ALFT Packaging, a dynamic presence in the flexible packaging industry, has garnered impressive recognition in a mere five years. Powered by an unwavering dedication to global standards and innovation, the company has established a cutting-edge facility in Sri Lanka and its distinctive approach and commitment to quality have earned them prestigious accolades, including the Asian Packaging Excellence Award and BRC ‘AA’ certification. In this interview, Lakshman De Fonseka, Chairman of ALFT Packaging, provides valuable insights into the company’s culture of innovation. He also discusses how ALFT Packaging is assisting businesses in reshaping their strategies through agile packaging solutions that prioritize technology, quality, and sustainability.
Can you walk us through the company’s journey since its founding and the pivotal moments that have led to this significant recognition at the Asian Packaging Excellence Awards?
We have oriented our goals and aspirations towards achieving the highest global standards rather than solely catering to local market demands. This strategic approach has allowed us to redefine the market and attract clients who demand exceptional quality. As a testament to this philosophy, we successfully built the most advanced flexible packaging facility in Sri Lanka within five years.
This state-of-the-art complex spans an impressive 200,000 square feet and adheres to impeccable Japanese standards. It is equipped with cutting-edge European machinery and features various specialized areas, including temperature-controlled stores, a solvent storage facility with direct underground access to the factory, an ink kitchen, and an in-house prepress facility. Additionally, we are the sole BRC ‘AA’-certified flexible packaging facility in the country.
Quality has remained at the core of every technological advancement we’ve undertaken over the past five years, regardless of whether the local market was fully prepared for these innovations. Our rapid growth has been made possible by embracing changes that are not merely incremental but rather exponential. Consequently, we find ourselves in a position to define the industry standards in our country today.
What, in your opinion, are the secrets behind the company’s successes, and how have you cultivated a culture of innovation within the organization?
Our manufacturing competence often leaves visitors to our facility pleasantly surprised. Many assume what we’ve accomplished is exceptionally challenging or nearly impossible in Sri Lanka, but we’ve proven otherwise. Our guiding principles are rooted in our core values, anchored by the belief that continuous learning leads to enhanced performance and that innovation thrives when we embed ongoing exposure and learning into our operational framework.
Our team has undergone training in Japan and consistently collaborates with European experts and international clients. This strategic approach has elevated our standards of delivery to remarkable heights. As a result, we have attained global certifications and been honoured with prestigious awards for our achievements.
Given the current economic crisis, many industries are grappling with the need to reinvent themselves. How is ALFT Packaging aiding other businesses in navigating this challenging landscape with your packaging solutions?
Packaging represents a crucial yet often overlooked marketing asset. Given the escalating marketing costs, it becomes increasingly prudent to explore how packaging can serve as a means of genuine differentiation and enhanced brand engagement. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we made our most substantial investment in technology, empowering marketing teams with a higher level of packaging innovation.
Today, a growing number of brands recognize the inherent value of packaging and are actively collaborating with us to develop agile packaging solutions adaptable to seasonal variations: this is just one avenue of exploration; we have the capacity to generate multiple iterations of the same packaging, facilitate two-way communication for brands, and offer swift-to-market strategies for new product developments (NPDs). In essence, we are paving the way for brands to leverage their packaging as a dynamic tool for brand differentiation and engagement in a market where standing out is more critical than ever.
What sets ALFT Packaging apart from other players in the industry, especially in terms of technology, quality, and sustainability?
We offer our clients significant opportunities to optimize their packaging solutions. Our technology, complemented by an in-house prepress facility, empowers marketing teams to be highly adaptable. It’s worth noting that many potential clients may not be fully aware of recent advancements in the industry, and thus, their packaging needs may be somewhat limited. However, given our commitment to stay at the forefront of the latest developments, we are exceptionally well-equipped to provide robust support to marketing efforts compared to most other providers.
Furthermore, we take pride in being the sole BRC ‘AA’-certified flexible packaging facility in the country. In the era of social media scrutiny, especially in food packaging and contamination, there is absolutely no room for error. Therefore, we are purpose-built and hold the highest certification to ensure unwavering safety and hygiene standards in our packaging processes.
As a responsible facility, we are acutely aware of the importance of maximizing technology to reduce energy consumption and minimize waste, deploying intelligent monitoring systems across every aspect of our operations for enhanced efficiencies. Additionally, we are actively collaborating with our clients to develop greener packaging solutions that maintain functionality without compromising sustainability.
What plans does ALFT Packaging have for growth, technological advancements, and expanding its footprint in the global market?
Over the next five years, our primary goal is to enhance our current business operations and delve into opportunities by catering to the packaging requirements of small businesses. We aim to broaden our range of solutions beyond flexible packaging, incorporating additional offerings. The key distinction lies in our commitment to pursuing these endeavours at the pinnacle of technical excellence and our aspiration to provide globally competitive solutions consistently.