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.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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