.

Dr N C Saha (extreme right) with other dignitaries inaugurating the Technology Innovation Center in Mumbai
IIP was established in 1966 by the packaging and allied industries, and the Ministry of Commerce within the Indian government, with the specific objective of improving the packaging standards in the country. 
 
2016 is the association’s Golden Jubilee year, with the celebrations kicked off in Mumbai on May 14 this year. This included the introduction of a new IIP logo designed by the National Institute of Design, the inauguration of a new Technology Innovation Centre at its Mumbai campus, and laying the foundations of new student accommodation and an officer’s residential complex. 
 
The logo was launched by the chief guest, Maharashtra governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, who said: ‘Very few students are aware of the career opportunities in packaging and I would urge the Indian Institute of Packaging to work closely with traditional universities and create awareness.’
 
Dr N C Saha, IIP director, added: ‘The logo captures the institute’s future prerogatives in three important areas, which are export promotion, education and packaging research.’
 
IIP is to host programs and conferences in Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata in the coming months as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations. The grand finale will be celebrated at its headquarters in Mumbai when the institute will inaugurate a new facility for the first B.Tech degree course in India. 
 
In his keynote address, Dr R.A. Mashelkar, IIP global research officer, said: ‘The Indian packaging industry is poised for tremendous growth. It has less than five percent share of the world’s 550 billion USD packaging industry’s share. There is enormous potential for growth. Intelligent packing, active packing, functional diagnostic packing is going to be the future.’ 
 
‘IIP’s contribution to the development of a strong packaging industry has been of immense help to India’s overall exports in the last so many years. Appreciations are fairly due to the institute for completing 50 fruitful years of service to the nation,’ concluded Nirmala Sitharaman, minister of state for commerce and industry.
 
For more information on Indian Institute of Packaging, see Labels & Labeling issue 2, 2015, and read the article online here