Stewardship with Purpose: Building an Enduring Brand at JF Packaging

An Interview with Mr. K. P. David – Managing Director, JF Packaging

For over three decades, JF Packaging has evolved from a small family-owned enterprise into Sri Lanka’s most awarded name in flexible packaging. At the helm of this transformation is the Managing Director Mr. K. P. David, whose visionary stewardship has helped JF Packaging navigate economic shocks, global crisis, and technological transitions with quiet resilience. In this interview, Mr. David reflects on how JF’s legacy has been shaped not just by steady leadership, but by a deep-rooted commitment to excellence, sustainability, and national pride. 

Q1: JF Packaging has shown steady growth over the decades, even during times of crisis. From your perspective, what has enabled that resilience?

JF Packaging’s resilience is rooted in a combination of strategic foresight, operational agility, and commitment to innovation. The company’s post 2017 turnaround marked a pivotal shift, driven by a sharpened acquisition strategy that brought Alliance Five (Pvt) Limited, Kiffs (Pvt) Limited, and Ceylon Tapes (Pvt) Limited into the fold. These acquisitions not only diversified our portfolio but also created financial buffers that helped us weather economic turbulence.

Following the strategic structural enhancements implemented post 2017, the company established a robust framework for scalable operations and seamless supply chain integration. This foundation proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when we rapidly pivoted to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential FMCG packaging. Our teams adapted swiftly re-engineering workflows, securing raw materials, and implementing safety protocols to meet surging demands without compromising quality or delivery timelines.

Q2: As Managing Director, what philosophy guides your leadership and how does it influence the company’s identity today?

My leadership philosophy is shaped by a deep commitment to stewardship of both capital and culture. This has meant a disciplined focus on long-term capital stewardship, ensuring that every investment and operational decision contributes to sustainable value creation. That same ethos has guided JF Packaging’s transformation as we prepare to meet Public Company (PLC) standards.

At JF packaging, we have embedded core values like discipline, quality, and quiet innovation across all levels of the organization. These principles aren’t just aspirational, they are operational. From how we manage our production lines to how we engage with partners, they define our identity and drive our performance.

A key part of this journey has been fostering synergies across our subsidiaries. We have built collaborative frameworks that unlock shared values, while respecting and preserving the unique brand autonomy of each entity. This balance has allowed us to scale efficiently without compromising the individuality that makes each subsidiary successful.

Ultimately, our transformation is not just about meeting regulatory benchmarks, it is about building a company culture that’s resilient, forward-looking, and ready for the next chapter of growth. 

Q3: JF Packaging is Sri Lanka’s most awarded packaging company. What do these accolades mean to the company and to you personally?

For us at JF Packaging, awards have never been the destination, they are the byproduct of an innovation-first culture that values discipline, quality, and quiet excellence. Each accolade reflects the dedication of our teams and their commitment to pushing boundaries in packaging technology and sustainability.

Winning Sri Lanka’s first and only World Star President’s Award in 2019 was deeply personal. It wasn’t just a recognition of technical achievement. It was a moment of national pride, validating years of quiet innovation and resilience. That award, along with our five World Star Awards in 2019,2023 & 2024, five Asia Star Awards in 2017 & 2025, and several Lanka Star Awards since 2017 including platinum and president’s awards, collectively mark milestones in our journey and also serve as reminders of the responsibility we carry as industry leaders.

Global recognition has elevated our credibility with export partners and local clients including multinationals and conglomerates, who now see JF not just as a supplier, but as a strategic partner for new product solutions. These honours reinforce our position as Sri Lanka’s benchmark in packaging excellence and fuel our drive to keep leading the market with purpose and precision. 

Q4: What does it mean to lead a company that’s preparing for an IPO after 30+ years? What values must remain intact as it becomes a public company?

Leading JF Packaging into its IPO in 2025 is both a milestone and a moment of reflection. After more than three decades of steady growth, the timing felt right, our balance sheet is strengthened, our governance frameworks are mature, and the business has transitioned from a private entity into a scalable group company ready for broader market participation. We have built the operational depth and strategic clarity needed to engage a wider shareholder base, and we see compelling opportunities ahead in both domestic and export markets.

As we enter into this new chapter, certain values must remain non-negotiable. Governance, quality, and long-termism have always been at the heart of the company’s identity and going public will only amplify our commitment to them. The IPO is not just a financial event; it is a re-affirmation of our promise to stakeholders, both old and new.

We are focused on deleveraging and reducing financial risk, ensuring that our capital structure supports sustainable growth. At the same time, we are committed to delivering adequate returns to investors through both value appreciation and consistent dividend performance. This transition is about scaling responsibly, staying true to our principles, and building a future where JF Packaging continues to lead with integrity and purpose.

Q5: When the public sees the name JF Packaging five years from now, what do you want it to stand for?

Five years from now, I want JF Packaging to be synonymous with enduring Sri Lankan excellence that resonates globally. Our journey has always been about building quietly through innovation, trust, and resilience, not chasing headlines, but creating a lasting impact. I envision JF Packaging as a role model for responsible industry growth, showcasing that scale and sustainability can go hand in hand.

As we expand into new markets and evolve into a publicly listed company, our identity must remain rooted in the values that brought us here: discipline, quality, and stewardship. I want future generations, whether clients, employees, or investors, to see JF Packaging as a company that did not just grow but grew the right way. One that led with integrity, adapted with purpose, and delivered value without compromise.

That legacy, I hope, will be our true brand, one that stands tall not just in Sri Lanka, but across the global packaging landscape.