Research Article
An Assessment of Challenges, Import Substitution Potential, and Process Wastage in the Flexible Food and Beverage Packaging Industry of Ethiopia
Samuel Tesfahun*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
25-31
Received:
12 June 2026
Accepted:
1 July 2026
Published:
22 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajmie.20261102.11
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Abstract: The flexible food and beverage packaging industry plays a vital role in supporting agro-processing, manufacturing efficiency, and product safety. In Ethiopia, growing demand for flexible packaging has been accompanied by high dependency on imported finished and semi-finished packaging materials, despite the presence of domestic manufacturing capacity. This study assesses the challenges, process wastage levels, and import substitution potential of the flexible food and beverage packaging industry in Ethiopia. A descriptive and analytical research design was employed, using quantitative data supported by limited qualitative observations. Primary data were collected from eight selected flexible packaging manufacturing industries through direct measurement of material inputs, production outputs, and wastage at key production stages, including printing, lamination, slitting, and bag-making. Secondary data were obtained from company records, industry benchmarks, and Customs Commission import statistics. Input-output ratios and percentage wastage were calculated to evaluate production efficiency and loss levels. The findings reveal that Ethiopian flexible packaging manufacturers experience high average process wastage of approximately 16.7%, with the largest losses occurring during the slitting (cut-off) process, followed by printing and bag-making stages. These wastage levels exceed global industry benchmarks, increasing production costs and reducing competitiveness. The study also shows that, in 2024, Ethiopia consumed approximately 10,890 tons of flexible packaging materials, of which a significant share was imported. However, if local industries operated at around 60% of their installed capacity, domestic production could reach up to 14,000 tons per year, fully covering national demand. The study concludes that Ethiopia's flexible packaging industry has strong import substitution potential, but its performance is constrained by raw material shortages, foreign currency limitations, high process losses, technological gaps, and skills shortages. Addressing these challenges through policy support, efficiency improvement, and quality enhancement could significantly strengthen domestic supply capacity and reduce reliance on imports.
Abstract: The flexible food and beverage packaging industry plays a vital role in supporting agro-processing, manufacturing efficiency, and product safety. In Ethiopia, growing demand for flexible packaging has been accompanied by high dependency on imported finished and semi-finished packaging materials, despite the presence of domestic manufacturing capaci...
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Research Article
Adaptation and On-farm Evaluation of Tractor-Operated Teff Thresher
Wasihun Mitiku*,
Anane Gemada,
Rabira Wirtu,
Husen Bona
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
32-37
Received:
12 June 2026
Accepted:
1 July 2026
Published:
22 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajmie.20261102.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study evaluates the performance of the BAERC model tractor PTO-operated teff thresher under varying operating conditions, specifically feed rate and threshing drum speed. The experiment was conducted using three levels of feed rate (22, 26, and 30 kg/min) and three drum speeds (700, 750, and 800 rpm). Key performance indicators, including threshing efficiency, cleaning efficiency, and seed loss percentage, were measured and analyzed using factorial ANOVA. Results indicated that both feed rate and drum speed had significant effects (p < 0.05) on threshing efficiency, while cleaning efficiency was significantly influenced by feed rate alone. The maximum threshing capacity of the machine was 553.57 kg/hr, which was obtained at maximum RPM (800) and 30 kg/min feed rate. The highest threshing efficiency (99.65%) was achieved at 800 rpm and 22 kg/min, while the cleaning efficiency decreased with increasing feed rate, particularly at lower drum speeds. Minimum seed losses were recorded at 750 rpm. The findings suggest that optimal machine performance can be achieved at moderate feed rates of 26 kg/min and drum speeds of 750 rpm, 458.4kg/hr. The grain straw ratio 1: 1.26. This study concludes that the BAERC teff thresher is technically suitable for smallholder farming systems in Ethiopia, offering a balanced trade-off between grain quality, efficiency, and throughput.
Abstract: This study evaluates the performance of the BAERC model tractor PTO-operated teff thresher under varying operating conditions, specifically feed rate and threshing drum speed. The experiment was conducted using three levels of feed rate (22, 26, and 30 kg/min) and three drum speeds (700, 750, and 800 rpm). Key performance indicators, including thre...
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