EPCH Organises Workshop on “Innovative Packaging for Glass Handicrafts Products”

Uttar Pradesh – 12th September, 2023 – The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts organised a Workshop on “Innovative Packaging for Glass Handicrafts Products” at Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh on 12th September, 2023 (Tuesday). The workshop’s objective was to impart knowledge to participants on contemporary packaging strategies to improve the sustainability, portability, and consumer appeal of their product.

Mukesh Bansal, President, Glass Manufacturer and Export Association, U.P.; Dr. Madhab Chakraborty, Packaging Advisor-EPCH & Packaging Expert; Rajesh Singh, Deputy Director-EPCH and over 70 exporters from Firozabad were present – informed R. K. Verma, Executive Director – EPCH.

Dileep Baid, Chairman – EPCH said that in its endeavour to achieve three times exports till 2030, the council has initiated various handholding programs on Design, Packaging and Productivity. This workshop at Firozabad today is aimed to address the challenges and opportunities related to packaging for glass handicrafts, a niche segment within the handicrafts industry. He further added that this workshop will explore innovative approaches to packaging that enhances the visual appeal of handicraft products while ensuring their protection and sustainability.

R. K. Verma, Executive Director – EPCH said that the glass handicrafts are known for their exquisite beauty and craftsmanship, but their fragility demands special attention when it comes to packaging and transportation. This workshop sought to bridge the gap between craftsmanship and effective packaging.

Mukesh Bansal, President, Glass Manufacturer and Export Association, U.P., shared that this workshop was designed to address the challenges faced by glass handicraft exporters. Glass handicrafts are renowned for their intricate beauty and fragility but demands specialized packaging solutions for safe transportation and market readiness. This workshop will empower exporters in the handicraft glass sector to make informed choices about packaging solutions, leading to increased competitiveness and a reduced impact on the environment.

Dr. Madhab Chakraborty, Packaging Advisor-EPCH & Packaging Expert informed participants about the most effective packaging trends for handicraft glass products and what businesses must implement to make their packaging eco-friendlier. He further shared few suggestive packaging prototypes developed based on the exploratory visits undertaken a month ago and feedback received from this cluster based exporters. These prototypes were designed to address the unique needs and requirements of stone handicraft products. The prototypes included Environmentally Friendly Packaging Materials, Artistic Packaging Designs, and Innovative Product Presentation.

The workshop proved beneficial to stakeholders in many ways, including providing hands-on experience in packaging techniques, discovering novel ideas to cut costs and promote sustainability, and promoting the export of eco-friendly glass products. Various questions pertaining Packaging techniques, Packaging Development and Marketing were asked by the participants. The speakers addressed all the questions and provided solutions to the exporters and concluded with positive interaction with members exporters.

Export Promotion Council for the Handicrafts is a nodal organization for promotion of exports of handicrafts from the Country and create brand image of magic of the gifted hands of millions of artisans and crafts persons engaged in production of home, lifestyle, textiles, furniture, and fashion jewellery & accessories in craft clusters of the Country. The overall Handicrafts exports during the year 2022-23 was Rs. 30,019.24 Crores (US $ 3,728.47 Million) informed R. K. Verma, Executive Director – EPCH.