SRINAGAR: The Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) has emphasised the need for customised packaging as a key factor in enhancing the export potential of Kashmir’s renowned hand-made products. The institute has urged business stakeholders to adopt unique packaging designs developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar, to increase sales.
Recognising the niche markets that Kashmir crafts cater to, IICT and NIFT have jointly created innovative packaging solutions for Geographical Indication (GI) registered crafts, including papier mâché, shawls, tweed, khatamband, and carpets.
In a statement issued today, Director IICT, Zubair Ahmad, highlighted the significance of packaging in elevating the market presence of Kashmir’s handicrafts internationally. He underscored the need for artistic packaging to enhance the unboxing experience and raise the market value of these products.
He called on business stakeholders in the Kashmir arts sector to visit the IICT campus in Nowshera to assess the packaging prototypes firsthand and integrate them into their offerings. “A Kani shawl priced at over Rs 2 lakh deserves aesthetic packaging that serves as the icing on the cake,” he remarked, while stressing the importance of affordable yet innovative packaging to compete globally.
Ahmad further revealed that IICT has developed 36 box prototypes across five crafts, focusing on different packaging materials, vendor listings, prototype dimensions, and costing details.
