Read our exclusive interview with Prayesh Bhayani, Director of Shridhar Kraft Containers, on corrugated packaging innovation, automation, manufacturing excellence, and industry growth.
Corrugman : What was the original vision behind entering the packaging industry, and how has it shaped your journey?
Prayesh Bhayani : We started Shridhar Kraft Containers after nearly 30 years of experience in the packaging industry through our venture Hem Packaging. We saw a clear gap in the market, as customers needed high-quality corrugated boxes in large volumes with faster delivery. At that time, very few manufacturers had the technology to produce jumbo cartons efficiently and at scale. We decided to invest in advanced automation and modern manufacturing capabilities to meet this demand. Over the years, our vision has only enhanced. However, delivering quality, adopting advanced technology, maintaining global packaging standards, and driving sustainability remains the core of everything we do.
CM : What have been the most important milestones in Shridhar’s journey?
PB : One of our biggest milestones was setting up one of Gujarat’s most advanced corrugated packaging plants, with a production capacity of 120 tonnes per day and a 2.2-meter deckle width. This investment in technology helped us attract leading customers from the very beginning and serve a wide range of industries across Western India. Our ability to manufacture high-quality jumbo cartons at scale also enabled us to meet international standards and begin exporting our products. We currently export to so many clients abroad and the biggest achievement is they keep coming back to us!
CM : How has the combination of three generations influenced the company’s culture?
PB : The combination of three generations has created a strong balance between experience and fresh thinking. We started Hem Packaging in 1991, so we bring decades of industry knowledge and experience to the table. Today, my role is to mentor the younger generation – my son, daughter, daughter-in-law, and nephew. They bring new ideas, fresh energy, modern marketing approaches, and valuable international exposure. It’s a two-way learning process. While they learn from our experience, we learn from their new perspectives and ways of thinking. That exchange of knowledge has played a big role in shaping our company culture, and it is truly rewarding to work alongside the younger generation.
CM : How do you ensure quality across a broad product portfolio?
PB : After so many years in the industry, we have learned
that strong systems are the foundation of consistent quality. We follow a standardized quality control process at every stage, from raw material inspection to final dispatch. Every team member is trained to maintain and monitor quality, and we do not compromise on it. We believe our customers and their products deserve the very best. To manage our diverse product portfolio, we have specialists for every key process from corrugation and board production to converting and finishing. We also follow well-defined SOPs for every role, machine, and process, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and quality across all our products.
CM : How have technological investments enhanced efficiency and customer value?
PB : Technology has played a major role in improving both efficiency and customer value. From the beginning, we have believed in investing in the latest machinery and automation to stay ahead of industry requirements. These investments have helped us increase production speed, maintain consistent quality, reduce wastage, and handle large volumes efficiently. Most importantly, they allow us to deliver high-quality packaging solutions to our customers on time, every time. For our customers, this means better reliability, consistent product performance, and a packaging partner they can depend on as they grow.
CM : How is Shridhar developing innovative packaging designs for specialized requirements?
PB : At Shridhar, we understand that every customer has unique packaging requirements. That is why we focus on developing custom-engineered solutions, including jumbo boxes, export-grade cartons, odd-shaped boxes, and heavy-duty packaging. Our QC and R&D teams work closely to understand their specific needs and develop packaging that offers the right balance of strength, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. We believe packaging should not be one-size-fits-all, and our goal is to create solutions that add real value to our customers’ businesses.
CM : How do you serve diverse industries with different packaging needs?
PB : Every industry has different packaging requirements, and our approach is to first understand the customer’s product, supply chain, and challenges before recommending a solution. We serve a wide range of industries including solar, FMCG, healthcare, textiles, electronics, food and beverages, automotive, etc. Based on the application, we customize packaging specifications to ensure the right level of product protection, efficient logistics, branding support, and compliance with industry requirements. This flexibility allows us to deliver packaging solutions that are both reliable and cost-effective.
CM : How is packaging evolving as a branding tool?
PB : Packaging today is much more than just protecting a product. It has become an important branding tool that helps businesses create a strong first impression and stand out in the market. Customers often interact with the packaging before they experience the product itself, so the look and feel of the box matters. At Shridhar, we help brands enhance their visibility through high quality printing whether it’s Flexo or Offset. We also work with clients that need premium quality display cartons, mono-cartons, and retail-ready packaging solutions that improve shelf appeal and strengthen brand identity.
CM : What strategies have enabled market expansion and customer retention?
PB : Our growth has been built on a few simple principles – consistent quality, reliable deliveries, and strong customer relationships. Our most important value that we’ve learnt from my father is transparency and honesty. Therefore, ethics becomes the most critical value in all our decisions. Many of our customers have been with us for years, and that long-term trust has been one of the biggest drivers of our growth and market expansion.
CM : What differentiates Shridhar from competitors?
PB : What sets Shridhar apart is definitely the technology but more importantly its the customer-first approach. We have invested in modern automated infrastructure that allows us to manufacture complex packaging solutions that others find challenging. At the same time, we remain deeply committed to sustainability, continuous improvement, and building long-term relationships with our customers. We believe technology can be replicated, but trust, reliability, and the values we bring to every partnership are what truly differentiate us.
CM : What are the biggest challenges facing packaging manufacturers today?
PB : One of the biggest challenges facing the packaging industry today is the volatility in raw material prices, especially in the current global environment. Another challenge is managing sudden and unplanned delivery requirements from customers while maintaining quality and service levels. We address these challenges through careful planning, strong systems, and efficient organization across our operations. Our focus is always on staying flexible and responsive so that we can continue delivering value to our customers, even in a changing market.
CM : How can collaboration accelerate innovation in the industry?
PB : I believe collaboration can accelerate innovation,
especially when it comes to improving processes. Not every company needs to do everything themselves. The best results come when each organization focuses on what it does best and collaborates with others who have complementary strengths. Many suppliers source corrugated boards from us because of our quality and then focus on their expertise in converting and serving customers. This kind of collaboration improves efficiency, reduces costs, and creates better outcomes for everyone.
CM : What opportunities do you foresee for the Indian corrugated packaging industry?
PB : With the rapid growth of industries like e-commerce, FMCG, and the overall manufacturing landscape in India the demand for high-quality packaging solutions will continue to increase. At the same time, customers are becoming more conscious about sustainability, product protection, and branding, creating new opportunities for innovation. I believe companies that invest in technology, quality, and sustainable practices will be well-positioned to grow and create long-term value in the years ahead.
CM : Which segments are expected to generate the highest future demand?
PB : E-commerce, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, electronics, solar panels, and export-oriented industries are likely to be major growth drivers for advanced corrugated packaging.
CM : What sustainability initiatives has Shridhar undertaken?
PB : Sustainability is a core part of how we operate at Shridhar. We have installed solar panels to reduce our dependence on conventional energy sources, invested in systems that reuse steam generated in our board plant, and are gradually adopting EVs for company use. More importantly, sustainability is a mindset for us. We believe that business growth should not come at the cost of the environment. As my father often says, “For our benefit, we cannot suffocate nature.” We see it as our responsibility to leave a greener and better world for future generations.
CM : How do ethical practices contribute to stakeholder trust?
PB : Very important question. Ethics is one of the most important values in our organization, and it is something we have learned from my father. He always taught us that ethics should never be compromised for profits because, in the long run, trust is far more valuable than short-term gains. Transparency, honest communication, commitment, and doing what we promise have helped us build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, and business partners. These values have also been passed on to our children who are now decision makers at Shridhar. We firmly believe that what goes around comes around, and when you do business with integrity, trust naturally follows.
CM : How does the company encourage employee development and innovation?
PB : Our people are our biggest strength. We encourage a culture of continuous learning, open communication, and collaboration across all levels of the organization. We are open to ideas and feedback from our team because some of the best improvements come from the people who work with our processes every day. Whether it is improving productivity, quality, safety, or customer service, employees are encouraged to take initiative and contribute.
CM : How have recognitions and industry visibility contributed to growth?
PB : Over the years, we have built our reputation through a lot of hard work. Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful forms of marketing because it reflects genuine trust and satisfaction. At the same time, recognitions in industry magazines, invitations to panel discussions, and expert talks are a sign that we are making a meaningful impact on the industry. These platforms increase our visibility, and often open doors to new relationships and opportunities. In many ways, one recognition leads to another, helping us grow our reach in the industry.
CM : How important are industry forums and knowledge-sharing platforms?
PB : Industry forums play a very important role in the growth of our industry. Organizations like FCBM, ICCMA and others help members stay updated on emerging trends, new technologies, and changing market dynamics while creating opportunities to exchange ideas and build valuable relationships. These associations regularly organize conferences, technical sessions, and training programs that help both members and non-members navigate industry challenges and learn from each other’s experiences.
I believe every packaging supplier should actively participate in such platforms because they contribute not only to individual growth but also to the overall development of the industry.
CM : What future expansions or investments can stakeholders expect?
PB : While I cannot reveal too much at this stage, stakeholders can certainly expect some exciting developments in the future. What I can say is that we will continue investing in advanced technologies, improving operational efficiencies, and expanding our market reach. We have never believed in standing still, and there is definitely something big in the pipeline.
