As sustainability reshapes global industries, Sri Lanka’s food packaging sector faces both a challenge and a unique opportunity. Leading this transformation is Dr Ali Ahlam Nawaz, Founder and CEO of Stratton Consultancies, whose 25 years of leadership across diverse sectors in Asia and the Middle East have spanned manufacturing, packaging, and sustainability. Having held senior roles in local and international entities in the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Qatar, and the UAE, Dr Nawaz has successfully driven factory set-ups, retail expansions, and cross-border market growth.

Now focused on Sri Lanka, he leverages his global expertise and local insight to champion eco-innovation, job creation, and green investment in food packaging. In this interview, Dr Nawaz shares a pragmatic vision for positioning Sri Lanka as a regional leader in sustainable packaging, outlining the steps businesses and policymakers must take to seize this emerging market.

1. What does “sustainable food packaging” mean in today’s global context?
Sustainable food packaging today goes far beyond material substitution. It is about designing systems that balance food safety, shelf life, and user convenience with environmental responsibility. Globally, this means integrating recyclable or compostable materials, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, and embedding circularity into the entire packaging life cycle, from sourcing and manufacturing to disposal and reuse. The conversation is shifting from “what packaging is made of” to “how it behaves across its life cycle,” and that is where real impact lies.

2. Why is now the right time for Sri Lanka to focus on sustainable packaging in the food industry?
Sri Lanka is at a pivotal juncture. As our food, agriculture, and tourism sectors recover and reorient towards export-driven growth, sustainability is no longer optional; it is a competitive advantage. Global buyers are increasingly aligning with partners who can demonstrate environmental responsibility across the supply chain, including packaging. By embedding sustainable practices now, we not only future-proof our exports but also build a national brand around ethical production. This is an opportunity to lead, not follow.

3. From your international experience, what sustainable practices can Sri Lanka adopt?
There are several proven practices Sri Lanka can adopt with the right strategic intent. Recyclable mono-materials, compostable trays, water-based inks, and plant-based bioplastics are already commercially viable in markets such as Malaysia and the UAE, where I have seen first-hand how such innovations became differentiators for exporters. What is key is not just importing ideas but localising them, leveraging our own agricultural by-products and natural materials to develop scalable, cost-effective solutions. With the right investment in R&D and policy alignment, these practices can be mainstreamed here.

4. What are some of the latest technologies Sri Lankan businesses should explore?
Sri Lankan businesses should be looking closely at technologies that are both environmentally progressive and commercially scalable. Edible films, biodegradable starch-based wrappers, and packaging made from bagasse, a by-product of sugarcane, are gaining global traction. Additionally, smart labelling systems using QR codes to track food safety, traceability, and even carbon footprint are becoming the new standard in responsible supply chains. These technologies are not futuristic; they are already in play in competitive markets. With targeted investment and cross-industry collaboration, they can be adapted effectively to our local context.

5. How can this improve Sri Lanka’s food exports and market competitiveness?
Global buyers today do not just assess the product; they scrutinise the entire value chain, and packaging is a critical part of that equation. Meeting sustainability standards set by regions such as the EU, UK, and Asia-Pacific is now a prerequisite for market access. Beyond compliance, sustainable packaging adds tangible value; it extends shelf life, reduces spoilage during transit, and signals a brand’s commitment to responsible practices. For Sri Lanka, this is a strategic lever to reposition our exports as premium, future-ready, and globally aligned.

6. How does packaging connect to tourism growth?
Packaging is an often-overlooked touchpoint in the tourism experience. As eco-conscious travel gains momentum, tourists are increasingly mindful of the sustainability story behind the products they consume, be it food, crafts, or wellness goods. Sustainable packaging reinforces Sri Lanka’s image as a responsible destination. It allows us to tell a more authentic story, one that aligns natural beauty with ethical practices. When done right, it enhances the visitor experience and strengthens our positioning as a country that does not just welcome the world but respects it.

7. How does it contribute to ESG and global compliance?
Sustainable packaging directly supports all three pillars of ESG. Environmentally, it reduces carbon emissions, plastic waste, and reliance on non-renewables. Socially, it promotes safer, healthier consumer products and often enables inclusive supply chains. From a governance perspective, it reflects transparency and forward-thinking risk management, qualities that global investors and buyers actively seek. For businesses in emerging markets like Sri Lanka, aligning packaging with ESG benchmarks is not just about compliance; it is about signalling readiness for international partnerships and sustainable capital flows.

8. What is your advice to local manufacturers exploring this sector?
My advice is to begin pragmatically: start lean and focus on achievable steps rather than waiting for ideal conditions. Partner with experienced experts who understand global trends and can help navigate technical and regulatory complexities. Most importantly, invest in building resilient local supply chains that leverage Sri Lanka’s unique resources. The market for sustainable packaging is expanding rapidly, and those who move early will set the standards and capture the opportunities.

9. What support is needed from the government and industry?
To accelerate sustainable packaging adoption, targeted support is essential. This includes streamlined regulatory approvals for green technologies and the establishment of a national green certification system to build trust and transparency. Additionally, dedicated grants for local R&D will empower innovation tailored to Sri Lanka’s unique context. A collaborative public-private task force could drive coordinated action and scale impact across sectors. Together, these measures can create an enabling environment for sustainable growth.

10. How can sustainable packaging solutions create jobs and opportunities for Sri Lankan SMEs?
Sustainable packaging presents a significant growth opportunity for Sri Lanka’s SME sector. By harnessing bio-waste conversion, eco-friendly printing, specialised logistics, and branding services, SMEs can become vital players in a new green economy. With strong leadership and strategic execution, this sector has the potential to generate thousands of jobs and foster hundreds of innovative small businesses. It is more than just economic growth; it is about building a resilient, future ready industry that benefits the entire nation.

11. Can agricultural or food waste be converted into packaging material in Sri Lanka?
Absolutely. Sri Lanka is rich in raw materials like banana fibre, coconut husk, rice husk, and sugarcane bagasse, all of which can be transformed into sustainable packaging solutions. The opportunity is clear; what is needed now is focused industrial leadership and investment to develop scalable processes that turn these abundant resources into commercially viable products. With the right approach, Sri Lanka can build a circular economy rooted in its own natural assets.

12. What is the potential of using recycled plastic in food packaging?
Food-grade recycled plastics such as rPET and HDPE offer strong potential for safe reuse in packaging, aligning with circular economy goals. However, realising this potential depends on establishing robust recycling infrastructure, clear certification standards, and building consumer confidence. It is a complex ecosystem, but with coordinated effort, recycled plastics can significantly reduce reliance on virgin materials while maintaining food safety and quality.

13. Looking ahead, what should be Sri Lanka’s priority to advance sustainable packaging?
The priority must be creating an enabling environment where innovation thrives, from supportive policies to access to finance and market incentives. Education and capacity-building across the value chain are equally important to ensure adoption at scale. Sri Lanka has the ingredients to lead, but it needs coordinated efforts that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. This holistic approach will make sustainable packaging a driver of long-term competitiveness and resilience.