WhatPackaging? - Latest Articles

Multivac bridges the technology gap for Indian dairy processors

Rahul Kumar — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:00:00

Multivac is repositioning itself in the Indian market as more than a packaging specialist, offering integrated processing solutions designed to move local businesses toward industrial-scale efficiency. At Anuga FoodTec India 2026, the company highlighted its industrial slicer portfolio, emphasizing how European technology can be adapted to meet the specific requirements of Indian food brands.

"We have about 100 people here in India in different hubs for sales and service," says Holger Wörth, an industry expert at Multivac. "We also have a production factory here in India and three daughter companies. So, we are very much present in the Indian market." This local infrastructure supports a diverse range of equipment, from the Professional series, cutting at 250-sph, to high-performance lines reaching 2,000-sph.

A critical challenge for Indian dairy processors is the transition from manual block-cutting to precise retail portioning. Wörth notes that the "wedding" between slicing and packaging is essential for profitability. "What you always need is a grinding machine," Wörth says, highlighting a common operational hurdle. "Nearly no slicer works without a grinding machine. If you give it to some other company normally, it's more expensive. Instead, you should use your own grinding system."

For Indian businesses looking to reduce "give-away"—the overfilling of packs to ensure weight compliance—Multivac integrates weighing and scanning technology. This ensures that even with uneven cheese blocks, every pack reaches the exact target weight, such as a 200-gram retail standard.

The company also addresses the "bridge" between processing and final containment through various loading options. While manual loading remains common, the firm is introducing automated belt and robotic loading to the region. "The most flexible way is the robot," Wörth explains. "It is a stainless steel robot, very hygienic, and it can be used for many things."

Beyond hardware, the company focuses on the total cost of ownership for Indian enterprises. By providing modular systems and local technical support, Multivac enables indigenous brands to adopt technologies like interleaving—placing film or paper between slices—and Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) to extend shelf life for the growing modern retail and export segments.

Smarter filling tech is helping beverage brands unlock scale

Rahul Kumar — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:30:28

The true litmus test for homegrown beverage brands is no longer just unique flavour profiles— it is the engineering grit required to scale from 50-lakh to 20-million bottles. At drink technology Delhi 2026, the consensus among industry leaders was clear: the shift from global hydration standards to indigenous roots is powered by sophisticated filling and sterilisation tech. These technical leaps allow brands to ditch chemical preservatives, finally meeting the consumer’s demand for a "clean label" without sacrificing shelf stability.

Engineering the shelf life
The journey from factory to fridge begins with a fundamental struggle: achieving stability without additives. Saurabh Munjal, co-founder and chief executive officer of Archian Foods (Lahori Zeera), says that to secure the necessary shelf life, brands must lean on advanced sterilisation methods like heat-filling and UHT processing. Adapted from the dairy industry and tetrapack systems, these processes heat the liquid to eradicate bacteria before sealing it in a package that prevents any foreign particle ingress. This integrity is what allows a brand to deliver a consistent product across India’s vast geography without relying on synthetic stabilisers.

Munjal notes that while his brand acted as a category creator, the hurdle today is becoming a category leader: a goal that demands massive production capabilities. The company currently packages 10-million bottles every day, yet remains sold out. He suggests that a capacity of 20-million bottles would have been necessary to fully service the market appetite and fend off the multinational corporations (MNCs) now eyeing the ethnic beverage space. To manage this volume, brands are moving toward decentralised manufacturing, strategically placing units in regions like Karnataka to ensure logistics prevail over geographic distance.

The economics of the bottle
Packaging decisions are the ultimate driver of a brand's financial macros. Munjal explains that for mass-market products, general trade remains the powerhouse, with roughly 70% of Indian beverages sold through mom-and-pop stores. Because liquids are heavy and logistics are intensive, trying to build a beverage giant purely via e-commerce is an "illogical" pursuit due to lopsided customer acquisition costs. The physical bottle must earn its keep on a shelf in a high-cost retail environment, making the choice of substrate and barrier levels a make-or-break decision for the bottom line.

This physical reality dictates capital management. Shivam Ginglani, founder and chief executive officer of Ginglani Distillers, says the most grueling part of the business is the constant rotation of capital, especially when breaking into new markets. This is further squeezed by regulatory "hard facts," such as the 40% GST on carbonated drinks. Such tax brackets—vastly higher than the 5% seen in confectionery— force brands to build lean, mean business models starting from the manufacturing floor.

Strategic retail and trial
The distinctiveness of an Indian flavour like Zeera gives local brands a winning edge during the consumer trial phase, provided the packaging and price point hit the mark. Ajai Thandi, co-founder of Sleepy Owl, says his brand has pivoted toward financial independence and tighter credit controls to ensure growth isn't strangled by debt. He argues that even as a brand matures, a "beginner’s mindset" is vital to solving the creative and technical puzzles of the supply chain.

Ultimately, the rise of the indigenous beverage is a battle of production efficiency. While MNCs might undercut prices with "sugar-free" versions—which are actually cheaper to manufacture—homegrown players are betting on high-quality, technically sound packaging to deliver authenticity at scale. Munjal’s goal is to build something India can be proud of on a global stage, ensuring that the next generation reaches for an Indian version of a classic beverage rather than a foreign-branded cola.

Manufacturing Profile: Scaling the Indian Sip

The transition from 5-million to 20-million bottle capacity is the definitive threshold for category leadership in India. Achieving this scale requires a pivot to UHT and heat-filling systems to ensure product integrity in a supply chain where 70% of sales are through traditional general trade. This technical prowess must be balanced against a 40% GST on carbonated products, making packaging durability and shelf-stability the primary drivers of financial survival.

Decarbonising India’s beverage supply chain

Rahul Kumar — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:41:07

The transition toward a circular economy in the Indian beverage sector is no longer a peripheral corporate social responsibility concern but a core driver of business resilience. As the industry grapples with complex supply chains and cost pressures, leaders from across the ecosystem identify hidden emission pockets and the shift from "paper-based" goals to ground-level execution.

Identifying the hidden carbon load
While packaging often dominates the sustainability narrative, substantial emissions reside in less visible segments of the value chain. Amar Shrivastava, co-founder of Orrchid Brews, identifies refrigeration as a primary, yet underestimated, contributor to the carbon footprint. For some companies, cooling and fermentation account for 50% of total costs. Shrivastava highlights the impact of refrigerant leakages, noting that while carbon dioxide has a calibration value of one, R22 gas possesses an emission value of 1,830, making leak detection critical for climate goals.

Beyond cooling, the weight of packaging material directly dictates transportation emissions. A standard 330-ml beer bottle weighs approximately 250 g, meaning one litre of product requires 750 g of glass. This high packaging-to-product ratio increases fuel consumption during both initial delivery and reverse logistics for recycling. To mitigate this, Shrivastava suggests the use of stainless steel kegs in 20-, 30-, or 50-litre capacities as an effective method to reduce packaging waste and transportation intensity.

The infrastructure gap in circularity
The beverage industry faces a significant disparity between the recyclability of materials and the actual recovery rates in remote geographies. Vidya Bhooshan, regional CSR head for North India at Bisleri International, explains that while PET is considered "gold" in the recycling industry due to its high value, the economics of collection often fail in rural or hilly areas. High reverse-logistics costs frequently prevent scrap dealers from transporting low-value plastics to urban processing centres. Bhooshan advocates for decentralised recycling infrastructure within a 100-km to 200-km radius of consumption points to bridge this gap.

Regulatory mandates are currently driving the adoption of recycled content. Indian brands are now required to incorporate 30% recycled material in packaging, a figure set to rise to 40%. Vinay Henry, senior manager of sustainability for India and Southwest Asia at The Coca Cola Company, reports that approximately 3.5-lakh tonnes of food-grade recycling infrastructure is currently ready for commercialisation in India, with expectations to reach 6-lakh tonnes by the first quarter of 2027. However, the primary challenge remains the informal and fragmented nature of the collection ecosystem, which currently directs 80% to 85% of collected PET toward the textile industry rather than back into bottle-to-bottle loops.

Building sustainability into the business model
For sustainability to become a competitive advantage, it must be "inbuilt" rather than treated as an add-on expense. Manish Parmar, vice president of supply chain at Country Delight, argues that localising procurement can drastically reduce Scope 3 emissions. By limiting the sourcing radius to 50–150 km from processing plants—compared to the industry standard of 500–800 km—the company avoids approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Operational timing also plays a role in emission reduction. Delivering products between 05:00 and 07:00 allows vehicles to avoid traffic congestion, increasing two-wheeler fuel efficiency from 35–37 km/l to 45–50 km/l. Parmar notes that these efficiencies, combined with internal "Kaizen" programmes for water and energy reduction, have helped the business lower resource consumption by 15% to 20%.

Consumer psychology and the premium trap
A common industry concern is the cost-sensitivity of the Indian market, yet data suggests a shift in consumer willingness to pay for sustainable brands. A survey cited by Shrivastava indicates that 73% of Indian consumers are willing to pay a "little premium" for sustainability, provided the brand delivers clear value. However, the panellists agree that consumers should not be charged for a company's operational inefficiencies.

The industry is also evolving its social footprint by focusing on stakeholder welfare as a "performance multiplier". This includes offering 3% to 6% price premiums to farmers for "gold standard" raw materials and increasing diversity within the supply chain. At Country Delight, women’s representation in the supply chain coordination function has reached 50%, while the employment of persons with disabilities has grown to include over 30 individuals in the past year.

Key Focus Areas for Decarbonisation:
Refrigeration: Transitioning from R22/R134a to hydrocarbon-based, HFC-free cooling systems.
Packaging: Lightweighting glass and PET while increasing the use of 20-litre refillable containers.
Logistics: Optimising route planning and adopting EVs for "last-mile" urban delivery.
Sourcing: Implementing drip irrigation and high-density cultivation programmes for ingredients like sugar and mango.
Waste Management: Developing decentralised collection hubs to support the 40% recycled-content mandate.

Circular or chaos? Beverage packaging at crossroads

Rahul Kumar — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:53:02

The panel discussion Circular or Chaos? Reinventing India's Beverage Packaging Playbook, held on 23 April at drink technology Delhi 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, brought together founders and senior industry executives to examine the state of sustainable packaging. Moderated by Garima Shahi, ESG consultant, the session surfaced a consensus that policy frameworks are advancing faster than the systems needed to execute them.

A hybrid, not a circular, economy
Jaywantjit Singh, founder and director of Oasis Beverages, described India's current position as neither linear nor circular, but hybrid. EPR rules are robust on paper, he argued, but inconsistently enforced on the ground, with much of the country's recycling infrastructure still driven by informal rag-pickers rather than formalised collection systems. He drew a pointed contrast with the GST rollout — binary in enforcement from day one — and estimated that meaningful circularity was at least three to four years away.

No universal material
Ayan Chattopadhyay, senior manager – filling and packing at Nestle, addressed the recurring debate around which packaging material is most sustainable. His answer was unambiguous: there is none. Glass carries a high carbon footprint in both production and transportation despite its recyclability. Paper, while compostable, requires sourcing from responsibly managed forests and presents durability challenges. Plastics such as PP are lightweight with lower transport emissions, but their global recycling rate remains low and the necessary collection infrastructure is absent across much of India.

He pointed to digital tools — industrial internet of things (IIoT) sensors, digital twins, AI-based cameras for anomaly detection, and blockchain for traceability — as practical ways manufacturers can reduce waste and manage costs while working within whatever material constraints apply.

Stainless steel and the green premium
Mayukh Hazarika, founder and chief executive of Raincheck Earth, offered the panel's most unconventional case study. His brand packages gin in stainless steel flasks fitted with an integrated jigger — a 30-ml measure built into the cap. “The moment you say, 'buy us because we are sustainable,' it is the weakest argument,” he said. His view was that sustainability should be evident rather than advertised, and that greenwashing — positioning a product primarily on environmental credentials — undermines perceived product quality.

On cost, he was direct: The green premium must be passed to the customer. His brand carries a 30% export market, which provides additional commercial headroom that purely domestic brands may not have.

Price still trumps sustainability at scale
The panel's sharpest challenge to sustainability advocates came from Nitesh Singh, chief executive and founder of Blue Tea. For the large majority of Indian consumers, he argues, price determines purchase decisions, not packaging. He cited India's per capita income of below USD 3,000 against more than USD 90,000 in the United States as the structural reason sustainability cannot be a mass-market driver in the near term.

He referenced fast fashion brand Snitch reaching INR 1,000-crore in revenue without any sustainability positioning as evidence of how large a segment of the market remains indifferent to environmental claims.

Jaywantjit Singh reinforced the point: Coca-Cola sells certain products in India at INR 10, the same price as glass bottles 30 years ago, while the equivalent retails at INR 60–80 in the United Arab Emirates. Both agreed that mass-market sustainability in India will require policy enforcement rather than consumer preference as the primary lever.

Shahi closed the session by drawing together the main threads: technology as an enabler, clear business strategy, and precise knowledge of the target consumer as the three conditions that make circularity commercially viable rather than merely aspirational.

The panel was held on 23 April 2026 at drink technology Delhi, co-located with IFAT Delhi at Hall 6, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

ProductWatch: PrintMach LiquiPAX x Irundin

Jiya Somaiya — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:30:00

PrintMach LiquiPAX has entered into a joint venture with Irundin, Spain’s number one bottling line manufacturer. This partnership brings over 40 years of European engineering excellence to the Indian subcontinent, combining global manufacturing precision with strong local execution.

Under this exclusive joint venture, PrintMach LiquiPAX will lead market development, sales, and service across India and neighbouring regions, while all systems will be designed and manufactured by Irundin in Spain. This ensures Indian manufacturers gain access to globally proven technology backed by local support and long-term commitment.

Launched in India in March 2026, the PM x Irundin high-speed filling system is engineered for the rapidly evolving beverage, spirits, and edible oil sectors. Capable of processing up to 800 bottles per minute (48,000 BPH), the system enables manufacturers to transition from semi-automated operations to fully integrated, high-volume production with precision and reliability.

At its core, the system is built to maximise overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) — delivering consistent uptime, stable performance, and predictable output. Advanced filling systems using slight depression and electronic flow meter technology ensure precise volume control, eliminating overfilling and reducing product loss — directly protecting margins in a cost-sensitive manufacturing environment.

Speed alone is no longer enough; agility defines competitiveness. The integrated QuickChange technology enables tool-free, rapid transitions between different bottle formats, allowing manufacturers to adapt production lines in minutes, not hours. This capability is critical in a market where product diversity and responsiveness drive growth.

Hygiene and compliance are integral to the system’s design. The CleanFlow Pro architecture, along with advanced CIP and SIP systems, meets stringent FSSAI standards while reducing water consumption by up to 40%.

For export-driven categories such as wine and juice, the O² Control technology extends product shelf life without the need for chemical preservatives—supporting both quality and sustainability goals.

Reliability is further elevated through Data Stream, an IoT-enabled predictive maintenance platform that continuously monitors equipment health and identifies potential issues before they impact production. For manufacturers operating in remote industrial hubs, this ensures uninterrupted 24/7 performance and reduces dependency on reactive maintenance models.

Built to European standards, the system emphasises durability, sustainability, and ease of operation, making it ideal for demanding industrial environments.

Women to Watch: Neha Lad of Michelman India

WhatPackaging? Team — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:22:00

How did you get into the print and packaging industry, and what attracted you to it?
I did not initially plan to enter this industry. I joined the company when the opportunity arose, and over time, I developed a deep interest in the coatings sector.

What is the most important skill you have developed that has helped you advance in your career?
Effective communication and self-confidence. These abilities have enabled me to collaborate seamlessly with customers and diverse teams.

Did you have a mentor within the industry or company who helped you?
My manager, Anil Ajagekar, has been an invaluable mentor. His guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping my professional journey at the company.

For young professionals looking to enter the industry, can you please describe your day-to-day role?
My responsibilities primarily include managing customer accounts, coordinating with internal teams and ensuring sales are on track.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry?
Occasionally, there is a need to demonstrate one’s capabilities more assertively. However, with dedication, competence, and confidence, it is possible to thrive in a male-dominated industry.

What can the industry do to address this issue?
The industry should continue fostering equal opportunities and cultivating a supportive environment that empowers women to grow and thrive professionally.

What is the best thing about working at Michelman India?
The most rewarding aspect of working at Michelman India is the supportive and friendly environment, complemented by colleagues who are collaborative and encouraging.

Who is your inspiration?
My daughter is my greatest inspiration. She motivates me every day and reinforces the belief that with perseverance, nothing is impossible.

Is there anything you’d like to add?
I firmly believe that dedication, a positive attitude, and consistent effort are essential for progress and success in any career.

Chetan Jain: What if your mock-up looked like final production?

Chetan Jain — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:21:00

Every packaging solution begins as an idea — a product imagined on the shelf, representing a brand’s identity. Translating that idea into a production-ready format is the role of the mock-up. A mock-up is not only a visual representation. It is a validation stage that ensures the design, structure, and materials work together before production begins. With experience in packaging development, the mock-up process can be understood as a sequence of controlled steps. Each stage contributes to accuracy and reduces the risk of errors during production.

From concept to structure

The process begins with keyline design (KLD). This defines the structure and dimensions of the packaging. Accuracy at this stage determines how the packaging will fit and perform in its final form.

Translating design into print

The next stage is design and pre-press preparation. Creative concepts are converted into technical layouts using dielines and digital proofs. Adjustments are made to ensure that the design aligns with the packaging structure.

Material selection

Substrate selection plays a critical role in both appearance and performance. Choices related to shrink sleeve materials, inks, and printing processes are guided by the product’s requirements, including shrink behaviour and compatibility with container shapes.

Managing distortion

Shrink sleeve applications require careful consideration of distortion. Arc view analysis and predistortion techniques are used to compensate for changes that occur during application. This ensures that the final printed output appears as intended.

Building the prototype

The final stage is 3D prototype development. This provides a near-production representation of the packaging. It allows stakeholders to assess shrinkage, distortion, and overall compatibility before approval.

The prototype serves as the final checkpoint before production. It reflects the combined outcome of design, material selection, and technical adjustments.

Why mock-ups matter

Packaging production involves multiple interdependent stages. Errors introduced early in the process can affect the final output. A detailed mock-up helps identify and resolve such issues in advance.

As packaging requirements become more complex, mock-ups are evolving from basic visual tools to technical validation systems. They enable better decision-making and contribute to consistency in production.

A mock-up that closely reflects the final product is therefore not just a preparatory step. It is a key part of ensuring that the packaging performs as intended.

Chetan Jain is an author, managing director and CEO of Taurus Packaging, a shrink sleeve manufacturer.

Prof Rahul Nair on the influence of packaging design

Rahul Nair — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:58:00

“Packaging can be theatre, it can create a story.” This quote by Jony Ive, a close collaborator of Steve Jobs, who served as the head of design at Apple appears in the book Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. It is reflective of how over the years, packaging has moved from being just a container to an experience that creates a narrative and makes a product feel special through careful design.

Today, packaging is one of the most influential drivers of consumer experience. It is one of the first interactions a customer has with a brand, the protective layer that carries products across long and unpredictable supply chains. At the same time, packaging plays a crucial role in enhancing a product's appeal and influencing customers’ desire to purchase it. It also communicates its value, quality, and brand identity, making it an important factor in consumer decision-making.

With a rising focus on ESG, packaging is also used by companies to signal their commitment to sustainability. These shifts are reshaping the design industry and opening new and career opportunities for young designers.

If we look closer at the numbers, the scale becomes clear. Growing faster than the global average, The Indian packaging industry was valued at around USD 50.5-billion in 2019 and is expected to touch USD 204.81-billion this year. This pace of growth is driven by a unique mix of forces. FMCG consumption continues to rise, exports are expanding, and eCommerce has changed the way products move across the country.

The growing urban middle class, the rapid rise of tier two and tier three cities, and the inclusion of rural India in online commerce have created new challenges in transportation, climate variation and handling. Social media has made aesthetics, unboxing and brand storytelling central to consumer expectations. Government initiatives like Make in India have also made manufacturing and packaging quality critical to India’s global competitiveness.

These factors have also led to a fundamental change in what businesses expect from designers. They want packaging that goes beyond good-looking graphics or a protective layer. They want packaging that can communicate while complying with regulations and, importantly, reduce waste. Packaging has become a strategic business tool, and designers are central to this transformation.

Rules around food safety and organised retail are pushing businesses to rethink materials, clarity of information and structural design. Consumers want packaging that maintains hygiene, stores the content and also is easy to open, easy to carry and easy to dispose of. The pharma sector adds another dimension where safety, legibility and user-friendly interactions become extremely important. Together, these shifts have created a steady demand for designers who can combine creativity skills with technical and regulatory know-hows.

This is also why sustainability has become non-negotiable. Brands are under pressure to adopt recyclable materials, reduce plastic use and meet EPR norms. This has given rise to a need for designers who can think more holistically, blend creativity with engineering, understand materials deeply and consider long-term environmental impact at every stage. For young designers, this makes packaging one of the most future-ready careers in the design ecosystem.

Packaging design thinking requires a transdisciplinary approach. It is not about just designing a package but rather, a complete solution. A packaging designer must examine the entire journey from the factory to storage, transportation, unboxing, use, store and eventual disposal and recycling. Hence, it requires an understanding of material science, design, supply-chain behaviour, regulatory frameworks, consumer psychology and brand strategy.

Education plays a central role in preparing the next generation of packaging professionals. Students can enter the field through visual design, industrial design, engineering, institutes like the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) continue to provide deep technical expertise through their programs. At the same time, emerging institutes like BITS Design are embedding packaging into product design pathways that holistically covers the domain, including sustainability and technology-driven studios to match evolving industry expectations and global standards.

The skills required go far beyond surface styling and include knowledge and skills of design, material choice, prototyping, CAD tools and digital simulations. Designers need to be creative, a problem solver and must understand various barriers, print requirements, production limitations and regulatory requirements, especially in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging. Equally important are empathy, communication and collaboration, because packaging design is always a team effort that involves engineers, manufacturers, sustainability and marketing experts.

As the fifth-largest sector of the economy, packaging plays a key role in India’s economic ambitions. As Indian brands expand globally, packaging becomes critical in ensuring shelf presence, product safety, cost efficiency and export competitiveness. When designers are involved early in strategy building, planning, developing, sourcing, testing and supply-chain conversations, companies capture these gains more effectively. For the next generation of Indian designers, packaging is the stage on which stories of innovation, sustainability and national ambition come alive.

ProductWatch: Kongsberg’s X44 Advantage

Jiya Somaiya — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:51:00

The Kongsberg X44 Advantage (2200-mm × 3200-mm) addresses the increasing demand for short-run flexibility in the Indian packaging market. Its format is engineered to match modern corrugated machine widths, allowing for seamless integration into existing production workflows. The large working area is intended for oversized applications, such as home appliance cartons, which typically require expansive finishing surfaces.

The technical core of the X44 is its application-specific tooling, headlined by a power head and a 150-mm creasing wheel. This configuration delivers up to 50-kg of downforce, enabling precise creasing on tough or lower-quality recycled boards. This capability provides a die-like finish without the overhead costs or lead times associated with physical dies, particularly in applications where tooling is traditionally expensive.

Operational versatility is a primary feature, as the system processes a wide range of substrates, including 3-ply and 5-ply corrugated board, honeycomb, foam, and plastic corrugated materials. With a linear processing speed of up to 50-m/min, the machine is rated for continuous 24/7 operation. In a single shift, the X44 can produce approximately 500 to 600 boxes of 3-ply board, or 380 to 400 boards of 5-ply and above.

Beyond prototyping, the X44 serves as a tool for business expansion. By adding modular tooling, converters can diversify into new segments. The system’s ability to produce high-accuracy samples facilitates faster client approvals, shortening sales cycles and improving annual revenue streams by 15–20%.

In terms of sustainability and build, the machine is constructed primarily of steel and aluminium, with plastic components restricted to a minimum. Kongsberg maintains global manufacturing compliance, including ISO 28000 (security management systems for the supply chain) and ISO 14001 (environmental), alongside CE certification.

The X44 Advantage is built to last more than 20 years. With an installed base of over 275 X-Series machines across the country, the system is positioned as a proven, high-uptime solution for packaging houses and global brands.

Contact person and details
Rafiq Shaikh
Sales and service leader – South Asia
Kongsberg System
Email: rafiq.shaikh@kongsbergsystems.com
Mobile: +91 9740180508

ProductWatch: PrintMach’s ProMaxx PM Splicer-Rewinder

Jiya Somaiya — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:46:00

Introduced at the PackMach Asia Exhibition, the ProMaxx PM Splicer-Rewinder addresses a critical bottleneck in high-speed packaging lines: the mandatory machine stoppage required for label roll replenishment.

By providing a continuous feed to the labelling unit, the system ensures that changeover-related downtime is eliminated, allowing for uninterrupted production cycles in segments such as alco-bev, pharmaceuticals, and FMCG.

The system is specifically engineered for high-speed environments operating at 240-bottles per minute (BPM) and above, with a rated assembly line speed exceeding 300-BPM. Its primary mechanical function is to bridge the gap between depleted and fresh label rolls, a process that traditionally requires manual intervention and machine deceleration.

In the Indian alco-bev sector, particularly for high-volume hipster bottle formats, the integration of the ProMaxx has demonstrated a measurable improvement in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of 10–15%.

A key differentiator of the machine is its universal compatibility; the unit is designed to be integrated with any make of labelling machine. This modularity allows packaging service and solution providers to enhance the throughput of existing assets without the capital expenditure required for entirely new labelling platforms.

The compact footprint of the splicer-rewinder also minimises floor space requirements and reduces potential synchronisation errors between disparate pieces of equipment on the line.

In terms of build quality and compliance, the machinery adheres to both Indian and European engineering standards.

Market performance of the ProMaxx is supported by successful commercial deployments, including six units currently operational at India’s leading alco-bev manufacturer. Field reports indicate high operational reliability and ease of use, with the system maintaining stable performance during continuous commercial batches.

Contact person and details
Ishwar A Hasnale
Business head, StickAPZ,
PrintMach
Mobile: +91 9869439614

India at Interpack: Rewriting sustainable packaging

Prabhat Prakash — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:37:00

With approximately 2,800 exhibitors from 67 countries gathering to set the agenda, the central narratives are clear: an aggressive global push towards sustainability, the disruptive influence of AI, and a non-negotiable adherence to high-precision automation. On this immense global stage, India—represented by 113 exhibitors—is not just participating; it is repositioning itself as a key engineering partner and a leader in innovative, customised solutions.

Industry leaders, including VDMA’s Richard Clemens, have observed the evolution of Indian machinery manufacturers, noting a shift from being mere “competitors on price” to becoming sophisticated “partners in engineering”.

The top Indian companies heading to Interpack 2026 underscore this transition, showcasing a diverse range of technologies across five major sectors that address both complex regulatory demands and the fundamental need for a greener supply chain.

Pharma and healthcare: Beyond filling bottles

Demands in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector are intensifying, moving far beyond traditional filling lines to embrace isolator technology and data integrity to meet stringent requirements like the latest EU GMP Annex 1 guidelines.

Indian companies are stepping up with high-precision, compliant machinery. ACG World is a prime example, showcasing the “smart connected factory” concept where integrated lines allow blister machines and cartoners to communicate via AI, enabling predictive maintenance and boosting efficiency.

Safety is another key focus, with Adam Fabriwerk presenting closed-system processing solutions specifically for handling oncology drugs to ensure operator protection. Meanwhile, Mecwell Pharma is tackling cross-contamination challenges with zero-dust tablet counting, which is critical for high-potency pharmaceuticals.

The drive for compact, efficient solutions is met by SRK Engineering, which is presenting monoblock filling/capping systems designed to fit into ultra-small cleanroom footprints. For specialised packaging, Printpack Engineers is highlighting braille-embossing folder gluers for cartons, and Rita Pad Printing is demonstrating medical-grade inks engineered to survive sterilisation for use on surgical tools.

On the materials side, Compak is launching PVC-free blister foils, directly aligning with Europe’s sustainability mandates, while Aero Plast Ltd offers high-barrier sterilisation pouches featuring colour-changing indicators for enhanced safety.

Flexible packaging: The war on multi-layer

Perhaps the most public battle at Interpack is the “war on multi-layer,” driven by the industry’s “race to zero” to green the supply chain. The core objective is to replace complex, non-recyclable plastic structures like PET/PE with mono-materials that can be efficiently processed in standard recycling streams.

Indian firms are central to this transformation. UFlex is leading the charge by highlighting aseptic liquid packaging that significantly reduces aluminium content, making the resulting materials easier to recycle. Similarly, Constantia Flexibles (India) is showcasing AluFree laminates, which substantially cut the carbon footprint of traditional foil packaging.

Beyond material structure, packaging constituents are being addressed. Brilliant Polymers is featuring low-monomer adhesives to prevent chemical migration into food products. Meanwhile, a strong push toward bio-alternatives is evident: Ecolastic Products is displaying seaweed and starch-based films that can dissolve in water or compost, and Dinearth is showcasing sugarcane bagasse plates and trays that are oven-safe up to 180°C.

Even transit packaging is being innovated, with Ajit Industries presenting recyclable tapes where the adhesive avoids contaminating the paper recycling process, and Aum Paper Products showing paper pallets that are as strong as wood but 70% lighter for air freight logistics.

Machinery and automation: The Industry 4.0 shift

The modern packaging line is undergoing a seismic shift, moving from dated mechanical systems to sophisticated, servo-driven, IoT-enabled robotics. This is part of the global Industry 4.0 shift, where AI is viewed as the next wave of innovation to make processes "safer, smarter, and more efficient”.

ProductWatch: Signode’s Sig-Corr Squaring and Strapping

Jiya Somaiya — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:08:00

Signode has expanded its Indian portfolio with the introduction of an automated squaring and strapping machine designed for high-volume corrugated box production.

Officially launched in the domestic market in 2025, Signode’s Sig-Corr Squaring and Strapping is engineered to merge with existing corrugation lines, targeting manufacturers aiming for full process automation. By eliminating the manual handling typically required at the final stages of the packaging flow, the machine addresses critical bottlenecks in throughput and labour efficiency.

The technical core of the machine involves a precision squaring mechanism that stabilises box stacks before they are secured. As bundles — typically consisting of 20 to 25 corrugated boxes — enter the unit, the system centres and squares them from the sides to ensure uniform vertical alignment. This process is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the stack, preventing the fishtailing or shifting of sheets that can occur during high-speed transit. Once the stack is squared, the unit automatically applies straps and moves the bundle forward for dispersion or palletisation.

A primary advantage of this automated solution is the substantial reduction in shop-floor manpower. In conventional semi-automatic or manual setups, operators are required to physically straighten and align stacks before they can be strapped. The Signode system replaces this manual touchpoint, allowing for a continuous, hands-free operation that minimises human error.

The machine is capable of processing between 12 and 15 bundles per minute under standard conditions, with a high-speed capacity reaching up to 25 to 30 bundles per minute, depending on the specific line requirements.

The thickness of the individual corrugated boxes does not impact the squaring or strapping cycle. Furthermore, the machine maintains consistent performance regardless of the stack height or the number of boxes placed within a single bundle.

Although the technology is a relatively new addition to the Indian sector, with early installations currently limited to select converters, the initial response suggests a growing market demand for end-of-line systems that prioritise operational speed and mechanical precision.

Contact person and details
Harshita Gaddale
Packaging solution provider, internal sales
Signode
Email: harshita.g@signode.com
Mobile: +91 9281104060

Shelf life, recyclability, EPR and truth about civic behaviour

Sai Deepthi — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:39:00

In virtually every packaging debate, the brand owner ends up holding the problem. They commission the structure, they set the shelf-life specification, they carry the Extended Producer Responsibility liability, and they are the ones whose name sits on the product when it turns up in a landfill. At the Indian Packaging Summit, the second panel, A 360 degrees Brand Owner’s perspective, brought six brand owners and packaging specialists to discuss what that responsibility actually looks like in practice — and whether the current regulatory framework is helping or hindering their ability to do anything meaningful about it.

Moderated by Tushar Bandyopadhyay of the Indian Centre for Plastics in Environment, the session ranged across profitability versus sustainability, the technical constraints that make multi-material structures so hard to abandon, the patchy roll-out of EPR beyond plastics, and what it will actually take to change the way ordinary people think about packaging waste.

Trupti Bagwe from Pidilite said what several panellists were thinking: sustainability has become a value-addition argument rather than a cost burden, but it only lands if it is baked into business thinking from the outset rather than bolted on later. She said, “It is more to do with long-term association with sustainability hand in hand with profitability. We have to drive it from heart and soul.”

Amit Kale of Reliance Retail added to Bagwe’s perspective and said that everyone in the room wants to make profits and that sustainability only moves up the agenda when the additional cost of staying unsustainable starts to outweigh the cost of changing. He added that dynamic is shifting, but slowly, and the push for change still comes largely from regulatory pressure rather than from consumer demand strong enough to move volume.

Shelf-life debate
Then Bandyopadhyay threw the question of shelf life to the panel. Chinmay Dandekar from Godrej said that India’s geography and climate are not like Europe’s. A product that needs to reach the furthest corner of a continent-sized distribution network, survive two full seasonal cycles, cope with wide humidity swings and reach the consumer in the same condition as the day it left the factory, demands a very different structural brief to a product shifting off a shelf in Stuttgart.

Standard shelf life in Godrej’s categories runs from 18 to 24 months. That is two environmental cycles. The complex multi-material laminate structures that make people in the West are, in many cases, the only engineering solution available. And every time a brand owner tries to simplify those structures — introducing recycled content, moving to a mono-material, reducing layers — something somewhere in the specification shifts. He said, “Any layer that you tinker with has some kind of implication anywhere else. That is the dilemma many brand owners are currently facing.”

The specific challenge Dandekar flagged is the EPR trap created by moving to polyolefinic structures. BOPP, which is where most recyclable mono-material flexible packaging ends up, currently has no post-consumer recycled content available other than through chemical recycling — which does not stack up economically. So the brand owner is caught: they cannot meet their EPR targets by going recyclable in the conventional sense, but they cannot stay with multi-layer laminates without falling foul of recyclability expectations.
Kale reinforced the shelf-life point from a different angle. Even within a single product category, shelf-life requirements vary significantly by brand and market position. A high-turnover glucose biscuit shifts in days; a new entrant in the same aisle needs to protect its product for months in case sales are slow. A common structural specification across a category would force everyone to engineer for the worst case, which is more material, not less.

Nishant Sukumar of CavinKare put a more optimistic frame on it. The shelf-life system has been built up over four or five decades around materials that are only now being questioned. Sustainable alternatives have been in the conversation for perhaps six or seven years. There is hope, he said, that the whole system will get reset but it will take time, and the reset needs to come from several directions at once, including the regulatory one.

Bandyopadhyay raised a point that generated real discussion about the regulator’s role in capping shelf-life declarations. Sukumar said that for product categories where the current standards far exceed actual market need, it would level the playing field instantly. His example was shampoo. His company declares a two-year shelf life on certain products. In practice, they sell out within three months. A six-month declaration would be more than sufficient — but no individual brand will blink first.

Kale added a note of caution that shelf life is calculated from the last unit to leave the shelf, not the average. If you mandate six months across a category and the tail of slow-moving product has not shifted by month five, you end up with a disposal problem at both ends — unsaleable product and its packaging hitting the waste stream simultaneously. Regulation needs to be granular, he argued, not sweeping.

Designing sustainably
Rajendra Shetty from Abbott Healthcare described a shift in how pharma approaches packaging design. For most of its history, the sustainability of end-of-life was not a checkpoint in the design process. It is now. Every new design has to address what happens to the materials after use — which polymers are being used, whether they are from the same family, and how they will be separated or directed through an appropriate end-of-life pathway. Products already in the market are being reviewed through a lifecycle management lens.

Abbott’s internal sustainability goals for 2030 are more stringent than the industry standard, Shetty said. In primary packaging — the layer in direct contact with the medicine or device — there is limited room to manoeuvre, so the focus is on reducing weight, eliminating PVC where possible and replacing it with materials like APET, PBAT or PLA.

Bagwe from Pidilite added a practical example that illustrates how incremental design changes add up. Pump dispensers that once contained 11 or 12 components, including metal parts, have been progressively redesigned to use plastic throughout. Functionality and consumer experience are unchanged; the recyclability profile is transformed. Once the new design is locked in, she noted, subsequent iterations tend to continue in the same direction.

The ground reality of EPR
Deepak Dandavate of Veedol traced the arc of EPR awareness since 2016. Industry understanding of what the framework requires has grown substantially, driven partly by CPCB but also by brands themselves using their communications to build consumer awareness of packaging responsibility. The direction of travel is right, he said, even if the pace is not yet fast enough.

Dandekar widened the conversation to cover the extension of EPR beyond plastics. Metal, glass and paper are now entering the framework. The manufacturers in those sectors have pushed back with a reasonable question: recycled content has been an unwritten norm in their industries for years — what exactly is new? Dandekar said, “In the plastic space the framework is fairly established. In the non-plastic space we are lagging. The mechanism for filing EPR for metals, glass or paper simply is not there yet.”

Kale offered a counterpoint that reframed the problem. Metal and paper recycling, he argued, have been circular economies in India for generations. The scrap dealer who has been buying metal from households since before most people in the room were born is the original extended producer responsibility scheme. The contribution of EPR in these sectors is not to create recycling where none existed — it is to formalise and document a system that already functions, and to capture the data in a way that regulators and auditors can use.

The multi-pronged problem of multi-layer packaging
One of the most technically detailed exchanges of the session concerned what might actually be done with the multi-material laminate structures that cannot yet be moved on structural or commercial grounds. Dandekar said Godrej is actively working with recyclers on delamination technology — processes capable of separating the substrate layers before they enter the recycling stream. If separation becomes viable at scale, reverse-printed PET-poly laminates may offer better density-segregation potential than many structures currently considered recyclable.

The broader material science optimism came from Sukumar. New materials are arriving, but they are not yet meeting the shelf-life performance requirements of the categories they need to serve. The gap is real, but it is a gap that will close — the question is timeline and whether the regulatory framework can be calibrated to move at the same pace as the material science, rather than ahead of it.

Where does the responsibility lie?
The final question Bandyopadhyay put to the panel concerned the new four-category waste segregation now mandatory under India’s revised Solid Waste Management Rules. Who carries the responsibility for making sure the public actually understands and follows it?

**Their take on public awareness and the road ahead**
Deepak Dandavate Veedol	Awareness must be built from childhood upwards. Brand owners carry a share of responsibility, but no single entity can own it. Education, civic culture and manufacturer incentives all have a role.
Amit Kale Reliance Retail	Civic sense is the root cause most people avoid naming. Regulatory nudges on shelf life need careful handling — truncating them without readiness risks larger disposal problems.
Nishant Sukumar CavinKare	There is no looking back. Develop everything with sustainability built in from the start. The technology will catch up.
Rajendra Shetty Abbott Healthcare	Government policy is moving. The bigger lever is individual behaviour. If each person changes at home, the aggregate effect is transformative.
Trupti Bagwe Pidilite	It is not only about companies. There is no Planet B. Sustainability has to be embedded at home, at work and in children from an early age.
Chinmay Dandekar Godrej	Reduce material intensity first. Fewer materials in circulation means lower collection targets, lower PCR requirements and a better economic case for change. More government incentives are needed to keep businesses viable while they transition.

Conclusion
Nobody disagreed that brand owners sit at the centre of the packaging responsibility web. What the session surfaced is how much of the work that needs doing lies outside their direct control: the pace at which new materials reach commercial viability, the architecture of regulatory frameworks that are still being built, the civic behaviours that have been decades in the forming.

Forensic expert Dr Keshav Kumar calls for crackdown on counterfeits

Sai Deepthi — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:06:00

At TAF Connect 2026, Dr Keshav Kumar, IPS (Retd.), delivered a technical presentation on the “Forensic Interface in the Investigation of Counterfeit Products: The Role of Authentication and Traceability,” placing the spotlight on weak enforcement outcomes despite widespread violations.

Kumar opened with the scale of the issue. “12–25% pharmaceuticals sold in India are believed to be fake,” he said, adding that in some sectors, counterfeit products account for “25–30% of the market.” Despite this, “conviction rates remain extremely low,” he noted, calling it the key area that requires intervention.

He framed counterfeiting as a criminal offence. “I consider any counterfeit case to be a case of forgery,” he said, stressing the need to treat such cases with the seriousness of organised crime.

Drawing from investigative experience, Kumar highlighted the role of digital forensics. “CDR and IPDR show the whole tentacles of the organisation… these cases often have interstate ramifications,” he said, pointing to the complexity of networks. In one instance, he noted, escalation ion led to a central investigation. “The case has now been shifted to the CBI. I take pride in such escalation.”

He pointed to structural inefficiencies in prosecution. “Only 28% violations lead to convictions,” he said, citing factors such as “slow judicial processes, procedural lapses, stop-sale orders and easy bail” that weaken enforcement. He added that while FIRs and licence cancellations are increasing, outcomes remain limited.

Kumar extended the discussion to agriculture and food systems. “Fertiliser violations stand at 4.9% and seed violations at 2.72%,” he said, noting that these ultimately affect farmers and productivity. On food safety, he added, “Every day you get to know that there is food adulteration,” pointing to gaps such as “limited food safety officers, weak laboratory infrastructure and delayed testing.”

He stressed the importance of infrastructure. “Why can’t we build our own lab and get it NABL accredited so that the cases will speed up,” he said, underlining the need for stronger testing capabilities.

A recurring concern was lack of data. “We don’t have data on how many people have been arrested, once we have this data, we can immediately act in organised crime,” he said, calling for a more data-driven enforcement model.

Kumar also flagged gaps in investigative processes. “They don’t know about the chain of custody and that is the bane for all of us,” he said, emphasising that poor documentation weakens cases in court. He stressed the need for “scientific evidence, third-party validation and proper registration” to establish authenticity.

On technology, he highlighted the expanding role of forensic science. “Forensics can detect counterfeit products and identify adulterants,” he said, referencing advancements such as non-invasive identification methods. He also pointed to global benchmarks. “Interpol and FBI have repositories of inks,” he said, suggesting the need for similar systems in India.

He cautioned against over-reliance on visible security features. “Hologram verification is easy but how will the judge know it is authentic?” he asked, noting instances where counterfeiters replicated holograms. “In Coimbatore, counterfeiters were making holograms as well,” he said. Kumar emphasised financial and supply chain forensics. “Bank transactions, shell companies, cash-based distribution networks… who is going to investigate all these?” he asked. He added that “mobile communications and digital evidence are solid evidences accepted by courts.”

He also pointed to legal avenues. Referring to recent provisions, he noted that “under BNS, a criminal complaint can be filed if no action is taken by a drug officer,” highlighting evolving enforcement mechanisms. He also cited judicial interventions calling for stronger surveillance.

Summing up, Kumar outlined policy priorities. “There should be dedicated police control wings, stronger testing and surveillance systems and inter-agency coordination,” he said. He added, “Use documents as a power of investigation,” reinforcing the need for evidence-led prosecution.

The session underscored that while authentication and traceability technologies are critical, their real impact lies in how effectively they are integrated with forensic science, data systems and legal processes to secure convictions.

Pharma panel calls for multi-layered tech, supply chain visibility

Sai Deepthi — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:49:00

A panel discussion at TAF Connect 2026 examined how technology can safeguard pharmaceutical supply chains, with speakers agreeing that counterfeiting is as much a demand-side issue as it is a systems challenge.

Moderated by Viveka Roychowdhury, editor, Express Pharma, Express Healthcare and Express Nutra, the session brought together stakeholders from pharma manufacturing, industry bodies and technology associations to discuss gaps from production to patient. Roychowdhury set the context. “There is a market for counterfeiting,” she said, adding, “The cost of bad quality is much higher than the cost of putting in good quality.”

Lalit Kumar Desai of Alembic Pharmaceuticals outlined the operational realities. “Supply chain is divided into three sectors, we source from trusted vendors and have quality parameters in place,” he said. “Our challenge comes with counterfeiting of the final product.”

He stressed that there is no single fix. “We have to come up with multiple features, there’s no one solution to this,” he said, pointing to vulnerabilities at vendor level. “Counterfeiting starts from the outsourced vendor, if a technology is available to multiple vendors, there might be a leak.”

Desai also highlighted implementation challenges. “Track and trace is difficult to add at every level of packaging,” he said, adding that awareness remains low. “We saw campaigns for digital payments, but not for scanning QR codes to check authenticity of medicines.” He suggested stronger policy intervention. “It would be better if the government comes up with a mandate.”

Saurabh Agarwal of ASPA framed the issue differently. “It is less of a regulatory and enforcement problem and more of a supply chain visibility problem,” he said. “Wherever the chain is weak, it becomes vulnerable.”

He described a layered approach. “Packaging is the first handshake of trust, then comes track and trace, and a third layer like RFID,” he said, adding that investments are justified. “Imagine one case of a recall, your reputation goes down.”

Agarwal also pointed to inconsistencies. “The same brand doing exports will have tamper-evident features, but not for products sold in the local market,” he said, calling traceability the only viable path. “There is no shortcut.”

Milan V Mehta of ADMA raised concerns from the ayurvedic segment. “If one product fails, consumers stop trusting all ayurvedic medicines,” he said, noting that compliance frameworks exist but need stronger follow-through. “If one ingredient is missing, notices are issued but the problem is very big.” He emphasised vigilance and made a very strong case for bringing standards like the ISO 9000 for food and anti-counterfieting especially in pharmaceutical industries. “We are playing with the lives of people,” he said. “We can’t beat counterfeiters, they are one step ahead.” He placed responsibility on consumers as well. He acknowledged that some companies are already proactive with GS1 standards and barcoding.

Chander Jeena of IOTA shifted focus to ecosystem alignment. “Media has a very important role in raising awareness,” he said, adding that responsibility cannot be pushed to consumers alone. “Consumers trust the brand owner and the government… we have to fulfil our role first.”

He pointed to gaps in standardisation. “In Europe, there is a falsified medicines directive… in India, do we have such standards?” he asked, calling for better coordination across regulators. “State drug controllers have their own systems, but there should be collaboration.”

Jeena also stressed correct use of technology. “Many companies are not using the right technology at the right place,” he said. “Even holograms have unique features… they can be proven in court,” he added, suggesting that incentives could accelerate adoption.

Across the discussion, a common thread emerged — technology exists, but adoption, awareness and integration remain uneven. From vendor-level leakages to fragmented supply chains and limited consumer engagement, panellists pointed to systemic gaps.

The session reinforced that protecting pharmaceutical integrity requires multiple layers — packaging, track and trace, and emerging technologies — backed by policy, awareness and collaboration. As Roychowdhury noted at the outset, the challenge is not just detecting counterfeits, but addressing the ecosystem that sustains them.

Traceability adoption, awareness gaps and tech limits in anti-counterfeiting

Sai Deepthi — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:26:00

A panel discussion at TAF Connect 2026 brought together stakeholders across pharma, agriculture, standards bodies and industrial manufacturing to examine the adoption of authentication and traceability in supply chains, with a clear emphasis on moving from discussion to implementation.

Opening the session, moderator Naresh Khanna, editor, Packaging South Asia, set the tone. “This could be a landmark conference… but only if we turn the talk into walk,” he said, urging the industry to translate data and reports into actionable steps. “The important question is how do we turn these insights into action.”

Framing the discussion, Khanna pointed to the need to connect sectors. “Whether it is pharma, agriculture, food supply chain or industrial products, how do we explore traceability and authentication technologies in light of the sectors that we come from,” he said, while also noting a shift. “Brand owners are now starting to speak out… they are not hiding the fact that this theft is possible.”

Praveen Gour of Crystal Crop Protection highlighted the scale of risk in agriculture. “When we talk counterfeit in agriculture, it is not about brands. It is about food safety, environmental safety and health hazards,” he said. He described multiple forms of counterfeiting, from lookalike packaging to genuine containers filled with inferior materials. “If the wrong chemicals go into the fields, there will be a negative impact,” he said.

Gour outlined early-stage interventions. “We are working on a four-layer programme — product safety, authentication, traceability and channel monitoring,” he said, adding that farmers can scan and verify products. He pointed to fragmentation in the agri supply chain. “Many retailers, many channel partners… it is very important to trace that product,” he said, estimating that tackling counterfeits could improve productivity. “At least 5 to 10% production can be increased.”

He extended the argument to food traceability. “A consumer should be able to trace where the product comes from… which farm,” he said, citing global examples where such visibility already exists.

From an industrial and brand owner perspective, Soumyanath Mishra of Mankind Pharma stressed packaging as the first line of defence. “Making a hologram or QR code today is a matter of seconds… anybody can copy it,” he said. “The packaging should be such that the customer can identify it.” He shared a case where redesigning packaging with a complex cap improved performance. “My sales increased by 30%,” he said.

He also questioned reliance on digital tools alone. “Less than 1% of QR codes are scanned and the customer does not want to scan,” he said, stressing the need for awareness and training at the last mile. “We educated village to village… every chemist, every user,” he added, calling for closer alignment. “Consumer and brand owner should work very closely together.”

Diwaker Bharadwaj of Polycab India echoed the limits of technology in isolation. “QR codes can be duplicated, even advanced solutions can be copied,” he said, recounting instances where RFID-enabled systems were also counterfeited. “Thieves are not ordinary, they are quite clever.”

He argued for a layered approach. “There are a lot of combinations of technologies… blockchain, AI, printed electronics,” he said. “But the solution is in educating the customer.” Bharadwaj described on-ground interventions, including market outreach and enforcement. “We conduct five to six raids per week,” he said, adding that action has a measurable impact. “My sales have increased… the consumer is getting the right product.”

Bijoy Peter of GS1 India brought in the standards perspective. “Adoption is happening, but not at full potential,” he said, noting that most use cases in India remain limited to inventory and point-of-sale functions. “The deeper adoption… connecting the supply chain from source to end point is yet to happen.”

He pointed to fragmentation as a core issue. “If a counterfeit product enters the supply chain, somewhere someone has to compromise,” he said, calling for tighter collaboration between manufacturers, distributors and retailers. On the role of standards, he said, “GS1 provides the foundational layer,” while highlighting evolving shifts. “One-dimensional barcodes are moving to two-dimensional codes… carrying more data including batch, expiry and serialisation.”

Peter added that adoption is often driven externally. “Retailers, marketplaces and regulators are the drivers,” he said, referencing initiatives such as e-commerce-led traceability systems.

Ankit Gupta of ASPA framed the issue as a three-sided equation. “Brand owners must see this as an investment, not a cost… consumers need incentive… and government needs regulation,” he said. He pointed to a key behavioural gap. “Even when QR codes are there, people don’t scan,” he said, calling for stronger engagement strategies.

The discussion repeatedly returned to awareness as a bottleneck. “The root cause is demand for cheaper products,” Bharadwaj said, adding that addressing this requires outreach beyond technology. Panelists highlighted the complexity of India’s dual markets. “The solution for urban India will be different from rural India,” Mishra said, noting that in many cases, purchase decisions are still driven by visual cues such as colour and shape.

The session closed with a broader call to action. Khanna said, “We need to be part of a movement which creates demand for authenticity for quality products.” Panelists echoed the sentiment, positioning authentication and traceability not just as compliance tools but as part of a larger shift. “Eventually all of us are working for the consumer’s rights,” Gupta said.

IIP’s Rajesh Mishra on counterfeits, traceability and export

Sai Deepthi — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:10:00

TAF Connect 2026 opened with a pointed address by Rajesh Kumar Mishra, director of the Indian Institute of Packaging and additional DGFT, Mumbai, who drew on his experience across customs, DRI and anti-smuggling operations to outline the scale, spread and consequences of counterfeiting.

Mishra said, “I know the whole gamut of the smuggling perspective… I have served in DRI for years and seen the markets.” Recalling his tenure at ports and in enforcement, he added that counterfeit goods continued to enter India even during the COVID period, with categories ranging from cosmetics and medicines to electronic goods. “There are a lot of counterfeit drugs, protein medicines impacting women’s health… I also recollect that cigarettes were smuggled and were not of consumption quality,” he said.

He emphasised the health risks. “Whenever things are to be consumed by human beings or animals, if counterfeit goods arrive in any form, that has a definite impact… it is a life-threatening situation. I want people to understand what exactly they are playing with,” he said, urging industry bodies to amplify this message.

On consumer rights, Mishra said, “Any consumer paying any value for purchasing a product is entitled to a genuine product.” He linked this to the erosion of trust. “Whenever goods are not proper, that leads to erosion of that trust,” he said, noting that the damage extends beyond a single transaction to the credibility of entire categories.

He highlighted the economic fallout. “It has a very negative impact on the economy. The kind of planning that an industry would do gets affected,” he said, pointing to how inferior and smuggled goods distort market signals, disrupt investment planning and reduce legitimate tax inflows. “The economic activity that a proper investor would expect suffers a setback,” he added.

Mishra was clear that enforcement alone cannot solve the issue. “The government can only provide a policy platform… and sometimes enforcement as well,” he said. “We as a society need to be aware of where cheaper drugs and goods are being sold.” He cautioned against shifting responsibility entirely to authorities. “Blaming the government is the easiest thing… we need to take all legal routes available and bring it to the notice of the authorities,” he said. “Thinking that nothing will happen is a defeatist thought.”

Drawing from on-ground realities, he said, “Whenever you find ‘first copy’ and ‘second copy’, you have to bring it to the notice of the government body so that action can be taken.” He added that counterfeit goods are often sold through regular retail channels, sometimes without the seller fully knowing the difference.

Positioning trade as a parallel lever, Mishra said India must look outward. “We need to have FTAs with countries with bigger economies… it opens access to larger markets,” he said. Referring to upcoming agreements, he added that Indian companies should be prepared to participate in overseas tenders. “Indian manufacturers can bid — be sure of the opportunities,” he said. “India cannot grow exponentially until the export market is fulfilled. Export is the fourth pillar and it creates huge employment.” Citing the UK as an example, he noted, “More than USD 100-billion worth of medicines is consumed… with the right technology, there are immense opportunities to supply.”

As director of IIP, Mishra underscored the role of packaging in mitigation. “We want to ensure that packaging is developed in such a way that counterfeiting becomes difficult,” he said, calling for closer alignment between packaging design, authentication technologies and enforcement needs. He positioned packaging as a critical layer in protecting product integrity.

He also referenced the need for wider collaboration. “Measures need to be taken by all stakeholders,” he said, including regulators, enforcement agencies, industry and consumers. He urged industry bodies to expand their outreach. “Reach out to consumers and associations… the voice needs to be larger and more effective,” he said.

Mishra concluded with a broader framing of the issue. “It is a lose-lose situation for all of us — consumers, state, economy and industry,” he said. “We would be doing a service to all stakeholders by addressing this,” he added, calling for a more ambitious approach to authentication, packaging and traceability systems.

ASPA spotlights smart packaging to combat FMCG counterfeits

Sai Deepthi P — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:18:00

One of the key sessions, moderated by Ramu Ramanathan, editor of PrintWeek and WhatPackaging?, focused on securing everyday essentials against the rising threat of FMCG counterfeits with smart packaging. The panel featured Swapnil Bhardwaj, head of site quality and regulatory affairs at Tata Consumer Products; Neeraj Singh, director at ABD Maestro; and Bhushan Yengade, founder of Binder Technology Consultancy.

Consumer awareness and literacy gaps

A primary challenge identified by the panel is the varying levels of consumer literacy across the country. Swapnil Bhardwaj says the biggest obstacle to awareness is conveying technical knowledge to illiterate consumers or those who do not use smartphones. He notes that while India has more than 10 local languages, and some products carry information in over 28 languages, a significant portion of the population still cannot read the provided labels.

Bhardwaj emphasises that solutions must be simple enough for a five-year-old to access. However, he observes that many consumers remain indifferent to product safety, rarely checking expiry dates or labels on bottles. Neeraj Singh agrees, stating that while companies are committed to maintaining transparency through QR codes and other digital trials, these tools must be accessible to anyone who seeks them, regardless of their literacy level.

GenZ habits and the demand-supply gap

Bhushan Yengade shared results from recent market research focused on GenZ consumers. The survey shows that 35% of Gen Z respondents have purchased counterfeit products. Despite this, Yengade notes a positive shift in habits, as younger consumers are increasingly proactive about reading labels for protein, fibre, and mineral content. He also points out that GenZ consumers are prioritising recyclable packaging and are more likely to report products if they find discrepancies.

Bhardwaj suggests that a gap between demand and supply often leads consumers to consciously or unconsciously purchase counterfeit goods. He urges a change in consumer habits, stressing that quality remains the only true differentiator between a branded product and a fake.

Securing the last mile

For high-end sectors such as the whiskey business, the industry faces complex challenges including adulteration and parallel imports. Singh says ABD Maestro follows strict state-specific regulations and blending norms to ensure product integrity. The company utilises distribution systems to track products until they reach the "last mile," though Singh admits that controlling every step of a fragmented supply chain remains difficult.

To maintain consumer trust, Singh advocates for regular audits and the use of attractive packaging that appeals to modern social standards. He highlights technical innovations like new style corks and tamper-evident features, such as a red line indicator that remains visible once a bottle has been opened. Singh also advises brands to use their ambassadors to communicate information and validations rather than just for advertisements.

Quality benchmarks in FMCG

Tata Consumer Products maintains rigorous quality checks to combat counterfeiting at the source. Bhardwaj explains that the company conducts 10 to 20 separate checks for raw materials before acceptance, followed by online quality checks, preparation tests, and finished goods testing. These timely interventions ensure that the final product adheres to the brand's standards, which counterfeiters cannot replicate.

The discussion concluded that while technology provides the tools for authentication, the fight against counterfeiting requires a combined effort from stakeholders to imbibe safety knowledge in every consumer.

HNGIL bets big on decarbonisation technologies for the glass industry

Abhay Avadhani — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 22:13:00

With over seven decades of experience, the glass manufacturing major supplies to more than 23 counties through its plants located at Rishra, Bahadurgarh, Rishikesh, Neemrana, Sinnar, Naidupeta and Puducherry.

According to Kumar Krishnan, managing director, Hindusthan National Glass Industries (HNGIL), the Bahadurgarh unit is currently operating at approximately 35% capacity. The new management has committed to restoring all non-working furnaces and ramping up the facility to 100% capacity through furnace refurbishment, operational optimisation, and workforce engagement.

In February 2026, HNGIL successfully re-commissioned the glass furnace at its Puducherry plant. At the same time, the company commissioned two other furnaces one each in Rishra - West Bengal and Rishikesh - Uttarakhand. Rishra is set to have two additional furnaces that will start by the middle of 2026.

The Puducherry unit has a nominal furnace capacity of about 330 tonnes per day (TPD). It is expected to stabilise at approximately 270 TPD, and operating four production lines serves the southern beer, beverage, food, and pharmaceutical packaging markets.

Looking at India through the glass lens

Krishnan believes that India’s container glass sector is holding up better than many “traditional” industries because it sits right at the intersection of sustainability-led packaging shifts and fast-moving end-markets like spirits/beer, food, and pharma.

He says manufacturers are now investing in furnace modernisation, energy efficiency, automation, and decarbonisation technologies to remain competitive. However, he adds, “The industry remains energy-intensive, making margins sensitive to fuel and power costs. The recycling infrastructure for consistent cullet supply is still developing in India.”

Challenges and opportunities

Krishnan also believes that India’s glass industry is well-positioned for a circular economy because glass is infinitely recyclable and the country already has a strong scrap collection network, supported by high consumption in the alcohol sector.

However, implementation faces challenges such as poor source segregation, colour contamination, inconsistent cullet quality, logistics costs due to glass weight and low scrap value, and limited deposit-return systems.

“While recycling infrastructure exists, it is fragmented and informal, lacking traceability and quality standardisation. The key opportunity lies in formalising and digitising collection networks, building regional cullet processing hubs, leveraging AI-based sorting technologies,” says Krishnan.

He adds, “HNGIL will invest in light weighting of its container, work closely with its customers to improve recyclability and extend the life of containers.” With its experience in “narrow neck press and blow” (NNPB) technology over years, Krishnan believes the company senses a huge opportunity in the Indian market.

With its experience in “narrow neck press and blow” (NNPB) technology over years, Krishnan believes the company senses a huge opportunity in the Indian market

Regulatory acceleration towards circular economy

A positive push in terms of governmental policies and regulations play an important role in a transition towards a more circular glass industry in India. Krishnan concurs, “Clear, enforceable glass-specific EPR targets would compel brands to invest in collection infrastructure, while state-level deposit-return systems could improve clean, colour-segregated bottle recovery.”

He says that financial incentives such as capital subsidies for cullet processing plants, tax benefits for higher recycled content, and support for renewable energy use in furnaces would address the industry’s key economic constraints. Additionally, he says, formalising and digitising the informal scrap ecosystem would improve traceability and quality without disrupting existing networks.

The HNGIL way

According to the company, when it comes to meeting circular targets, the key measure currently is the % of external cullet used per tonne of glass produced. Krishnan adds, “Meeting circular targets in India’s glass industry is challenging due to structural issues rather than technological limitations.”

Poor source segregation and colour contamination reduce cullet quality, while the recycling ecosystem lacks standardisation and digital traceability needed for compliance reporting.

Another constraint, according to him, are logistics as glass scrap is heavy and low value, making transport to furnaces is costly. Limited deposit-return systems further reduce clean bottle recovery rates. Additionally, achieving higher recycled content requires capital investment in sorting and processing infrastructure, and HNGIL has to balance circular targets with strict quality and furnace reliability requirements.

The green hydrogen plant mission

Regulatory and ESG pressures are pushing the Indian glass industry to decarbonise its own manufacturing processes, with several players exploring clean-energy transitions. A notable example is the adoption of green hydrogen pilots in glass furnaces, particularly in float glass facilities, where hydrogen is being tested as a partial replacement for natural gas to reduce carbon emissions.

Krishnan shares, “Such initiatives align with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and corporate net-zero commitments. In addition to hydrogen blending, manufacturers are investing in electric boosting, waste heat recovery systems, renewable power sourcing, and higher cullet usage to lower furnace energy intensity.”

INSCO’s acquisition of HNGIL

Independent Sugar Corporation (INSCO), part of the Uganda-based Madhvani Group, formally completed the acquisition of Hindustan National Glass & Industries (HNGIL) in September 2025 under India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) framework.

The INR 2,250-crore resolution plan received approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on August 14, 2025, after securing regulatory clearances from the RBI and the CCI. The plan was backed by 96.16% of the committee of creditors (CoC), reflecting strong lender confidence in INSCO’s revival proposal.

Post-acquisition, the newly constituted board led by chairman, Shrai Madhvani immediately initiated on-ground engagement across HNGIL’s facilities, beginning with Kolkata headquarters and the Rishra plant, followed by other key units including Bahadurgarh.

The transition from the monitoring committee to the new management has been completed, and the company has formally entered its revival and modernisation phase. This acquisition marks the Madhvani Group’s strategic entry into India’s container glass sector and represents one of the most significant cross-border IBC resolutions in the manufacturing space.

Resolution plan by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)

The resolution plan approved by the NCLT outlines a structured financial settlement and a long-term industrial revival roadmap.

Under the INR 2,250-crore plan, INR 1,901.55-crore is being paid in cash to financial creditors, operational creditors, and workmen. INR 356.28-crore will be paid as deferred payments over three years (net present value: INR 264-crore). And 5% equity has been allocated to assenting financial creditors.

The NCLT order noted that the plan represents: 72% of the average fair value, and 114% of the average liquidation value. Importantly, the resolution enables creditors to recover 60% of their admitted claims.

Beyond financial settlement, INSCO has committed to a phased CapEx roadmap of approximately INR 1,000-crore over the coming years. Some of the focus areas include rebuilding and modernising furnaces, and upgrading automation and energy efficiency.

The revival blueprint combines fresh capital infusion with the Madhvani Group’s global expertise in container glass manufacturing, operational discipline, and long-term industrial stewardship. The objective is to restore HNGIL to full operational scale and re-establish its position as a globally competitive glass manufacturer.

ProductWatch: Bhogle Engineering’s BEW case maker

Jiya Somaiya — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:04:00

The BEW case maker is engineered to automate the assembly of hardcase covers and rigid packaging components. Designed to handle a wide substrate range, the machine supports paper thicknesses from 70-gsm to 170-gsm and board thicknesses from 0.5-mm up to 5-mm. This versatility is critical for the luxury packaging market, enabling the production of everything from slim tech-product sleeves to heavy-duty rigid gift boxes and premium stationery cases.

The system utilises a bottom-glueing architecture compatible with both hot-melt and cold adhesives. This dual-glueing capability allows packaging converters to select the optimal bonding agent based on the specific finish of the substrate — such as laminated, coated, or speciality textured papers. An integrated 2.5-kW heater ensures that hot-melt adhesives maintain a consistent viscosity, which is essential for achieving a bubble-free, uniform bond between the paper and the board.

Technically, the BEW case maker processes cases within a size spectrum ranging from 80x100-mm up to 360x650-mm. The machine achieves a steady production output of 200 cases per hour, requiring only a two-person team for operation. Power is delivered via a 0.75-kW three-phase motor, providing torque for precise folding and turning-in operations, even when utilising maximum-thickness five-mm board stock. The machine’s compact footprint, with dimensions of 1100-mm in height, 1300-mm in width, and 2200-mm in length, allows it to be integrated into existing post-press units. The unit provides the mechanical stability required for high-pressure pressing cycles.

This system offers a strategic upgrade for packaging houses looking to eliminate the inconsistencies of manual box-making while maintaining the flexibility to handle small-to-medium batch luxury runs.