Pakistan’s printing and packaging industry plays a vital role in the national economy, supplying key sectors such as food and textiles and providing substantial employment. However, limited domestic production capacity has resulted in heavy reliance on imported raw materials and equipment. This dependence exposes the industry to price volatility and supply chain disruptions, constraining innovation and productivity growth. Strengthening productivity through improved resource efficiency is therefore essential to enhance competitiveness and foster sustainable industrial development.

In response, the APO Secretariat and the National Productivity Organization, Pakistan, implemented the Development of Demonstration Companies (DMP) project titled Productivity Enhancement through Resource Efficiency in the Printing and Packaging Industry from December 2024 to January 2026 in Lahore, Pakistan. Six companies under the Pakistan Association of Printing and Graphic Arts Industry participated and were guided by two resource persons from Malaysia and one from Pakistan. The project aimed to establish model enterprises demonstrating how practical productivity tools can enhance resource efficiency and overall performance for wider industry replication.

By applying methodologies such as gemba kaizen, 5S, total productive maintenance, and single-minute exchange of die, the participating companies institutionalized systematic productivity practices. Significant improvements were achieved in machine utilization and workplace organization, generating projected annual cost savings exceeding USD56,000.00. Digital dashboards further strengthened real-time performance monitoring and data-driven decision-making. A hybrid conference was held on 23 January 2026 to share the project insights, attracting approximately 130 participants. The project demonstrates that resource efficiency is a practical pathway to sustainable productivity improvement and long-term industrial resilience.