Business
Corrugated Packaging Industry facing multiple challenges, seeks support to cope a little better
The net profit margin of the industry is an average of 5% and it can vary around 3%-7%. The industry rarely makes 7% margin and that could happen only when paper prices are at rock-bottom
Bannet Gamalath, CEO – UNIDIL Packaging Ltd – the packaging arm of VALLIBEL ONE PLC) – who is also the President of Lanka Corrugated Carton Manufacturer’s Association says that following the recent IPO announcement made by one of the carton manufacturers, people have started talking about the industry in an interested and excited way.
“In this context, as President of the Lanka Corrugated Cartons Manufacturers Association (LCCMA), I’d like to shed some light on the industry.”
“Today, corrugated cartons are recognised among the world’s most widely used materials for packaging. As a material, it also offers almost unlimited possibilities to produce packaging with different properties and shapes.” he says.
“Despite the fact that this industry serves nearly every sector of the economy becoming an integral part of the supply chain, corrugated cartons have not been regarded as an interesting area of discussion.”
“At present, around 30 small to large corrugated cartons manufacturers operate in the island. Out of these firms, seven companies control 80% of the market share while the remainder contribute around 20%. The demand for the corrugated cartons in Sri Lanka is very limited as our economy has not shown steady growth in the past.”
“The current market is around 14,500 MTNS (metric tonnes) per month and the year-on-year growth of the market is less than 2%. Hence, there is a huge competition among the players to capture the existing market. Consequently with the market pressure, the industry maintains minimal prices and eventually the companies just make normal profit. In early 2000s, many companies discontinued their operation due to heavy losses including the then corrugated giants including MSH Packaging and Nisol Corrugated Packaging.”
“The net profit margin of the industry is an average of 5% and it can vary around 3%-7%. The industry very rarely makes 7% margin and that could happen only when the paper prices are at rock-bottom.”
“Apart from imported paper, the members of the Association also source local paper to a certain extent. The paper manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka is at the infant stage and have yet to expand. Hence, the convertors are being forced to rely upon the imported paper mostly.”
“During past few years the board making capacity in Sri Lanka was expanded as some of the companies increased operations through new corrugated plants. Today these plants contribute a monthly capacity of around 4,000 MTNS while the second level entities maintain a capacity around 2,500 MTNS per month. It is estimated that the total board making capacity in the country is around 34,000 – 36,000 MTNS monthly. However, the printing capacity is limited and does not match the same volumes. Howerver, any company can enhance its printing capacity within 5-6 months as good machinery can be sourced from China and Taiwan.”
“Despite the interest in packaging is growing and the realisation that other sectors cannot survive in isolation without packaging, our industry continues to face many challenges.”
“The latest upsurge of the prices began nearly one and half years ago adversely affecting the industry. As a result, paper prices have escalated by around 70% and this ‘alarming’ upward trend is expected to rise over 100% towards the end of this year. Adding to this crisis, is the huge shortage of paper in the international market consequent to the ill-effects of Covid 19 pandemic. Furthermore, in the midst of this shortage, our members continue to struggle to open LCs with the current dollar restrictions imposed by the local banks.”
“While the industry is equipped with adequate infrastructure to support the future growth of Sri Lanka’s economy, it is also imperative that all the stakeholders and authorities contribute towards a sustainable and thriving packaging industry in Sri Lanka,” Bannet Gamalath says.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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