With a compelling combination of hard facts, constructive analysis, and prophetic vision, Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, the venerable ex-Chairman of World Print & Communication Forum (WPCF) in India, a colossus in India’s print media community, left his mark on a jam-packed audience at the SkillTech Industrial Expo today. Speaking at a keynote seminar titled “The Present Status of the Indian Printing and Packaging Industry,” Prof. Chopra depicted a scenario of a resilient industry, but even that was an understatement because the industry was ‘Roaring Towards Self-reliance’ and predicting a scorching growth rate of 11% CAGR to reach Rs. 12.53 lakh crores (US$ 143 billion) in 2029.
But the expo, buzzing with over 5,000 people from the highly industrious state of Haryana, had transformed the land of ‘New Grain Market’ into a hub of innovation and technological know-how. Against the backdrop of stalls chock-full of highly advanced machines and innovative materials and designs, Professor Chopra’s technical session of great repute at the expo had attracted budding as well as experienced entrepreneurs and young engineers wanting to learn about this very crucial industry that’s driving ‘Make in India’.
Starting with a reminder of the sector’s evolutionary rhythm, Prof. Chopra began his speech by pointing to the enormous expansion of India’s packaging industry, the fifth largest pillar of India’s economy, into Rs. 7.36 lakh crores (US$ 84 billion) in 2024, owing to FMCG sector bangs and urban unstoppable rises. “It is a period of the Renaissance,” he emphasized, his voice ringing with conviction above the hubbub of the exhibition hall. “Paper packaging market itself is set at Rs. 1.67 lakh crores (US$ 19.07 billion) as of this August, charging towards Rs. 4.07 lakh crores by 2030 with a mind-boggling 19.48% CAGR – this is the Green Tsunami crashing against the plastics ban and sustainability requirements.”
Going deeper, the professor defined the engines of growth: digital disruption and eco-innovation. The commercial printing industry currently is at US$ 36.5 billion in 2025 and projects US$ 46.7 billion by 2034 with a CAGR of 2.8%, driven by the insatiable demand for customized labels and brochures by the ecommerce sector. Offset Packaging, he said: “currently a healthy US$ 8.94 billion and growing to US$ 13.01 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 5.5%, driven by mid-web presses and RFID technology’s impact on supply chain restructuring.”
However, Prof. Chopra did not hesitate to address challenges. “Per capita paper use remains a low 15 kg, a mere 57 kg compared to the global average, hinting at unrealized growth before even considering issues related to availability of fibers,’he cautioned, and rightly emphasized a need to move back down the value chain and use AI-based mills.” Finding silver linings, Prof. Chopra is impressed by government PLI plans that have already led to investments worth US$ 19 billion and 1.15 million employments as of March 2025.
The interactive Q&A sessions of this seminar triggered passionate discussions, with local businessmen firing questions on trends in automation in “Flexible systems in Food & Bevy and Barrier-Coated Paperboards to fight against counterfeiting issues.” “SkillTech is not only an exhibition, it’s a platform for Haryana’s youth to unlock this 7-8% growth in demand every year and enhance their production capacity to 32 million tonnes by 2030,” exclaimed Prof. Chopra, relating his own success in OPA to joint accomplishments, including yesterday’s felicitation in IPAMA. “Game-changer,” thundered the applause. “This session has been declared a game-changer,” declared organizers of the expo. “This strategy road map developed by Prof. Chopra allows our region to dominate in the field of consumer packaging, which is predicted to grow exponentially—from US$ 59.4 billion in 2025 to US$ 103.4 billion in 2035 at a CAGR of 5.7%,” added Mr. Bobby Dhingra, convener of SkillTech. “This day has reinforced our message of unity—from Karnal’s granaries to worldwide counters, we are printing our India’s story: sustainable, scalable, and sovereign,” beamed Prof. Chopra, who has been making OPA “the offset oracle” since 1968. The SkillTech Industrial Expo exhibition will continue till December 7, with masterclasses on tech fusion.
