Stressing upon customized packaging as a major prerequisite to boost overseas exports of exquisite hand-made Kashmir products, the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), today urged the business stakeholders to adopt unique packaging designs created in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar, to boost sales.
Keeping in view the niche markets Kashmir crafts cater to, IICT & NIFT together have developed innovative packaging in GI registered crafts of papier mache, shawl, tweed, khatamband and carpet.
In a statement issued here today, Director IICT, Zubair Ahmad, described packaging as an inseparable part of the famed Kashmir handicrafts, which facilitates its foray into international markets in a big way. “Time has come for artistic packaging to create a unique unboxing experience of the famed arts of Kashmir and boost its market value,” he stated.
Director IICT called upon business stakeholders associated with Kashmir Arts to carry out firsthand appraisal at its Nowshera campus and adopt various packaging prototypes developed, catering to the market needs. “Kani shawl costing upwards of ₹. 2.00 lakh deserves aesthetic packaging which works like an icing on the cake,” he added, while stressing upon innovative and affordable packaging to compete in international markets.
He further stated that IICT has so far developed 36 box prototypes in 05 crafts with focus on different types of packaging material, list of vendors prototype dimensions and costing details.
