Packaging material has multi-functional benefits

Packaging material has multi-functional benefits to the manufacturing sector which is growing at a rapid pace, said Packaging Development Centre Director, J.D. Amarasooriya. He was addressing a ceremony to launch Lankapack 12 - at the International Packaging Exhibition recently.

Director, Packaging Development Centre, J.D. Amarasooriya addressing the media at the launch of Lankapack ‘12 Exhibition.                                                                                             Pic: Kavindra Perera

He said packaging will be ineffective if there is no proper mechanism to recycle and reuse packaging material and would add to waste.

"There is a strong lobby against packaging as a mere waste of money which adds to the cost of production and environmental pollution. In the absence of sound policies implemented to recycle and reuse packaging material, the manufacturing sector would face a daunting task to survive", Amarasoriya said.

The per capita packaging spending in Asia Pacific is $ 10, Japan $ 500, Western Europe $ 375 and Latin America$ 75.

Post consumer functions of packaging material is vital to save the huge drian of money and curb large proportions of pollution.

The Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging is the apex body representing the packaging industry in countries comprising producers, users and suppliers of packaging material and related products.

SLIP held international and local exhibitions since 1984. The last Lankapack exhibition was held in 2007.

SLIP has collaborated with the Food Processors Association in organising the Profood/Propack exhibition since 2002.

Lankapack '12 will be held from 25-27 May 2012 at the BMICH.

LF