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EDITORIAL
Editorial Advisory BoardP V Narayanan
Member of Board APEDA (Ministry of Commerce)
M K BanerjeeDirector-Creativity & Innovations (Global)
Essel Propack Ltd
R KrishnamurthyDirector-Marketing & Operations
Orient Press Ltd
S DasManaging Director
Nordson India Pvt Ltd
Manas R [email protected]
ackaging, especially for pharmaceuticals, has come a long way and how! Along with addressing simpler objectives such as developing good designs and clearly communicating with customers, pharmaceutical packaging today has to deal with an array of complex considerations.
These include staying ahead of several counterfeit means and methods, meeting patient compliance, ensuring drug integrity as well as effectively balancing child-resistance and accessibility for the elderly.
This set of continuing challenges has kept the creativity quotient of the pharmaceutical industry on fast track! Innovations such as prefilled syringes, blow fill seal vials, powder applications, among others have spurred further growth in pharmaceutical packaging. Further, it has enabled the pharmaceutical packaging companies to be ranked among the leading innovators in the industry.
The global pharmaceutical packaging market, which currently stands at over $ 20 billion a year, has been continuously on the move and has witnessed healthy growth over the recent years. Moreover, the impact of technology is crystal clear on this fast emerging sector. Case in point is the global market for nano-enabled packaging for blisters, which was $ 941 million in 2008, is expected to touch $ 2.1 billion by 2014. As far as the Indian pharmaceutical packaging market is concerned, it is projected to reach $ 50 billion by 2015, according to a McKinsey report.
Given the increasingly competitive environment, diverse pharmaceutical products, and growing threat of counterfeits, the pharma and biopharma companies are constantly in the lookout for the right packaging partners that can not only augment operational expertise & flexibility, but also add value to their product bouquet. In line with the latest industry trends, pharmaceutical packaging seems to be focussing on brand identity as a key component of differentiation strategy in addition to ensuring product safety, compliance and cost.
That said, there have been some significant developments towards brand protection. Over and above primary packaging, secondary packaging, such as label safeguards, carding & cartoning, and tamper evident seals, are providing additional layers of product protection. Another emerging trend involves patient-friendly compliance packs that are highly sought after among packaging solutions these days.
Going forward, pharmaceutical packaging will be required to continue to deliver the goods in line with most other packaged products, where reliability and speedy solutions become the hallmark of success. It will be only appropriate to add here that the special functionalities in it should further reduce the environmental footprint and help in ensuring drug & patient safety.
P
Pharma packaging: Towards safe, simple and sustainable
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 7
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 9
CONTENTS
Note: ` stands for Indian rupee, $ stands for US dollar and £ stands for UK pound, unless mentioned otherwise
Special Focus: Beverage PackagingInsight & Outlook: Filling, Sealing & Strapping
Automation Trends
58 Robotic top loading solutions: Ensuring f lexibility with integrity
Energy Management
60 Blister packaging: Creating value, retaining quality
Policies & Regulations
62 Packaging for generics: Impact of government policies on
intellectual property protection
Strategy
64 Primary packaging: Smart solution for drug stability
Tips & Tricks
64 Glass recycling: Steps to ensure better processing
Event Preview
72 International Packtech India 2012: An all-encompassing show for
stimulating innovation
73 PackPlus 2012: Leveraging the Indian advantage
Event Report
74 Speciality Films and Flexible Packaging, Global Conference 2012:
An all-in-one packaging platform
REGUL AR SECTIONSEditorial ................................. 7
News, Views & Analysis ...... 12
Technology & Innovation .... 18
Design Innovation ................ 20
Projects ................................. 68
31
Tenders ................................. 69
Event List............................. 70
Book Review ........................ 76
List of Products.................... 87
List of Advertisers ................ 88Cover design: Sharad Bharekar
Glass in food &
beverage packaging ................32
Glass packaging .....................34
Interface: C S K Mehta ........36
Roundtable ............................37
41Advanced pharma packaging ..................... 42
Packaging for specialty pharma products ... 44
Interface:
Sundeep Prabhu ............................ 46
Ajit Singh ...................................... 48
B Pal S Puri .................................. 49
Packaging specification .......................... 50
Packaged goods size ............................... 52
Technology in printing and packaging .. 54
Brand reputation .................................... 56
In Conversation With 26 Vijay Shah, Director, Piramal Glass Ltd
Facility Visit 38 Himalayan Group of Industries:
Spearheading sustainability in packaging
Insight & OutlookPharmaceutical Packaging
Special FocusGlass Packaging
Details on pg no. 70
Highlights of Next Edition
FOUNDER & EDITOR, NETWORK 18Raghav Bahl
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SENIOR EDITORManas R Bastia
EDITORIAL TEAMSwati Sharma, Lionel Alva, Sweta M Nair, Archana Aroor, Avinash Pandey
Anwesh Koley (Delhi), Avani Jain (Ahmedabad)
ASSISTANT ART DIRECTORVaruna Naik
DESIGNSharad Bharekar
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHERMexy Xavier
PHOTOGRAPHYNeha Mithbawkar, Joshua Navalkar
BUSINESS CONTROLLERSLovey Fernandes, Akshata Rane, Surekha Karmarkar, Deepak Bhatia,
Ashish Kukreti, Shwetha ME, Jayashree N, Shefali Mahant
PRINTINGEXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Ananth R Iyer
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER - PPCShekhar Khot
PRODUCTION TEAMSurekha Karmarkar, Ravikumar Potdar
Ravi Salian, Sanjay Shelar
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Business Insights •Technologies•Opportunities
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 11
Printed by Mohan Gajria and published by Lakshmi Narasimhan on behalf of Network18.Senior Editor: Manas R BastiaPrinted at Infomedia 18 Ltd, Plot no.3, Sector 7, off Sion-Panvel Road, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400 706, and published at Network18, ‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai - 400 028. Modern Packaging & Design is registered with the Registrar of Newspapers of India under No. MAHENG / 2008 / 27106. Network18 does not take any responsibility for loss or damage incurred or suffered by any subscriber of this magazine as a result of his/her accepting any invitation/offer published in this edition. *Ownership of this magazine stands transferred from Infomedia18 Ltd (Infomedia18) to Network18 Media & Investments Ltd (Network18) in pursuance of the scheme of arrangement between Network18 and Infomedia18 and their respective shareholders and creditors, as approved by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi and the necessary approval of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is being obtained.
Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Network18 Media & Investments Ltd (Network18)*, its publisher and/or editors. We at Network18 do our best to verify the information published but do not take any responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. Network18 does not accept the responsibility for any investment or other decision taken by readers on the basis of information provided herein. Network18 does not take responsibility for returning unsolicited material sent without due postal stamps for return postage. No part of this magazine can be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher. Network18 reserves the right to use the information published herein in any manner whatsoever.
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NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS
12 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Bosch Packaging Technology closes acquisition of Ampack Ammann Following the approval from the antitrust
authorities, Bosch Packaging Technology
has closed its acquisition of Ampack
Ammann. The purchase of company had
been signed in July, this year. Generating
average sales of some f 35 million over the
past few years, the company employs some
250 associates. Apart from manufacturing its
own cup and bottle filling machines as well
as dosing systems and peripheral machinery,
the company also offers an extensive range
of after-sales services. Ampack Ammann
also acts as general contractor for complete
filling and case packing lines.
Post the acquisition, Ampack Ammann
will remain an independent unit and will
be operated as a Bosch subsidiary, its
business activities have been assigned to
Bosch Packaging Technology’s Liquid
Food business unit with immediate effect.
However, its products will in future
continue to be marketed under the name
of Ampack Ammann. With regard to the
administration, the executive management
of the new subsidiary has passed to Dr
Wilhelm Wazel (from Ampack Ammann,
where he was Technical Director), Markus
Schlumberger, and Markus Follmann
(both from Bosch Packaging Technology
in Crailsheim).
Positive Packaging buys SGRE Labels Positive Packaging Industries Ltd has
recently acquired SGRE Labels Pvt Ltd,
a company that offers complete labeling
solution to Manufacturing, IT, FMCG,
Pharma, Apparels, Retail, and Electronics
& Telecom sectors. Without disclosing the
amount, the acquisition will help Positive
Packaging to provide overall solutions to
its clients from packaging to labeling.
Incorporated in 1977, SGRE has
European machines with additional
equipment scheduled for commissioning
in March 2013. The company has in-house
design facility, managed by an experienced
technical team and is equipped with HP
Indigo digital printing and converting
equipment.
Positive Packaging is part of the Enpee
group of companies, promoted by N P
Kirpalani, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI)
based in Nigeria. Set up in 1994, the
company also manufactures multi-layer
laminated, printed, and metallised films
using bi-axially-oriented poly-propylene,
polyester film, and aluminium foil. It
also manufactures rotogravure-printing
cylinders and laser-engraved printing
cylinders, metallised films and cast poly-
propylene (CPP) films.
MeadWestvaco Corporation expands presence in Indian packaging market
MeadWestvaco Corporation (MWV )
reported the signing of a definitive agreement
to acquire Ruby Macons Ltd from Alibhai
Nathani and family for undisclosed terms
and conditions. This acquisition has come
in time when strong retail segment and the
opening up of foreign direct investment
(FDI) in India is bringing in limitless
opportunities for the packaging sector.
Ruby Macons is a India-based corrugated
packaging materials company, that produces
over 150,000 tonne annually. With revenues
touching $ 80 million over the last 12
months. The company has achieved greater
than 20 per cent average growth over the
last several years. The company’s offices and
manufacturing facilities are located in and
around Vapi, Gujarat.
Post the acquisition, the assets will
remain in full operation and become a
part of MWV’s industrial packaging and
global manufacturing platform. All Ruby
Macons employees will become MWV
India employees and the Ruby Macons
management team will remain in place.
Tata Elxsi and Ocean Herbal win ‘India Star Award’ for innovative packaging design
Tata Elxsi and Ocean Herbal,
an Ayurvedic brand have been
honoured with the ‘India Star
Award’ for excellence in packaging
design. Selected among 507 entries
by an eminent jury, the award is
considered to be one of the most
prestigious national recognitions of
packaging design excellence in India.
Ocean Herbal, being a new
entrant, entrusted Tata Elxsi with
developing the brand identity
and packaging design for all the
variants. It designed a trapezoidal
body that gave the brand a
distinct look. Talking about the
design, Shyam Sunder B K, Chief
Designer, Tata Elxsi said, “The
dispenser is a uniquely designed
component which fits on the
mouth of the bottle and ensures an
easy and controlled flow of tablets
while dispensing. This is possible
as it has an opening which allows
only one or two tablets or capsules
to come out from the bottle when
it’s tilted for dispensing.”
The design addressed key
challenges of brand visibility,
shelf throw, stacking and usage
especially amongst elderly people.
Sunder added, “Apart from
meeting the technical and statutory
requirements while designing a
packaging for a healthcare product,
it is very important to study and
understand the end user, various
usability environments and
scenarios. These insights help to
develop designs that the consumer
appreciates and the product is used
regularly by him/her.”
Sweta M Nair
MeadWestvaco Corporation corporate headquarters
NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 13
Global green packaging market to grow at 7.6 per cent from 2013 to 2018 According to a recent market report, entitled, ‘Green Packaging Market (Recycled, Reusable & Degradable) - Global Scenario, Trends, Industry Analysis, Size, Share and Forecast, 2011 - 2018,’ the global green packaging market is expected to reach $ 177,733.0 million in 2018, growing at a CAGR of 7.6
per cent from 2013 to 2018. Published by Transparency Market Research, the research findings pertains to the global green packaging market, which was worth $ 108,750.0 million in 2011.
With regard to the overall global market, the report stated that Europe accounted for the highest share worth $ 41,325.0 million in 2011 followed by North America, which accounted for $ 32,625.0 million in 2011. The highest growth in the forecasted period
is expected to be witnessed in the Asia Pacific region, especially India and China, due to large population base, economic growth and rising awareness about green products. Key factors such as growing awareness about carbon emissions, energy consumption and waste reduction targets implemented by different nations, rapidly growing economies, a dearth of natural resources, and consumers’ preference for eco-friendly products, are driving growth towards green packaging.
A family of bimodal HDPEs for blown film production by SABIC
SABIC has announced a family of bimodal h i g h - d e n s i t y p o l y e t h y l e n e s (HDPE) for the production of high-quality thin blown film. The standard grade is HDPE FI0644,
and a higher-density grade with grater flow is HDPE FI1157. Both grades have high molecular weight and a broad molecular weight distribution. These characteristics translate into a good processability which will minimise disruptions during film production combined with good mechanical properties in the blown film. The low gel levels lead to consistent film production and a smooth film surface. Film makers can achieve acceptable gauge tolerances with adequate stiffness and strength at very low thickness, according to the company, and both grades can be processed at temperatures around 10 per cent lower than common HDPE grades.
Krzysztof Rozensal, PE Technical Marketing Engineer, SABIC, says “The balanced properties of the grades are key to attaining a consistent, reliable and efficient film production process. In particular, FI1157 can be processed at high speed while maintaining a robust bubble stability, maximising film output and minimising energy consumption.” Typical applications for FI1157 are the production of lamination films, release films, inliners, labels and artificial paper. SABIC FI0644 is designed for applications requiring extra strength, such as heavy-duty bags, inliners, meat bags, grocery sacks and carrier bags.
Creed Engineers demonstrates latest technologies in LabelEXPO 2012
Creed engineers exhibited a number of machines in the LabelEXPO 2012, New Delhi. In the exhibition, OMEGA HSR (Slitter Rewinder) with Fleyevision 100 per cent inspection system from AB Graphics International Ltd was demonstrated. Reaching speeds of 300 metres a minute while maintaining accurate rewind tension, ensuring high quality finished rolls and equipped with 100 per cent camera inspection solution, the Fleyevision system is also capable of inspecting reflective foils and holograms.
Creed Engineers also for the first time displayed its VIS 1200 Inkjet System under its own brand VINSAK. The VIS 1200 is a modular wide format printing system that can print on a variety of different papers, ie various offset papers, coated paper, gloss papers etc. Especially for tax stamps jobs this inkjet system is capable to print 2D/QR barcodes and numbering for track and trace solution. A printing module of Lombardi Synchroline Flexo Press from Lombardi Italy was also displayed.
Speaking during the event, Ranesh Bajaj, Managing Director, Creed Engineers Pvt Ltd said, “Footfalls on day two of the LabelEXPO have been good. We are expecting visitors from neighbouring Indian states and even international delegations for the remaining days at the LabelExpo.”
Sweta M Nair
Clariant Performance Packaging exhibits protective desiccants at FachPack 2012 for the 1st time Clariant Performance Packaging
participated for the first time as
part of Clariant at FachPack 2012
held in Germany. Part of Clariant’s
Business Unit Functional
Materials, the company exhibited
Container Dri® II desiccants,
Desi-Sheet™ flat desiccants and
its portfolio of other protective
packaging technologies for cargo
and device applications at the
leading European exhibition.
At FachPack, Clariant
highlighted the advantages of
Container Dri II bags, strips,
poles and packs for reducing and
damaging humidity in shipping
containers. Known for absorbing
up to three times its weight,
Container Dri II offers double
protection. The company’s other
solutions for cargo protection
included bentonite desiccant
bags, tablets and preforms, as well
as Humitector® humidity indicator
cards and plugs designed to meet
rigorous military and industry
standards. Clariant Desi-Sheet
flat desiccants for devices and
SÜKORRON® static shielding
bags that protect sensitive parts
from static discharge and electric
fields during transport & storage,
were also exhibited.
Omega SR with Fleyevision system
NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS
14 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
1st EAST AFRIPACK to be held in 2014 in Nairobi In a bid to promote East Africa’s industrialisation
policy, the EAST AFRIPACK 2014 – The
Processing, Packaging and Converting
Technologies Exhibition in the East Africa
Region, will be held from September 9-12 2014,
announced the event’s organising committee in
its first meeting held in Nairobi. Following July’s
signing of the agreement between the United
Nations Industrial Development Organisation
(UNIDO), the East African Community
(EAC) and Ipack-Ima in Vienna which form
the committee, the international exhibition will
be dedicated to processing and packaging in
Africa.
The exhibition aspires to tap Africa’s strong
growth potential as well as abundant resources.
Additionally, in an effort to reduce high
postharvest losses, the systems and technology
provided by the industries represented by
IPACK-IMA play a crucial role in paving the
way for development and progress in Africa, by increasing food preservation and value addition.
With regard to the representation of the event, a logo in the form of a stylised giraffe has been selected by the committee. Its first edition will be held at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre Nairobi (KICC). The official press release has stated that EAST AFRIPACK aims at becoming the pivotal event in the East African region in the field of processing, packaging and converting technology.
Fully compostable coffee pack by Pistol & Burnes Leading Canadian coffee roasting company Pistol
& Burnes has introduced a fully compostable
package for its Farmer First brand. The Fair
Trade, organic coffee is packed in a paper bag
laminated to transparent NatureFlex™ film
from Innovia Films. Roy M Hardy, President
, Pistol & Burnes said, “Most roasted coffee
sold in the world is packaged in either foil bags
coated in plastic or paper bags with a plastic liner.
These usually end up going straight to landfill,
as they can prove difficult to recycle. However
our environmental-friendly coffee bag can be
organically recycled (composted), which means it
breaks down in a home compost bin.”
NatureFlex films are certified to meet
the American ASTM D6400, European
EN13432, and Australian AS4736 standards
for compostable packaging. The wood pulp
is sourced from managed plantations. The
renewable bio-based content of NatureFlex films
is typically 95 per cent by weight of material,
according to ASTM D6866. NatureFlex begins
life as a natural product-wood-and breaks down
at the end of its life cycle in a home compost
bin or industrial compost environment within a
matter of weeks. It is also confirmed as suitable
for emerging waste to energy techniques, such as
anaerobic digestion.
IHMA welcomes India’s move to security holograms on alcohol bottlesFol lowing Jammu and Kashmir Excise Department’s initiative to introduce security holograms on alcohol bottles, the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) wants all Indian states
to quickly adopt the technology so as to help authorities to clamp down on smuggling and sales of illicit alcohol.
Security holograms on
liquor bottles in the Indian state will ensure quality and check smuggled and illicit liquor. This implies that bottles not displaying security holograms will be
seized and destroyed. The security hologram will be on the tax stamp, next to the stamp’s serial number. The IHMA said the move reinforces the hologram’s position as a pre-eminent
security feature in the global anti-counterfeiting fight. As per statistics f rom the Hologram Manufactures Association of India (HOMAI) more
than 17 states and Union Territories used security hologram on liquor bottles.
Every year illicit or toxic alcohol leads to hundreds of deaths while costing the authorities in millions
for medical treatment and lost tax revenue. Mandated use of hologram in such a scenario will not only minimise tragedies due to spurious liquor but will also substantially
increase the excise revenue collection.
New packaging norms on standard pack sizesAfter some delays in implementation due to
opposition from the sector, the new norms on
packaging set by the Consumer Affairs in India
will come into effect on November 1, 2012. As
per this, players will have to mandatorily pack
items in standard sizes only, taking away the
leeway to tweak weight to accommodate rising
raw material costs, without impacting prices for
the consumer. Small pack sizes are exempt from
the new rules as they are vital recruiter packs for
new customers. The Food Safety and Standards
(Packaging and Labeling) Regulations came out
with its guidelines which provide clearly defined
labeling requirements for all the food items
packaged in India. It gives clear guidelines on
labeling a packaged food, covering points like
date of manufacture and best used by, date of
packaging, etc. To meet these new norms, Indian
companies will need to look at technological
innovations to meet higher quality standards.
Anwesh Koley
The organising committee’s first meeting
NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS
16 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Indian Institute of Packaging to set up testing lab in Bengaluru
Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP)
to set up its fifth branch and testing
laboratory for various packaging
products like plastic, metal and jute
packaging material in Bengaluru. The
Bengaluru branch will offer a two-year
post-graduate course on packaging
technology among others. It will also
provide testing facility free of charge to
its over 1,000 members.
“The institute is involved in
various activities like testing and
quality evaluation, training, education,
consultancy services, R&D among
others in other centres. This is the first
time, the institute is looking to expand
in Karnataka. We want to offer similar
services to the packaging industry in
the state,” said Vimal Kedia, Governing
Body Member, IIP. He further added,
“Karnataka government has allotted
four acres land at Sompura Industrial
Estate in Dobaspet near Bengaluru for
IIP to set up the institute free of cost.
The initial cost of setting up packaging
institute in Bengaluru would be
` 5 crore, of which ` 50 lakh would
come from the Central government.”
Treofan makes offer for Max Specialty FilmsPackaging film maker Treofan
Germany GmbH & Co KG and Indian
conglomerate Max India Ltd have a
preliminary agreement for Treofan to buy
Max Speciality Films, a manufacturer of
biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP)
film. The deal is subject to financing, due
diligence, execution of a final purchase
agreement and regulatory approvals.
Max has capacity of about 50,000 metric
tonne of BOPP film annually, including
multilayer white opaque films, ultra
high barrier metalised plain films and
leather finishing foils. Its products are
used in food packaging, overwrapping,
consumer products, labels and textiles.
Raunheim-based Treofan already has
BOPP production in Europe and the US
Jürgen Lindemann, Commercial
Director, Treofan said, “After operating
plants in Europe and Mexico, the
footprint in India will enable Treofan
to transfer its unique portfolio and
technology into the strongly growing
Asian markets and become a global
partner for its customers.”
Emerging markets & product innovations to drive growth in the glass packaging marketGlobal Industry Analysts, Inc released
a comprehensive global report on glass
packaging markets. According to the report,
the global market for glass packaging is
projected to reach $56.8 billion by the year
2018, driven by increasing demand from
developing countries; increasing sales of
cosmetic products; growing preference for
eco-friendly packaging among consumers;
rising consumption of packaged food and
beverages especially in developing nations;
and increasing importance of health
awareness, safety, and food issues. AVPS
Chakravarthi, Chairman, Indian Institute
of Packaging-Hyderabad & Managing
Director, Ecobliss India Pvt Ltd notes,
“Glass can be moulded into various shapes
& sizes and thus increase the usability
quotient. Creative labeling, embossing
and other decorative treatments can also
enhance customer appeal
The research report titled ‘Glass
Packaging: A Global Strategic Business
Report’ provides a comprehensive review of
trends, issues, strategic industry activities,
and profiles of major companies worldwide.
The report provides market estimates and
projections across geographic markets
such as the US, Canada, Japan, Europe
(France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia,
Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal,
Turkey, and rest of Europe) and Asia
Pacific (China, India, Australia, Indonesia,
New Zealand, South Korea, and rest of
Asia-Pacific).
Avani Jain
Global aseptic packaging forecast to grow 24 per cent in next five years
The ‘Global Aseptic Packaging’ report
from Zenith Intl and Warrick Research
Ltd estimates that by 2016, the world
market for aseptic packaging will reach
153 billion litres, in 333 billion packs,
with the majority of additional demand
coming from South/Southeast Asia and
China. White drinking milk accounts for
39 per cent of aseptically packed products,
with beverages responsible for 37 per cent,
and other dairy or food products making
up the remainder. Talking about India,
Yatindra Sharma, Managing Director,
KHS Machinery Pvt Ltd said, “At
present, aseptic beverage packing market
is growing rapidly for milk and juices
in laminated paper cartons in order to
ensure better flexibility & cost efficiency.”
Other findings of the report included
the following points. First, there are more
than 13,000 operational aseptic filling
systems worldwide and more than 40
companies supply aseptic filling systems.
Second, the largest regional markets for
aseptic packaging are set to be China and
South/Southeast Asia, both of which are
overtaking West Europe as the former
largest region. Third, world use of aseptic
packaging has reflected global economic
trends. Usage has been static in much
of Europe, while there has been rapid
growth in many countries across Asia.
Avani Jain
Global aseptic packaging 2008-2016
Vimal Kedia
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
18 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
New anti-fog concentrate for PP food packagingCroda Polymer Additives has launched
a new anti-fog concentrate, which is
claimed to provide a unique solution to
fogging in clear Polypropylene (PP) food
packaging. Proven in tests to be effective
in both hot and cold fogging applications,
Atmer™ 7373 prevents droplet formation
on plastic surfaces, keeping food looking
fresher for longer. Atmer 7373 is effective
in most grades of PP, and results have been
particularly good in PP homopolymer.
The product’s unique formulation is said
to be capable of overcoming many of the
processing difficulties encountered while
using conventional additives at the levels
needed to impart effective anti-fogging.
Typical processing problems can include
screw slip or over-lubrication in the
extruder barrel and excess fuming.
Atmer 7373 is a 40 per cent concentrate
supplied in pellet form for easy dosing,
thus opening up new opportunities for
film and sheet producers in particular.
Additionally, it helps control the rate of
migration and allows an even dispersion
of the additive on the polymer surface.
Ten-head auger filler for multilane filling operations
Nalbach Engineering Company has
launched a 10-head Multilane Auger Filling
System, the NMAF-M10. The machine
dispenses a single product from a common
hopper with 10 separate and independently
controlled augers/funnels and it is ideal
for multilane filling operations commonly
found in food, pharmaceutical, health &
beauty aids and chemical industries. The
system features a 10 computer-controlled,
servo-driven motors and an easy-to-use
operator touchscreen interface.
The computer-controlled brushless,
direct drive, servo motor system provides
superior fill accuracy and reliability, while
dramatically reducing mechanical failures
& downtime by eliminating most moving
parts. The user-friendly graphical menu
allows the operator to easily access the
product memory for fast set-up and
accurate control of all filling operations.
M10 is a compact system designed for
easy integration and multi-lane production
lines. This multi-lane system can be
configured to match virtually any multi-
lane application. These variables include
the number of dispensing/filling heads as
well as centre distances to complement any
multi-lane system.
New energy-efficient X-ray inspection system by Eagle
Eagle Product Inspection has launched
the Eagle Pack 400 HC, an energy-
efficient X-ray inspection system designed
for easy and efficient cleaning in the harsh
washdown environments of the packaged
meat, poultry and dairy industries,
where daily sanitisation of equipment is
mandatory.
The machine’s robust construction
features thicker stainless steel plates
cut and welded together, rather than
bolted, making its design more sterile by
eliminating food debris collection points. It
is also capable of withstanding the impact
of repeated use of harsh chemical cleaners
and pressurised water. The system offers
interlocked hinged louvers, which can be
easily lifted to allow access to the conveyor,
eliminating the need for dismantling
conventional heavy louvers to clean inside
the machine. This feature reduces the time
and labour needed for daily sanitisation and
assembly, thereby increasing uptime. The
hinged louvers also decrease the possibility
of damaging or losing equipment pieces
during cleaning shifts, enhancing overall
safety and productivity.
To reduce carbon emissions and
energy consumption, the machine is
designed with an energy-efficient water-
cooled heat exchanger that eliminates the
need for a separate air conditioning unit
to cool the system.
Five-Ltr blow moulded HDPE container by RPC Gent
RPC Gent has launched a 5-Ltr blow-
moulded High-Density Polyethylene
(HDPE) container that combines an
enhanced environmental profile with
maximum functionality and branding
opportunities. The new Elight container
offers an overall weight of 120 gm as
compared to 140 gm for a standard
5-Ltr pack, enabling companies to
reduce their carbon footprints. An
accurate spread of material throughout
the container combined with optimising
the compression of the shoulder and base
ensure that the container maintains its
overall strength and stability to deliver a
robust & reliable performance.
A unique design feature of the Elight
is the vertical ribs on each corner of the
container. These help avoid damage to the
packs during stretch wrapping of pallets or
in transportation by allowing the container
to regain its original shape. User-friendliness
is further enhanced by the large handle,
and there is an extensive decoration area to
enable brands to create their own identity
& on-shelf appeal. The Elight is currently
available with a neck insert for 40/42 mm
closures, including UN approved caps. A
38-mm neck will be added to the range later.
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 19
New E-seal® technology widens Proseal range Proseal has extended its range of high-
performance tray sealers with the launch
of a high-force electric heat-seal model
particularly appropriate for the meat
industry. The Proseal GT2X-Twin E-seal®
is a twin-lane high-speed tray sealer, capable
of sealing 120 trays per minute. The E-seal®
technology provides an energy-efficient
sealing system that delivers a high-precision
seal with an extremely strong sealing force,
ensuring that every seal offers the tightness
and reliability to meet the stringent quality
requirements of the fresh food retail sector.
The GT2X-Twin E-seal® features a
servo-driven infeed conveyor and high-
accuracy tray positioning system for high
throughput speeds. An intelligent film feed
system ensures full control of the sealing
operation for excellent seal quality, with
easy film threading and dynamic control
of the movement of the film throughout
the film feed cycle in order to maintain
constant tension and avoid film snapping.
The machine offers a rugged construction
manufactured to food industry–approved
hygiene standards with full washdown
protection. Downtime is also minimised by
the use of quick-change conveyor belts and
an auto-lock film reel holder. The machine’s
practical design is enhanced by positioning
the electrical controls above the sealing area,
which allows for safe access.
BERICAP’s DoubleSeal™ offers material and cost savings
BERICAP has developed
33-mm closure, which offers
material and cost savings to
a large extent. Fillers, which
switch from the 38-mm closure
size to 33-mm size, profit from
lower costs. Bottles with the
new 33-mm closure differ
in appearance from the
conventional beverage products
with large closures, and thus
contribute towards a marked
visual product differentiation
and set the products apart on
store shelves.
Compared to the 38-mm
bottle used till date, the
consumer enjoys a more
pleasant drinking experience
due to the narrower bottleneck.
The 33-mm closure that
is based on the BERICAP
DoubleSeal™ has a folded and
cut safety strip that breaks for
the first time when the bottle is
opened. It can also be used on
all conventional aseptic systems
using dry or wet sterilisation.
Bosch introduces new capping machine
Bosch Packaging Technology has developed
a new sealing solution for injection and
infusion vials – the compact VRT 1010|1020.
The machine is equipped with highly
sensitive control systems, ensures reliable
capping and achieves an output of
120 containers per minute. The VRT
1010|1020 can also be combined with
barrier and containment systems.
Reliable quality control via sensor
depending on the version, the intermittent VRT
1010|1020 takes over the filled and plugged
injection and infusion vials from an upstream
filling machine or a rotary table via single or
double lane. The vials pass through all working
stations in a conveying starwheel with counter
guidance. Before capping, a camera-based
sensor performs the stopper presence check.
Containers with a missing or an incorrectly
placed stopper are guided to an outward station,
and correctly stoppered containers continue
moving to the capping station.
The caps are attached loosely via a tow-
off chute after being picked up from the
conveying system. While the containers are
rotated, they are clamped via a plunger and
tilted against a freely revolving roller by
means of servo-controlled tilting movement.
The exact repeatability of the rotation speed
allows a complete validation of the process.
Multivac presents MR821 checkweighers with optional metal detectorMultivac Marking & Inspection has
launched checkweighers in three weight
ranges. The MR821 checkweighers
can be adapted to every application.
Their transport conveyor and weighing
modules are mounted on a robust
twin-beam carrier, on which almost
all configurations of different conveyor
modules can be fitted. The entire
construction is designed for maximum
weighing accuracy with rigidity against
flexing, reduction of vibration and
absence of torsion.
The MR821 checkweighers can also
be equipped as an option with multi-
frequency metal detectors. These are
adapted to the specific user requirement
in order to achieve the optimum
sensitivities. It can detect all types of
metals such as iron, stainless steel, copper,
aluminium, brass, bronze and titanium.
The checkweighers and metal
detectors are equipped with
either a 12.1-inch colour touchscreen
or a 5.7-inch monochrome display
as required. Their clearly structured
user interface makes the operation
of the units extremely simple,
even for non-technical personnel.
Also, the MR821 checkweighers
have light transport conveyor
modules, brushless drive motors and
low-friction belts.
DESIGN INNOVATION
20 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Cool ideas with smart paper bags Lee has recently come up with a clever paper bag. The bag is eco-
friendly and not a single part gets wasted ever. It has been designed by
Happy Creative Services from India. It is interesting to see how this
latest concept from Lee works. First, the packaging works just like any
other shopping bag, which is to hold one’s purchases. But, one good
aspect of this bag is that 100 per cent of it can be reused afterwards.
The packaging is made from recycled paper and can be reused as a
paper bag. It can be used for other purposes as well, ie, one can cut out
some parts and use as a calendar, a ruler, a door sign, a pencil holder,
a snakes & ladders game, dice, credit card holder, condom holder, first
aid chart, bookmark, mask, custom black book; even the handles can
be reused as shoe laces! Indeed a cool concept!
Manufacturer: Lee
In a sea of look-alikes, the challenge is to bring to the market new and improved product concepts where the packaging does more than simply contain and protect the contents. Packaging innovation is crucial to the future of packaged goods, with user convenience being a key driver. As smart packaging concepts are predicted to be commonplace features in the future, this column is a tribute to the latest innovations in packaging designs.
Eco-friendly packaging design concept This packaging
design by design
student Andrew
Seunghyun Kim for
Coca-Cola bottles
is a bold concept
that other beverage
companies could
definitely consider
doing. The new bottle design is 100 per cent eco-friendly.
It is slick, futuristic and vastly different from Coca-Cola’s
packaging, which is said to be the reason why the billion-
dollar franchise would find it attractive to carry out in
the future. The cap is 25 per cent slimmer that those of
the current bottles and 27 per cent more eco-friendly
because it greatly reduces the carbon footprint. The design
is 65 per cent more collapsible than the current bottle,
thus encouraging more recycling due to ease in transport.
Environmentally conscious people can easily collapse the
bottle and carry it around as compared to recycling a can.
Manufacturer: Coke
Doritos packaging conceptThis project was based on one of the
YCN briefs where designers were asked
to create a totally new packaging concept
for Doritos. The shape and the texture
of the Doritos chips are used as the
base of this packaging concept. What
is good about this form of packaging is
its structure, which can keep the chips
closed even after opening.
Mfg: Doritos
Manufacturer: Doritos
DESIGN INNOVATION
22 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Sustainable packaging Sonoco’s new
rigid paperboard
packaging was used
for Heinz’s Nurture
Growing Baby
Follow-on Milk
product, available
in the UK. The
rigid paperboard
can that Heinz recently used to re-launch the product
makes portion control and preparation easy & protects
the product inside. Made from two layers of recycled
paperboard that are spiral wound and a high-barrier
liner, the cans lock out moisture & oxygen that could
compromise the nutritional integrity of the powdered
infant formula. These also keep the powdered product
from clumping so that it quickly dissolves while preparing
a bottle. The rigid paperboard has other parent-friendly
features, including a Sonoco-supplied Sealed Safe peelable
membrane closure with a metal rim seamed onto the can’s
end and an easy-grip ring pull that opens the can easily.
Manufacturer: Sonoco
Indulge with innovative wine packaging Uxus has unveiled its latest project, the brand identity and packaging design of APL
Wines’ new label – Indulge. The project brief was to create an innovative packaging
concept and a website that targets specific lifestyles. The design concept focusses on the
practicality and accessibility of its specific target group’s lifestyle – the fashionista, the active
outdoors individual, the retro-lover and the leisurely. Indulge wines marry lifestyle with
eco-conscious packaging. The new packaging is ideal for BBQs, picnics, beaches, parks
and outdoor theatres.
The bright and bold water colour illustrations reflect each distinct customer with
shoe-adorned graphics for the fashionista and picnic graphics for the laid-back denizen.
An innovative handle integrated in the package allows easy transportation and the
spigot on the bottom of the pouch easily controls the flow of wine.
Manufacturer: APL Wines
New plant-based PET bottles PepsiCo has recently developed
the world’s first Polyethylene
Terephthalate (PET) bottle
made entirely from plant-based
renewable resources. The bottle
is made from bio-based materials
including switch grass, pine bark
and corn husks. In the future,
the company expects to broaden
the renewable resources used to
create the green bottle to include orange peels, potato peels, oat
hulls and other agricultural byproducts from its food business.
Pepsi says the new bottle is expected to appear on shelves in
2012. The development of the 100 per cent renewable PET bottle
by Pepsi is the latest in a series of developments in bio-based
bottles by major companies in the US market. While the design
remains quite as the standard bottles offered by the company,
PepsiCo hopes to encourage beverage manufacturers to initiate
such sustainable initiatives in future.
Manufacturer: Pepsi
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
24 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
As part of our endeavour to spread the technology culture, this section provides a means to promote and facilitate exchange of select technologies.
We strive to bring together suppliers of such technologies with suitable users for negotiations and industrial collaboration.
Technology Offered
Air bubble packaging film A Korean company is offerring its
existing plant manufacturing air bubble
film. This plant (model: YS1200, YS1000,
YS1400) is equipped with modern and
up-to-date facilities in accordance with
excellent quality goods that this plant
now produces. The consumption of air
bubble sheet in India is increasing rapidly
and this is a profitable business at present.
It is a good chance to catch the low-cost
plants at globally competent standards.
Areas of applicationPackaging industry: It can also be used
for agricultural applications instead of
LDPE if additional thermal insulation is
required.
Forms of transferEquipment supply, turnkey
Aseptic fillers for bags An India-based firm offers aseptic and
non-aseptic bags of capacity 2-1,400 Ltr.
We also manufacture aseptic fillers for
these bags. These bags are used for aseptic
packaging of various fruit pulps and dairy
products as well as for various industrial
liquid products.
Areas of applicationBulk aseptic and non aseptic packaging
for food and chemical products
Forms of transferOthers
Bar code generating and printing A Thailand-based firm seeks to offer
their services in bar code generation and
printing. They use highly professional
methods and their expertise will be useful
depending on the clients’ requirements.
Other than consultancy they provide
training for barcode generation, which
would help a firm improve its prospects
in the long term.
Areas of applicationPrinting industry, bar code auto ID
section
Forms of transferConsultancy, turnkey
Coir Atlas An Indian firm is offering a green
innovative technology – Coir Atlas. It
is an eco-friendly and biodegradable
substitute of wooden logs used by steel
industry for shipment of flat products viz
sheets/plates and coils.
Areas of applicationPackaging and transportation
Forms of transferJoint Venture, technology licensing
Expanded polystyrene packaging without moulds An Indian firm offers an effective
and low-cost technology to generate
three-dimensional profiles in styrofoam-
expanded polystyrene with reproducible
results. This technology does not involve
electronics or automation but yields
results that are reproducible and capable
of capacities suitable for industrial
supplies. It has the advantage of being
easy to assimilate and requires less capital
investment. We have been successfully
using this technology to serve large
industrial houses and multinationals.
Areas of applicationPackaging, pattern making, decorations
and model making
Forms of transferConsultancy, technical services, turnkey
Retort pouch tech An India-based firm has developed this
technology, which provides a method
for preparing ready-to-serve fish curry
in a retortable pouch, with excellent
storage stability and quality and a shelf-
life of more than one year at ambient
temperature. The ready-to-serve fish curry
is thermal processed and does not require
further processing before consumption.
The thermal processing conditions have
been standardised for this product to
make it safe for consumers.
Areas of applicationFood, meat, fish processing
Forms of transferConsultancy, technical services,
technology licensing
Sensor for detecting air leakage in packed items and storage plants An India-based firm provides a sensor
for detecting oxygen leakage in packed
items and storage plants. This invention
provides a process for preparing the sensor
by ion-pairing of Methylene Blue (MB)
with Dodecyl Sulphate (DS) to produce
a water insoluble form of dye (solvent
soluble and compatible with food items),
which can be used to create an Ultraviolet
(UV )-activated, oxygen-sensitive
indicator that can be printed on various
hydrophobic polymers. The sensitiser
in the indicator solution is TiO2. The
present invention also provides a method
of detecting air leakage using the sensor,
with high sensitivity and reproducibility.
Areas of applicationFood packaging industry, medical devices,
other such industries using vacuum
packaging
Forms of transferConsultancy, technology licensing,
research partnerships
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 25
Adhesives, specialty additives and their intermediates A leading UK-based company
is seeking innovative investment
opportunities in organic chemistry,
chemical formulations or processes
including manufacturing, technology
licensing, acquisition, joint venture
and distribution. The company has a
reputation for technical innovation,
and high-quality performance products.
The company seeks to acquire rights
to novel chemistry products, innovative
technologies, formulations, compounds
and applications that are synergistic
to its current range of activities, and
that will increase the diversity of its
manufacturing base. Patents or know-
how would be desirable.
Areas of applicationPlastics rigid and flexible packaging,
laminate printing and processing, etc
Forms of transferManufacturing, technology licensing,
acquisition, joint venture and
distribution
Disposal and recycling of plastic waste A Polish firm seeks the technology
for dry processing of all kinds of
plastics waste or a magnetic processing
method in the electrostatic field. The
technology should allow sorting of
all kinds of plastic materials, hay-
silage foils, PET, HDPE, PVC, etc, by
excluding dangerous waste.
Specific technical requirements
include initial cleaning without the use
of water, sorting of all kinds of plastic
materials after cleaning in a closed system,
and a maximum processing capacity of
10,000 tonne of waste per annum.
Areas of applicationPlastics packaging industry, waste
management, recycling operations
Forms of transferOthers
Recycled PET bottle machineryA Poland-based company specialising
in recycled PET polyester polyols
manufacturing is looking for an alternative
proposal of design and engineering of
bigger (about 25 ktpa) production plant. It
plans to start with good-quality recycled
PET flakes being delivered in big bags.
Hence, the company requires a complete
package offer for this service.
Areas of applicationBeverage packaging industry
Forms of transferOthers
Roll of PP/EVOH film to seal food trays A Spanish company works in
high-technology packaging for
regional pre-cooked and fresh food.
For the highest possible safety and
quality, equipment and materials with
the latest technology are needed.
During the process and handling,
the lowest possible loss of food
quality, guarantee and safety is sought,
as well as the lowest possible quantity
of (or null) by-products and emission
generation.
For its process of food packaging by
thermo-sealing, the company needs a
roll of Polypropylene (PP)/Ethyl Vinyl
Alcohol (EVOH) film that should be
able to bear a temperature of 120ºC
and be microwave-resistant.
Areas of applicationMaterials, plastics, polymers, food
packaging/handling
Forms of transferCommercial agreement with technical
assistance
Stearic acid for PVC chemicals An Indian company is engaged in
the manufacture of Polyvinyl
Chloride (PVC) chemicals that
are used in manufacturing all PVC
products like pipes, profiles, etc,
and also cable compounds. The
major raw materials used are
lead and stearic acid. The
consumption of stearic acid is
120-150 MT per month. The
company is, thus, planning to set up a
stearic acid plant in order to cater to
its own requirement and also market
to others. It would like to acquire
the technology for production of
stearic acid, which is palm-based or
rice bran-based, with iodine value less
than two and acid value in the range of
205-210.
Areas of applicationIndustrail packaging, bulk packagingg
applications
Forms of transferKnow-how, technical assistance,
equipment, turnkey plant
Technology Requested
Share and Solicit TechnologyThe mission of Modern Packaging & Design is to spread the technology culture. Here is an opportunity to be a part of this endeavour by sending your technology on offer or technology requirements. If you belong to any of these two categories, you are invited to furnish the techno-commercial details for publication. The write-up needs to be as per the format of this section with information about the particular technology offered or requested, its areas of application and forms of transfer.
Contact: Modern Packaging & DesignInfomedia 18 Ltd, ‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028. Tel: 022-3003 4671 • Fax: 022-3003 4499 • Email: [email protected]
Information courtesy: Information courtesy: Dr Krishnan S Raghavan, In-Charge, Technology Transfer Services Group, United Nations - Asian and Pacifi c Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), APCTT Building, C-2, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110 016, Tel: 011 - 2696 6509, Fax: 011 - 2685 6274, Email: [email protected], Website: www.apctt.org
For more information on technology offers and requests, please log on to www.technology4sme.net and register with your contact details. This is a free of cost platform provided by APCTT for facilitating interaction between buyers and seekers of technologies across the globe. After submitting technology offer or request to this website, you are requested to wait for at least two weeks for receiving a response from a prospective buyer / seeker through this website, before contacting APCTT for further assistance.
IN CONVERSATION WITH: V i jay Shah
26 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
How has been your journey so far?It was in 1984 that Piramal Group acquired Gujarat Glass. The
important phase for the company began during 1999-2005 where, we
became the number one company in the nailpolish segment globally,
within this period, that was earlier dominated by the European
players. This led to a change in the scenario, as cosmetic packaging
carries more global significance for us. In the nailpolish segment,
we had 26 per cent marketshare in the mass perfumery and 12 per
cent marketshare globally. In the year 2005, we began to supply
cosmetics to the European markets. We are the second largest player
in the world in cosmetics and perfumery, which is a significant
share of our revenue. Today, we cater to 55 countries. Our current
marketshare in cosmetics and perfumes is six per cent. Further, our
marketshare in nailpolish is 50 per cent. We operate across verticals
such as cosmetics and perfumery, pharma and specialty food and
beverage segments.
26 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
…observes Vijay Shah, Director, Piramal Glass Ltd, as he highlights how his organisation has had a major turnaround in the past decade, leading it to become the strongest contenders for glass packaging in the world. He elucidates the organisation’s business and various facets that have led to its tremendous success, in a conversation with Lionel Alva.
“There is considerable focus on new product development”
IN CONVERSATION WITH: V i jay Shah
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 27
Vi jay Shah
How does stiff competition from generics affect pharma packaging considerations in the Indian context?There are four types of pharma bottles, namely, type 1,
type 2, type 3( amber) and type 4 ( flint). Today, type 1
non corrosive glass bottles that go into injectables, salines,
etc, are ought to be less reactive. In India, there are only
two players and four players globally. So, it is not a market
that is affected by commoditisation. The prospects for this
market are growing and we perceive a growth of more than
30 per cent. Then we have type 3 bottles, ie, soda-lime glass
which is used for food, wine, beer, bottled water, soft drinks,
pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfume containers. It is a
highly commodity-driven market where the paediatric and
cough syrup range in pharmaceuticals is slowly and steadily
converting to Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) at the rate
of 7-8 per cent.
Tell us about your R&D initiatives and quality standards that you adhere to.There is a considerable focus on new product development.
One of the few areas that we focus on is the mass segment.
We have our design studio that has a set of engineers engaged
in three types of modelling to bring our innovative product
designs. This studio produces about 140 new designs, which
the customers buy. Hence, we focus on new designs and stable
products for our customers. However, in premium markets,
the design is usually of the customer. But the challenge is,
once a design is given to us, we need to do permutation
and combination to ensure that the end result is perfect.
For example, the type of mould to be used, temperature for
heating and other process parameters make this endeavour
arduous, as we have to maintain a minimum time to market.
Therefore, our journey to convert art into science started. The
aim is how we can improve and standardise the processes,
while acquiring a keen understanding of each industry
vertical. In other words, our focus is on process improvement
and reducing time to markets as well as imbibing a culture of
manufacturing excellence.
How do you view the future of the packaging industry in India?India or even Asia as a whole is a lucrative market for
packaging. Several European manufacturers have shifted base
to Asia taking into account its potential. Some have even
made India as a centre of excellence for their setups across
the globe. Our customers recognise the high consumption
patterns emerging across Asia, and hence the packaging
industry too would grow. Moreover, the demographics for
the Indian market are favourable, as almost one-third of
the population is young with increasing purchasing power
parity. Considering these factors, the future of this industry
is bright.
Email: [email protected]
An invite that rewards as well...Dear Reader,
‘Modern Packaging & Design’ solicits original, well-written, application-oriented, unpublished articles that reflect your valuable experience and expertise in the packaging industry.
You can send us Technical Articles, Case Studies and Product Write-ups. The length of the article should not exceed 1500 words, while that of a product write-up should not exceed 100 words.
The articles should preferably reach us in soft copy (either E-mail or a CD). The text should be in MS Word format and images in 300 DPI resolution & JPG format.
The final decision regarding the selection and publication of the articles shall rest solely with ‘Modern Packaging & Design’. Authors whose articles are published will be sent a complimentary copy of that particular edition.
Published by Network18 Media & Investments Ltd, ‘Modern Packaging & Design’ is one of the leading bi-monthly magazines exclusively for manufacturer and user fraternities of the packaging industry. Well supported by a pan-India readership of over 80,000 and our strong network of 26 branch offices across the subcontinent, this magazine reaches out to key decision makers among the manufacturers of products, machinery and allied segments. Brought out in association with Hong Kong-based Ringier Trade Media Ltd (one of the world’s largest trade publishing houses with more than 200 special interest titles and offices in every major country), it ensures that advertisers are able to promote their products and services across the globe at no extra cost.
So get going and rush your articles, write-ups, etc…
Look forward to hearing from you, soon!
Yours sincerely,
Business Insights •Technologies•Opportunities
Manas R. BastiaSenior EditorModern Packaging & Design
Network18 Media & Investments Limited‘A’ Wing, Ruby House,J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W)Mumbai 400 028 India
T +91 22 3024 5000F +91 22 3003 4499E [email protected] www.network18publishing.com
D +91 22 3003 4669
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Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 31
Glass PackagingGlass in food & beverage packaging
New possibilities ............................................................................................................ 32
Glass packaging
On the path of sustainability ......................................................................................... 34
Interface
C S K Mehta, Vice President, Hindustan National Glass & Industries Ltd ................. 36
Roundtable
Is glass more viable than plastics for pharma packaging? ............................................. 37
SPECIAL FOCUS
SPECIAL FOCUS: Glass in food & beverage packaging
32 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Today’s consumers are
increasingly demanding for
pure, ‘green’ and sustainable
packaging solutions for Food
& Beverages (F&B). With some recent
reports on the presence of chemicals in
alternative packaging materials raising
questions about the purity, health and
environmental consequences of certain
F&B packaging materials, the spotlight
is back on glass, a packaging material that
remains as pure today as it was 4,000
years ago.
The consumers are becoming aware
that not all forms of packaging created
are equal, especially when it comes to
protecting their health. However, people
have trusted and used glass as it is 100
per cent pure and inert. It is the only
packaging material that fully preserves
the original taste of food and beverages.
Health conscious consumers are also
seeking packaging such as glass, which
provides a sense of safety and security.
Umesh Sharma, Managing Director,
Julison Packaging India Pvt Ltd, says,
“The demand for glass packaging in the
F&B industry is increasing. Consumers
prefer glass to plastic packaging for the
fact that glass containers are less or not at
all contaminated.”
The clear advantage Ensuring the purity and safety of
food and beverages has become an
increasing concern for consumers and
for F&B companies whose reputation
rests with the quality of their products.
Glass bottles and jars have numerous
advantages over alternative packaging
materials for food and beverages. Made
from non-toxic raw materials – sand,
soda, ash, limestone and up to 90 per
cent recycled glass or cullet – glass is
the only packaging material certified by
the US Food & Drug Administration
(USFDA) and Generally Regarded As
Safe (GRAS).
Further, glass being chemically inert
and transparent is the most suitable
packing medium for liquor and food
products. Being impermeable, retortable
and environment-friendly, glass has
distinct advantages over other packaging
materials. Unlike plastic containers, cans
and multi-layered or bag-in-box cartons,
glass containers do not need a petroleum-
based plastic layer or other chemical
additive to preserve the taste of foods and
beverages, avoid corrosion or decrease
gas permeability. Moreover, glass has an
almost zero rate of chemical interaction,
ensuring retention of strength, aroma
and flavour in the products. Glass does
not deteriorate, corrode, stain or fade;
hence, products inside a glass container
remain fresh and pure for longer.
Other advantage of glass packaging
include a long shelf-life, crystal clarity
(for product visibility), oxygen and
moisture impermeability, rust resistance,
microwavability, resealability, fast filling
speeds, rigidity and amenability to
multiple filling techniques such as hot-
fill, retort and aseptic. Glass containers
are also available in a wide range of shapes
and sizes and can be custom-designed
for individual applications, although not
of the same degree as plastic packages.
Although the industry offers various packaging alternatives, glass containers are preferred, as these are healthy, hygienic and eco-friendly. Responding to changing trends in the food and beverage industry, the glass packaging industry has evolved extensively. Avani Jain explores the world of glass to find out the latest innovations within the food & beverages segment.
NewNewPOSSIBILITIESPOSSIBILITIES
Courtesy: DesignWorx Packaging
Glass in food & beverage packaging
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 33
Innovations making headwayOverall, the glass container market in
India has been growing at a healthy
rate of over 10 per cent, with the F&B
segment contributing generously due to
the prospering Fast Moving Consumer
Goods (FMCG) sector. Food packaging
is witnessing a healthy volume growth due
to the arrival of organised retail market.
This has led to increased competition in
the packaging segment and, consequently,
has resulted in a number of innovations
in the sector.
Emergence of novel packaging
solutions may seem challenging, but
glass makers are gearing up to face
this task. Umesh Sharma notes, “Glass
manufacturers are responding to
challenges from other packaging materials
by improving, widening and emphasising
the range of colours, size & design
possibilities of glass.”
Manufacturers are also investing in
technology to enhance the weight and
strength of glass containers in order to
compete with alternative packaging
materials. Improved technology has also
led to glass containers with lighter weight
that are remarkably stronger, safer and
up to 40 per cent lighter than it was 20
years ago. Yatindra R Sharma, Managing
Director, KHS Machinery Pvt Ltd, notes,
“Manufacturers are coming up with better
sustainable solutions of glass bottles for
packaging of soft drink, beer, spirits and
other food products. A new trend in
glass packaging is to provide lightweight
containers with longer life cycle. Today,
glass is being positioned as more efficient
in sustainability in comparison to plastic
containers.”
Also, adoption of the Narrow Neck
Press & Blow (NNPB) technology in
the production of glass containers has
brought in a revolution in the Indian
glass packaging industry. It has resulted in
decreasing the weight of glass containers
by 25-30 per cent. This technology also
offers benefits such as better control
over glass distribution and increased
productivity, thus making glass packaging
more cost-effective and convenient for
the consumers.
Marching aheadThe cradle-to-cradle property of glass
makes it the most prevalent form of
packaging in the global market. This
aspect is gradually becoming visible in
India, with the growing awareness about
the usage of glass as a green packaging
material. The F&B segment occupies the
largest share in the packaging industry,
which comes to more than 85 per cent.
Thus, the future of glass packaging
industry is bright considering the rising
consumer demand, fast growing retail
sector and advent of new technologies.
The glass packaging industry is
expected to continue its strong growth
for the next few years, with most of the
key players in the F&B industry ramping
up their capacities. Umesh Sharma avers,
“The future of glass containers can be
seen through change in the consumption
trend. These days, small bottles have
come up in a big way. It is expected that
glass containers will be available in many
new shapes and sizes in future.”
Last but not the least, the
packaging industry (including glass) has
experienced a spurt in growth in the last
few years. Further, due to continuous
lifestyle changes and growing consumer
consciousness about health, hygiene and
eco-friendly products, glass packaging
is expected to grow at a higher rate in
the coming years. Yatindra R Sharma
concludes, “Glass will continue as major
volume container in beer, spirit and
certain food products in times to come.
In the beverage industry, glass will remain
as single-serve container due to low cost
of packaging in reference to its long
life cycle.
Email: [email protected]
Umesh Sharma Managing Director, Julison Packaging India Pvt Ltd
The future of glass containers can be seen through change in the consumption trend. These days, small bottles have come up in a big way. It is expected that glass containers will be available in many new shapes and sizes in future.
Yatindra R Sharma Managing Director, KHS Machinery Pvt Ltd
A new trend in glass packaging is to provide lightweight containers with longer life cycle. Today, glass is being positioned as more effi cient in sustainability in comparison to plastic containers.
Courtesy: Eden Foods, Inc
SPECIAL FOCUS: Glass packaging
34 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Packaging is meant to protect the
product from damage and dirt
and also to retain the freshness
of contents. Packaging is also
used for promotion and advertising.
Hence, it is designed to attract customers.
Glass has emerged as the material of
choice for many industries owing to its
unique properties such as the ability
to preserve taste, aesthetic qualities,
cleanliness, recyclability and opportunities
for weight reduction.
India is among the top 15 markets
for glass packaging globally and the
third fastest growing market after Turkey
and Brazil. India’s per capita glass
consumption is 1.40 kg as compared to
5.9 kg in China, 4.8 kg in Brazil and
about 27.5 kg in the developed countries.
The turnover of the Indian glass container
industry, presently dominated by ten big
players is estimated at nearly ` 4,500
crore. With major revenue streams, such
as beer & spirits, Food and Beverage
(F&B) and pharmaceuticals (accounting
for 55 per cent, 15 per cent & 15 per cent,
respectively) growing rapidly, the market
is all set to grow at the rate of more than
15 per cent annually.
AVPS Chakravarthi, Chairman,
Indian Institute of Packaging-Hyderabad
& Managing Director, Ecobliss India Pvt
Ltd, notes, “What differentiates glass
from other packaging material is that
the US Food and Drug Administration
(USFDA) designates glass as a ‘Generally
Recognised as Safe’ (GRAS) packaging
material. Due to its impermeable nature,
glass container offers better protection
for sensitive food and drugs. No wonder
the safety of glass is basically attributed
to its features such as inertness and
impermeability.”
The glass container industry in India
has seen a period of consolidation in recent
years. Investment in new furnaces and
technologies for improving sustainability
through weight reduction and recycling
has been the prime focus. Chakravarthi
avers, “Glass provides great benefits such
as being recyclable and reusable. It is one
of the materials that can be easily recycled
with simple process. Even the structure
of the material will not deteriorate when
reprocessed.”
Recyclability and reusability Recyclability is one of the major
advantages of glass. Recycling glass
reduces consumption of raw materials,
reduces carbon dioxide emissions and
saves energy. New glass containers in
the US are made of up to 90 per cent
recycled glass. The glass container
manufacturers in India and worldwide
are responding positively to consumer’s
demand for reduced packaging that is
also fully recyclable. They are expanding
their capacity to use less to create the
same top-quality, 100 per cent pure and
recyclable glass bottles and jars.
Further, glass bottles can be carefully
treated and reused, thereby improving
In order to compete with alternative packaging materials, glass manufacturers are investing in technology to improve the weight and strength of glass containers, besides making these absolutely eco-friendly. Avani Jain explores the emerging trends in the glass packaging industry in terms of improving sustainability.
sustainabilitysustainabilityOn the path of
Courtesy: Bordeaux wines
Cou
rtes
y: G
lass
Pac
kagi
ng
Inst
itut
e
Glass packaging
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 35
sustainability. Unlike other packaging
material, it can be used over and over again
for packaging. This makes glass a more
environment-friendly choice for packaging.
The glass container industry continues to
push the boundaries of innovation and
design to keep glass at the forefront of
quality & sustainable packaging options.
Talking about the complete packaging
solutions provided for glass line where
the returnable glass bottles are packed in
returnable cartons, Eike-Sebastian Hagen,
Executive Vice President-Operations,
KHS Machinery Pvt Ltd, details, “A
variety of machines are used in glass
packaging such as the depalletiser, crate
conveyor, crate washer, unpacker, bottle
conveyor, bottle washer for cleaning dirty
bottles (often used in the beer industry),
filler with Cleaning-in-Place (CIP)
system, pasteuriser that helps in delaying
the expiry date of bottles, labeller, packer
and palletiser, which enable gentle
handling, accurate and fast stacking of
finished goods. In this way, the dirty
bottles are first cleaned and then reused.”
Unburdening the weightThese days, manufacturers are also
investing technologies to improve the
weight and strength of glass containers
to compete with alternative packaging
materials. There are developments in the
glass industry to produce lightweight
bottles with strength similar to that of
the heavier bottles. This innovation will
not only reduce the cost of glass bottles
but also lower freight costs.
Chakravarthi says, “The changes in
technologies have seen glass containers
become lighter in weight yet stronger
and much durable. Such lightweight
packaging adds to the consumer’s
convenience, lowers their carbon footprint
and reduces distribution costs for the
manufacturers. For example, one of the
famous beverage processing companies
has introduced the Ultra Glass contour
bottle in 2000. This bottle was designed
to improve impact resistance and reduce
weight & cost. These bottles were actually
40 per cent stronger, 20 per cent lighter
than conventional contour bottles.”
Further, he explains, “Technologies
such as advanced narrow neck-press-blow,
blow-blow technologies and internal
embossing have really helped in reducing
the overall weight of glass packaging.”
Thus, lightweight glass containers
represent a major trend in the global glass
packaging market. The growing demand
for lightweight glass containers is intended
to not only reduce transportation costs, but
also improve the environmental profile.
Leading glass container makers are devising
technologies and products to address the
customer demand for lighter containers
made of glass, which majorly holds
significance for the beverages segment.
Future trendsDespite facing intense competition
from competitive packaging materials,
specifically in the soft drinks sector, there
exists enormous potential for growth in
the glass packaging market owing to the
prospects in the wine, beer and spirits
markets. Going forward, growth in the
glass packaging industry will be primarily
driven by the relentless efforts by the
industry for recycling and reducing the
weight of the glass containers.
Further, increasing demand from
developing countries such as India and
China, increasing sales of cosmetic
products, rising consumption of packaged
food and beverages especially in
developing nations, increasing importance
of health awareness, safety and food
issues & changing lifestyles, technological
developments such as improvement
in existing recycling and production
processes, introduction of new processes
& products and a greater emphasis on
reducing weight of glass containers are
expected to provide excellent growth
opportunities for the glass packaging
industry in the years to come.
Chakravarthi concludes, “Simply, glass
packaging today is 40 per cent lighter
than it was 20 years ago, and at the same
time it is much stronger than before. It
can be moulded into any shape, decorated,
coloured in numerous ways for better
shelf appeal and utility value.”
Email: [email protected]
AVPS ChakravarthiChairman, Indian Institute of Packaging-Hyderabad & Managing Director, Ecobliss India Pvt Ltd
Simply, glass packaging today is 40 per cent lighter than it was 20 years ago, and at the same time it is much stronger than before. It can be moulded into any shape, decorated, coloured in numerous ways for better shelf appeal and utility value.
Eike-Sebastian HagenExecutive Vice President-Operations, KHS Machinery Pvt Ltd
A variety of machines are used in glass packaging such as the depalletiser, crate conveyor, crate washer, unpacker, bottle conveyor, bottle washer for cleaning dirty bottles (often used in the beer industry), fi ller with Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) system, and many more.
36 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
SPECIAL FOCUS: Inter face - C S K Mehta
How is the demand for glass packaging in India and what are the recent trends? Today, India has a well-developed
container glass industry, which has
evolved from being a cottage industry
to a highly automated, state-of-the-
art manufacturing industry. The glass
industry has passed through diverse
technological advancements. At
present, the Indian glass industry has
finally succeeded in the production of
lightweight bottles, which will strengthen
its competitive position in the Indian
packaging industry. The Indian container
glass industry in the present context is
comparable to the world’s best. Indian
glass manufacturers have incorporated
latest developments and innovations in
glass production, which are being used
by glass manufacturers the world over.
Currently, the Indian glass packaging
market size is pegged at more than
3 million tonne per annum. HNGIL
being the market leader caters to about
50 per cent of the virgin glass market.
What are the recent R&D initiatives of your company? HNGIL is committed to invest in
technology, create innovative products
and collaborate where there is a need to
enhance the quality of our products vis-à-
vis our competitors. We were the first glass
company in India to introduce Narrow
Neck Press & Blow (NNPB) technology,
which benefitted our customers by reducing
the weight of bottles by 20-25 per cent,
with better control over glass distribution
process and increased productivity. In the
future, we plan to produce lighter Stock-
Keeping Units (SKUs) that will further
bring down the cost, thus making glass
the economical choice in these highly
competitive and challenging times.
What are the challenges and opportunities before the industry? We are optimistic regarding the growth
opportunities before the glass industry.
All segments being served by the industry
are growing at a healthy rate with
double-digit figures. At the same time,
the increasing global awareness about
health and hygiene among consumers
works in our favour. This would further
create new opportunities for the glass
industry as a whole. However, the biggest
challenge in this industry is to educate
the end-users about health and hygiene
issues and how they can be benefitted by
using glass packaging over other forms of
packaging. Also, we need to bring about
implementation of policies/legislations to
safeguard the consumers.
What would be the future trends?Glass has moved beyond being just a
commodity to a product with specific
quality and properties. The glass companies
have become a brand in themselves. The
market in Asia is now the focus of various
glass manufacturing companies keeping
in mind the growth noted in countries
such as India and China. Moreover,
increasing demand from the spirits and
beer segment in Asia, which accounts for
one-third of the world’s consumption,
provides a huge scope for the container
glass industry.
What are your plans for the company’s growth?Expansion of the Indian economy has
resulted in considerable growth of our
target segments. Today, India is one of
the faster growing markets for container
glass, with the sale of carbonated drinks
increasing by 6-8 per cent annually,
cosmetics by 15-20 per cent, food
processing projected to grow from $ 70
billion to $ 150 billion by 2025, beer
sales expected to rise by 15-20 per cent
and liquor industry to grow by 13 per
cent. HNGIL being on a high growth
path to meet this increasing demand has
invested over Rs 700 crore in a brownfield
project at Nasik, Maharashtra, which has
commenced operation. Another greenfield
project at Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh,
with a capital outlay of ` 800 crore has also
commenced production in Q2 of 2012-13.
These projects will help us consolidate our
position in the western & southern part
of the country. So, we plan to increase our
production capacity of container glass to
5,015 tonne per day by 2015.
Email: [email protected]
“Increased global awareness about health & hygiene has boosted the glass packaging industry”
…opines C S K Mehta, Vice President, Hindustan National Glass & Industries Ltd (HNGIL). In a conversation with Avani Jain, he discusses the growing demand for glass packaging in the country while underlining the future trends and opportunities facing the segment.
SPECIAL FOCUS: Roundtable
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 37
Rajesh K Pandya Vice President-Operations, Parikh Packaging Pvt Ltd
In pharma packaging, the use of glass or plastics depends on the type of product to be packaged. Glass definitely offers certain advantages over plastics, eg, easy reusability, recyclability, sterilisation, high temperature resistance, as well as high barrier properties as compared to plastics. However, even plastics find good usage in pharma packaging. Today, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP) bottles are often used for storing medicines like ear and eye drops. Also, the liquid drug Benadryl is packed in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles. Thus, it depends on the material being packed and the storage life required of the product being packaged. For example, drugs that are consumed and sold frequently need not require longer shelf-life, and these are often packed in plastic packages as against drugs that are sold once in a few months. Drugs are packed in containers as packaging affects the drug stability. Thus, both glass and plastics can be used for pharma packaging depending on the suitability for the drug to be packed.
In recent times, when the pharmaceutical packaging industry is evolving at a faster rate in India, the debate continues on the use of glass or plastics. Avani Jain speaks to some industry experts to assess the commercial viability of glass v/s plastics for pharmaceutical packaging.
Urvesh N Shah Owner, Caps & Seals Industries
Key megatrends, such as convenience, health and wellbeing and sustainability, are creating long-term shifts and influences on the choice of packaging materials. Although these megatrends are global, yet, tend to have a strong impact on the country, depending on the maturity or stage of development of the market in question. Keeping this in mind, pharma packaging has evolved considerably in recent times. The highly specialised pharma industry demands good packaging materials in order to ensure drug stability. In such a scenario, plastic materials are expected to dominate the pharma packaging segment due to the advantages offered by them, ie, reduced costs, processing ease and lower weight. However, when it comes to oral drugs, which need to be packed in large volumes in bulk containers, glass is generally preferred. Also, glass jars are mostly preferred to plastic jars because these are gas-tight and possess excellent resistance to aqueous solutions.
Sandeep Jain Partner, Onex Pharmaceutical
Often, glass is considered as the best for pharma packaging due to its various properties. Glass helps in increasing the drug stability to a large extent. Also, it is often used for packaging of liquid drugs. However, one of the major disadvantages of glass is that that it is quite heavy, and thus companies face problems on the logistics front. It occupies more space than plastic packages and also highly breakable. Hence, special care is needed while dispatching drugs stored in glass containers. This is not the case with PET bottles and their usage is increasing in pharma packaging. Today, most cough syrups are packed in PET bottles, which comes to almost 95 per cent. However, in the case of injectable and parenteral packaging, glass still dominates the scene. Thus, the future of pharma packaging is plastics, but glass will also have an important share in this segment.
Pharmaceuticals being highly sensitive products, the material used for their packaging assumes much importance. Although the choice of packaging material depends on the type of drug to be packaged, glass possesses qualities that
make it one of the most appropriate primary packaging materials for drugs.
Editorial take:Email: [email protected]
Is
formore viable than
glass plasticspharma packaging?
FACILIT Y VISIT: Himalayan Group of Industr ies
38 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
The constant evolution of the
packaging industry in India
has resulted in a flurry of
technological innovations
being undertaken by pharma and food
packaging companies in India in order
to bring the best to the end-consumers.
Currently, the Indian packaging industry
is thriving and, of late, it has been the
focal point for tremendous opportunities
for manufacturers. Its exponential
growth record in India has been 22-25
per cent annually as compared to 4-5
per cent globally in 2011. In this field,
Himalayan Group of Industries is
one of the emerging names for major
sectors such as pharma and Fast Moving
Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies.
Suresh Singhal, Managing Director,
Himalayan Group of Industries, says,
“An increasing population and growing
consumer demand for packaged foods
has forced the food and beverages
industry to look at new technologies
that provide flexibility, ease of operation
and constant tracking of the production
process. Manufacturers are working on
guidelines for keeping transparency
in the production process for assuring
consumers health and hygiene.”
A journey of qualityHimalayan Group of Industries is one of
the major packaging solutions provider
companies in India. The group started
its journey in 2001 with coal trading
and further diversified into various
industrial sectors such as coal mining,
steel manufacturing through blast furnace
route, power plant, coke ovens and
shipping. Presently, in addition to India,
the group has operations in Australia,
Indonesia, South Africa, Canada,
Singapore and Zimbabwe.
It started its packaging division in 2006
as Himalayan Packaging Industries (P)
Ltd at Selaqui, Dehradun, to manufacture
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)/
Polypropylene (PP)/Polycarbonate (PC)/
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
bottles being used in pharma, FMCG,
lubes and liquor industries. The group is
being managed and run by a group of
qualified professionals with a blend of
young team and experienced professionals
from top institutions.
The production facility in
Dehradun is spread over an area of
80,000 sq ft and a production capacity
of over 1.5 million containers per day.
Today, the group has been able to
capture almost 10 per cent of the total
marketshare in the pharma segment
in India.
A glimpse of production facilityThe company has carved out a niche for
themselves within a short span of time
and, today, it is a preferred destination
for pharma companies. “This has been
achieved through quality-focussed, cost-
effective, time bound and customised
packaging solutions with our commitment
to excellence. We have installed Nissei, ASB
Japanese machines, which are single-stage
machines where raw materials are converted
into finished products without any human
interference, thereby leaving no scope for
contamination. Our product range covers
all shapes, sizes and colours prevalent in the
pharma division,” says Singhal.
Since its inception in 2006, the group
has been focussing on building a brand
name for itself in the PET bottles industry.
Spearheading sustainability in packagingSpearheading sustainability in packagingThe Indian packaging industry has witnessed a steady growth over the past decade, with Indian companies making efforts to make India a preferred destination for investments. Himalayan Group of Industries has been at the forefront in implementing innovative techniques and the latest know-how in packaging. Anwesh Koley tracks the achievements of the company in providing the best to its customers.
Himalayan Group of Industr ies
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 39
Gradually, it diversified to FMCG and
food & beverage sector in order to fulfill
its long-term aspirations. Presently, it is the
whole and sole manufacturer of Tupperware
brand of water bottles, which is a big leap
from its humble beginning. Today, it boasts
of a solid clientele that includes the likes
of Tupperware, Hindustan Unilever Ltd,
Simbhaoli Sugar, Oasis Laboratories Pvt
Ltd, Patiala Distillery, Gwalior Distilleries,
and more such companies.
Quality and hygieneThe finished products are packed in
‘Clean Room (Class 10,000)’ under
stringent supervision of the quality
control team. The single-stage automation
process ensures zero contamination
unlike in the case of manual handling.
Quality inspectors in all companies are
active on the plant floor during working
hours, thereby ensuring adherence to
high-quality standards. High-pressure
air produced from non-lubricated water-
cooled compressors is used to acquire
contamination-free finished products.
Well equipped with its own uninterrupted
power backup ensures smooth functioning
of critical operations, minimising wastages
and meeting delivery schedules.
These measures are required for
the variety of industries served by the
company. The pharma industry calls for
a high degree of quality consciousness.
In the cosmetics industry, correct
shape, sheen and texture are of utmost
importance and the liquor industry needs
to deliver a large volume of products on
time. “Quality, hygiene and face value have
a deep impact in the minds of people.
Packaging that offers a better shelf-life
and keeps the flavour intact for long
lends a hand in the normal busy life of
consumers. India being the world’s second
and third largest producer of vegetables
& fruits is concentrating on packaging to
meet international standards. The growth
parameter of packaging industry is directly
linked to the growth trends of FMCG
segments, which is highly influenced by
choices of consumers,” says Singhal.
Lowering carbon footprintRecyclability is the need of the hour
and the group is fully aware of this
requirement. Therefore, all products
made here are recyclable. “We try to
fulfill our responsibility towards nature
by maintaining a clean and healthy
environment. In order to make itself
environment-friendly at all levels, the
company adheres to necessary legal and
environmental compliances and adopts
various technologies as a part of the process.
The various facets of environmental issues
such as air pollution, water pollution and
solid waste disposal are some of the utmost
concerns of the company, and it takes
active preventive measures to safeguard
the surroundings from its adverse effects,”
he conlcudes. Planting trees around the
premises and maintenance of various parks
in the city are some of the focus areas
of the company’s ‘Go Green’ Approach.
Thus, it is a challenge confronting plastic
packaging companies. However, plastic
packaging is now accepted globally in
every sector. Food and beverages is the
most competitive sector utilising various
packaging materials, but plastic packaging
has proved to be the best solutions for
ensuring cost-effectiveness, hygiene and
decrease in the transit breakages.
Email: [email protected]
Suresh SinghalManaging Director, Himalayan Group of Industries
The various facets of environmental issues such as air pollution, water pollution and solid waste disposal are some of the utmost concerns of the company, and it takes active preventive measures to safeguard the surroundings from its adverse effects.
Inspection unitQuality control
INSIGHT & OUTLOOK
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 41ModModernernrn P Pa PaPaaaackckckacckakackakakakaaaaginginingingingingingingigggg g &g &g &g &g &g &g &g &g De DeDe D DeDeDeD sigsigsigsiggsigs nnn n n NNNovNoNNovNovNoNovovvNovNoNNN vvvNovNovN embembembemmbmbembembembbembmmbmbbbeembbmbbbbbbbbmmbmbbbbbbmmbm eeereeerer-er-er-er-er-er-r-eeer-err-r-er-er-r-err---r-r---r-rer----errreererrrrrr DDDDDDDDDDDDecDecDecDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDecDDDDeeccccDDDDDDeeDeccccDDDDDeceeccccDDeeccDeeDecccDeDeccDDDeecDecccDDDecDDDDDDeeeccDDeecDDDeDDD cDeDeeccDDee embembembembbbbbmbbembbmbbbmmmbmbbbbbbbembmbmmmbbmbmbbbbbmmembbbbbbemmmmbbbbbbmmmbbbbmmmbbbbbemmmmembbbmmmbbbbbmmbbbmmbbbbbbemmmbbbbbbmmbbbbbbmbbbbmbbbbbmmmbbbbbmmmmbbbbbbeereeerereeeeeeererrrrrreeeeeeeereereererererrerrerereeeeeereeeeeeerrrerereeeeeeeeerrerererereeeeeeereeeerrrreeeeeeeeererereeeeeeerrrreeeeeeeeeeerererererereeeeeeeerrreeeeeeeereeeeeeerreeeeeeeerrrreeeeeeeeerrrrrreeeeeeeerrrreeeeeerrreeeeeeeeerr 201201201222012012020122201201000000201201002012011011201011112020201220222012220120100000101201201012010120120110111201201201222222220101010000101001011120111220122201202200010000120120111201222201220120200000011220122222201010000020111201110122202012222000000011120112012201222001000201111122222001110111222012202222201202001000111201112222222001001010000011111122012022220000000001111201011120122220100100011111120222201000100000110111112200000100111111111222220000200101111122220000001011111222220111111112012222200001111112222222222222 2222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222 22222222222222222222222222222222222222222222 22222222222222222 2222222222222222222222222222222222 2222222 22222222222222 4141
Advanced pharma packaging:Technology to the rescue ............................................................................................................................ 42
Packaging for specialty pharma products:Addressing safety and shelf-life concerns ................................................................................................... 44
Interface: Sundeep Prabhu, Assistant Vice President-Sales & Marketing, Schott Glass India Pvt Ltd ....46
Ajit Singh, Chairman, ACG Worldwide .....................................................................................48
B Pal S Puri, President, Food & Pharma Specialities .................................................................49
Packaging specification:Offering a measure of assurance P V Narayanan, Member of Board, APEDA (Ministry of Commerce) ......................................................... 50
Packaged goods size:Small packs, big value Alpana Parida, President, DY Works and Udit Bhambri, AGM-Marketing, DY Works ................................. 52
Technology in printing and packaging:Makeover to face new market realities Mike Tatara, Product Marketing Manager, Epicor Software Corporation ..................................................... 54
Brand reputation:Diligence to reduce product recall Neil Giles, Marketing Communications Manager, Product Inspection Division, Mettler-Toledo and Michelle Barnes, Marketing Executive, Mettler-Toledo Safeline, UK .............................. 56
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 41
Pharmaceutical Packaging
INSIGHT & OUTLOOK: Advanced pharma packaging
42 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Packaging is integral to the
marketability and success
of a product, be it pharma
or otherwise. It is the first
step towards building a commercial
relationship with the buyer and subtle
nuance of the various aspects of
packaging also communicate with the
buyer. According to estimates by the
World Health Organisation (WHO),
more than 30 per cent of medicines in
some areas of the developing world and
50 per cent of drugs bought from illegal
online pharmacies may be counterfeit.
While the scale of drug counterfeiting
in India is difficult to identify, but it is
a situation that warrants much concern,
WHO has suggested that one per cent of
prescribed drugs in the developed world
may be counterfeit. It estimates that the
counterfeit drug market will continue
growing by about 13 per cent a year and
global trade of fake medicines will be
worth £ 75 billion by 2010.
The business of drug counterfeiting is
becoming increasingly sophisticated when
it comes to packaging their products. In
addition to manufacturing fake drugs,
counterfeiters are seeking to infiltrate the
legitimate supply chain. By doing so, they
can steal genuine shipments and divert
them to alternative markets, where they
can resell them for their own benefit.
‘Third shift’ packaging production by
irresponsible contract manufacturers has
also been identified as a threat to the
security of the global drug supply chain,
where contractors undertake additional,
secret production runs and sell the
genuine packaging to counterfeiters.
Often, counterfeit products are
unrecognisable even to discerning
consumers who end up purchasing an
inferior product; this could also be a
threat to patient health and safety
concerns. However, the recent evolution
of packaging technology takes several
steps towards ensuring the integrity
and originality of the product. It must
be noted that for pharma packaging,
functionality is more important than
aesthetics and has a trenchant impact
on the effectiveness and delivery
mechanism of the drugs. Moreover,
another challenge with advanced
packaging solutions is to ensure that
they are cost-effective for the end-users
to adopt them with relative ease.
Threat of drug counterfeitingCounterfeit drugs are increasingly
infiltrating the global pharmaceutical
supply chain and incurring a high cost
to drug manufacturers. Packaging plays
Packaging is the most crucial and demanding aspect of pharmaceuticals; however, counterfeiting remains a major area of concern here. Lionel Alva assesses how recent advancements in pharma packaging attempt to circumvent the menace of drug counterfeiting that affects not only the prospects of the pharma industry, but also consumer safety.
Technology
Courtesy: SCHOTT AG
rescuerescueto the
Advanced pharma packaging
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 43
a key role in counterfeiting prevention.
As a result, strict legislation is in force
to ensure that pharma packaging cannot
be easily reproduced. New technologies
have been developed, enabling packaging
manufacturers to produce secure packs
and comply with regulations. As the
pharma industry is driven by Research
and Development (R&D) it only
hampers further R&D efforts, but also
results in a breach of consumer trust
when it becomes difficult to identify the
originality of the product. In a worst
case scenario, counterfeit drugs could
even prove to be fatal. The European
Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries
and Associations (EFPIA) has published
a white paper on the anti-counterfeiting
of medicines. The document clearly stated
that packaging should be adequately
marked to prevent reproduction. In the
case of tamper-proof packaging that
needs to be repackaged, the authorised
repackager should repack in a tamper-
proof packaging. New secure packaging
technologies have been developed to
facilitate easy regulatory compliance.
“Pharmaceutical counterfeiting is
a major problem the world over and
continues to grow. Today, there is a
need for increased vigilance, for it is the
consumer who ends up paying more for an
inferior product. It is also a serious threat
to patient safety and poses several risks.
In the long-term, it could also hamper
the prospects of the pharma industry, and
there is a need for stringent regulations
and norms to monitor counterfeiting. The
Automatic Identification & Data Capture
(AIDC) technology can go a long way
in ameliorating this widely prevalent
problem. Authentication and track-and-
trace are two promising anti-counterfeiting
technologies. Authentication technology
ensures that the drug is real and falls
into three categories – overt, covert and
forensic. Track-and-trace technology
includes bar code and Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) and can be
deployed to ensure that the real product
finds its way safely to the consumer,” avers
Sachin Tare, Head-Indian Subcontinent,
Zebra Technologies Corporation.
Evolution of pharma packagingThe challenge here is to make packaging
technologies more sophisticated, reliable
and inexpensive. This would ensure that
a packaging design is difficult to mimic
and easily discernible to the end-user.
“Counterfeiting is an inevitable result of
globalisation and has become a nuisance
to the world over. Thus, it has to be dealt
at a global level. Brand protection could
be one of the lowest cost tools for pharma
companies to restore public confidence
in them and its products. While all
anticounterfeiting methods are known to
have short lives, the menace still must be
dealt with iron hand. For this, companies
need to deploy anticounterfeiting strategies
for setting up multiple layers of security,”
asserts Mallikarjun Jamdar, Marketing
Manager, Synthetic Packers Pvt Ltd.
In an effort to discourage
counterfeiters, packages should carry
more than one anticounterfeiting device.
Fortunately, many anticounterfeiting tools
are ink-related and relatively inexpensive.
Jamdar describes, “In an instance, one
converter showed some samples of a
folding carton that demonstrated six
different anticounterfeiting measures.
Three features were visible only under
Ultraviolet (UV) light. For example,
when exposed to UV light, magenta
phosphorescent ink glows terracotta or
pink, a watermark simulating pearlescent
varnish glows green and invisible ink
changes to a visible colour. The other
three options rely on a special technology
to produce barely visible microprint
type, holographic stamping or stochastic
screening.”
Anticounterfeit solutions Counterfeiting problem has become
a global malice. The government as
well as the industry need to participate
for ensuring formulation of effective
anticounterfeiting regulations; besides,
relevant steps must also be undertaken
at the consumer level to ensure that
the integrity of the supply chain, brand
identity & protection is maintained in the
long-term.
Email: [email protected]
Sachin TareHead-Indian Subcontinent, Zebra Technologies Corporation
Authentication technology ensures that the drug is real and falls into three categories – overt, covert and forensic. Track-and-trace technology includes bar code and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) deployed to ensure real product safely to the consumer.
Mallikarjun JamdarMarketing Manager, Synthetic Packers Pvt Ltd
Brand protection could be one of the lowest cost tools for pharma companies to restore public confi dence in them and their products. For this, companies need to deploy anticounterfeiting strategies for setting up multiple layers of security.
INSIGHT & OUTLOOK : Packaging for special i ty pharma products
44 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 201244 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
The pharmaceutical industry
is among the most
demanding and creates a
challenging environment for
packaging manufacturers considering
how critical packaging is to successful
delivery of a pharmaceutical product.
Moreover, as researchers began to better
understand the finer intricacies of the
human body, the nature of drugs also
underwent a transformation. This has
led to the inception of the specialty
pharmaceuticals market. Recently, there
has been a growing interest in specialty
pharmaceuticals. Experts indicate that
revenues in the pharma industry will
shift f rom traditional brand-name
drugs to specialty drugs over the next
few years. Within four years, specialty
drugs will account to 40-45 per cent
of pharmaceutical manufacturer sales.
According to EvaluatePharma, 7 of the
top 10 bestselling drugs (by revenue) are
projected to be specialty drugs in 2016,
compared with three in 2010.
This change in trend is a cause of
concern in the packaging industry as it
will have to adapt accordingly to a new set
of challenges. Research and Development
(R&D) efforts are underway to
formulate effective packaging solutions
for specialty drugs dispensing. The
latest technological discoveries in drug
delivery and mechanism of action have
bolstered pipelines, and as these products
are approved, new systems will have
to be implemented. IMS Health data
projects that by 2013, the global revenue
from specialty products will exceed
$ 160 billion.
Challenges faced“As distribution channels evolve from
specialty wholesalers focussed on one
or two areas with conditions, eg, HIV/
AIDS or cancer, into specialty pharmacies
that offer a full range of value-added
patient services, manufacturers need
to decide which distribution channels
are appropriate for their products; this
decision may also affect how a patient
is covered by a health plan. Hence,
the biggest challenge for pharma
manufacturers is to strike a balance
between access for patients and control
over distribution,” avers Shyam Sunder B
K, Corporate Manager, Tata Elxsi.
Accessibility remains a key area
of concern as it is pivotal to the
sustainability of a pharmaceutical
manufacturers business. Thus, many
specialty pharmacies offer nationwide
shipping and delivery including overnight
and specialised handling.
Development of such services in
rural areas requires great effort from
the pharmaceutical manufacturers and
remains a key concern. The mechanism to
facilitate an effective distribution system
requires a coalition of effort on all levels
including the government, authorities
and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The
packaging considerations also must
evolve in accordance to transit time.
Key considerations such as humidity,
Ultraviolet (UV) resistance and light
permeability must be exercised in
accordance. Thus, the means of paving
the way for equitable quality healthcare
remains a difficult pursuit in the short
term. However, much can be achieved
with a consolidated long-term plan.
With healthcare costs skyrocketing,
payers are increasingly focussed on ways
to bring down costs. Cost containment
measures listed in the whitepaper include
The pharma industry is undergoing a paradigm shift from conventional drugs to specialty pharmaceuticals, which needs a more precise approach to drug manufacturing. Lionel Alva explores how this change has made packaging requirements more specialised and focussed considering the unique requirements of specialty pharmaceuticals.
Courtesy: Rebbecca Upshaw
shelf-life concernsshelf-life concernsAddressing safety
and
Packaging for special i ty pharma products
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 45
determining access to a given drug on
the basis of diagnostic tests, adherence to
evidence-based clinical guidelines, seeking
prior authorisation, requiring step therapy,
monitoring the duration of therapy and
minimising off-label use, all of which will
serve to restrict product sales. Accessibility
is still a serious concern.
Recent innovationsManufacturers are required to
demonstrate a product’s value through
the Health Economics and Outcomes
Research (HEOR), but specialty
pharmacy providers will soon be able
to weigh in on the issue of a product’s
value, with feedback on its comparative
effectiveness in the real-world setting.
Comprehensive research has been
undertaken on drug stabilisation and
protection through packaging.
Significant innovations such as high-
strength packages made with multi-ply
laminates can be hermetically sealed
and fitted with a Fres-co proprietary
one-way degassing valve, a device that
releases trapped air, thus ensuring
effective palletisation. A wide variety of
fitments and spouts as well as easy-open
and reclosure systems can be applied to
the pouches for easy handling & product
dispensing.
“Significant innovations have been
made for Polyvinylidene Chloride
(PVDC)-coated Polyvinyl Chloride
(PVC) films, which are designed to
protect products at low costs. With
advanced coating technology, it is
possible to produce a two-layer PVC/
PVDC specification exhibiting identical
moisture and gas barrier properties as
compared to the existing three-layer
constructions. These would inculcate
better dimensional stability, UV resistance,
cost-effective high-barrier film ensuring
accessibility of the product,” avers Mudit
Kamdar, Managing Director, Yogi Dye
Chem Pvt Ltd
Advanced packaging solutions can
maintain the prescribed cold chain
temperature for four days and an ambient
temperature for more than five days. R&D
endeavours are underway to improve the
temperatures here. Nanotechnology-
based manufacturing processes are also
being explored, but these are yet to
make commercial headway into India.
Logistics management is thus integral to
the success of specialty pharmacies.
In the pharmaceutical supply
chain, many devices are available that
monitor the condition of products and
track their progress. For example, small
electronic boxes can monitor and record
the temperature of multipacks and
shipping containers during transit and
storage. Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID) can locate crates and containers
by scanning at a range of hundreds
of metres. Such devices can work in
three dimensionally when necessary
and are used to rapidly locate items.
However, because the RFID tag is
highly sophisticated and incorporates
an expensive interrogation system, each
tag can be slight expensive, although the
benefits quickly pay off.
Non-electronic laminates and labels
are available that monitor shock and even
tilt in transit, recording whether goods
were subjected to unacceptable levels
of movement. Furthermore, responsive
inks have been widely used on vaccines,
antibiotics and insulin packaging.
Companies developing responsive inks
and non-electronic laminates have
recently been successful with versions
that reveal temperature/time, humidity
or successful completion of various types
of sterilisation.
Poised for success Undoubtedly, packaging for specialty
pharmaceuticals is expected to take off
in the near future in a big way. However,
there needs to be a consolidated regulatory
framework to ensure the success of specialty
pharmaceuticals and that packaging
adheres to the stringent requirements
of a specific pharmaceutical product. As
technology continues to evolve in the
price-sensitive Indian market, it would be
possible to acquire specialty pharmaceutical
products in robust packaging solutions at
accessible prices.
Email: [email protected]
Shyam Sunder B KCorporate Manager, Tata Elxsi
As distribution channels evolve from specialty wholesalers focussed on one or two areas with conditions, eg, HIV/AIDS or cancer, into specialty pharmacies that offer a full range of value-added patient services, manufacturers need to decide which distribution channels are appropriate for their products.
Mudit KamdarManaging Director, Yogi Dye Chem Pvt Ltd
With advanced coating technology, it is possible to produce a two-layer PVC/PVDC specifi cation exhibiting identical moisture and gas barrier properties as compared to the existing three-layer constructions.
46 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
INSIGHT & OUTLOOK: Inter face - Sundeep Prabhu
What are your views on the pharma packaging industry in India?The Indian pharma packaging business is
evolving into a specialised industry. This is
supported by a rising confidence of developed
countries in domestic pharma companies.
Moving away from mainly focussing on
the ‘me too’ products, pharma companies
now put a greater emphasis on the quality
and consistency of the primary packaging
material as well as its branding. Being faced
with malpractices and counterfeit issues in
the Indian market, there is a strong direction
towards the traceability of the product.
Multinational packaging companies have
discovered the existing growth potential in
India, and therefore, set up a base here to
reap the benefit from growth, which, in turn,
has raised the bar on quality and technology
of the packaging material. This has
resulted in ease of getting an entry into the
regulated market.
What are the various technological innovations that you have witnessed in this segment?Manufacturers of pharma packaging have
started to invest in more modern machinery
equipment in order to maximise outputs
and reach a higher quality level. This trend
is also supported by pharma companies that
export their products to other countries
and regions as well as upcoming biotech
companies. For them, stable supply and a
high product quality are key success factors,
as far as packaging is concerned. This also
has an impact on us as the producer of the
raw material, the glass tubing that is used
by converter companies in order to produce
containers for pharmaceuticals.
As a prominent company in this field, what kind of R&D initiatives have you undertaken over the years?The focus of our Research and Development
(R&D) initiatives is always on further
improving the quality of our glass tubing
products. This includes aspects such as
dimensional quality and tight tolerances, but
also a high cosmetic quality. Our approach
is to assure the quality of our products at
each step. Therefore, R&D efforts carefully
examine the entire process from the glass
composition and processing to the final
packaging for shipment. In the field of
cosmetic quality, we have introduced a non-
stop opto-electronic monitoring process in
order to ensure that glass tubing is supplied
to our customers with a minimum of stones,
knots or airline.
We have also found ways to optimise
the packaging of our products. A scratch-
resistant coating of the tubing and a sturdy
packaging ensure a high cosmetic quality of
our glass tubing during shipment. Besides, we
pay considerable attention on dimensional
accuracy in order to enable converters to
supply the pharma industry with packaging
solutions that offer an excellent performance
on high-speed lines by ensuring low-
breakage risk and constant filling levels.
What are the key challenges faced by you in India?The key challenge we face here is educating
our partners along the entire value chain
with regard to the processing of glass and
all its facets. This includes special topics
such as the drug-container interaction,
adsorption, chemical resistance as well as
stability of packaging and freeze-drying
(lyophilisation) of certain pharmaceutical
agents. We are addressing these issues
with our Academy programme – derived
from the name of our pharmaceutical glass
tubing brand. Also, international regulations
and standards for the pharma industry are
discussed at our Academy events.
How is the pharma packaging industry shaping up in India vis-à-vis the international scenario?The Indian pharma market is currently
growing at 12-14 per cent annually.
With an increased presence of global
multinational companies in our country,
the demand for high-quality and
convenience-based products is increasing.
The packaging business is an emerging
industry in India and will grow in terms
of quality, innovation and consistency
of the product due to increased global
exposure. In the injectables industry, the
focus is currently on shifting to tighter
dimensional control, cosmetic properties
and a higher stability of drugs. This is
mainly driven by the demand to stand out
in the domestic market and to compete in
the international market.
On a global scale, the pharma packaging
market is expected to grow by an average
of 6.9 per cent each year to reach a total
volume of $ 69 billion by 2015.
Email: [email protected]
“Safe and user-friendly applications will promote the Indian industry globally”
…opines Sundeep Prabhu, Assistant Vice President-Sales & Marketing, Schott Glass India Pvt Ltd. In an interaction with Anwesh Koley, he explains the intricacies of the pharmaceutical packaging market in India and the way forward for the industry to attain international standards.
48 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
INSIGHT & OUTLOOK: Inter face - A j i t S ingh
How do you envisage the pharma industry in the current context?In the present scenario, pharma
packaging occupies a significant
portion of the overall drug market.
Earlier, the focus was on conservation,
but now packaging extends its
functions across prevention of product
tampering and counterfeiting, assertion
of product dispensing accuracy &
promotion of patient compliance. An
increase is witnessed in demand for
pharmaceutical packaging material due
to the availability of sophisticated drugs,
stringent government regulations,
increasing health consciousness and
growth of organised retail market.
How has advanced technology for pharmaceutical products caught on in the Indian market?According to a report by Organisation
for Economic Cooperation and
Development, 75 per cent of fake drugs
supplied the world over have origins
in India, followed by 7 per cent from
Egypt and 6 per cent from China.
India is also a leading source of high-
quality generic and patent drugs in the
legitimate commerce worldwide. Since
drugs made in India are sold
all over the world, the country’s
substandard drug trade represents a
grave public health threat that extends
far beyond the subcontinent.
What are the challenges faced by pharma packaging in the Indian context?A progressively competitive
environment, high potent drugs and the
growing threat of counterfeiting have
pharma companies seeking packaging
development partners that bring
expertise and operational flexibility,
as well as add value to their products.
Brand identity is also a major concern
in packaging of products. The pharma
packaging sector is putting serious
efforts to overcome the challenges and
to meet customer requirements. With
increasing demand and supply of diverse
drugs, including highly potent and
toxic, sophisticated packaging solutions
are necessary to accommodate these
drugs. Companies are working towards
providing packaging solutions to
accommodate the latest industry needs.
What are the recent innovations or advancements with pharma packaging technology?One of the latest innovations is a visual
hologram medium that provides high
potential image in three-dimensional
forms, recognisable to the naked eye
and having unique features to control
counterfeiting. Earlier, holograms were
externally pasted in various forms of
packaging and now with the help of
advanced technology, it can be an
embedded in the film to protect the
brand and provide customer safety.
ACG Pharmapack offers the award
winning ‘Alukbliss’ - a cold form
look-alike rigid calendared Polyvinyl
Chloride (PVC) film, most suitable
to pack tablets, capsules in a blister
form for thermoformed blister packs
and an excellent anticounterfeit
solution. Brandshield 4C, the four-
colour circular-oriented printing on
hard capsules from ACG Associated
Capsules, provides an excellent
opportunity to protect one’s brand
against counterfeiting.
What are some of the anticounterfeiting technologies used in pharma packaging?A significant volume of the drugs
sold worldwide are counterfeit and
pose serious risks to consumers and
economic consequences to companies,
thus resulting in loss of both revenue
and reputation. ACG Pharmapack,
member of ACG Worldwide has
now introduced Brandshield Galaxy, a
panacea for counterfeit problems. By
using this hologram-embedded film,
pharma companies will be able to
protect the drug form being tampered
with, duplicated or copied.
Email: [email protected]
“Brand identity is a major concern in packaging of products”…observes Ajit Singh, Chairman, ACG Worldwide. In an exclusive interaction with Lionel Alva, he delineates the several challenges and prospects faced by the Indian pharmaceutical packaging industry.
INSIGHT & OUTLOOK: Inter face - B Pal S Pur i
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 49
Tell us your views on the Indian pharma packaging industry.Initially, in India, packaging was not
considered as a concept. It was a part
of supplying the goods to the customer.
Although bulk packaging was undertaken,
consumer-oriented packaging was an
unknown concept, except in areas where
it was essential to have unit packaging.
Besides, difficulties in distribution existed
along with the issue of counterfeiting and
adulteration such as that in pharmaceuticals.
It is only in the last 30-40 years that
packaging as a concept has gained ground.
Which innovations have you witnessed over the years?In the pharma industry, the concept of
packaging started with tablets, which came
packed either in cans or in bottles, eg, 1,000
tablets per can. Even though such methods
of packaging are still prevalent in countries
such as the US, India has adopted the idea
of flexible packaging quickly by introducing
blister packaging. This form of packaging
is essential for a market like India, where
customers demand smaller units of a drug
as per their immediate requirement. Earlier,
even injectable drugs were available in glass
packages, but today we have a variety of
choices such as cartridges, pre-filled syringes
and further advancements in the form of
pre-filled syringes with a safety device.
Insulin is a prominent example where the
cartridge is put inside a pen and the patent
can then apply it to a patient’s skin.
The Indian pharma packaging industry
is at par with international standards. We
have appropriate counterfeiting measures
in place and efficient track-n-trace
mechanisms are also available. However,
the application of such mechanisms is
limited to large-scale companies. There are
approximately 30,000 pharma packaging
companies in India, which are small in size
and do not follow such measures strictly.
However, critical drugs are by and large
monitored by these guidelines, and we can
see a gradual rise in awareness regarding
safety issues among smaller players.
What are the security measures involved in pharmaceutical packaging?Labeling is an important aspect of pharma
packaging security. It has two aspects –
first, the regulatory aspect that requires
companies to declare which information is
mandatory to be present on packages. Such
requirements are decided on the policy level,
both in India and internationally. In case of
critical medicines, it is important to provide
a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL), which
must carry all information. Bar coding is a
simple but essential requirement for pharma
packaging. Holograms were initially used
as an anti-counterfeiting measure, but
currently, it cannot be considered full-proof.
Currently, there are many hidden as well
as apparent solutions available to check
the authenticity of the product for the
manufacturer’s perspective.
Radio-Frequency Identification
(RFID) technology, unfortunately, has
not taken off in a big way in India. It
is an important technology used in many
countries; currently, it is taken over by
more advanced methods of track-n-trace,
which is still in a nascent stage in India,
but promises immense benefits in the
times to come. Even for manufacturers, the
requirements are becoming specialised and
stringent. At every stage, there are checks,
and we need to have proper monitoring
systems in place to ensure that each
function performs perfectly at every stage.
What are the research initiatives undertaken for pharmaceutical packaging in India?The Research & Development (R&D)
initiatives undertaken by Indian packaging
companies is relatively limited as compared
to international levels. However, adoption
of global standards by Indian companies is
relatively fast, and this is widely accepted,
as international companies often expect
uniform quality and standards when
starting operations in India.
What are the challenges faced by the industry?The pharma packaging industry in
India is quite complex. India is a major
producer and exporter of generic drugs.
Earlier, pharmaceutical companies were
required to comply with a few norms
that were internationally accepted. At
present, each country insists on adhering
to quality certifications pursued by them
individually. This causes unnecessary delay
in business and incurs heavy expenditure.
But companies are gearing up to take up
the challenge to create a positive outlook
for the industry worldwide.
Email: [email protected]
“Pharmaceutical packaging in India is poised for positive times ahead”
…opines B Pal S Puri, President, Food & Pharma Specialities. In an interaction with Anwesh Koley, he explains the criticalities of the pharma packaging industry, while sharing some optimistic insights about the industry’s promising potential for the future.
50 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
INSIGHT & OUTLOOK: Packaging speci f icat ion
P V Narayanan
Package and packaging
materials as well as component
specifications must be realistic,
clear to understand and
facilitate use of the right material, proper
conversion & supply, their in-plant
performance and satisfactory end-
application needs. These refer to the
structure, size and performance-oriented
aspects. The efforts of developing a
specification can be beneficial only if
both vendor (supply) and user (buyer)
resources understand the language in its
earnestness and implement with adequate
quality control back ups. The specification
document is the recognised operating
document.
Packaging specifications prevent
claims and market disasters. With quality
becoming the watchword specification, its
compliance assumes greater significance.
Lack of adherence to this principle
will result in damage and waste due
to insufficient protection, customer
dissatisfaction & negative word-of-mouth
advertising. Also, a package that fails to
communicate its marketing positions to
stay ahead of competitors and to connect
emotionally with consumers, will have
poor acceptance level.
Specifying the objectiveThe control document should address the
entire packaging system, covering all areas
that include material, structure, graphics,
production-conversion and packaging
line, marketing, customer service and full
networking. Specifications are drawn up
against a set target. Packaging design
parameters should be listed and prioritised
to translate into target specification.
An important part is to clearly define
the objective and purpose. The parameters
should include precise descriptions
representing the activity and property of
the materials/packages/components based
on what is expected from each. Equally
important are the measurable values that
can be interpreted. Thus, the process
involves selection of metrics, collation
and analysis of competitive data to enable
proper benchmarking and draw up the
most suitable & acceptable target values.
Therefore, the term objective appears
simpler. This carries with it several factors
that influence each parameter. It is equally
true that the term ‘test’ appears simple,
but every test has a direct relationship
with a given property and the property
governs a measure of activity related to
a performance. The properties could be
physical, mechanical, physico-chemical,
biological, optical, thermal, electrical, etc. A
material or package can have innumerable
properties within the gamut of these.
Property identification Depending on performance needs, the
package development and buyer groups
must identify specific properties based
on the materials selected; these activities
should probably take place simultaneously.
To the extent possible, the unit and numeral
should be quantified, as a measure is the
best means to include in the specification
format. Within the number of properties,
some could be critical, while others not so
critical. Judicious segregation would help
in acceptance of the process.
Each property is measured through
a test. Thus, the method of test and test
equipment and procedure are of great
Lack of adherence to standards can result in damage and waste due to insufficient security, customer dissatisfaction and negative advertising, making quality assurance greatly significant. Thus, components of a package must be clearly specified to help manufacturers stay ahead of the curve and also gain consumers’ trust.
Packaging speci f icat ion
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 51
significance. International test methods are
readily available and make the norms easier.
These standards also become the basis for
selection of the test equipment. It is known
that virtually all materials are sensitive to
varying climatic environments and behave
differently when exposed to such conditions.
Thus, it is imperative that both the buyer
and seller understand the significance of
specifying the values and agree in terms of
conditions in which the values are specified,
eg, temperature & humidity. A cellulosic
material behaves differently at varying
humidity conditions, whereas the properties
of synthetics such as plastic films could
vary substantially at extreme temperatures.
The specifications drawn up should clearly
indicate the conditions at which the samples
are to be tested.
Samples drawn for quality inspection
should be preconditioned at the conditions
stipulated to benefit the repeatability. It
is equally true of the testing equipment
used and the test procedures. Commonly,
different types of equipment conform to
a particular integrity. In such cases, the
conversion factor relationship between the
values obtained by testing through different
equipment should be pre-established
and agreed upon to avoid any arguments
and conflicts. Set standard procedures
of sampling and sample preparation are
readily available. Templates for sample
cutting are also available and, if properly
used, these can help obtain samples of
proper sizes. The sample size (dimensional
aspect) is important, as minor variations can
cause major flaws and affect performance.
The preconditioning of samples – time
and exposure conditions – is influenced
by the nature of the sample and by how
fast the sample would equilibrate against
standard exposure conditions. A board
would take more time to equilibrate than
a paper. Similarly, a film will take less
time to equilibrate than a sheet. The
emphasis is clearly to provide adequate
time to equilibrate.
With respect to sampling, where
statistical sampling may not be
commercially viable, guidelines provided
in the standards can be of help. The
samples drawn should be adequate and
each lot must be considered. Requisite
number of samples from different parts of
the lot should be taken for testing and data
recorded. Simple, average calculations are
common, though moving average system
can also be tried. Further, care during
sampling and sample preparation helps
avoid defective samples.
Performance analysis In the overall quality process, another
significant aspect relate to calibration
and standardisation of the equipment and
trained manpower, as well as maintenance
of conditions where equipment are
housed. A dirt-free laboratory maintained
as per national standards will not only add
value, but also, increase the confidence
level. All these parameters are mutually
inclusive between the buyer and seller.
It should also be open to a third-party
(approved) inspection. Recognition and
accreditation of the Quality Control/
Test Centre can enhance the reputation
and strengthen the belief and confidence
among industries.
Procurement of materials/packages
should be based on performance need.
The term ‘Performance based’ covers the
entire supply chain, from specification
development to consumer satisfaction. A
good specification for a board does not
mean in its entirety the total performance
on line packaging and Point-Of-Purchase
(POP) needs. For example, a good, flexible
packaging material does not mean that the
finished pouch will perform satisfactorily.
Optimising performance Developing and drawing up a specification
is not an easy task. It demands knowledge
of product needs, storage and handling
conditions, in-plant activities, including
machine operations, distribution system
and market environs as well as POP &
consumer needs. The added features are
economy and environmental needs.
In the context of all foregoing and
developing functionally performance-
oriented specifications, the objective is to:
Identify reliable supply source
Supply source to choose the right
RMS and process
Supply source to firm up delivery schedule
Supply source to identify improvements
Integrate a good relationship between
supply and buyer source
Ease the task of buyer source
Take buying decisions
An important feature of these exercises
is integrating to the inventory level
required, not run into ‘out of stock’
position, demand for quick delivery
and use them to meet production &
supply demands. The repercussions and
dangers associated are many. A typical
instance is the use of substandard
material or material that does not
conform to ‘set-out quality needs’ and
settle for lower price. This defeats all
efforts of developing a specification
meant for performance requirements.
It boils down to ‘specification for
despecification’. Specification is an
effective means of communication
with respect to criticality of purchase,
production and distribution functions.
The right package Each constituent is a measure of
assurance for procuring the right
package and enables its appropriate
use until it reaches the consumer and,
probably, beyond. Thus, specifications
must be in extreme detail and focussed
for discussions & adoption. These
should reflect the manufacturing
capability to attain the desired values
within tolerances and parameters.
Optimising these will ensure efficient
operation and create an acceptable limit
in the overall system, in as much as
it enables efficient communication of
quality & consistency expectation and
conveys consumer needs in quantifiable
terms, besides facilitating effective
track&trace system.
P V Narayanan is a Member
of Board in APEDA (Ministry
of Commerce). He is also
Secretary General - IPMMI and
Chief Executive - PFFCA. He
is a recognised UNIDO, ITC and CFTC (UK)
expert consultant in the field of packaging.
Email: [email protected]
INSIGHT & OUTLOOK: Packaged goods s ize
52 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Alpana Parida and Udit Bhambri
Today, everything is becoming
smaller. Automobiles are
becoming smaller for fuel
efficiency, packaged goods
are developing ground products to cut
costs and reduce carbon emissions. Even
supply chains are becoming shorter.
Therefore, today, ‘small’ is better not only
for businesses and consumers, but also for
the environment.
Evolution of ‘small’Ten years ago, nano was a word used
only in laboratories. Today, it is part of
the common language among people.
This term gained momentum with
the automobile giant Tata targeting its
new car model Nano to the masses and
Apple introducing iPod Nano, which
were quickly accepted by all generations;
another example of its use is the
luxury brand Zegna, which uses nano-
technology in its suits to prevent stains
due to spillage. Recently, nano-reinforced
polymers have introduced the capability
of producing innovative food packaging,
thereby enhancing the quality and safety
of packaged foods.
Products have become sleeker over
time. Digital downloads have replaced the
Walkman, QR codes have replaced CD
ROMs; even the futuristic memory chip
has become obsolete with the advent of
‘Cloud’. Starbucks - a coffee company -
has chosen to go smaller, with a smaller
version called ‘short’, which is apparently
‘just right’, in addition to its other sizes
Venti, Grande and Tall.
With products becoming smaller in
size, it is obvious that packaging would
follow this trajectory. For instance,
Blackberry recently slashed the size
of their packaging by almost 50 per
cent. Smaller packs not only boast of
superior form, but also have their own
set of functional benefits. In addition,
the mantra of sustainability is prompting
marketers to rethink on packaging costs.
The excess in packaging has been a global
phenomenon and the developed world is
looking towards cost cutting. In India,
most products had functional packaging
from a long time.
The big challenge in packaging
emerges when one targets consumers who
do not necessarily believe in the value
of ‘less is more’. In India, for example,
only more is considered as ‘more’. The
consumer wants value, which is often
perceived as positive by size. Some tackle
this via vertical patterns to depict length,
thicker stock-keeping units to connote
quantity, but are these companies looking
ahead or merely trying to cope? If the
answer is the latter, the question arises
whether this is sustainable with a rapidly
evolving consumer.
Size and functionalityHow does one sell ‘small’, in a country
Courtesy: Puma packaging
‘Size does matter’, the tagline of the film Godzilla is fast becoming as extinct as the creature itself. Why try to hold the whole world in one’s hands when it can be held in the palm? This is the gift of technology to the world today, where small pack gives big value.
Small packs,
BIG VALU
E
From storage to usage: The rise of functional packaging
Packaged goods s ize
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 53
like India where people are fond of all
things big. The possible answer could
be multi-functionality. Brands today are
going smaller but incorporating multi-
functionality within their products
and packages. It is this philosophy and
execution that make Apple’s iPhone
enjoy the success it has earned. But does
packaging have the luxury of multi-
functionality given their smaller size? For
instance, water brands today provide
caps that can be used as drinking
glasses. Ready-to-eat brands are moving
towards substrate innovations such as
pulp to create shapes along with the
function of a utensil to eat from.
Brands like Heinz have come up with
the first ketchup packet makeover in more
than four decades with its dual functional
dip & squeeze pack. Not only does the
pack allow dipping and squeezing, but
also allow more ketchup in one pack,
thus reducing wastage and eliminating
the inconvenience of opening many
sachets per meal. Recent takeout coffee
brands offer packaging with handles for
hot coffee, with the added ability to hold
creamers. This allows for coffee on the
go with only one hand and also uses eco-
friendly cardboard. Takeout boxes are
incorporating utensils within packaging,
thereby eliminating the amount of
plastics used. This raises the aspect of
multi-functional packaging also being
greener. In the cosmetics world, Brazilian
cosmetic company, Natura, goes beyond
spoken language, using Braille on eco-
friendly packs, for the visually impaired.
This is one of the companies targeting
the triple bottom line, ie, people, planet
and profits. An easier way to contribute
to this is via packaging. Companies such
as Vegware develop, manufacture and
distribute disposable food packaging,
which are low in carbon, made from
renewable materials and can be recycled
with food waste.
The big pictureIn the larger scheme of things, small is
actually Big. This coupled with multi-
functionality will drive efficiencies,
reduce the carbon footprint and promote
cutting-edge design. Therefore, form,
uncompromised functionality and eco-
friendliness constitute the 3Fs of tomorrow’s
packaging. It is a small world after all!
Alpana Parida is
President of DY Works.
With over 20 years of
experience in retail and
marketing communications,
she is steering one of India’s largest
pure-play branding agencies offering
insight-driven solution across its expertise
areas. Email: [email protected]
Udit Bhambri is Assistant
General Manager for
Marketing at DY Works.
Email: [email protected]
INSIGHT & OUTLOOK: Technology in pr int ing and packaging
54 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Mike Tatara
The printed package does
more than just communicate,
protect and differentiate
products and distinguish
brands. It has also become an important
vehicle for product positioning.
Packaging evokes emotion and gives
the product an identity and a unique
character that enhances visibility and
competitiveness.
Despite such profound and
widespread added value, the printing
and packaging industry has endured
increasing pressure due to the
volatile global economy, the pace of
technological change and the resulting
operational challenges. Simply, a greater
demand worldwide has resulted in
increased input costs. The rising cost of
raw materials and transportation adds
to the woes of the industry, making it
imperative that businesses with long-
term vision continue looking at ways to
streamline operations.
The India storyThe Indian printing and packaging
market is poised for significant growth,
fueled by the increasing demand for
innovative packaging equipment and
the growing flexible packaging market.
In spite of its highly f ragmented
nature, the Indian packaging industry is
expected to grow at 18-20 per cent per
year from its current 15 per cent and
reach $ 16.5 billion by 2015.
Worldwide, the printing industry
is also rapidly progressing through the
adoption of modern technology and the
employment of skilled professionals.
The massive growth potential offered by
the sector makes it important enough to
invest in a next-generation technology
to take on future challenges.
Tech-talkToday’s print and packaging players face
numerous business challenges related to
shop floor, supply chain management
efficiencies, business control, decision
making and technology. Among
these challenges, leveraging the right
technology reduces the level of stress
caused by all other pressures on the
business. Further, technology is necessary
to gain and maintain a competitive
advantage in a market where there is no
dearth of choice among suppliers.
Unfortunately, many print and
packaging companies continue using
outdated technology, or suffer due to
adoption of inadequate and inappropriate
technology that does not offer the level
of system integration capability required
in today ’s challenging business
environment. One of the major
reasons for this mismatch between
an organisation’s software and
technology is the pace of technical
change in response to an increasingly
complex and demanding market as
well as the level of sophistication &
effort required while implementing
and managing the change associated
with swapping out large systems.
In order to avoid problems and
additional expenses, many print and
packaging organisations do not invest
in new technologies despite proven
results. This sets off a chain reaction
that threatens productivity, profitability
and, ultimately, long-term viability of
the business. Business leaders need
to take a step back to see the bigger
picture and recognise the role that
technology can play in optimising print
& packaging operations.
Technology is an absolute necessity in achieving a competitive advantage in a market that faces unlimited choice among suppliers. Thus, in today’s surging Indian printing and packaging market, businesses must employ cutting-edge technologies to streamline operations and to achieve more sustainable competitive edge.
Makeoverto face new market realities
Bottle filling line
Courtesy: ©iStockphoto/alexeys
Technology in pr int ing and packaging
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 55
Taking into consideration, the
reliance on printed packaging, the
amount of business at stake is staggering.
The opportunity is there for companies
that embrace solutions, capable of
providing greater supply chain visibility,
data accuracy, decision-making agility
and drive high levels of customer
service. Manufacturing and distribution
industries have proven that technology
is the single most effective way for an
enterprise to maximise productivity
by reducing waste and minimising
expenses, while improving on accuracy
and overall quality.
Printing and packaging companies
that adopt a system tailored to the needs
of its business enjoy both low total cost
of ownership and the ability to produce
meaningful change within the business.
Put another way, printing and packaging
companies that fail to remain updated
on the latest technology and upgrade
themselves are at the risk of losing their
competitive edge, and with the rapid
pace of change today, this is likely to
happen sooner.
The ERP solutionManufacturers often seek a combination
of standard and customised features in
solutions offered by leading business
software companies. System architecture
and business intelligence limitations
often hinder the performance of many
Management Information System (MIS)
packages. In addition, consolidation
among MIS providers has many leading-
edge on printers seeking alternatives.
In many cases, the best answer is an
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
system that provides industry-specific
functionality, breadth of functionality
and a modern technology platform.
ERP is capable of optimising
software and service investments, while
ensuring speed, stability, reusability and
efficiency. Some of the ERP solutions
available today offer a robust technology
framework, thus allowing users to boost
sales and marketing via the embedded
CRM software, automate and speed up
cost estimations, optimise constantly
changing production schedules with
robust planning and scheduling
capabilities that help in streamlining
the supply chain. Accurate and timely
supply chain data is vital to the long-
term success of any enterprise.
The modern-day ERP embeds much
of the critical supply chain management
components and adds key technologies
to the mix. Dashboards and other tools
track materials and provide visibility to
product flow in the supply chain and
are combined with real-time, role-based
access to information, activity & process
management tools as well as business
intelligence capabilities – all of which
facilitate analysis and improve decision
making.
ERP software makes it possible
to identify profitable and unprofitable
jobs and to focus on activities that
sustain and grow a business. By having
access to real-time data, whether it
is for sales, production or financials,
organisations are able to react swiftly
for optimising operations and driving
partner satisfaction.
However, mere implementation of
an ERP system will not reap benefits
on its own. Highly trained personnel are
essential to ensure that the appropriate
system is selected, implemented and
used optimally. The right combination
of technology, people and processes
will enable effective execution of
ERP technology in support of an
organisation’s overall strategy.
Time for changeIncreasing lead time variability,
escalating production and material costs
as well as intense customer demands
have forced even the most successful
printers to overhaul their business and
technology strategies. If the industry
is to remain healthy and discourage
new entrants, more print & packaging
organisations need to align market
demands with business strategies and
technology advancements.
Therefore, those who make the
effort will be able to remain relevant,
while those who succeed at maximising
technical capabilities will gain a much
satisfied and content workforce &
customer base; and this will ultimately
lead to a significantly more sustainable
competitive edge to achieve improved
bottom line profits.
Mike Tatara is Product
Marketing Manager at Epicor
Software Corporation.
Email: [email protected]
Printing press production line
Courtesy: ©iStockphoto/johnnyscriv
INSIGHT & OUTLOOK: Brand reputat ion
56 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Neil Giles and Michelle Barnes
F ew things strike more fear in
the heart of a brand manager
than finding out a product is
being recalled. The potential for
recalls is increasing in the wake of new
food safety laws passed by governments
around the world, including China and
the US. Well-publicised recalls in recent
years have heightened consumer scrutiny
and awareness of product safety.
Another indicator of the trend is the
rising popularity of insurance plans that
provide product contamination and recall
coverage for manufacturers. This is a
lucrative new niche for insurance providers
as manufacturers seek protection in an era
of tighter regulations, better enforcement
and harsher penalties.
Measuring cost of recall How does one calculate the costs of a
recall? First, there are the upfront costs
such as transporting products back
to factories, replacing inventories and
publicising alerts throughout the media.
There are also associated costs such as
compensation for retailers, and longer-
term potential costs arising from consumer
lawsuits. But, one cost that cannot be
easily measured is the damage to one’s
brand’s reputation. Nothing tarnishes a
brand like a recall, and the ramifications
can range from a temporary dip in global
sales to loss of public confidence.
In a global economy with increasingly
complicated supply chains, quality control
is becoming more critical. A number
of retailers have put their own quality
control protocols in place, and they require
manufacturers to comply with them.
Demonstrating due diligenceWorldwide, the safety standards of
food manufacturers are coming under
increased scrutiny. Companies face
mounting pressure to comply with
legislations, such as the new US Food
Safety Modernisation Act. In light of
these new legal requirements, large
The concern of product recall keeps manufacturers on their toes all the time. With food safety regulations around the world tightening further, brand owners should utilise robust product inspection technologies to detect contamination and minimise business risks.
Diligenceto reduce product recall
Brand reputat ion
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 57
retailers, such as Walmart, Tesco and Marks
& Spencer, have devised their own codes
of conduct for manufacturers to meet.
But how do manufacturers demonstrate
to retailers for products and processes to
meet those standards? Also, what steps
can one take to protect reputation in the
event of a potential contamination issue?
The answer is to have the ability to prove
they have exercised due diligence in their
processes.
Food safety legislation and standards
are complex and growing more so
every day. Whether referring to safety
frameworks such as the Hazards
and Critical Control Points Analysis
(HACCP) system, quality certification
programmes such as the British Retail
Consortium (BRC) Global Standards,
regional legislation such as The General
Food Law Regulation (EC) 178/2002 in
the European Union, domestic laws such
as the UK Food Safety Act (1990) or
retailer guidelines, the burden of proof
to demonstrate that every effort has been
taken to minimise risks to public safety
rests with food manufacturers.
Brand owners are well aware of the
risks posed by failing to meet safety
standards. Failure to inspect products
can lead to contamination and result in
reputation-damaging product recalls. In
such an event, food manufacturers are
legally obliged to prove that they have
exercised all due diligence to avoid
accusations of negligence. The supporting
evidence must include data such as
confirmation of packs inspected and data
regarding packs rejected as a result of
potential contamination. Data collected
should also include validation information
about regular equipment testing and
planned preventative maintenance
programmes. If the manufacturer cannot
provide this data, it can be vulnerable to
further legal action. As well as the risk
to consumer well-being, the negative
publicity of a product recall can jeopardise
future business with supermarket chains,
threatening the future of the brand.
Compliance to safety standardsTo ensure compliance with safety standards,
brand owners require a comprehensive
product inspection system that is able to
detect contamination, identify over and
under-weight products and exclude them
from the production process. Automated
reject mechanisms are critical to meet
compliance with safety standards. In
most product inspection systems, when
a suspect product is identified, a signal is
generated, which, together with sensors
and timing devices, is used to activate
a reject device to remove it from the
conveyor without stopping production. A
lockable bin collects rejected products to
prevent them from making their way back
onto the conveyor belt. .
In the event the rejected device fails
to remove the offending product, fail-
safe mechanisms need to be in place to
stop the conveyor system, ensuring that
contaminated or under- or over-weight
products do not find their way to the end
of the production line. Multiple inspection
machines can be linked using connectivity
technology to offer comprehensive
monitoring of the inspection system to
ensure that reject mechanisms do not fail.
Accurate data monitoring is another
vital aspect of compliance with food
safety standards, as it can prove critical in
demonstrating due diligence if required.
Modern product inspection systems
offer automatic logging of information
related to contaminant detection and
checkweighing of products High-
security operator access, such as secure
login passwords, minimises the risk of
compromise to such data.
Technology for early detectionThis helps explain the rising reliance on
X-ray inspection technology as a method
of minimising the risk of recalls. X-rays
detect foreign bodies in packaging such
as glass shards, metal fragments, bone,
stones and high-density plastic materials.
The technology has become a critical aid
for demonstrating regulatory compliance
with safety and quality control procedures.
X-ray detection offers more than just
contamination detection; it identifies
product defects such as broken cookies,
or a faulty seal on a container. It offers
manufacturers the capability to see inside
a package and catch defects in advance,
so that consumers get a perfect product
every time. The technology can also be
integrated with checkweighing capabilities
to ensure accurate product delivery. These
capabilities identify product weight that
is out-of-compliance down to the nearest
0.1 gm, reducing costly product give-away.
In a competitive environment with
heightened regulatory enforcement,
X-ray detection is an important tool for
maintaining food brand reputation, which
is essential for minimising the risk of
costly product recalls.
Protecting the brand The trend of recent years could not be
more apparent – supermarkets and retailers
will continue to tighten their own product
safety standards, keen to protect their
own brands in the eyes of the consumer.
Brand owners must demonstrate due
diligence and use advanced product
inspection systems, such as X-ray, to do
so. The use of such technologies enables
manufacturers to ensure that they have
robust procedures in place to detect any
possible contamination and confirm that
each pack contains the right amount of
content, minimising the risk of loss of
business with major retailers at a time
when the market is becoming ever more
competitive.
Neil Giles is Marketing
Communications Manager for
the Product Inspection Division
at Mettler-Toledo, based in
the UK. He specialises in all
four main product inspection technologies -
X-ray, metal detection, vision inspection and
checkweighing. Email: [email protected]
Michelle Barnes is
Marketing Executive at
Mettler-Toledo Safeline, based
in the UK. With five years of
experience in the food and
pharmaceutical industries, she specialises
in X-ray technology for the packaging
& inspection sectors. Email: Michelle.
58 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
AUTOMATION TRENDS: Robot ic top loading solut ions
EnsuringEnsuringintegrityintegrity
flexibilityflexibility withwith
Automation and robotics have been an inseparable part of the evolution of packaging design in contemporary times. Considering the burgeoning demand for pharma products, faster lead times are the need of the hour along with technical sophistication. Lionel Alva examines how robotic top loading has aided in the standardisation of pharma packaging solutions.
For the pharma industry,
ubiquitous availability of a
product is a must, considering its
critical nature. Thus, the highest
possible packaging speeds combined with
minimal waste and high flexibility are
essential to ensure the best possible lead
times. While high-speed lines can produce
the requested small batch sizes within a
few hours, resetting the formats will need
more time, which has a negative impact
on the overall efficiency of the packaging
line. Format changes and line clearance
should be able to be performed within a
few minutes. To cope with this, the whole
packaging process, which includes all
modules and machines used in the entire
system, must be completely harmonised.
It does not make any sense if large parts
of machines are modified to handle a new
batch within 15 minutes, but line clearance
takes more than two hours because of
poor accessibility in certain areas. In such
a scenario, robotic top loading solutions
help immensely towards ensuring quick
changeover times with minimal effort.
Further, these are steadily replacing the
side-loader technology in carton packaging.
Key design considerationsThe pharma industry is constantly
in a state of transition. And, in recent
times, higher machine speeds and greater
flexibility are the order of the day, with fast
product changeover times, quick format
changes and a steady increase in packaging
design considerations. To meet validation
requirements, pharma companies are
increasingly demanding that machinery
is modularised and standardised. This
includes a standardised operating interface
and control systems for all components.
Such systems also have monitoring
systems for maximum production safety.
With standardisation and modularity,
profitability can also be increased, as the
lines allow rapid changeover to produce
different dosages of the same medicine
in different pack types. The increased
profitability is additionally supported
by lower maintenance cost. Robotic
top loading solutions add flexibility to
packaging processes. Changeovers can be
programmed by entering new parameters,
58 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Illu
stra
tion
: Cha
itan
ya D
ines
h S
urp
ur
Robot ic top loading solut ions
with pushbutton, recipe-driven
changeovers selected by the operator at
the Human Machine Interface (HMI).
Without or with only minimal end-of-
arm tooling changes, robotic modules can
reduce setup times to sort, orient, pick
and place, fill and de-case a broad range
of product & package types.
“For packing machine manufacturers,
the problem of integrating Programmable
Logic Controller (PLC), motion control
and handling tasks in a single system leads
to higher programming and engineering
costs. Additional costs for maintenance
and service personnel resulting from
various hardware & software components
can also be expected. In a robotic top
loading solution, top loading cells with
different kinematics can be configured and
programmed together with other software
modules on one controller, or with several
distributed controllers. As a result,
synchronisation with proprietary control
architectures is no longer necessary. This
enables both real-time synchronisation
and integrated data storage without any
problems,” avers Nilkant Raut, Director,
Raut Engineers.
Today, Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs) are starting to
run robotics with off-the-shelf controls,
and even large robot manufacturers are
adopting embedded non-proprietary
software. This development promises to
expand robotics applications faster than
ever in the next few years. Unlike the
expensive and proprietary products of the
past, today’s motion control and PLC
products allow plants to run robotics
using standard programming languages
such as IEC 61131-3. The result is
standardised controls with user-friendly
software setup wizards that require no
downtime for specialised operator or
programmer training. Thus, it does not
take much to integrate multiple robots
in a project. Access to variables also
simplifies engineering and diagnostics.
Challenges with automationAlthough robots are often considered
inappropriate for food or pharmaceutical
applications where hygienic washdown
is required, advancements in technology
mean that packaging machinery users and
manufacturers need to relook at ways to
exploit their use. Although automated
processing and packaging machinery for
this industry has existed for some time,
the loading of products into packs has
remained labour-intensive. Automated
tray-loading has been difficult, due to
high hygiene standards and irregular
product shapes with slippery surfaces.
Robot top loading systems should be
easily configurable and be designed to be
optimally hygienic & reliable as well as
operate at high speeds.
A major innovation for robotic top
loading systems claimed is an optional
integral storage system that will divert
products away from the top-loader in the
event of a downstream machine stoppage.
Each product is individually handled
and placed into storage from race-track
compartments, eliminating any queuing
or bunching and maintaining product
quality. The system provides up to
10-minute storage or longer, depending
on pack format, and automatically
reintroduces the packs into the line
during normal production.
The robot features twin-axis servo-
motion for consistent and reliable
operation, controlled by either Allen
Bradley or Siemens PLCs, thereby
enabling the equipment to be added to
or expanded as per requirement. A wide
range of robotic tooling is available to
suit different products. This includes
vacuum pick ‘n’ place and vacuum tooling
with pneumatic repitching devices &
pneumatic grippers. Further, with quality
solutions available in the market, the
only challenge for automated robotic
top loading solutions is accessibility and
cost, along with compliance to regulatory
standards of hygiene.
Standardisation and efficiency It is not only the technology and
its standardisation that is sufficient
to produce high efficiencies. The
entire packaging process needs to be
harmonised and this area possesses a
huge optimisation potential. Within the
pharmaceutical production and packaging
process, there are many operations and
interfaces between process steps that are
still performed manually. In the future,
many of these tasks will be taken over
by flexible robotics technology. For
example, the entire feeding process of
products coming from batch production
and fed to the packaging line is, in most
cases, still a manual process; most of this
will be automated within the next few
years. However, automation, when used
correctly, could allow companies to focus
on R&D, while ensuring the finesse
the manufacturing operations would
carry. The pharma packaging market is
constantly advancing and has experienced
an annual growth of at least five per cent
per annum in the past few years. The
market is now reckoned to be worth
over $ 20 billion a year. As with most
other packaged goods, pharmaceuticals
require reliable and speedy packaging
solutions.
Email: [email protected]
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 59
Nilkant RautDirector, Raut Engineers
In a robotic top loading solution, top loading cells with different kinematics can be confi gured and programmed together with other software modules on one controller, or with several distributed controllers. As a result, synchronisation with proprietary control architectures is no longer necessary.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT: B l ister packaging
60 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
A decade ago, packaging
was often an afterthought
for many pharmaceutical
companies, viewed as merely
the final step in manufacturing. However,
today, firms are considering packaging
earlier during the process of development.
Pharmaceutical packaging is fast
becoming an essential part of the drug
delivery system as well as a core element
of the marketing mix, through which
manufacturers can differentiate their
products from those of their competitors.
However, in India, the concept of
blister packaging was adopted faster than
many other western countries. The need
to have light-weight packages, which
could be made available in smaller units,
spurred this trend unlike markets such
as the US. About 85 per cent of solid
drugs in the Europe are packed in blisters,
as compared with less than 20 per cent
of those in the US. However, blister
packaging is gaining more acceptance
in the US, as both manufacturers and
consumers have begun to recognise
its benefits.
At present, China is still a lot of
domestic solid drugs using glass bottles,
although to avoid light, moisture,
anti-oxidation, but the packaging capacity,
not high-tech. For demanding special
healthcare products and pharmaceuticals,
this conventional form of packaging
cannot effectively prevent the medicine
from becoming moist, which is a
large-capacity brown glass bottle in
recent years, rapid exit of this area is an
important reason.
Advantages of blister packagingClear plastic blister packaging is the
first hard piece plastic moulding, with
tablets, pills or granules, capsules and
other solid pharmaceutical and health
food filled in the groove, and then sealed
with aluminium foil coated with adhesive
bonding in the film heated together to
form a separate sealed package. This
package is the production of today’s health
food and pharma industries, widely used
form of rapid development of flexible
packaging.
In comparison with the bottle, blister
packaging is easy to carry, can reduce
the amount of healthcare products,
pharmaceuticals while carrying. It also
ensures gas barrier blister packaging,
moisture permeability, health and safety,
productivity and dose accuracy, thus
extending the shelf-life of drugs.
Another advantage of automated
blister packaging process is maximising
The need for easy usage, product safety and high-barrier properties have resulted in the growth of the blister packaging market in India. R&D across the globe has ensured that products remain secure in blister packs, thereby guaranteeing environment sustainability. Anwesh Koley analyses various benefits and wide acceptability of this form of packaging.
Creatin value,retainin quality
Courtesy: Wenzhou Ximmei Printing Co Ltd
Courtesy: Plastic Ingenuity Inc
Bl ister packaging
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 61
the safety of packaging. Sandeep Jain,
Director, Hi-Tech Polyflex Pvt Ltd, says,
“Automatic blister packaging machine
includes blister forming, drug filling,
sealing, packaging carton forming,
manual folding and insertion into the
box and blister board carton sealing; the
whole process once complete ensures
health and safety. In addition to the
advanced model with a high degree
of automation, there are a number of
safety testing devices, including box and
manual identification & detection, can
greatly improve the safety and health of
people and reduce misuse of healthcare
products, drugs equipment, etc.”
Apart from the advantages of being
lighter, blister packs help reduce the
carbon footprint of packaging. Dipak
Vyas, Chief Executive Officer, Neo Pack,
says, “Over the past 40 years, blister
packs have been adopted globally by the
pharma industry because of the flexibility
in design and high productivity that the
process delivers for packaging of oral
solids.” The inherent unit-dose concept
provides visual and physical evidence of
the number of doses taken, making it
easy for patients to follow their therapy
by swallowing an oral dosage. It is a
comfortable and a familiar means of
taking medication – and one of the main
reasons why a majority of marketed
medicines are presented as tablets &
capsules over several decades.
Sustainability offered blister packsMaximum use of renewable, recyclable
plastics: A sustainable cold seal blister
packaging contains plastics that can
easily be recycled. Usually, a clear
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) film
is used to produce the blister. When
possible, from a technical point of view,
renewable Polylactic Acid (PLA) should
be offered as an option to customers as it
helps in energy savings. “Such packaging
offers minimum weight of plastics.
The plastic part of a sustainable cold
seal blister packaging is always kept to
minimum size and thickness, with the
purpose of reducing plastic weight. It is
also important to ensure maximum use
of recycled cardboard,” says Jain. A USP
of a cold seal blister packaging is that the
cardboard is only printed on one side,
and after packing, the printing is visible
on the front and back, and even behind
the plastic blister.
No heat energy is required for
sealing these blister packs. Cold seal
blister packaging does not require heat
or dwelling time to get a perfect seal;
only pressure is required for that. This
makes packaging extremely energy
efficient, and thus environment-friendly.
It also ensures 100 per cent separation
of plastics and board after opening.
“There are many ways of opening such
packages, depending on the structural
design. Irrespective of the opening
method chosen, plastics and board
always separate completely after opening.
The cold seal adhesive, applied to the
blister board only adheres to itself and
not to the plastic blister. Therefore, no
cardboard fibres remain on the clear
plastic, making recycling possible,”
adds Vyas.
Ensuring drug safetyValue creation in drug delivery has
conventionally focussed on developing
advanced solutions that meet the unmet
needs of patients. Achieving better
treatment outcomes has an impact on
the society as a whole: patients and their
families live longer together and enjoy a
better quality of life; social systems can
plan for lower costs for acute care and
assisted living and physicians can provide
better care & support for patients. There
are growing efforts of pharma companies
to enhance treatment effectiveness
and improve outcomes under real-
life conditions of patients – outside of
controlled clinical trial settings.
Blister packaging has become a
more important piece in this equation
than ever before. The success story of
polymer-based films for blister packaging
will continue, particularly as a result of
the new-generation films that provide
global packaging solutions for advanced
drug delivery systems.
Email: [email protected]
Sandeep JainDirector, Hi-Tech Polyfl ex Pvt Ltd
Dipak VyasChief Executive Offi cer, Neo Pack
Automatic blister packaging machine includes blister forming, drug filling, sealing, packaging carton forming, manual folding and insertion into the box and blister board carton sealing.
Over the past 40 years, blister packs have been adopted globally by the pharma industry because of the flexibility in design and high productivity that the process delivers for packaging of oral solids.
POLICIES & REGULATIONS : Packaging for gener ics
62 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
In recent years, India has been on a technological upswing with regard to pharmaceutical products that have been made much more affordable in the form of generics in the country. Lionel Alva assesses the impact of the surging generics market on R&D and intellectual property rights for packaging.
Impactof government policies onintellectual property protection
India is undoubtedly one of the biggest markets for generics in the world. The country is known to produce a fifth of the generic
medicines of the world and accounts for about 70 per cent of medicines supplied to poor countries through humanitarian agencies. Approximately 90 per cent of the country’s medicines are made up of branded generics. In 1970, India eliminated patents on drug products. This move enabled India, a country with a relatively large domestic market, to develop a strong generic drug industry. In 1994, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiated the controversial agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
India was required to extend patent protection to drugs and implement other new obligations. In 2005, India implemented the changes required by the WTO. In doing so, India limited patents in some areas, such as those on new uses or new formulations of drugs unless they differ greatly in properties related to efficacy. As interpreted by the Indian courts, it is now more difficult for international companies to prevent manufacturing of generic drugs by making minor changes to the formulation of products or finding new uses for them. Since then, India been able to establish technological capability for manufacture and supply of generic drugs. Thus, the ‘generics capability’ of India has attracted worldwide attention.
The lure of generic drugs is that these are significantly cheaper than its proprietary branded counterparts. However, both the quality of drugs and packaging are significant points of debate. There is a need
to assess whether the quality and standard regulatory framework in India imbibe a certain degree of responsibility on generics manufacturers to ensure the quality of the drugs as well as their packaging.
Existing legislative frameworkThe introduction of the Indian Patents Act (IPA) provided a major thrust to the growth of the Indian generics pharmaceuticals industry; and Indian companies, who undergo the process of reverse engineering and synthesis, began to produce bulk drugs & formulations at lower costs. The IPA and Drug Prices Control Order (DPCO) were acts passed in 1970. Under the IPA, substances used in foods and pharmaceuticals could not be granted product patents. Only process patents were allowed for a period of five years from the date of the grant of patent or seven years from the date of filing for patent, whichever was earlier.
The DPCO is an order issued by the Government, under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, l955, empowering it to fix and regulate the prices of essential bulk drugs and formulations. The order incorporates a list of bulk drugs whose prices are to be controlled, the procedure for fixation and revision of prices, the procedure for implementation, the procedure for recovery of dues, the penalties for contravention and various other guidelines & directions. The order is subject to the guidelines of Drug Policy and supposedly aims to ensure equitable distribution, increased supply and availability of bulk drugs at cheap prices and has played a vital role in directing the pharma industry’s fortunes.
However, currently, there is policy regime to check and ensure the quality of generic medicines and the packaging material used. Indian drugs can still be purchased over the counter without a prescription unlike in the West, which does little to warrant protection from spurious manufacturers.
Challenges for generics packagingWhile branded proprietary medicines involve certain fortifications and extensive Research and Development (R&D) to ensure that contents of the package are safe. It is also a responsibility on part of the policy makers that with regard to packaging, the generic variants should not have any counter-interactions with the packaging material used as this could be fatal to the end-user. Packaging must be consolidated such that it not only ensures the shelf-life of drugs, but also, the quality is on par with its proprietary counterparts.
“Most of the cost of proprietary medication comes from R&D expenditure where it takes 10-15 years for a drug to enter the market. Hence, it is pivotal that the packaging materials used for generics must also undergo extensive R&D to ensure that the quality of the end product is not compromised. With a proper legislative framework and qualitative controls in place for manufacture as well as packaging, it is possible to ensure that there are no severe counter-indications with generic medication,” asserts Hariharan R Iyer, Consultant, Packaging Idea, and Ex Joint Director, Indian Institute of Packaging.
Therefore, it is important that policies and regulations are framed in such a manner that it strikes a fine balance
Packaging for gener ics
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 63
between qualitative healthcare and accessibility for the masses. Afterall, the Indian pharma industry plays a critical role in supplying medicines to various global treatment programmes. For instance, Indian generic drugs account for approximately 50 per cent of the essential medicines that the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) distributes in developing countries. Besides, 75-80 per cent of all medicines distributed by the International Dispensary Association (IDA) to developing countries are sourced from India. Similarly, associations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) also source a substantial percentage of their medicine procurement from Indian manufacturers. The nature of the packaging used and the quality of the product influences the outlook and prospects of the Indian pharma industry as a whole.
Ensuring affordability While the generics market is integral to the Indian pharma industry’s success, it is also important that policies are legislated that would ensure that generic drugs are qualitatively safe and
the nature of packaging material used offers adequate protection and fulfills the necessities of a given drug. Thus, there is a need to facilitate stronger and more robust legislations that would allow pharma companies to ensure that the quality of manufacturing & packaging is on par with international standards. It must also pave the way for a smooth transfer of advanced packaging technology in India. While the Indian pharma
industry recorded spectacular growth in the past decade, it is now facing serious threats to its self-sufficiency and ability to compete in the generic medicines market. Any development that impacts the generic production capabilities in India would compromise access to affordable medicines not only in India, but also in other developed and developing countries.
Email: [email protected]
Hariharan R IyerConsultant, Packaging Idea, and Ex Joint Director, Indian Institute of Packaging
With a proper legislative framework and qualitative controls in place for manufacture as well as packaging, it is possible to ensure that there are no severe counter-indications with generic medication.
STRATEGY: Pr imar y packaging
64 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
drug stabilitydrug stability
Globally, the pharmaceutical packaging market is expected to grow by an average of 6.9 per cent each year to reach
a total volume of $ 69 billion by 2015. The industry in India is also growing and the pharmaceutical business is evolving into a specialised industry. Moving away from mainly focussing on generic products, pharmaceutical companies are now emphasising much on quality and consistency of primary packaging as this directly affect the drug stability. This has led to the pharma packaging industry evolving into a specialised sector.
Packaging componentsIn the pharmaceutical language, a packaging component means any single part of a container closure system, which is a sum of packaging components that together contain and protect the drug substance. The container closure system includes primary and secondary packaging components. A primary packaging component is a packaging component that is in direct contact with the dosage form. Typical examples are containers (eg, ampoules, vials, bottles), container liners (eg, tube liners), closures (eg, screw caps, stoppers), etc.
Every proposed primary packaging system should be shown to be suitable for its intended use: it should adequately protect the dosage form; it should be compatible with the dosage form; and it should be composed of materials that are safe for use with the dosage form and route of administration. If the primary package has a performance feature in addition to containing the product, the assembled container closure system is shown to function properly.
Amit Kumar Choudhary, Director, D D Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd, says, “For Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API)
drugs or formulations, primary packaging is of utmost importance as almost all drugs are sensitive and appropriate packaging is needed to ensure drug stability. Moreover, primary packaging comes in direct contact with the drug, so the usage of correct packaging material with appropriate properties is important. Also, it is the primary packaging that protects the drug from spoiling because of high moisture, heat, humidity, etc.”
Primary packaging variablesThe primary packaging variables need to be clearly defined as they have a high impact on drug stability. Choudhary notes, “The primary packaging variables that need to be considered while deciding
on the type of packaging to be used in the pharma industry include the extent to which the packaging material is sensitive to light, moisture, permeability, etc. Further, it is important to ascertain the sterility of the primary packaging material because this factor has a huge impact on the drug stability.” Physical, chemical and biological properties of primary packaging have a high impact on drug stability.
In fact, the primary packaging should provide the dosage form with adequate protection from factors (eg, temperature, light) that can cause degradation in the quality of that dosage form over its shelf-life. Common causes of such drug degradation are exposure to light, loss of solvent, exposure to reactive gases (eg,
Smart solution forSmart solution for
Courtesy: Kl+¦ckner Pentaplast Group
Pharma packaging is a specialised packaging segment where much emphasis is laid on the primary packaging these days, as it has a profound impact on drug stability. Avani Jain analyses the primary packaging variables and elaborates on the materials that can be used for primary packaging of the drugs.
Primar y packaging
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 65
Amit Kumar ChoudharyDirector, D D Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd
For Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) drugs or formulations, primary packaging is of utmost importance as almost all drugs are sensitive and appropriate packaging is needed to ensure drug stability.
Mukul JainTechnical Director, Onex Pharmaceuticals
Primary packaging depends on the nature of the drug. In most cases, aluminium foil is used for primary packaging because in blister packaging, the oxygen permeability is higher, so the drug may get affected.
oxygen), absorption of water vapour and microbial contamination. A drug product can also suffer an unacceptable loss in quality if it gets contaminated. Thus, the primary packaging needs to ensure that nothing of this sort happens to the drug.
Primary packaging materialsThe primary packaging material for any drug should be such that each active ingredient retains its chemical integrity: the original physical properties, including appearance, palatability, uniformity, dissolution and suspendability are retained; sterility or resistance to microbial growth is retained according to the specified requirements and antimicrobial agents that are present retain effectiveness within the specified limits. Also, the therapeutic effect should remain unchanged and no significant increase in toxicity should occur.
Mukul Jain, Technical Director, Onex Pharmaceuticals, says, “It is often seen that the drug is affected by heat, sunlight, moisture, etc. Thus, primary packaging depends on the nature of the drug. In most cases, aluminium foil is used for primary packaging because in blister packaging, the oxygen permeability is higher, so the drug may get affected. Generally, liquid drug is packaged in amber-coloured bottles because it provides light protection as compared to transparent bottles.”
Overall, the packaging material should be such that it provides light protection to the drug, as this also affects the drug stability. Light protection is typically provided by an opaque or amber-coloured container. Further, loss of solvent can occur through a permeable barrier (eg, a polyethylene container wall), through an inadequate seal, or through leakage. Hence, proper primary packaging is quite necessary.
Further, water vapour or reactive gases (eg, oxygen) may penetrate a container closure system either by passing through a permeable container surface, eg, the wall of a Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) bottle. Although glass containers would seem to offer better protection, since glass is relatively impermeable, these are effective only if there is a good seal between the container and the closure.
The various packaging materials used for primary packaging of pharmaceuticals include glass bottles, poly glassine paper, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), aluminium foil, paper, etc. Generally, for packaging of API, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) bag EU twist tied with a plastic fastener is used as a primary packaging material.
Generally, the grade of the primary packaging material should comply with EU Directives. The primary packaging material should also comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
Ensuring high drug qualityPrimary packaging for pharmaceuticals represents the starting point of the value chain. The quality of the primary packaging material affects all subsequent steps within the process and its steady supply is a prerequisite to make medical products available when required. In a time when countries across the globe are investing heavily in their pharmaceutical industries to ensure consumer satisfaction and increase the drug stability, India has also shown improvement in terms of quality of primary packaging materials. However, there are areas where India needs to gear up and adopt more advanced materials for packaging in order to counter the manufacture of spurious drugs and ensure stringent quality practices worldwide.
Email: [email protected]
Courtesy: SCHOTT Pharmaceutical Systems
TIPS & TRICKS: Glass recycl ing
66 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Glass materials must be cleaned thoroughly before recycling. These should not contain any ceramic because it will contaminate the glass that will be recycled. Broken and coloured glass should be removed, as these are difficult to segregate and nearly impossible to recycle. It is essential to discard glass tableware, light bulbs, Pyrex, windows and mirrors.
Glass is a material that never wears out; hence, it can be recycled forever without diminishing in quality or properties. Anwesh Koley highlights some of the pointers that must be kept in mind while recycling glass.
Steps toensure better processing
Glass is a popular packaging container for food and beverages. It is also one of the most commonly
recycled materials. Glass is 100
per cent recyclable and its quality never deteriorates. Glass bottles and jars are melted down and transformed into new containers. Recycling of glass also helps in saving energy and preserving
raw materials. In addition, recycling is beneficial for the environment, as it reduces air and water pollution.
With inputs from B D J Glass Industries Ltd.
Email: [email protected]
During the first stage of recycling glass, the non-glass items should be removed. Then the bottles and jars may be broken into cullet – the industrial term used for smashed waste glass. Cullet is passed through a magnet in order to remove the remaining metal lids, while any plastic or paper residues are removed during vacuum processes.
After the bottles are cooled and annealed, they should be sorted and inspected. Faulty bottles are returned to the furnace. Integral bottles are vacuum-packed and transported to filling companies. The quality of a recycled bottle and those made of sand is the same. Compared to natural raw materials, recycled raw material or glass cullet melts at a lower temperature and uses less energy.
Recycling one tonne of glass raw material saves one tonne of quartz sand and 250 kg of soda ash. Hence, sorting glass packaging is important. Further, only glass packaging (glass jars and bottles) should be inserted into separate waste collection containers, The waste management company transfers the contents of the container to processing plants.
Glass, quartz sand, soda and limestone are used to produce glass. But, 30-40 per cent of the total volume may be replaced by recycled raw materials. For this, the right temperature must be maintained during recycling. The raw materials melt into a homogenous mass at 1,550°C and the stock is fed into a furnace where bottles are moulded at 1,200°C.
Glass comes in any of the three colours - brown, green and transparent or clear. Thus, it is important to segregate glass products based on colour and find the G symbol on them. The G logo indicates that the product comes from recycled glass; therefore, it can undergo recycling again.
Following are some points that to remember while recycling glass:
Glass materials must be cleaned thoroughly before recycling. These should not contain any ceramic because it will contaminate the glass that will be recycled. Broken and coloured glass should be removed, as these are difficult to segregate and nearly impossible to recycle. It is essential to discard glass tableware, light bulbs, Pyrex, windows and mirrors.
PROJECTS
68 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
New projects and expansion activities are the barometers of industrial growth. These also present business opportunities to service providers such as consultants, raw material suppliers, plant & equipment manufacturers and others down the value chain. This feature will keep you updated with vital information regarding new projects and capacity expansions being planned by companies in the packaging, printing and converting industries.
Manufacturing of corrugated fibre board containers projectTCPL Packaging Ltd
Project typeExpansion
Project newsTCPL Packaging Ltd is planning to set
up a New Industrial Services project at
Haridwar in Uttaranchal. The project
involves manufacturing of corrugated
fibre board containers. As of July 29, 2011,
the company received Industrial License
from Secretariat of Industrial Assistance
(SIA), Department of Industrial Policy
and Promotion, Government of India for
setting up the project.
Project locationHaridwar, Uttaranchal
Project costNot Known
Implementation stageOngoing
Contact details:
CPL Packaging Ltd
Shiv Smriti, 49, Dr Annie Besant Road,
Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400018
Tel : 022-66606006, Fax : 022-24935893
Email: [email protected]
Manufacturing of Hdpe/Pp tape project Platinium Tie-up Pvt Ltd
Project typeExpansion
Project newsPlatinium Tie-Up Pvt Ltd is planning
to set up a new Textiles Project at
Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The project
involves Manufacturing of Hdpe/Pp Tape-
Laminated/Unlaminated Fabric-Plain /
Printed Woven Sacks With/Without
Lamination. As of September 26, 2011,
the company received Industrial License
from Secretariat of Industrial Assistance
(SIA), Department of Industrial Policy
and Promotion, Government of India for
setting up the project.
Project locationAhmedabad, Gujarat
Project costNot known
Implementation stageOngoing
Contact details:
Platinium Tie-up pvt Ltd
A-72, Riviera Heights,
Opp Reliance Petrol Pump,
Anandnagar Road, Prahlad Nagar,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat – 380015
Tel : 079-40098713
Manufacturing of milk pouch projectSabarkantha District Co-Operative Milk
Producers Union Ltd
Project typeExpansion
Project newsWhile new product innovations and
the export markets present favourable
prospects for the company it is planning
on expanding its domestic presence.
Since milk and poultry segment is one
of the largest industries in the country it
is an attempt to consolidate the growing
demand for dairy-based products.
Project locationIndia
Project costNot known
Implementation stageOngoing
Contact details:
Sabarkantha District Co-operative Milk
Producers Union Ltd
Sub Poboria Nh-8
Himatnagar, Sabarkantha
Gujarat – 383006
Tel : 02772- 40500, 40291-99
Fax : 02772- 40283
Manufacturing of packaging servicesMahakaleshwar Smile Parks Enterprises
Pvt Ltd.
Project typeExpansion
Project newsMahakaleshwar Smile Parks Enterprises
Pvt Ltd is planning to set up a new
miscellaneous project at Faizabad in
Uttar Pradesh. The project involves
Manufacturing of Paper Bags. As of
July 26, 2011, thecompany received
Industrial License from Secretariat of
Industrial Assistance (SIA), Department
of Industrial Policy and Promotion,
Government of India for setting up the
project.
Project locationIndia
Project costNot known
Implementation stageOngoing
Contact details:
Mahakaleshwar Smile
Parks Enterprises Pvt Ltd
31, Manas Vihar
Lucknow,
Uttar Pradesh – 226016
Tel : 0522-3060505
Fax : 0522-9044044070
Email: [email protected]
Information courtesy: Tendersinfo.com
1, Arch Gold, Next to MTNL Exchange, Poisar, S V Road, Kandivali (W), Mumbai - 400 067, Maharashtra, India
Tel: 022 28666134 • Fax: 022 28013817 • Email: [email protected]
Latest Popular Tenders brought to you by www.tendersinfo.com
TENDERS
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 69
Org : Organisation’s name, TRN : Tendersinfo Ref No, Desc : Description, BOD : Bid
Information courtesy : Tendersinfo.com
1, Arch Gold, Next to MTNL Exchange, Poisar, S V Road, Kandivali (W), Mumbai - 400 067, Maharashtra, India
Tel : 022 28666134 • Fax : 022
Latest Popular Tenders brought to you by www.tendersinfo.com
Packing machineOrg : Hindustan Salts Limited
TRN : 12818439
Desc : Procurement of semi-automatic packing machine
BOD : 22 Nov, 2012
Loc : India
BT : Domestic competitive bidding
Primer filling plantOrg : Ordnance Factory Board
TRN : 12604395
Desc : Supply, erection of automatic primer filling plant
BOD : 27 Nov, 2012
Loc : India
BT : Domestic competitive bidding
Polyethylene bag manufacturing facilityOrg : Northern Railway
TRN : 12788441
Desc : Supply of polythelene bags
BOD : 20 Nov, 2012
Loc : India
BT : Domestic competitive bidding
Waste containerOrg : CDC Région De Levroux
TRN : 12757984
Desc : Provision of waste containers
BOD : 20 Nov, 2012
Loc : France
BT : International competitive bidding
Packing materialsOrg : CHU DE ROUEN
TRN : 12653680
Desc : Supply of consumables and
small equipment for packaging
BOD : 19 Nov, 2012
Loc : France
BT : International competitive bidding
Polythene bagOrg : Eastern Railway
TRN : 12605614
Desc : Supply of polythene bag
BOD : 23 Nov, 2012
Loc : India
BT : Domestic competitive bidding
Waste BagsOrg : Smivom De La Mouillonne
TRN : 12567616
Desc : Delivery of waste collection
BOD : 20 Nov, 2012
LOC : France
BT : International competitive bidding
Plastic bagsOrg : GEO FOR SPA
TRN : 12552011
Desc : supply of bags for the collection of waste
BOD : 20 Nov, 2012
Loc : Italy
BT : International competitive bidding
Blood bagsOrg : Geniko Nosokomeio Thessalonikis Agios Paylos
TRN : 11697333
Desc : Supply of blood bags
BOD : 20 Nov, 2012
Loc : Greece
BT : International competitive bidding
Plastic bagsOrg : Ministry Of Energy And Water
TRN : 12664361
Desc : Procurement of gabions and plastic bags
BOD : 19 Nov, 2012
Loc : Afghanistan
BT : International competitive bidding
Garbage plastic bags Org : CCPOH
TRN : 12604367
Desc : Supply of garbage bags
BOD : 20 Nov, 2012
Loc : India
BT : International competitive bidding
Information courtesy: Tendersinfo.com
1, Arch Gold, Next to MTNL Exchange, Poisar, S V Road, Kandivali (W), Mumbai - 400 067, Maharashtra, India
Tel: 022 28666134 • Fax: 022 28013817 • Email: [email protected]
Org: Organisation’s name, TRN: Tendersinfo Ref No, Desc: Description, BOD: Bid Opening Date, Loc: Location, BT: Bidding Type.
EVENT LIST
70 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
International PackTech India anddrink technology IndiaInternational PackTech India, along with
drink technology India (dti), will showcase
latest trends in packaging, packaging
printing, processing, beverage and liquid
food industries; November 06-08, 2012; at
Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai
For details contact:
Messe Düsseldorf India Pvt Ltd
Centre Point Building, 7th floor
Junction of S V Road & Juhu Tara Road
Santacruz (W)
Mumbai 400 054
Tel: 022-6678 9933
Email: [email protected]
PackPlus 2012In order to showcase the opportunities
and growth potential within the Indian
packaging industry, PackPlus 2012 will
provide a global platform to the leaders
of this industry, who will present some of
the latest innovations and developments
from across the world. Strong growth in
sectors like fast moving consumer goods,
pharmaceuticals, liquor and cosmetics has
had a positive rub off on the packaging
industry.; December 7-10, 2012; at India
Expo Centre, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR
For details contact:
Print-Packaging.Com Pvt Ltd
F101, 1st Floor, Tower 7, International
Infotech Park, Above Vashi Railway Station
Vashi, Navi Mumbai - 400705
Tel: 022-27812093/2619/2657
Fax: 022-27812578
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.packplussouth.in
Food Style Expo 2013Food Style Expo 2013, this edition will
take place in Chennai, India for three
consecutive days. In this trade show prime
importance will be given to the latest food
items and food packaging equipments and
materials. It will provide a holistic view
into the food and beverages industry
other than its evident focus on packaging.
January 04 – 06, 2013; at Chennai India
For details contact:
Sri Sathya Sai Book Shop,
Sri Sathya Sai Trust,
Sundaram - Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ashram,
No.7, Sundaram Salai, R.A. Puram,
Chennai – 600021
Contact: 044 – 24346255
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://tradeshows.tradeindia.com/
food-style-expo2013
Indiapack 2013This event has emerged as a brand
name in the Indian packaging industry.
Recognising that the new trends and
developments are essential for the growth
of the industry, this event will offer a wide
platform for showcasing innovations in
packaging materials, machinery & other
allied services; January 28-30, 2013; at
Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai
For details contact:
Shekhar Amberkar
Indian Institute of Packaging
Plot E-2, MIDC Area
Andheri (East),
Mumbai - 400093
Tel: 022-28219803 (Ext. 307)
Fax: 022-28375302
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.indiapack.org
India International Packaging & Labeling Expo RudrapurIndia International Packaging &
Labeling Expo Rudrapur is an event
organized exclusively for the household
consumer sector as this show exhibits the
best solution for packaging, processing
and labeling of the consumable items.
The exhibition will showcase the
updated and customized range of
packaging, processing, measuring and
labeling equipments and solutions
which will surely impress the attendees.;
February 8-10, 2013; at Gandhi Maidan
Rudrapur.
For details contact:
Corporate Office:
C-84, Industrial Area- VII
Mohali (Chandigarh)-160055
India.
Phone: 0172 - 4699 301-02
Mobile: 09814211848
Fax : 0172 - 4699303
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.packaginglabelingexpo.com
National
India’s premier industrial trade fair on products and technologies related to Machine Tools, Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Process Machinery & Equipment, Automation Instrumentation, Packaging & Auxiliaries, IT Products, Electrical & Electronics, Material Handling and Safety Equipment.
For details contact:Network18 Media & Investments Ltd
Ruby House, 1st Floor, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028. Tel: 022 3003 4651 • Fax: 022 3003 4499 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.engg-expo.com
ChennaiTamil Nadu
Nov 22-25, 2012
LudhianaPunjab
Dec 21-24, 2012
PuneMaharastra
Nov 2-5, 2012
IndoreMadhya PradeshJan 11-14, 2013
RudrapurUttarakhand
Feb 23-26, 2013
HyderabadAndhra Pradesh
May 31-Jun 3, 2013
AurangabadMaharastra
Feb 1-4, 2013
EVENT LIST
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 71
PACKEX 2012 Among the leading packaging trade
shows in North America dedicated
to innovations in processing and
converting, this event will offer hands-
on access to the latest in flexible
packaging, cartons, labels and tags,
custom automation equipment, contract
services, printing, converting, processing,
materials, material handling, software,
etc; November 14-15, 2012; at Montreal,
Canada
For details contact:
Jim Beretta
UBM Canon
11444 W Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles
CA 90064-1549 USA
Tel: +310-445-4200
Fax: +310-996-9499
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.canontradeshows.com
EMBALLAGE 2012 This is an interactive platform focussing
on new packing design, exclusive
conferences on food safety, eco-design,
recycling, sustainability, etc. This event
will offer exhibitors and visitors an
opportunity to learn about the packaging
industry ’s current development
techniques, new strategic stakes &
marketing management policies;
November 19-22, 2012; at Paris Nord
Villepinte Exhibition Centre, France
For details contact:
Flora Liegey
Marketing Manager
Comexposium
70 avenue du Général de Gaulle
F - 92058 Paris-La Défense Cedex
Tel: +33 (0)1-76771424
Fax: +33 (0)1-53309521
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.emballageweb.com
ALLPACK Indonesia 2012 This international packaging exhibition
will feature the latest technology,
machinery, materials system and
supplies for the food & beverage
industry, pharma & cosmetic packaging,
bottling, canning & ref rigeration
solutions, automation & material
handling, quality control and testing
systems; November 21-24, 2012; at
Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran,
Indonesia
For details contact:
Krista Exhibitions
Blandogan Street
No 28 D/G - Jakarta 11220
Tel: +62-21-6345861/62
Fax: +62-21-6340140
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.allpack-indonesia.com
Thin Wall Packaging 2012 The event will provide a forum
for leading brand owners, retailers,
packaging manufacturers, researchers,
and suppliers to the industry to
debate the latest developments and
market trends in plastics retail
packaging. The event will cover a
wide range of topics including market
trends and drivers, plastics packaging
materials, production technology, new
designs, lowering the environmental
impact, sustainability, shelf-life and
barrier properties, microwaveable,
freezable, lightweight glass jar and metal
can substitution, compostable plastics,
and food safety; December 3-5, 2012;
at the Maritim Hotel, Cologne,
Germany
For details contact:
Applied Market Information Ltd.
AMI House,
45-47 Stokes Croft
Bristol
BS1 3QP
United Kingdom
Tel:+44 (0) 117 924 9442
Fax:+44 (0) 117 989 2128
Email: [email protected]
Aseptipak Asia 2012 Aseptipak Asia 2012 Forum, the world’s
only major conference on aseptic
processing, filling and processing since
its inception in 1983, answers the need
for a conference that brings together
technology providers and potential users
to answer key questions. The world-
class lineup of presenting companies
will include brand owners (processors),
sterilization equipment and chemical
suppliers, filler equipment suppliers,
packaging suppliers and consultants.;
December 11-12, 2012; at Westin
Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, Thailand
For details contact:
Ron Schotland
Schotland Business Research
16 Duncan Lane
Skillman, NJ 08558-2323 USA
Tel: +1.609.466.9191
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.aseptipakasia.com
Upakovka/Upak Italia 2013 Packaging manufacturers in the Russian
Federation continue to invest in order
to meet the expectations of customers
in such sectors as food, confectionery,
cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
UPAKOVKA / UPAK ITALIA is
organized by Messe Düsseldorf in
conjunction with its Italian partner,
Centrexpo; January 29-2 February, 2013;
at Expocentre Moscow, Rwanda
For details contact:
Thomas Franken
D-40474 Düsseldorf
Stockumer Kirchstrasse 61
Tel: +49 / 211 / 45 60-7739
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.upakovka.messe-duesseldorf.de
International
The information published in this section is as per the details
furnished by the respective organiser. In any case, it does not
represent the views of Business Insights •Technologies•Opportunities
EVENT PREVIEW: Internat ional PackTech India 2012
72 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Prasenjit Chakraborty
The trade fairs, International
PackTech India and dti
2012, are scheduled to take
place concurrently during
November 6-8, 2012, at Hall 6 of the
Bombay Convention & Exhibition
Centre, Mumbai. The event will showcase
latest developments on technology and
machinery fronts for the sector. The
organisers of International PackTech
India – Messe Düsseldorf, and drink
technology India – Messe München, had
joined forces for the first time in 2010,
attracting more than 6,000 trade visitors.
Now the range on offer has expanded
to meet the growing demands – there
will be 12,000 sq m area providing space
for a total of 300 exhibitors in 2012 as
compared to 200 exhibitors covering over
8,000 sq m of exhibition space in 2010.
The dual fair has emerged as a
leading meeting place for the entire
value creation chain of the international
packaging, packaging printing, processing,
beverage, food and liquid food industry.
A trade fair forum with lectures as well
as an accompanying conference on topics
related to packaging will supplement the
presentations at the stands. Two new focus
areas in the product categories place a
particular emphasis on the converting and
packaging printing market with machines
for producing, finishing and printing
packaging materials and packaging.
Gunter Walden, Vice President,
Vertical Market Management F&B,
Siemens, opines, “The growing number of
visitors to dti and International PackTech
India reflects how popular these events
are. We are on the right track with this
fair, without a doubt, and close to the
customers.”
According to Rajesh Nath, Managing
Director, VDMA’s Indian Office in
Kolkata, the Indian packaging industry
is growing at an annual rate of 11
per cent. “The main growth driver
of the packaging industry is the food
and beverage sector. The area of food
processing could double within the next
four to five years, which will lead to
enormous demand for packaging material
as well as for process technology,” he says.
The food and beverage industry generates
the largest demand for packaging,
accounting for over 80 per cent, followed
by the pharmaceuticals industry and other
sectors. The major demand is for flexible
packaging materials (such as films and
laminates), followed by solid containers,
tin cans, printed cartons, glass as well as
closures and labels.
Packed with potentialAt present, India probably processes only
between two and three per cent of the
food produced. This alone shows the huge
potential for packaging in the future. The
packing machine manufacturers exhibiting
at International PackTech India and dti
thus find most of their customers in the
food and beverage industry, who buy
more than half of all machines imported.
The largest market for packaged food is
dairy, with a volume of about 11.2 million
tonne followed by bakery products (3.5
million tonne), oils and grease (1.5 million
tonne), dried foods (0.7 million tonne)
and confectionery (0.2 million tonne) –
all of which have promising growth rates.
Symrise, the German manufacturer
and marketer of flavourings and functional
ingredients, is convinced that the Indian
market for sophisticated food products
and beverages and liquid food is set to
grow fast. “We expect the Indian middle
class populace to double in number, from
100 million consumers at present, within
the next five years, and we are already
preparing ourselves for this growth right
now, so that we are ready to serve these
potential customers well. We firmly believe
in India and the Indian economic growth
prospects,” says Declan MacFadden,
President, Symrise Asia Pacific Ltd.
Email: prasenjit.chakraborty@network18publishing.
An all-encompassing show for stimulating innovationScheduled to be held in November 2012, International PackTech India along with drink technology India (dti) is all set to provide an effective platform to the dynamic beverage, process technology and packaging markets.
Visitors at the previous edition of the event
EVENT PREVIEW: PackPlus 2012
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 73
Anwesh Koley
Packaging plays the most visible
and catalytic role in a modern
economy, with widespread
adoption of branding of
products and development of consumer
preferences. Apart from the huge value
addition and employment involved in
these activities, packaging has served the
Indian economy by helping preservation
of the quality and lengthening the shelf-
life of innumerable products, ranging from
milk and biscuits, to drugs and medicines,
processed & semi-processed foods, fruits
& vegetables, edible oils, electronic
goods, etc, besides domestic appliances &
industrial machinery and other hardware
that need transportation. In all, packaging
as a sectoral activity boosts consumption
and economic growth.
A one-stop destination for all packaging needs PackPlus 2012 is a world-class exhibition
that has been organised for the benefit
of the packaging industry in India. This
four-day trade show is the brainchild of
Print-Packaging.com (P) Ltd and will take
place at the India Expo Centre in New
Delhi, during December 7-10, 2012. The
event will offer an excellent platform for
the entire packaging fraternity in India to
assemble under one roof and showcase their
new products and technologies. Famous
global manufacturers will be present at
the event along with local manufacturers
and suppliers from all across India. This
is the perfect opportunity to meet key
professionals and some of the most
important decision makers in the industry.
More than 200 exhibitors and 8,000 visitors
are expected to participate in the event.
Over the years, the show has proven
to be an optimum base for exhibiting
various products/services sealing
machines, tubes, crates, board, film, foil,
pallets, labels, glass, metal and foam,
composite & fleece materials, feeding and
labeling machines, etc. It has also been
instrumental in bringing together highly
trusted ten shows. Therefore, it is known
as one of the leading events for this sector
globally. “More than 150 exhibitors have
already booked their stall at PackPlus
2012 and we are expecting the number to
reach 300 in another two months. We are
also planning an International Packaging
Conclave concurrent with the Show,
which will be an added advantage for
our exhibitors as well as the visitors,” says
Neetu Arora, Director, Print-Packaging.
Com (P) Ltd – organisers of the show.
A unique venueDesigned especially for hosting world-
class events and exhibitions, the India
Exposition Centre & Mart Ltd offers a
high standard of services and facilities
and has been hosting many eminent
& notable events, exhibitions and
conferences, etc. Built with a modernistic
outlook, the India Expo Centre has
been merged with a unique blend of
technology with state-of-the-art facilities
and safety standards as per international
standards. The Expo Centre provides
six air-conditioned exhibition halls, VIP
room, meeting rooms, conference rooms
and has modern facilities & amenities
together with complete on-site services.
PackPlus will involve participation
of more than 350 packaging companies
from all over the world. Each of these
companies will display a wide range of
packaging machines and equipment,
packaging materials and services.
Serving a wide range of industries Packaging: The highly fragmented
packaging industry is estimated at
` 8,000 crore with a growth rate of
22-25 per cent per annum. In the next five
years, the sector is expected to triple to about
$ 60 billion and the large growing middle-
class, liberalisation and organised retail
sector are largely responsible for this
growth. More than 80 per cent of the
total packaging in India constitutes rigid
packaging. The remaining 20 per cent
comprises of flexible packaging. There
are about 600-700 packaging machinery
manufacturers, 95 per cent of which are
in the small and medium sector located all
over India. Imports of packaging machinery
in India are worth $ 125 million.
Food: India is the world’s second
largest producer of food, next to China as
the second largest vegetable producer and
third largest fruit producer in the world.
The growth of food processing sector has
nearly doubled to 13.7 per cent during the
last four years and it ranks second only
to Japan in inland sector fish production
and produces about 6.57 million metric
tonne fish, every year. Of the world’s total
annual spice trade of 850,000 tonne, India
accounts for 44 per cent in quantity and
36 per cent in value. Even in the beverage
segment, the beer market in India is
pegged around 12 million hectolitres.
Pharmaceuticals: This sector in India
is growing at 13 per cent annually and
it is estimated to be worth $ 6 million.
The Indian pharma industry globally
ranks fourth in terms of volume with
an eight per cent share in global sales;
moreover, India is among the top five
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API)
producers with a share of about 6.5 per
cent. Indian pharma companies supply
almost the entire country’s demand for
formulations and nearly 70 per cent of
demand for bulk drugs.
Email: [email protected]
Leveraging the Indian advantageLeveraging the Indian advantageThe packaging industry in India currently represents a lucrative ground for international tie-ups and joint ventures. The potential for the Indian packaging market is attracting major players from across the globe. PackPlus 2012 intends to bring together international proficiency in the field of packaging in order to provide a platform to encourage exchange of ideas and technology.
EVENT REPORT: Special i ty F i lms and Flex ib le Packaging - Global Conference 2012
74 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Manas R Bastia
The essential role of packaging
played in creation of wealth
by an array of manufacturing
activities as well as in
preserving the value created by many
other industries stands the testimony
of time. Plastics in this context aids the
packaging sector by offering solutions to
virtually every industrial and consumer
activity under the Sun. Flexible packaging
provides numerous advantages right
from content protection, anti-pilferage
and extended shelf-life to consumer
convenience and, above all, improved
health and hygiene.
The value proposition Amid this, Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Manufacturers Association (CPMA) with
support from Elite Plus Business Services
Pvt Ltd, recently organised a one-day
event named ‘Speciality Films and Flexible
Packaging - Global Conference 2012’
in Mumbai. The conference, directed
at various segments of the packaging
industry such as Fast Moving Consumer
Goods (FMCG), film manufacturers,
raw material manufacturers, flexible film
converters, printers, etc, addressed the
market opportunities and industry trends.
Further, it highlighted the latest
developments in packaging materials,
multilayer films, lamination and coatings,
sustainable packaging and touched upon
the global & Indian scenario of flexible
packaging markets. The conference was
attended by 581 participants (including
speakers, session chairmen and media)
representing companies from over 20
countries. The event was supported by All
India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association,
Indian Plastics Institute, Indian Plastics
Federation and Indian Institute of
Packaging.
Ulrich Reifenhauser, Managing
Director, Reifenhauser GmbH & Co
Maschinenfabrik, Germany, was one of
the keynote speakers and gave a global
overview of the packaging industry. In his
address, Chitrandar Dar, Chief Executive,
Food Division, ITC Ltd, enthralled the
audience with his view on the road ahead
for the consumer packaged goods. Apart
from various current challenges facing the
packaging sector, the conference also offered
a global outlook for the flexible packaging
sector, recent developments in materials,
both in the commodity and in the speciality
categories, recent developments in multilayer
film structures post-extrusion lamination &
coating and adhesives for a variety of food
and non-food packaging applications.
Win-win solution A conference on flexible packaging
can perhaps not be complete without
addressing the elements of sustainability
An all-in-one packaging platformAn all-in-one packaging platformWith the global packaging market (mostly North America, Western Europe) currently passing through challenging times, the emerging economies in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle-East are driving growth in this sector. In fact, China and India contributed the most to global packaged food retail volume growth in 2011, according to Euromonitor. In this backdrop, Mumbai recently witnessed the first-ever conference connecting speciality films and flexible packaging sector and end-users. A report from ground zero amid many key stakeholders of this sector…
Special i ty F i lms and Flex ib le Packaging - Global Conference 2012
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 75
and environment. Highlighting packaging’s
role in support of these initiatives, this
global event clearly brought out the
message that all - the producer, consumer,
local municipality and a profitable
business model - had to play equal role
in arriving at a sustainable solution. The
speakers from the US and Austria gave
many examples on sustainability and
preservation of the environment.
Some of the global heavyweights in
the manufacturing of plastics converting
machinery were present in full force at
the event and demonstrated the available
new range of high-throughput machines.
These machines not only conserve energy,
but also, provide better tolerance to the
finished product.
Several speakers from the Europe
demonstrated examples of recent
developments in packaging, especially
targeted at the developing market. In all, 27
speakers touched upon various aspects of
this vibrant industry and provided plenty of
insights into the bright future for sustained
growth.
In addition, Lifetime Achievement
Awards were presented to two eminent
industry leaders for their magnificent
contribution to speciality films and flexible
packaging industry. This award went to
Reifenhauser, whose company made the
first extruder way back in 1948. It was in
recognition of the yeoman service rendered
to the flexible packaging industry by his
company. The second award was bestowed
upon Ashok Chaturvedi, Chairman &
Managing Director, Uflex Group, for his
outstanding efforts in making his company
become a global giant in the area of flexible
packaging within a span of 30 years.
Industry dynamics The total packaging market size in
India, pegged at $ 20 billion, has been
growing at over 20 per cent and is likely
to touch $ 60 billion by 2016. According
to Euromonitor, the global retail volume
was close to 4 billion units as of 2011. By
2016, flexible packaging, which represents
almost 50 per cent of this volume, will
witness a growth of 17 per cent. In terms
of units, flexible plastics represents 1.4
billion units out of a total retail volume
of 1.9 billion units.
The global plastics production was
280 million tonne in 2011. North
America leads the usage of flexible
packaging, followed by Asia. China is by
far the largest user of flexible packaging
followed by Japan and India. However,
if one considers per capita consumption
of flexible packaging, India and China
have a long way to go. Present per capita
flexible consumption is $ 1 for India and
$ 2 for China, which are rather small
in comparison to $ 15 for South Korea
and $ 45 for North America. But, the
future seems fairly promising for India.
Given the fast changing lifestyle and
mushrooming retail revolution, the
country stands tall to see sustained
growth in the next few years.
Industry experts were of the opinion
that the coming 3-4 years would witness
double-fold growth of the food-processing
industry, which would consequently lead
to high demand for packaging material.
Increased penetration of organised retail
in India as well as increasing preference
for branded products are further likely to
boost the demand for flexible packaging
solutions. This as a result would lead
to advancements in machines and
technologies for printing and converting
packaging materials for the flexible
packaging industry to meet the rising
requirement.
In conclusion From specialised segments of commodity
polymer, speciality polymer, functional
additives, primary and secondary
processing machinery, lamination
and printing, bag & pouch making,
sustainability to brand managers of
FMCG and food & dairy products, aseptic
packaging and tetra pack as well as end
consumers, all made their presence felt in
this event. Billed as the first time when all
sectors connected to the speciality films
and packaging from resin producers to
end-users came on the same platform, this
conference went beyond a well-packaged
knowledge forum to one complete event
with multiple global and local strategic
perspectives as well as networking points.
It will be only fitting to conclude that the
take-away insights should provide many
more growth avenues in all the sectors
deliberated upon here.
Email: [email protected]
Kamal Nanavaty, President-Strategy Development, Reliance Industries Ltd, presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards to (L) Ulrich Reifenhauser and (R) Ashok Chaturvedi
Audience in rapt attention
BOOK REVIEW
76 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
The All New Print Production Handbook is a revised and updated version describing the latest technologies. This is a practical reference guide, which reveals and explains the print production processes right from the conventional and specialist printing & binding techniques to the most recent next-generation digital layout and printing processes. The illustrations are exemplary and the layout of the book is excellent. The book deals with in-depth practical explanation of the key issues, techniques and technologies in print production. A unique explanation at every stage of the production process, from planning to the final product through materials, page design, layout, layout software, negotiating hints and tips, global market issues, binding as well as distribution make the book an asset for those involved in the field of printing. Further, the book is worth its price.
The All New Print Production HandbookEditor : David Bann Price : ` 1,747
This book Package Design is a compilation of various package designs covering a number of products that encompass music, food products, stationery, bendable objects, jewellery, engineering items, cosmetics, toiletries, bakery products and many more. The photographs, drawings and sketches are excellently reproduced. In some cases, there is stage-wise depiction of the development of packages. The graphics on the pack are also well indicated. There is limited written matter in the book, except for the titles of each pack. This is a good book to provide training for packaging development personnel. This can serve as a reference book for any developmental activity. It is felt that the lack of minimum brief write-ups about the different types of packages that are shown could be a negative factor. The price of the book is
indicated ` 1,500 and for this price, it has value for money, however, only if there were some hardcore package designing demonstrated.
Reviewer: Prof C S Purushothaman, Chair Professor Director, SIES School of Packaging, Mumbai
Package DesignEditor : Daab gmbH Price : ` 1,500
Available at: SCI-TECH Books & Periodicals, 414, Janki Centre, Veera Desai Road, Andheri (W), Mumbai 400 053Tel: 022-2673 5260/6697 0507 • Telefax: 022-2673 5424/5260 • Email: [email protected]
PRODUCTS
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 77
Looking For A Specific Product?Searching and sourcing products were never so easy.
Just type MPD (space) Product Name and send it to 51818eg. MPD Wrapper and send it to 51818
Pick & Place Case packers The RCP Series Pick & Place Case packers are extremely flexible machines
designed to pack variety of products in to case, display boxes or trays. The
RCP is available with various feeding or picking systems at speeds up to
25 cycles / min with 1 to 4 picking heads. Simple & clean design of the
RCP makes it particularly suitable for applications in the food, beverages,
and home care & personal care industries. The machine is equipped with
a touch screen HMI which allows an easy access to all functions including
creation of new packing programs. The main features of RCP Series
includes, Compact structure with mechanical parts mounted overhead,
particularly designed to maximise accessibility & dirt-free ability, Quick
and tool free change over with modular design which allows integration
of various feeding & collation systems for products in rigid packaging
(bottles, trays, jars) or flexible (bags, pouches, doy packs, flow packs)
Clearpack India Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai – Maharashtra
Tel: 022-6113 4200
Fax: 022-2838 9360
Email: [email protected]
Case ErectorThe Model 330 is a heavy duty
powerhouse of a case erector built
for high continuous production. It is
designed for simple control, top flexibility
& minimal maintenance. Its continuous
motion drive performs case forming and case sealing operations at speeds
of 35 cpm. Using electronics to control the operat ions and document their
performance on the machine, this case erector is also operator friendly with
touch screen controls. It is superbly forgiving to variations in corrugated
boards and inconsistent Case blank quality yet ensures delivery of square
formed cases. Case blank magazine design allows for cases to be picked up
from Top, without any pressure avoiding most common reason for jams in
case erectors. Its features include soft stop, self-lubricating air cylinders, safety
guarding, standard fault detection features and extended blank magazine
Clearpack India Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai – Maharashtra
Tel: 022-6113 4200, Fax: 022-2838 9360
Email: [email protected]
PRODUCTS
78 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Sleever MachineThe newly developed
next generation “two head
DSVC-450PII sleever
machine” has features
of flexible operation
and completed function.
Moreover, its simplicity
and convenience provides
customer with exactly
suitable applications, not
needing to pay extra money for unneeded functions. This unique design
for two head high-speed sleever provides environmental energy saving
and carbon reduction and can be used for long-term. The machine can
produce different labels for body and cap sleeve applications in the same
production line to help customer to decrease conveyor cost, and save
costs of one tunnel’s steam consumption, which means decreasing line
operation cost and equipment space allocation, as well as increasing
production efficiency.
Dase-Sing Packaging Technology Co Ltd
Taiwan
Tel: +886-3-5686478
Fax: +886-3-5686375
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dasesing.com
Automatic wrapperThe model WM-4000-B
automatic wrapper is
good for packing house.
It has a 10.4' colour
LCD touch panel,
automatic film changing,
detachable and washable
in-feed table and lifts.
This automatic wrapper
also includes automatic
tray identification
and centering, f ree-
arm labeling and has
the capacity of 35 packs/min. The CCD camera automatically
identifies the tray as soon as it is placed on the in-feed table.
Wrapping conditions and tare weight are set automatically and
any fluctuation in commodity tray placement is corrected by the
centring conveyor.
Ishida India Pvt Ltd
Gurgaon - Haryana
Tel: 0124-3854392
Mob: 09971449821
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ishidaindia.co.in
``
``
` 1200/- ` 450/-` 600/-` 1800/-
Subscription Department, Network18 Media & Investments Ltd, Ruby House, 1st Floor, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028.
` 1200/- ` 450/-
PRODUCTS
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 81
Blow moulding machine The complete XBLOW X07 series with
platen widths of 350-700 mm is offered.
The new single- and double-station
machine is available with all-electric
(EBLOW) and hydraulic (HYBLOW)
drives. No modifications are required
to use existing Bekum customer blow moulds on these machines.
Continuity of the machine operation, apart from certain extended
capabilities is considered. The machine platens are designed for good
accessibility and ease of maintenance.
Bekum Maschinenfabriken GmbH
Berlin - Germany
Tel: +49-30-74900, Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bekum.de
Vacuum packaging machineThe mini counter-top vacuum packaging
machine has standard features such as high-
quality see-through lid and all stainless
steel body. This machine size overview is
chamber 325 x 300 x 80 mm. seal beam 300
x 3 x 1 mm, and overall size of 670 x 385 x
370 mm, hot air chamber size at 325 x 300
x 80 mm, seal bar of length 300 and width
3 mm; number of seal bars and chambers: one, power grid voltage:
single-phase 220 V, pressure: 2-5 mbar, pump speed: 4 m3/hr, vacuum
pump power 0.4 hp single phase, etc.
Saurabh Engineers
Ahmedabad - Gujarat
Tel: 079-22911288, Mob: 09824040137
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.indvacindia.com
Induction cap sealerWater-cooled Fluxosealer AFX3000 is a
heavy-duty induction cap sealer for high-
speed sealing and special applications.
Bottles with neck diameters ranging
from 10-150 mm can be sealed with ease.
Standard features include no foil detection
system, which consists of sensors to detect
induction seal inside the cap, easy line
relocation and plug & play system. The enclosure is made of MS
powder coated/SS304.
Arshad Electronics Pvt Ltd
Mumbai - Maharashtra, Tel: 022-24451709
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.arshadelectronics.in
PRODUCTS
82 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Thermoform-fill-seal machineThe Veripack Rollstock thermoform-
fill-seal machine is designed keeping
the end customer in mind. This
machines is well ahead in terms of
flexibility, robust construction and
high-end electronics. All models can
handle flexi and rigid packaging films and carry out special skin-type
pack formats; also, changeover from one format to another is simple
and fast.
Veripack Solutions India Pvt Ltd
Mumbai - Maharashtra
Tel: 022-66971133, Mob: 9967752336
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.veripackindia.com
Co-extrusion blow moulding machinesCo-extrusion blow
moulding machines
have co-extrusion die
heads to combine up to
six different materials,
incorporating high-
efficient melting screws,
linear function for swift
& steady production.
The die-head ensures quality-melted material of non-scorch. Blow
pin units and deflashing units have innovative designs for perfect
neck and bottom deflashing.
Full Shine Plastic Machinery Co Ltd
Tainan County - Taiwan
Tel: +886-4-22765071, Email: [email protected]
Website: www.full-shine.com
Labeling machine The automatic BOPP Labeling machine
has fully automatic linear operation
for 200-2,000 ml bottles. Maximum
production speed of 60/90/120/200
bottles/minute. The machine is
built fully in stainless steel. Height
adjustments can be made to suit various
bottle sizes. It requires no cleaning of the nozzle or glue unit, before
production (less maintenance & saves time) and is fitted with PLC.
Hilda Automation
Navi Mumbai - Maharashtra
Tel: 022-2764 1585
Mob: 9821334822
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hildaautomation.com
PRODUCTS
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 83
Pharma print cartridges & felt pads/rollersProcess Instrumentation & Controls
offers pharma print cartridges & felt
pads/rollers. These are made for blister
packaging machine, FFS machine
and coding machine. The absorbing
material used is poly porous in various
microns varying from 1 to 25 micron,
depending upon the requirement of
customer. The absorbing capacity of
these cartridges is quite high and the cartridges are hard, so that
the impression is good as there is cotton cloth knitted sleeves
(covering), which is used to avoid direct contact of stereo with
roller. The cartridges are made in various ID, OD and length
depending on customer’s requirement. The maximum OD can be
85 mm and length up to 300 mm. Inner diameter of the bore can
be adjusted as per the specific coding/marking requirement. These
inking rollers are used extensively in coding and batch printing
machines for marking/stamping of 'batch no', 'mfg date', 'exp date',
'retail price', etc.
Process Instrumentation & Controls
Vadodara - Gujarat
Tel: 0265-235 7228
Fax: 0265-235 5429
Email: [email protected]
PRODUCTS
84 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Photoelectric gap sensor Lubi Electronics
offers ‘Sunx’ RT-610
series photoelectric
gap sensor. It is ideal
for gap sensing, mark
sensing and address
reading. In this sensor,
the beam axis alignment
is not required, as
the emitter and
receiver are integrated in a single body. It has
a sensing range of 10 mm, 20 mm and 50 mm.
The models with a sensing range of 10 mm and 20 mm are
available in red LED type and green LED type for mark
sensing. This sensor provides high reliability, as the housing
material is made of die-cast aluminium. It can be used
effectively in typical applications such as packaging, pharma
and machine tools industry.
Lubi Electronics
Ahmedabad - Gujarat
Tel: 079-2220 5471
Fax: 079-2220 0660
Mob: 093274 97006
Email: [email protected]
Temperature controllerProcon Technologies offers
PXR series temperature
controller from Fuji Electric.
This 1/16 DIN temperature
controller comes with a LED
display that is 1.6 times larger
than other previous models
with dust-proof front display
and operational section that
is waterproof and conforms
to NEMA-4X (IP66). It is
available in 24 x 48 mm, 48 x 48 mm, 48 x 96 mm and 96 x 96
mm sizes. Fuzzy control is a standard feature suppressing overshoot
without lengthy start-up time and improving the response to external
disturbances by quickly reverting to set points. It is provided with
16-segment ramp/soak & menu driven auto/manual mode of operation.
By using the digital input option, the operator can change between two
set points using a remote, start/stop the control action, start/reset the
ramp/soak, start/stop the auto tuning, cancel the alarm latch or start
the incorporated timer.
Procon Technologies Pvt Ltd
Ahmedabad - Gujarat
Tel: 079-2749 2566, Fax: 079-2743 2871
Email: [email protected]
PRODUCTS
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 85
Digital paper moisture meterCole-Parmer India offers the ‘Delmhorst
P-2000’ digital paper moisture meter.
This electrical resistance-type moisture
meter comes with three separate scales:
paper, baled scrap paper and reference.
The moisture scale range for paper is
4.3 to 18 per cent, for baled paper the
range is 5 to 40 per cent, and for the
reference scale it is 0 to 100 per cent. The
meter measures through built-in pins and
optional pin electrodes. The contact pins
mounted on top of the meter provide 0.8 cm (5/16’’) penetration for
testing paper tubes or corrugated stock. The meter also features an
audible out-of-range alarm, internal calibration check, 100 data point
memory, and average/maximum readings. This meter is provided with
a 9V battery and hard plastic carry case. Optional and replacement
electrodes & accessories are also available. The paper moisture meter
is ideal for testing paper materials such as paperboard, corrugated
stock and paper tubes. It finds applications in the print & paper,
packaging, food & beverage and manufacturing industries.
Cole-Parmer India
Mumbai - Maharashtra
Tel: 022-6716 2222
Fax: 022-6716 2211
Email: [email protected]
Aluminium profile sectionKirpekar Engineering offers a
variety of aluminium profile
sections along with all the
connecting accessories a
designer requires. These
sections and profiles allow the
designer various options and
possibilities of frames to be
manufactured for industrial applications like Fifo storage racks,
display boards, enclosures, machine guards & fencing, robotic &
automation systems, conveyors, work-test & assembly line benches
and tables, assembly in packaging machines and many more.
These specially extruded aluminium profiles are designed and
manufactured with very close tolerances and maximum strengths,
anodised to a depth of 15 micron ensuring the structures are
accurate and resistant to corrosion. These have a ling life and
can be used for any application. The standard sizes available are
30 x 30, 40 x 40, 40 x 80, 80 x 80 and 80 x 160.
Kirpekar Engineering Pvt Ltd
Pune - Maharashtra
Tel: 020-6674 1600
Fax: 020-6674 1601
Email: [email protected]
Plastic packaging tubeEtain is a fully recyclable plastic
packaging tube made from a
combination of virgin and recycled
plastic materials. This tube contains
up to 40 per cent PCR HDPE plastic
material. The plastic packaging tube
is typically used by FMCG companies
for packaging various types of hair
care, skin care, pharmaceutical and
food products, besides cosmetics.
This is made from recycled plastic
material and is fully recyclable for
the same recycling stream. Etain is
highly customisable and the amount
of PCR can be varied depending
on customer requirements and the
nature of the product that is contained
within the package.
Essel Propack
Mumbai - Maharashtra
Tel: 022-24819000, Mob: 09769410851
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.esselpropack.com
Fibreglass adhesive tapes
The Unito PTFE/Teflon-coated fibreglass adhesive tapes have
advantages such as non-stick, self-lubricating, friction-free, non-
toxic, non-flammable, non-wettable, non-brittle and resistance
to atmospheric condition. Silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives
used for making these tapes withstand wider temperature range of
–200°C to +300°C.
The adhesive tapes ensure permanent heat-sealing, thus making
sure that heat-sealed packet is pilfer-proof. These tapes give excellent
performance for expected life on any heat-sealer. The tapes are
available in width from 6 mm to 1,000 mm.
Urja Products Pvt Ltd
Ahmedabad - Gujarat
Tel: 079-22872277, Mob: 09825688244
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.urjafabrics.com
PRODUCTS
86 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
The information published in this section is as per the details furnished by the respective manufacturer/
distributor. In any case, it does not represent the views of
Business Insights •Technologies•Opportunities
Tube filling and closing machinesTube diameter can be up to
45 mm and tube length up
to 200 mm. Standard features
include automatic tube infeed,
automatic tube orientation,
tail-free filling system, smooth
operation by using Ferguson
drive, automatic coding on the
tubes, machine cladded with SS
304, inbuilt centralised lubrication, no tube-no fill device and variable
frequency drive.
Wimco Ltd
Dist Thane - Maharashtra
Tel: 0251-2682281
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wimcoengineering.com
Flexible packaging materials
A wide range of flexible packaging materials and applications to
a variety of industries and markets is offered, which increase the
shelf-life and barrier properties. This includes food packaging (dry
foods, frozen foods, liquids & viscous, snack foods, nutritional
& health foods, pet foods, and other agricultural products) and
speciality consumer & FMCG (tea & coffee, confectionary & candy,
pharmaceuticals, engineering products & garments).
Shako Flexipack Pvt Ltd
Mumbai - Maharashtra
Tel: 022-40638002
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.shakoflex.net
Labelling and sticker machineThe model LBL-100 FB automatic
labelling and sticker machine is
user-friendly, vertical linear sticker
labelling machine, suitable for applying
front and back labels on flat/oval/
square shape containers with output
of 100 labels per minute depending
on products and label size. Product
alignment system is synchronised with top holding belt mechanism,
with necessary changes in respect to product samples. It meets the
needs of major users of modern packaging lines, which requires high
efficiency, speed, accuracy and durability. All adjustments are user-
friendly and require minimal tools and change parts.
Laxmi Pharma Equipment
Ahmedabad - Gujarat
Tel: 079-25831600, Mob: 09426406754
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.laxmipharmaequipments.com
Pouch making machines A combination of centre
seal and three-side seal
pouch-making machine to
make centre seal, centre
seal with side gusset, two/
three-side seal pouches,
agarbatti pouches with perforation, off centre, centre seal and pouches
with side flap insertion is offered. This multi-function pouch making
machine is used for making stand up pouches, zipper pouches and all
the above-mentioned pouches. The machine converts laminated film
to empty pouches and is suitable for companies having their own
lamination and printing facilities.
Primo Pack Machines Pvt Ltd
Ahmedabad - Gujarat
Tel: 079-22841684
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.primopack.com
Cap sealing machineIn model SCVM-4 cap sealing machine,
the bunged vials are fed by a turntable
or a conveyor to the in-feed slotted
wheel. The sealing turret
consists of eight sealing heads, which
are identical. The output is 300 vials per
minute, the processing is in the range of
2-100 ml and main drive is 1.5 hp. The
cap sealing machine finds application in
pharmaceutical and packaging industries.
Snowbell Machines Pvt Ltd
Dist Thane - Maharashtra
Tel: 0250-6456130
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.snowbellmachines.com
LIST OF PRODUCTS
Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012 87
FIC - Front Inside Cover, BIC - Back Inside Cover, BC - Back Cover
Looking For A Specific Product?Searching and sourcing products were never so easy.
Just type MPD (space) Product Name and send it to 51818eg. MPD Wrapper and send it to 51818
Adhesives & sealant ...................................................85
Air cooled sealer ............................................................... 77
Aluminium profile section ............................................... 85
Auto sealer series .............................................................. 84
Automatic wrapper ........................................................... 78
Bearing ......................................................................30
Blister packaging machine ............................................... 83
Blow moulding machine .................................................. 81
Bottle testing equipment .................................................. 81
Bottle uncrambler ............................................................... 3
Cable carrier ..............................................................30
Cable connector ............................................................... 30
Cap sealing machine ........................................................ 86
Capping machine ............................................................... 3
Case Erector ..................................................................... 77
Chain ................................................................................ 30
Co-extrusion blow moulding machine............................. 82
Cold-aseptic filling ........................................................... 63
Compact pneumatic cylinder ......................... 9, 15, booklet
Connector ......................................................................... 30
Contrast/colour scanner ..................................................... 5
Conveyers belts ................................................................. 23
Conveyor systems ............................................................. 82
Conveyor technology........................................................ 63
Coolent pipe ....................................................................... 4
Counter & power supply ................................................ bic
Cylindrical sensors ............................................................. 5
Digital paper moisture meter ......................................85
Digital temperature controller .......................................... 83
Digital torque tester ......................................................... 83
Double sheet monitoring ................................................... 5
Drives ............................................................................... 83
Dual channel with modbus .............................................. 83
Dynamic controller .......................................................... 83
Eco wrap bagging machine .........................................21
Electric actuator & gripper ............................ 9, 15, booklet
Encoder ........................................................................... bic
Exhibition - engineering expo ......................................... 40
Extra heavy duty bagging machines ................................ 21
Fastback revolution seasoning system .........................82
Fibre optic amplifier ........................................................... 5
Fibreglass adhesive tape ................................................... 85
Filing & packaging machine ............................................ 53
Filing machines ............................................................ 3, 83
Fill and seal machines ...................................................... 78
Filling and closing technology ......................................... 63
Flexible packaging material .............................................. 78
Flexible packaging materials ............................................ 86
Flow wrapping machine ..................................................... 3
Forked photoelectric sensors .............................................. 5
Guided compact pneumatic cylinder .......... 9, 15, booklet
Hand type impulse sealer ...........................................84
Hdpe caps and container ................................................. fic
High capacity bag palletizer............................................. 27
Horizntal flow wrap machine .......................................... 21
Horizontal ffs machine ...................................................... 3
Horizontal flow wrapping machine ................................. 83
Induction cap sealer ...................................................81
Induction sealing .............................................................. 77
Inductive switch ................................................................. 5
Inducto meter ................................................................... 83
Industrial adhesive ............................................................ 85
Industrial control & sensing device ................................ bic
Industrial resin ................................................................. 85
Ink adhesion ..................................................................... 77
Inspection and monitoring technology ............................ 63
Instrumentation. Power supplies ...................................... 47
Label adhesion ...........................................................77
Labeling machine ..............................................3, 78, bc, 82
Labelling and dressing technology................................... 63
Labelling and sticker machine ......................................... 86
Lamination machine ........................................................ 83
Level controller ............................................................... bic
Lighting automation ........................................................ 47
Long bar sealer ................................................................. 84
Lonizer ........................................................... 9, 15, booklet
Manufacturing and supplying of pet container ............fic
Material testing instrument ............................................. 81
Measuring & monitoring relay ...................................... bic
Measuring sensor ............................................................... 5
Media and entertainment company ................................. 10
Metallocene polyethylene ................................................... 6
Mini sensors ....................................................................... 5
Nitrogen extrusion sealer ...........................................84
Non nozzle type vacuum sealer........................................ 84
Nozzle type vacuum sealer ............................................... 84
Overwraping machine ................................................. 3
P U tube ..................................................................... 4
PVC Flexible braided hose ................................................ 4
Packaging solution ........................................................... 67
Packing and palletising technology .................................. 63
Palletizing robot ............................................................... 27
Pet bottle testing equipment ............................................ 81
Pharma print cartridges & felt pads/rollers ..................... 83
Photo electric sensor ....................................................... bic
Photoelectric gap sensor................................................... 84
Pick & Place Case packer ................................................ 77
Plastic film & sheet.......................................................... 78
Plastic masterbatches ....................................................... 29
Plastic packaging tube ...................................................... 85
Plc .................................................................................... 83
Pneumatic bagging machine ............................................ 21
Polyethylene ....................................................................... 6
Pouch making machine .................................................... 86
PP cap .............................................................................. fic
PP container ..................................................................... fic
Pressure guage .................................................................... 4
Process control ................................................................. 47
Product handling equipment............................................ 82
Products exporting ........................................................... fic
Profile controller ............................................................... 83
Proximity sensor .............................................................. bic
Push fitting ......................................................................... 4
Refrigrated compressed air dryer ............... 9, 15, booklet
Relay ................................................................................. 47
Rinsers and pasteurisers ................................................... 63
Rotary filling & sealing machine ..................................... 83
Sachet pacer ...............................................................21
Safety light curtain .......................................................... bic
Safety relays ........................................................................ 8
Safety senor ........................................................................ 8
Safety system ...................................................................... 8
Sealer ................................................................................ 77
Semi automatic filling system .......................................... 21
Sensor technology ............................................................ 17
Shrink film ................................................................. 78, bc
Shrink film packaging machine ....................................... 27
Shrink sleeve applicatior .................................................... 3
Shrink warp sealer series .................................................. 84
Shrink wrapper ........................................................... 78, bc
Sleever Machine ............................................................... 78
Solenoid valve .................................................................... 4
Stretch blow-moulding technology .................................. 63
Stretch film packaging machine ....................................... 27
Stretch wrapping machine ............................................... 27
Supply monitoring device ................................................ 47
Surface treatment ............................................................. 77
Switching relay ................................................................ bic
Temperature controller .................................. 83, bic, 84
Testing instrument ........................................................... 81
Thermoform-fill-seal machine ......................................... 82
Thermoforming machine ................................................... 3
Thunder continuous motion bagging machines .............. 21
Timer .............................................................................. bic
Tray sealing machine .......................................................... 3
Tube filling and closing machines ................................... 86
Tubular bag form ............................................................. 78
Ultrasonic sensor ........................................................ 5
Universal controller .......................................................... 83
Vacuum packaging machine .......................................81
Vertical ffs machine ............................................................ 3
Vision sensor ................................................................... bic
Washers .....................................................................63
Product Pg No Product Pg No Product Pg No
LIST OF ADVERTISERS
88 Modern Packaging & Design November-December 2012
Advertiser’s Name & Contact Details Pg No Advertiser’s Name & Contact Details Pg No Advertiser’s Name & Contact Details Pg No
Our consistent advertisers
Benison & Co. Ltd. .......................................78
T: +886-3-322-5531
W: www.benison.com.tw
Beumer Group Gmbh & Co. KG ...................27
T: +49-2521-240
W: www.beumer.com
Clearpack India Pvt Ltd ..................................3
T: +91-22-42532222
W: www.clearpack.com
Enercon Asia Pacific Systems Pvt Ltd ............77
T: +91-09600344430
W: www.enerconaciapacific.com
Engineering Expo ..........................................40
T: +91-09819552270
W: www.engg-expo.com
Exxonmobil Chemical .....................................6
T: +86-21-2417-3999
W: www.exxonmobilchemical.com
General Industrial Controls Pvt Ltd ..............47
T: +91-09923756507
W: www.gicindia.com
Heat And Control .........................................82
T: +91-44-42103950
W: www.heatandcontrol.com
Himalayan Packaging Industries P Ltd ....... FIC
T: +91-120-4269355
W: www.himalayangroup.co.in
Igus India Pvt Ltd .........................................30
T: +91-80-39127800
W: www.igus.in
KHS Machinery Pvt. Ltd ...............................53
T: +91-79-2644-0331
W: www.khs.com/india
Krones AG ....................................................63
T: +49-9401-700
W: www.krones.com
Kuebler Automation Pvt Ltd .........................17
T: +91-20-22953819
W: www.kuebler
Leuze Electronics ............................................5
T: +91-80-40854444
W: www.leuze.in
Mifa Systems .................................................83
T: +91-79-26870825
W: www.mifasystems.com
Network 18 Media & Investments Ltd ...........10
W: www.network18online.com
Nichrome India Ltd .......................................67
T: +91-20-6601101
W: www.nichrome.com
Omron Automation Pvt. Ltd. .....................BIC
T: +91-22-42288400
W: www.omron-ap.com
Pidilite Industries Ltd ..................................85
T: +91-22-28357000
W: www.pidilite.com
Pilz India Pvt Ltd ............................................8
T: +91-20-24213994
W: www.pilz.in
Prayag Polytech Pvt Ltd ................................29
T: +91-11-47262000
W: www.prayagmb.com
Presto Stantest Pvt Ltd ..................................81
T: +91-129-4085000
W: www.prestogroup.com
Progressive Engineers ....................................83
T: +91-22-27838611
W: www.progressivengineers.net
Reynders Label
Printing India Pvt Ltd .................. 9, 15, booklet
T: +91-149-3305400
W: www.reynders.com
Shanghai Dase-Sing Packaging
Technology Co., Ltd .................................... BC
T: +86-21-3365-8333
W: www.dasesing.com
Shende Sales Corporation..............................84
T: +91-20-24488005
W: www.shendesales.com
Ultraplast Chainbelts Pvt. Ltd .......................23
T: +91-129-4113187
W: www.ultraplastindia.com
Universal Corporation .....................................4
T: +91-22-23436320
W: www.samson-grp.com
Wraptech Machines Pvt Ltd ..........................21
T: +91-22-27614316
W: www.wraptechmachines.com
Wu Hsing Electronics Co. Ltd. ......................84
T: +886-4-2271-1498
W: www.wuhsing.com
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