In recent years, the Indian corrugated packaging industry has been displaying strong growth prospects. Several trends such as the food processing/packaging sector transitioning from loose to packaged products, rise in e-commerce retailing, the downfall of the plastic industry due to its negative environmental impact, and the introduction of multiple government initiatives are propelling this market growth. However, the outbreak of the lethal Covid19 virus has dampened this already challenged market growth with the crunch of a reliable workforce.
Moreover, the steep rise in the price of paper in tandem with restrictions on imports is catapulting the cost of corrugated packaging products. This market, highly fragmented, is already peppered with several inefficient vendors equipped with conventional technologies. While this may be worrisome among industrialists, most of these customers still expect the products to be of superior quality at an economical price and reach the product destination safely whilst adhering to compliance. There is a dire need for a demand-supply balance to be struck.
Having carved a niche for itself in this domain for 44 years is Wadpack, one of the leading companies in the market engaged in manufacturing novel corrugated fiberboard containers/boxes (CFC’s) and corrugated pallets. The company offers a comprehensive suite of customizable high-quality packaging solutions to every industry vertical. Being the first company to have an in house testing facility has set the benchmark for superior quality delivery and is recognized as pioneers in self-certification.
The team at Wadpack designed and developed a unique quality index to measure the performance of the outgoing goods and incoming raw materials. Spearheading the adoption of advancing technologies trend in tandem with continually striving to significantly improve process controls, Wadpack was the first company to come up with the quality index on the measurement of how boxes are manufactured to provide its customers a ready reference point on how the team was performing.
“Having over 40 years of experience, we have been at the forefront of a lot of innovative systems and procedures. While the rest of the country was stitching the boxes at the manufacturing joint, Wadpack was the first in the country to manufacture glued joint boxes in 1994,” informs Sandeep Wadhwa, Managing Director of Wadpack.
Standing Apart from Other Solution Providers in the Market
Established in 1976, the company commands quite the market presence. The company commenced its journey in this corrugated box industry 44 years ago. This market did not gain increased momentum till the early 2000s and so there was a limited investment in corrugated box plants. Wadpack held one of the leadership positions in his domain for over four decades. Over the years, the company attained a complete understanding of the market trends and needs. The company continually strived to innovate and differentiate itself from other vendors in the market and achieved several milestones over the years. Some of the milestones achieved are:
• First in the corrugation industry in India to be accredited with ISO 9002 Certification in 1997.
• First in the country to install High Raise Stacking for finished goods in the corrugated industry. This lead to optimum utilization of warehouse/godown space, cost savings, and easy identification of products in 2000.
• First in the corrugation industry to be accredited with ISO 14001 Certification for Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) in 2002. With the intent of reducing the world’s carbon footprint, approximately 250 trees have been planted around the factory. Most of these are planted by the customers and suppliers on their visits to the manufacturing facility. Wadpack, the eco-minded entrepreneurs, has also been conducting Rain Water Harvesting since 2011 and has managed to save a whopping 517000lts of water.
• The first country in India to get an FSC Certification in 2016.
Since its inception, Wadpack has always steered itself towards social responsibility. The company was recognized for the various social accountability measures adopted and was awarded a three-star rating by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) for Environment, Health, and Safety. “It is a feather in the cap to say that Wadpack is the only non-MNC Company in this category to be awarded,” says Sandeep.
Assuring Customized Packaging for the Right Product
He goes on to tell us how the company is committed to ensuring complete customer satisfaction which plays a key role in the company’s Quality Policy. Once the customer is on-board, the company follows its set process put in place. The company takes a strategic and avant-garde approach towards the delivery of its innovative packaging solutions by gaining an in-depth understanding of each of its customer’s unique requirements.
The team examines not just the packaging of the product but also how the product will be handled, product transportation and route, product shelf life, climate condition, and so on. Post analyzing the aforementioned information, Wadpack recommends the ideal solution that meets and exceeds every highlighted requirement.
In addition to this, the company also tries to incorporate a few safety factors into the packaging as well. “Wadpack has always given great emphasis on customer satisfaction. This forms an integral part of its Quality Policy. Our in-house quality testing facility is the most modern and comprehensive in the industry. Our products are tested and self-certified, which is highlighted through our Quality Assurance Stamp,” adds Sandeep.
Furthermore, Wadpack does not compromise on legal and statutory compliance. The company holds one of the leading positions in the packaging sector. The company utilizes professional management in an industry which is predominantly owner driven. The company works towards the training and betterment of the team while ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations of the country. “One of our chief focus areas has been customer service and customer interaction. This approach has placed us among one of the top corrugated fiberboard container manufacturers and I think we are there because of our focus on our customers, compliance, and quality. These are the three pillars that we have focused on in the last 44 years. We call it CCQ,” informs Sandeep.
This market did not gain increased momentum till the early 2000s and so there was a limited investment in corrugated box plants. Wadpack held one of the leadership positions in his domain for over four decades
Aiming to continue positively impacting this market, Wadpack designed and developed cheaper and innovative solutions for quick deployment that made an immense difference with the onset of the unfortunate Covid19 Pandemic. Hands-free Sanitizer Dispenser, easy to set up Beds for Quarantine areas, Canteen and Office partitions, Cash Counter Partitions, Shop floor Partitions, and UV Sterilization Boxes is the portfolio of products extended by the company.
Continuing to Innovate
Wadpack has been delivering its high-quality end products from its manufacturing plant in Doddaballapur to a broad spectrum of customers hailing from various industry verticals such as Agri, Apparel, Automobile, Electrical, FMCG, Food, Furniture, Packaging, Paints, and Solar. The company now envisions expanding its reach from primarily catering to the Southern states of India to pan India and across the globe as well. Sandeep concludes, “We are looking at expanding our horizons most likely within our current plant location and geographically as well. We may also look at launching new facilities in other regions.
In a Nutshell
Over the years, Wadpack has been significantly contributing to the corrugated box industry by providing its customers with impeccable service right from design to manufacture. Its massive customer-base loyalty and rapid business growth have helped the company gain a strong foothold in this sector. As Wadpack continues to grow, they support its customers with:
• An in-house design team to help develop primary, secondary, POP and other corrugated structures.
• Boards that can be made in A, B, C, E and F flutes. Thus making Wadpack the only facility in the world that can provide a 21 flute combination in 3, 5 and 7 ply.
• Assist clients value engineer the packaging thus reducing costs.
• Engaged in the manufacturing of heavy-duty cartons in addition to Corrugated Pallets, Jigs, Point of Purchase displays and Exhibition Stalls.
• A state-of-the-art in-house quality testing facility that is the most modern and comprehensive in the industry. • Wadpack has invested heavily in an ERP system &IOT for providing real-time data to its stakeholders to serve the customers better. Sandeep reveals, “We provide supply chain solutions all across the country through our partners Ficus Pax. They have 11 locations across India and also, we have associates located in North and West of the country."