Global collaboration takes center stage, as counterfeiting poses a significant global challenge, exacerbated by the rise of online shopping.

Alongside Drupa 2024, the ASPA governing body organised a forum for authentication and traceability professionals, which gathered over 40 delegates from across Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India participated, with media coverage further amplifying the event's reach. Stakeholders and industry leaders actively connected, sharing valuable insights and demonstrating strong interest in ASPA's initiatives. Zbigniew Sagan, president of the International Tax Stamp Association (ITSA), joined the meeting, participating in an engaging session. Discussions between ASPA and ITSA hint at a promising future collaboration.

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region emerged as a key focus area. Recognising these regions as major export hubs for pharmaceuticals, auto parts, electronics, and luxury goods, ASPA acknowledges the vulnerability of these products to counterfeiting before entering international supply chains. A recent Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), report highlights the severity of the issue, with counterfeit goods representing a staggering 3.3% of global trade, and the MEA contributing a significant portion.

"Combating counterfeiting at its source is paramount to ensuring the integrity of exports and protecting international supply chains," stressed Manoj Kochar, ASPA's president. "Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders worldwide, we can implement powerful authentication measures, strengthen regulations, and educate consumers. Ultimately, this fosters global economic growth and boosts consumer confidence. Counterfeiting is a borderless threat, demanding coordinated action from stakeholders across the globe."

ASPA seeks partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders in the MEA region, including manufacturers, brand owners, technology providers, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers.  Their strategic plan prioritizes research, advocacy, capacity building, and the advancement of best practices in authentication and traceability.

Ranesh Bajaj, leading ASPA's MEA chapter, emphasised unwavering commitment: "We stand firm in upholding ASPA's core values and mission. We will work relentlessly to promote authentication solutions and safeguard consumer interests throughout the region. We aim to expand our network of like-minded stakeholders to join this collective fight."

In conversation with WhatPackaging?, in February recently, Bajaj spoke about leveraging packaging the 'smart' way combining physical and digital technologies. He also mentioned a well-defined regulatory framework is essential for the efficient operation of any enterprise, and shared his guru mantra - to prioritise transparency and sustainability in all operations. The Indian government is advocating initiatives to foster an environment conducive to growth and responsible business practices.

ASPA remains steadfast in its global mission – forging partnerships, leveraging collective expertise, and advancing secure authentication solutions.  Their unwavering commitment aims to establish industry best practices and safeguard consumer interests on a global scale.