The COVID-19 pandemic has altered megatrends that work in the packaging industry. The surge in digital purchasing has given impetus to the global paper and paperboard packaging industry. The estimated global market value of USD 142.3 billion in 2019 is expected to reach USD 254.51 billion by 2026. Of this, the corrugated boxes market size is projected to reach USD 80.8 billion by 2026 as 75-80 percent of eCommerce packaging is in this format.
In the post-COVID 19 era, pulp prices in developed economies have risen, and prices of paper for recycling have more than doubled; further increases in prices of these raw materials costs are anticipated. And, this provides an opportunity for the Indian packaging paper industry to increase its export market share from about the current 1.5-2 percent. ASHOKA Paper Mills manufactures a wide range of biodegradable kraft paper for corrugated packaging boxes, paper bags, and cartons. ASHOKA KRAFT paper – medium/fluting medium paper and liner/test liner paper – is manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities and is available at competitive prices.
Consumers are inclined to buy products in climate-friendly packaging and a regulatory regime is in place to reduce packaging’s carbon footprint. Though the target of net zero by 2050 is far away, Ashoka Paper Mills began addressing climate change issues from 1982. ASHOKA KRAFT paper is made from 100 percent recycled paper and the end product is recyclable and 100 percent naturally biodegradable. The process uses less energy and water to produce than virgin paper. Its effluent treatment plant overcomes the limitations of conventional technologies in water recovery and the paper produced is completely odour-free. The entire manufacturing process from raw material to kraft paper incorporates the essence of a circular economy thus the company is integrated seamlessly into global sustainability actions.
The packaging industry needs raw materials of very high quality as they identify new trends in consumer requirements. Ashoka Paper Mills uses advanced manufacturing technologies to meet global quality standards. There are strict quality checks at all manufacturing stages and international collaborations ensure quality optimization and technical services. ASHOKA KRAFT paper is certified by the FSC thus endorsing its commitment to the environment.
The transition of markets from brick-and-mortar stores to e-commerce has a great impact on the packaging and labeling of products offered for sale.
Digital printing has had a major industry impact in 2022 as it allows packagers far more latitude in personalization and customizing options than other processes. Trend indicators suggest that packaging will be customized or have minimalist or vintage designs with high-chrome, bright shades and flashy colors, or have subtle design aesthetics. Whatever the case may be, ASHOKA KRAFT paper is suitable for all these with consistent grammage and surface finish free of dust and marks and therefore good printability.
In the future, packaging will have to attract the consumer and encourage impulse buying while addressing three ecological sustainability issues – reduce, recycle, and reuse. Packaging with ASHOKA KRAFT paper meets all these criteria.