Progress Of Environment-Friendly Packaging In India

Food wastage is a large problem in India, which can be reduced by using proper packaging to pack the Processed Foods. Moreover, the consumption of processed food is progressing in India. Considering this it is prudent to take steps to promote environment-friendly packaging from the starting levels.

Environment-friendly packaging is a nascent concept in India when we consider the fact the it is a necessity of the modern times . However, considering the traditional concept of the packaging, then even today in hinterland and towns, we see earthen utensils and pots are in use for local food processing and packaging needs. These traditional Packaging Material and earthen cups are disappearing very fast with the changing requirements for packaging for the modern times. 

More colorful packaging based on plastics, foil and paper materials is the need of the time to suits the packaging needs of the modern times. However, there are several issues resulting from the use of these modern packaging styles, and India is still in the stage of moving towards achieving higher per capita consumption of Packaging Material, the reason being the lack of general awareness about environment-friendly packaging is not matured. 

As there is no government body to regulate production and encourage the use of environment-friendly packaging, India has not made any significant progress in this regard. Though the Food Processing Industry has shown keen interest in packaging  of products in environment-friendly packaging materials, which are biodegradable, though it is still at a dialogue and discussion levels. Today, the market has been increasingly conscious about the packaging and packaging materials such as carry bags and trash bags, they are made of 100 per cent recyclable plastics, which is a appreciable. However, there is little change in terms of actual product packaging. 

The picture will not change unless a large population of the country is made aware of the need for green packaging and environment-friendly packaging materials. 

 We will not see a big change in demand and it will be supplied to the general lot. Without such demands of more environment-friendly packaging and packaging material, investments and R&D efforts will be hard to be materialized.

Changing Demand Pattern of Indian Food Processing Machines

Now a days, Customers of Food Processing Machinery Manufacturer are demanding products, which are of latest technology, and offer high processing capacity, meeting the tough international standards of hygiene & quality. which attracts an  extra cost, which the customers are willing to pay, only when he is provided a food processing Machinery, by the Food Processing Equipment Manufacturers provide cost benefit analysis, assures a return on investment & short pay-back periods for the latest food processing machines over the conventional food processing machinery. The sector is boosted really by the changing food habits and lifestyles, organized food retail and most important is urbanization. Increased income levels fuelled by GDP growth leading to rising middle class that is further fuelling consumerism are the key demand drivers for this sector. A notable change in consumption pattern in India, now the share and growth rates for Processed foods, fruits, vegetables,  processed meat and processed dairy products have soared higher compared to cereals & pulses, as compared to the earlier pattern. Such a shift implies a need to diversify the food production base to match the changing consumption preferences.

In developed countries, there is enhanced consumer awareness; manufacturers who realize their responsibility; and better policies for food processing products. Understanding of new technology and its impact on product quality & cost are well understood, In developing countries. However, often customer has to balance between food processing technology and cost of production, just due to financial considerations. This trend is changing due to increasing consumer demand for quality Processed Food Products and better regulations. The production capacity is high in developed countries, and farms are dedicated to producing fruit processing varieties, unlike in developing countries where the capacities are small and the produce is grown for local consumption & not necessarily for food processing.

Considering the geographic diversity and large distances of India, the food habits also vary from region to region. To address this, the Food Processing Machinery requirement also differs. Based on the needs of local people, customization and deployment of food processing machines is important. Moreover, consumers in India are cost-sensitive. New technologies for food processing and packaging are able to deliver noodles or chocolate or carbonated drinks at a lesser price. For this very region, packaged and processed food products are able to reach rural & lower market segments.

Food Processing Equipments are changing face in India

The fast growing food processing industry is having a domino effect on the food processing machinery sector. In this shenerio, the food processing equipment manufacturers need to focus on the specific demands and requirements of their customers, considering the diverse food culture witnessed in Indian food processing environment.

Food processing machinery is the changing kinetics. The robust growth of food processing industry in India has opened up new vistas for Food Processing Machine manufacturers also. The adoption of sophisticated technology is perceptible in segments like food processing, fruit processing, processing of vegetables, dairy processing, poultry and meat, etc. Increased awareness and availability of international food processing technology; rising demand for quality products and the need to match the expectations of consumers, both, locally & globally, etc are the driving forces behind the developments. There is No doubt that the presence of multinational companies has given a fillip to adoption of better technology in food processing. Looking at the growth prospects for the food processing industry, the food processing equipment manufacturers need to play a much bigger role than what it is now.

India is one of the largest producers and consumers of processed food products in the world. The entire manufacturing segment, food processing constitutes a major share of the production output, about 9% actually. Hence, the significance of technology in this sector can't be overlooked. Food processing machinery manufacturers have to the adopt latest technology and equipment having high processing capacity and offering high-level plant automation. Food processing equipment should be such that it can be monitored easily even by not so skilled. The biggest challenge today for a machine manufacturer is to offer highly energy-efficient machines along with top hygiene provisions for the food that is being processed. At every stage of production of the food processing machinery, the manufacturers have to maintain the international standards of out class hygiene, quality and cleanliness.

Agreements to Promote Food Processing Sector in India

Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) has entered into agreements with some developed countries viz. Germany and France for bilateral co-operation in the field of food processing which generally include processed food segments including fruits and vegetables and Food Processing Equipment Besides, the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has entered into number of umbrella agreements with some developed countries like USA, France, Canada, Netherlands, Argentina, Austria, Brazil for bilateral co-operation in the areas of agriculture and allied sectors which generally include agro and Food Processing Sectors. Besides this MoUs have been entered into by two institutions under the FPI Ministry, namely National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship & Management (NIFTEM) & Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT) with universities in such industrially developed countries. 

These MoUs relate to collaboration in teaching and research in the food processing sector including Food Processing Equipment To help the food processing sector of the African countries under the framework of India Africa Forum Summit-II, the FPI Ministry is implementing one Cluster for Food Processing, five Laboratories for Food Processing and five Food Processing Centers for Business Incubation in Africa. For capacity building of the African food processing sector, various short-term programmers for training in the areas of Food Processing & Packaging, food safety & quality, skills for food testing, entrepreneurship and agribusiness development are also being organized by the Ministry through reputed/ specialized Institutes in the country related to Food Processing Industry Sector. 

Participation in the international fairs/exhibitions in Africa and business to business meetings/ engagements/ collaborations etc. are also being organized /encouraged by the Ministry to help the development of food processing sector in the Africa in countries. This information was given by Dr. Charan Das Mahant, the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, in written replies in the Rajya Sabha recently.

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