Metal Container Manufacturer Association (MCMA), the umbrella body representing the interest of companies involved in the production of metal containers, packaging and allied components, has welcomed Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh taking over as Union Minister for Steel and is pining positive hopes that urgency will be shown to the pandemic-hit and cash-starved metal packaging sector.
A delegation led by President of MCMA, Sanjay Bhatia met Steel Union Minister earlier this month to briefed him about the importance of metal packaging industry. The issues currently faced by the industry in terms of acute shortage of its main inputs i.e. Tinplate/Tin free steel and various steel products like Easy open ends, peel offs, aerosol can components, closures etc.
Further, the highlighted that the three months extension of QCO is not helping the industry at all. Keeping in mind current Covid conditions in India and overseas, they should extend it till March 2022. Also emphasized that for non-critical applications industry needs non-prime material therefore it should be ensured that material is made available to that segment of industry.
The minister has given assurance to MCMA that the Steel Ministry will extend a helping hand and the best possible support will be extended to the metal packaging industry.
India’s primary organization that represents the interests of companies involved in the production of metal containers, packaging and allied components Metal Container Manufacturers’ Association (MCMA) foresees a key role for metal packaging in future given the global focus on sustainable principles of reduce-reuse-recycle. Tinplate demand is expected to grow at 4-6% and reach around 770-800 KT by 2024.
The industry provides packaging material & packaging solutions in the form of tin containers, component closures etc. to food, beverages & other household industries.
Besides edible products there is a large use of tin plates in SME industries engaged in manufacturing of lanterns, stationary boxes, mosquito coil holders and so many other day-to-day low-cost utility items. Moreover, the industry provides direct and indirect employment to over 100000 people as there are large number of MSME Players in this sector.
Also, since metal packaging is 100% recyclable, environment friendly and a sustainable packaging material, it has suggested the government to roll out a scheme to incentivize the user industry for encouraging use of such packaging material.
The rapid growth of the market is primarily driven by the pharmaceuticals and foods and beverages industries. Huge investments in the food processing, personal care, and pharmaceuticals end-user industries are creating scope for expansion of the packaging market. The end-user of such product includes food, beverage, healthcare, cosmetics, personal care, and household care and industrial segment
Moreover, metal packaging also provides multiple packaging options for gifting of watches, high value products, etc. It offers semi-transparent packaging with tinplate for luxury items; also, the food processing industry is on the rise with requirements for tinplate containers for packing fruit juices, cut vegetables & fruits, meat products, fish, etc.
Above and beyond in the current times Covid-19 is further creating more opportunities for packaging of food products for longer shelf life, as per retail association reports. Considering the market is already favouring the industry in terms of the demand but much is dependent on government policies as soon as it becomes favourable it will surely pin a promising future for the Indian metal packaging industry.
MCMA has urged the government to put on hold the implementation of Steel and steel products Quality Control Order dated 17th July, 2020 Norms. This order mandates BIS Certification on the major input required by the industry like tinplate and tin-free steel. It imposes restrictions on steel products like easy-open ends, peel off ends, which the industry imports from several foreign countries.
The association has also requested the ministry of steel to allow use of ISO certification materials in addition to BIS certified material. MCMA requested from the Ministry to allow the use of materials which are aligned to ISO. The same has been included in FSSAI order and also recommended by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME).