Tag: Authored Article

In an article for Packaging South Asia, Thimmiah Napanda, Managing Director & CEO, Alternicq, highlighted how geopolitical disruptions and volatile crude-linked resin prices are reshaping India’s packaging sector. He noted that companies are moving beyond cost efficiency towards resilience, supply security and strategic sourcing. Inventory management and long-term supplier partnerships have become critical to ensuring business continuity. As uncertainty persists, resilience—not just cost optimisation—is emerging as the new competitive advantage.

May 2026

Thimmiah Napanda, Managing Director & CEO, Alternicq, highlighted that the current volatility in crude-linked resin prices is driving a structural shift in the packaging industry. He noted that companies are moving beyond cost efficiency towards resilience, strategic sourcing and stronger supplier partnerships. As supply security takes precedence, inventory management and long-term relationships are emerging as key competitive advantages. In this new environment, resilience and continuity are becoming as important as cost optimisation.

From Cost Efficiency to Survival

Thimmiah Napanda, Managing Director & CEO, Alternicq, highlighted that crude prices above $100 per barrel have triggered a structural reset across the packaging value chain. He noted that the industry is shifting from cost-led procurement to continuity-led supply strategies, with inventory buffers and long-term supplier relationships becoming critical. Napanda emphasized that scale, financial strength and strategic partnerships are emerging as key differentiators amid volatility. He also expects the current environment to accelerate consolidation, favouring organised players capable of ensuring supply continuity and managing uncertainty effectively.

Oil Shock, the Last (Plastic) Straw? (Print)

Thimmiah Napanda, Managing Director & CEO, Alternicq, highlighted that crude prices above $100 per barrel have fundamentally altered packaging supply chain dynamics, shifting the focus from cost efficiency to supply continuity. He noted that companies are building higher inventory buffers and strengthening long-term supplier partnerships to navigate raw material volatility and allocation uncertainties. Napanda believes the current environment will accelerate consolidation, favouring larger, integrated players with the scale and financial strength to ensure uninterrupted supply. In the long term, reliability, resilience and strategic relationships will emerge as the defining competitive advantages for the packaging industry.

Crude at $100: Packaging costs surge, supply chains reset