A Powerful Perspective on Sustainability, Circularity & the Future of Responsible Manufacturing
Siddhesh Kadam, Chairman, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), shares his insights at the ElitePlus++ Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit & Exhibition 2026.
Sustainability: The New Opportunity
India’s growing manufacturing economy presents significant opportunities for the specialty films and flexible packaging industry. However, this growth must go hand in hand with sustainability, innovation and responsible manufacturing.
Addressing the industry, the Siddhesh highlighted that packaging is an underlying enabler of growth across sectors such as electronics, renewable energy, automotive, agriculture and consumer goods. As these industries expand, so does the demand for advanced packaging and specialty film solutions.
At the same time, the industry must look beyond production and consumption. “Human needs cannot be beyond the sustainability of the planet,” the Siddhesh emphasised, underlining the need to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Sustainability as an Opportunity
Circularity and sustainability should not be viewed merely as regulatory requirements. Instead, they represent a significant market opportunity for manufacturers, converters and technology providers.
The industry has an opportunity to develop new materials, improve recyclability and reduce the environmental impact of packaging. Investment in research and development will be critical in addressing challenges related to multilayer structures, food-contact applications, additives and other technical requirements.
The speaker also urged companies to consider R&D as an investment rather than simply an expenditure. Developing new materials and engineering solutions can help the industry address environmental challenges while creating products that can compete in both domestic and international markets.
Innovation at the Core
Innovation will play a central role in making flexible packaging more sustainable. As packaging requirements become increasingly complex, manufacturers need to develop solutions that deliver performance while also improving recyclability and resource efficiency.
Government-supported research and development initiatives can further encourage industry participation in developing new materials and technologies. Collaboration between industry, research institutions and government agencies will be essential to translate ideas into commercially viable solutions.
Quality Cannot Be Compromised
Alongside sustainability and innovation, quality remains fundamental. The speaker stressed that Indian manufacturing must focus on producing high-quality products that meet international standards.
As India strengthens its position as a global manufacturing hub, quality will be critical for accessing international markets. Sustainability cannot come at the expense of product performance, safety or food-contact requirements.
Collaboration for the Future
The speaker concluded with a call for greater dialogue and collaboration between industry and government. India’s growing domestic demand, expanding manufacturing base and increasing access to international markets create an opportunity for the specialty films and flexible packaging sector to invest, innovate and grow.
The message was clear: sustainability and circularity should not be seen as obligations, but as opportunities to create better products, open new markets and build a more resilient industry.
For the packaging sector, the future will depend on finding the right balance between growth, innovation, quality and the sustainability of the planet
