IntraPac India 2024, a joint initiative by ASPA and IPAMA, commenced its second day with a strong focus on combating counterfeiting through innovative means. A key highlight of IntraPac was a panel discussion that illuminated the topics of Authentication, Traceability, and Secure Sustainable Packaging, attracting a substantial audience where industry leaders discussed strategies to combat counterfeiting.
The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) stands as the world’s pioneering and exclusive self-regulating non-profit entity representing the entirety of the physical and digital authentication solutions sector on a global scale. Established in 1998, ASPA is dedicated to promoting the significance of physical and digital authentication solutions for safeguarding brands, documents, and revenues, while also empowering consumers.
The association strives to enlighten stakeholders, including government bodies, brand proprietors, industry players, and consumers, on how the amalgamation of technological solutions ensures the authenticity of diverse products. ASPA also aims to enhance corporate awareness regarding the benefits of adopting physical and digital authentication solutions, which can fortify brand protection and curtail revenue losses.
Distinguished guests such as Manoj Kochar, President of ASPA, Ajai Srivastava, Former Director of SPMCIL, Honey Bhardwaj, Deputy General Manager of Dhanuka Agritech Ltd., and Pratibha Malakar, AVP at Chemanaylst, shared their valuable perspectives and insights at IntraPac. Manoj Kochar, President of ASPA, underscored key points during the panel discussion regarding the fight against counterfeiting and the importance of Authentication.
He emphasized the significance of adopting a phygital approach, which combines physical and digital elements to address the growing challenges of counterfeiting. Kochar elaborated on how this integrated approach, which blends tangible features with digital technologies, enhances product security and authenticity.
Adopting a phygital strategy is a powerful tool in the fight against counterfeiting. Embracing this approach provides comprehensive protection, ensuring that products remain safe from unauthorized duplication. It is crucial to focus on the effective role of secure and sustainable packaging and raise awareness among all stakeholders to strengthen brand integrity.
Initiatives similar to “Jago Grahak Jago” are necessary to make consumers more vigilant and educate them about the dangers of counterfeit products. Kochar emphasized the importance of incorporating advanced technologies such as nano engraving, RFID, holograms, QR codes, and blockchain into packaging design. These technologies not only enable real-time tracking and authentication but also empower consumers to easily verify product authenticity.
Ajai Srivastava, an Honorary Member of ASPA, highlighted the importance of public awareness in combating counterfeiting, comparing it to the zero-tolerance policy for counterfeit currency. He also mentioned how units like the Security Printing & Minting Corporation of India Ltd (SPMCIL) and Bhartiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Pvt Ltd (BRBNMPL) ensure complete traceability from the production floor to the release of banknotes into the system through a 100% inspection system.
Honey Bhardwaj emphasized the need to enhance future objectives and highlighted the importance of enhancing technology to make it more challenging for counterfeiters to crack. The IntraPac India 2024 conference provided a crucial platform for industry leaders to share perspectives and tactics in the ongoing battle against counterfeit products.
Kochar’s strong endorsement of the phygital approach resonated deeply with participants, confirming its role as a revolutionary solution in combating counterfeit goods. The conversations at IntraPac delved into the difficulties posed by counterfeiting, particularly the challenge of achieving 100% inspection. Nevertheless, through collaborative efforts and innovative methods such as Phygital solutions, the collective goal is to overcome these hurdles and effectively protect consumer interests.
