In a significant stride toward advancing Sri Lanka's presence in international markets, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has partnered with the Department of Integrated Design at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa (UoM) to launch an Innovative Packaging program tailored for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This collaborative effort, targeting SME companies, recently concluded with a showcase at the Design Code 2023 event, marking a pivotal moment for Sri Lankan exporters.

The initiative began with a call for applications that attracted interest from SME companies. Following a rigorous selection process, the collaboration between EDB and UoM focused on identifying and supporting SME exporters dealing with Fruits, Nuts & Vegetables exporters, aiming to provide them with innovative packaging solutions tailored for the European Market.

Seven dedicated student teams, appointed by the University of Moratuwa, worked collaboratively with the selected SMEs, to develop packaging solutions perfectly suit for the unique demands of the European market. The emphasis was not only on aesthetics but also on functionality and compliance with international standards.

Over several months, numerous sessions and workshops were conducted jointly at the EDB and the University of Moratuwa. These sessions facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas, ensuring that the final packaging solutions were not only innovative but also aligned with the specific requirements of the European market.

The culmination of this program took place at the Design Code 2023 event, where the students of University of Moratuwa presented the developed packaging solutions. The four-day event provided a platform for SMEs to witness the unveiling of their enhanced packaging designs, fostering a collaborative environment and knowledge exchange.

This strategic collaboration between the EDB and the University of Moratuwa signifies a concerted effort to boost the competitiveness of Sri Lankan SMEs in international markets. By leveraging academic expertise and industry insights, the program not only enhances the packaging capabilities of participated SMEs but also positions Sri Lanka as a hub for innovative and sustainable packaging practices. As these SMEs take their enhanced packaging solutions to the global stage, the impact of this collaborative initiative is anticipated to resonate in the international business arena.