Very optimistic about 2025, Sri Lanka’s packaging industry looks forward to a market whose future is shaped not only by changing consumer needs but also new environmental regulations. “These two factors will definitely change the way the industry plans its future strategies,” comments Thusith Wijesinghe, President, Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging.

He explains that apart from increasing consumer demands for sustainability, the country’s recently-introduced EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) law will also pose a challenge to the industry. “It will be interesting to watch how companies adapt to this law,” he ponders.   

Technological innovation is the third factor that shapes the future of the packaging industry, and is driving growth and efficiency across countries around the world.

He notices that consumer requirements are moving towards customized packaging, 100% recyclable materials, and even compostable or edible packaging.

“Material manufacturers have to consider these new trends as well as advanced processing technologies to reflect broader environmental concerns and the need for efficiency,” he advises.

Currently, as Sri Lanka’s packaging industry require more materials and machinery for plastic resins, plastics extrusion, printing and lamination, new investment opportunities abound for material and machinery plants.  

“We as an industry always welcome foreign enterprises as they expose us to cutting edge technologies, best practices, and the latest developments in the industry,” he emphasizes.

Thusith Wijesinghe, President, Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging.

Moreover, investments from foreign enterprises also allow local packaging machinery and material importers to compare prices against their existing suppliers and select the best option. Needless to say, after-sales service and quick delivery are also key factors to consider in this sector.   

On the whole, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) can improve Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves, he adds. 

He points out that China has heavily invested in Sri Lanka by the way of major infrastructure projects. Hambantota Port, Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport – both located on the southern part of Sri Lanka, Colombo Port expansion, Colombo Port City, and Power Generation Projects are some of them.  

“The only factory in Sri Lanka which manufactures cylinders used for flexible packaging printing is in fact a Chinese investment,” he says.

Furthermore, new foreign investments and expansions projects can in turn lead to job creation, which is beneficial to the country.

For this reason, he believes that strengthening trade ties with more countries can enhance Sri Lanka's position as a strategic trading hub in South Asia and open up new markets for Sri Lankan products.

Very optimistic about 2025, Sri Lanka’s packaging industry looks forward to a market whose future is shaped not only by changing consumer needs but also new environmental regulations. “These two factors will definitely change the way the industry plans its future strategies,” comments Thusith Wijesinghe, President, Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging.

He explains that apart from increasing consumer demands for sustainability, the country’s recently-introduced EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) law will also pose a challenge to the industry. “It will be interesting to watch how companies adapt to this law,” he ponders.   

Technological innovation is the third factor that shapes the future of the packaging industry, and is driving growth and efficiency across countries around the world.

He notices that consumer requirements are moving towards customized packaging, 100% recyclable materials, and even compostable or edible packaging.

“Material manufacturers have to consider these new trends as well as advanced processing technologies to reflect broader environmental concerns and the need for efficiency,” he advises.

Currently, as Sri Lanka’s packaging industry require more materials and machinery for plastic resins, plastics extrusion, printing and lamination, new investment opportunities abound for material and machinery plants.  

“We as an industry always welcome foreign enterprises as they expose us to cutting edge technologies, best practices, and the latest developments in the industry,” he emphasizes.

Thusith Wijesinghe, President, Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging.

Moreover, investments from foreign enterprises also allow local packaging machinery and material importers to compare prices against their existing suppliers and select the best option. Needless to say, after-sales service and quick delivery are also key factors to consider in this sector.   

On the whole, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) can improve Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves, he adds. 

He points out that China has heavily invested in Sri Lanka by the way of major infrastructure projects. Hambantota Port, Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport – both located on the southern part of Sri Lanka, Colombo Port expansion, Colombo Port City, and Power Generation Projects are some of them.  

“The only factory in Sri Lanka which manufactures cylinders used for flexible packaging printing is in fact a Chinese investment,” he says.

Furthermore, new foreign investments and expansions projects can in turn lead to job creation, which is beneficial to the country.

For this reason, he believes that strengthening trade ties with more countries can enhance Sri Lanka's position as a strategic trading hub in South Asia and open up new markets for Sri Lankan products.