Prof. B.K. Karna
Prof. Karna Braj Kumar
Nearly forty years in packaging technology, education, consultancy and research
- Packaging technologist
- International consultant
- Academician
- Researcher
- Social leader
"Packaging is not merely a container; it is a technology that protects products, preserves value, enables logistics, supports sustainability and creates market opportunities."
Prof. B.K. Karna
- Experience40 yearsIn packaging and allied disciplines
- IIP1987 to 2013Indian Institute of Packaging
- Founded PCRI22 Feb 2012Hyderabad
- QualificationPh.D. in PackagingWith an MBA and an M.Sc.
- Published31 articlesPlus four books in preparation
Professional Journey
From the Indian Institute of Packaging to founding PCRI in 2012.
The start of a twenty-six year association with India's national packaging institute.
Heads the Hyderabad centre: education, testing, consultancy and UN packaging certification.
An independent institute built to do testing, training, consultancy and audit under one roof.
A community of packaging professionals, students and industry leaders across many countries.
Qualifications
An academic foundation spanning packaging technology, management and environmental science.
A multidisciplinary packaging specialist: Technology + Business + Environment + Research + Industry
International Experience
Consultancy assignments for international organisations and industries.
Packaging advisor to the fresh-flower sector, on packaging-related development and value addition.
Packaging consultancy and advisory services provided to NBCC.
Technical consultancy and advisory support to the corrugation industry.
Non-timber forest products, handicrafts and rural products: packaging for protection and marketability.
Academic Contribution
A consistent commitment to packaging education and to sharing what industry knows with the classroom.
- Visiting faculty, IIT Roorkee
- Founder advisor for an M.Tech packaging programme
- Visiting faculty and resource person at 50+ colleges
- Invited speaker at national and international forums
- Industry and academic interaction
- UN packaging certification work
Research and Publications
Including a published work on the Indian packaging profile for fresh flowers.
- Shelf-life analysis
- Packaging performance
- Food packaging
- Pharmaceutical packaging
- Cosmetic packaging
- Fresh-flower packaging
- Sustainable packaging
- Corrugated packaging
- Handicraft packaging
- Non-timber forest product packaging
Areas of Expertise
Prof. Karna's work covers the full range of packaging materials, sectors and applications.
- Packaging technology
- Packaging testing and evaluation
- Packaging consultancy
- Packaging audit
- Packaging research and development
- Shelf-life analysis
- Food and FMCG packaging
- Pharmaceutical packaging
- Cosmetic packaging
- Corrugated packaging
- Fresh-flower packaging
- Export packaging
- Sustainable and environmental packaging
- Handicraft and NTFP packaging
- Packaging education and training
Rotary International
A Rotarian, a past president and a Rotary Global Champion. Community work has run alongside the professional career throughout.
Social initiatives at home
Founder of social organisations including KKM and KDKS, focused on community engagement and development in the Mithila region of Bihar, where he is from.
Consult Prof. Karna and the PCRI Team
Consultancy, an audit, an expert visit or a conversation about a programme for your team.