(CDSCO) enforces strict guidelines and requirements in terms of traceability, labelling and packaging of raw materials. Top pharma companies are open to adopting this mandate in order to ensure patient safety.

The integration of technologies such as QR codes, bar codes, NFC tags and others is gaining popularity. These technologies aid the consumers by displaying correct product information, dosage requirements and other relative content within smartphones or other consumer electronic devices.

This will boost the holography and security print manufacturers market. There is a vision of strong commercial potential for holography in security packaging applications in India in the next few years, where counterfeiting remains widespread. In 2021, India’s media reported 673 separate counterfeit incidents in 2021, up from 666 in 2020 and 570 in 2019.

Manoj Kochar of ASPA said, “There are holograms with features, as well as lenses and flipping images, de-metallised effects, special performance inks like colour-shifting inks, plus inks that light up under specific lighting conditions.” Kochar added, “Then there is also the digital technology, QR codes which are often deployed as an authentication feature. Also, these can be used to promote consumer engagement by enticing consumers to enrol into their loyalty programs.”

Companies like Mankind Pharmaceuticals, Zydus, Abbott, and more have started implementing QR codes and security features in this regard.

The Indian pharmaceutical packaging industry was valued at USD 5.96-billion in 2023 and is seeing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. The market is valued to grow to USD 12.50-billion in 2033.