Packaging Meaning:

Packaging is the science, art and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Packaging also refers to the process of designing, evaluating, and producing packages. Packaging can be described as a coordinated system of preparing goods for transport, warehousing, logistics, sale, and end use. Packaging contains, protects, preserves, transports, informs, and sells.

The Packaging Industry is segmented by Material Type (Plastic, Paper, Container Glass, Metal Cans, and Container) by End-User (Food and Beverage, Retail and E-Commerce, Paints and Chemicals, Industrial, Personal Care & Cosmetics, and Other End-Users).

Difference between Packing and Packaging:

The word “Packaging” is sometimes considered as the same as “Packing”. However, these terms are technically different. Packing is the process of preparing a product for storage and transportation, while packaging is the container that stores and transports the product. Packing is a secondary part of the process and focuses on protecting individual items, while packaging is more involved and can also enhance the product’s market appeal:

  • Packing: This process involves selecting the right packaging, labeling, shaping, and preparing the product for shipment. Packing materials include bubble wrap, cardboard, cellophane, foam packaging, tape, and cushioning materials. Good packing prevents breakage, leakage, and pilferage.
  • Packaging: This is the box, bag, or container that protects the product and can also be used for marketing and labeling. Packaging can include wrapping, cushioning, weatherproofing, and sealing. It can also identify the brand and provide information about the company. A good package is eye-catching and can help a product stand out from competitors. 

Global Packaging Industry:

As of 2003, the packaging sector accounted for about two percent of the gross national product in developed countries. About half of this market was related to food packaging. In 2019 the global food packaging market size was estimated at USD 303.26 billion, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period. Growing demand for packaged food by consumers owing to quickening pace of life and changing eating habits is expected to have a major impact on the market. [Source – Wikipedia].

Indian Packaging Industry:

The Indian Packaging Market was valued at USD 50.5 billion in 2019, and it is expected to reach USD 204.81 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 26.7% during the period of 2020-2025.Packaging is among the high growth industries in India and developing @ 22-25% per annum and becoming a preferred hub for packaging industry. Currently the 5th largest sector of India’s economy. A high degree of potential exists for almost all user segments which are expanding appreciably – processed foods, hard drinks and soft drinks, fruit and marine products. [Source: PIAI]

Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP):

The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) is a national apex body which was set up in 1966 by the packaging and allied industries and the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, with the specific objective of improving the packaging standards in the country. The Institute is an autonomous body working under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce. 

The Institute endeavors to improve the standard of packaging needed for the promotion of exports and create infrastructural facilities for overall packaging improvement in India. This is achieved through the Institute’s multifarious activities which are today, in line with those of premier packaging institutes the world over. The Institute aims to make India a focal point for contemporary developments in Art, Science, Technology and Engineering, with respect to the field of Packaging. 

The Institute began in a very humble way, with an office at Mumbai. It has now expanded, with its Head Quarter at Mumbai and Centers located at Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai.

Courses Offered by IIP:

There three offline courses and one online course as given below:

Post Graduate Diploma in Packaging (PGDP)
Centres: Mumbai, Kolkata & Ahmedabad
Duration: 2 Year (Full Time)
Eligibility: Full time Graduate degree in Science & Engineering with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics as a main subject or one of them as second subject in the three year degree.

Post Graduate Diploma in Packaging (PGDP)
Centres: Delhi (Afiliated by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi), and
Hyderabad (Afiliated by Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad) Duration: 2 Year (Full Time)
Eligibility: Full time Graduate degree in Engineering or Technology or four year integrated Graduate degree in Science.

B. Sc. in Packaging Technology Center: Delhi (Afiliated by Guru Gobind Sing Indraprastha University, Delhi) Duration: 4 Years (Full Time)
Eligibility: Passed 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics / Biology / Agriculture Science & Vocational Science. Candidates appearing in the final exam of the qualifying examinations can also apply.

Certiied Packaging Engineer (CPE)
Centre: Chennai
Duration: 1 Year (Online mode)
Eligibility: Engineering graduates (B.E./B. Tech from UGC recognized Universities. (freshers & working professional, No. entrance test)

Admission Process:

Admission to the PGDP course and M. Sc (at Hyderabad center) is conducted by IIP throgh IIPCET.

Admission to M. Sc. and B. Sc. (at Delhi Center) is done thrugh Guru Gobind Sing Indraprastha University.

There is no Admission Test for CPE Online course at Chennai Center for which IIP, Chennai Center may be contacted.

Details regarding admission process may be found on Admission Page of IIP.