Flexible packaging industry can generate up to USD300m annually: IPAK

KARACHI: Pakistan’s flexible packaging films industry has the potential to generate up to USD300 million in annual export earnings in the medium term, as rising global demand and expanding domestic manufacturing capacity position

the sector as a key contributor to the country’s non-traditional exports, according to Naveed Godil, Chief Executive Officer of International Packaging Films Limited (IPAK).

Speaking to Business Recorder, Godil said exports from the flexible packaging films sector have recorded nearly 300 percent growth over the past two years, earning approximately USD100 million in foreign exchange during 2025 alone. He noted that the sector’s rapid expansion reflects increasing international acceptance of Pakistani-made industrial packaging materials.

“Global demand for flexible packaging solutions continues to rise, and Pakistan is now beginning to establish itself as a credible supplier of value-added packaging films,” Godil said. “With continued investment and policy support, the industry can scale exports to $300 million annually over the medium term.”

He said Pakistan entered the industrial packaging films trade later than several regional competitors and historically relied on imports due to limited local scale and capacity. However, recent investments in advanced manufacturing technology, production capacity, and export infrastructure have begun to alter the landscape, enabling local producers to build a sustained presence in international markets.

International Packaging Films Limited (IPAK) alone now generates over USD50 million in annual foreign exchange earnings. The company’s export growth underscores the broader shift toward high-value, non-traditional industrial exports, helping strengthen Pakistan’s industrial footprint globally.

The IPAK currently supplies flexible packaging films to customers across the Middle East, Africa, Central Europe, and the United States, with exports reaching 38 countries worldwide. According to the CEO, the company’s export-led strategy focuses on market diversification, regulatory compliance, and operational discipline, while ongoing engagement with global converters and international brand owners continues to guide product development and innovation.

Godil said the company’s integrated manufacturing capability has emerged as a key competitive advantage in a market where customers demand quality assurance, supply reliability, and technical performance. He added that growth in the sector is being driven not only by scale but also by application-specific innovation, with customers increasingly seeking customized film solutions that enhance printability, operational efficiency, and end-use performance.

Close collaboration with converters and multinational FMCG companies has enabled IPAK to move beyond commodity-based supply toward solution-oriented partnerships, reinforcing its positioning in higher-value market segments, he said.

Industry analysts note that global demand for packaging films continues to expand steadily, driven by food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods packaging. This demand trend is creating opportunities for exporters with strong manufacturing capabilities and compliance standards.

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