'Lanka Pack 2007' to showcase packaging industry

The Sri Lanka Packaging Institute and its subsidiary Lanka Packaging Centre will host the 'Lanka Pack 2007', a mega international exhibition from June 15-17, featuring a variety of products in the packaging industry.

President, Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging, Lal de Alwis said the packaging industry contributes 5 percent of the GDP and it is a fast growing industry gaining recognition the world over.

The objective of the exhibition is to showcase the standards upheld by the local packaging industry and exchange and transfer technology with neighbouring countries, de Alwis said.

He said the two giants in the packaging industry are India and China and we have to obtain machinery, raw material and technology from them to develop our industry.

Nothing can be marketed without proper packaging. The product not only has to look attractive but also safety should be assured to market especially to the EU region. The EU has come hard on food safety and hygienic standards in products exported to the region, he said.

CEO Runeware, Mike Abeysinghe said buyers will have the opportunity to interact and exchange views with participants.

The Sri lanka Institute of Packaging was set up in 1975 and has contributed a great deal to the economy.

The exhibition will comprise over 100 stalls with converting companies, users, suppliers of machinery, materials and other services.