Mespack India, a leading provider of advanced packaging solutions, specializes in delivering high-quality, efficient, and innovative machines for the pharmaceutical industry and the allied sectors. Known for its advanced technologies and commitment to excellence, the company has made significant strides in enhancing pharmaceutical packaging. At the recent CPHI and PMEC exhibition, held from 26 to 28 November 2024 at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Mr Anthony Dsouza, Managing Director of Mespack India, shared key insights into the company’s latest advancements in pharmaceutical packaging and its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the industry.

CPHI & PMEC - A platform for connecting with the industry

"CPHI and PMEC have always been some of the best platforms to connect and network with the pharmaceutical industry," Mr Dsouza remarked. "At Mespack, we have provided machines with high productivity, great accuracy, and higher efficiency. Over the last 15 years, we have significantly increased our penetration in the pharmaceutical sector."

He emphasized the importance of these exhibitions in connecting pharmaceutical companies with machinery manufacturers, where both suppliers and clients have the opportunity to meet and discuss new business. "This synergy benefits both parties — customers meet their suppliers, and suppliers meet potential clients," Mr Dsouza added.

Showcasing innovations in packaging

One of the key focuses for Mespack at the event was its innovative high-speed machine applications, specifically for combination products. "This year, we focus on a high-speed machine application for combination products. These machines are designed to pack two products in one pouch, with fill doses going up to 10 milligrams," Mr Dsouza explained.

A standout feature of their innovation is a micro-doser capable of operating at 280–300 units per minute, a significant achievement considering the industry typically struggles to achieve speeds of 50–100 units per minute. "We are the first in the world to offer a micro-doser running at such high speeds, with an accuracy margin of just 5% for 10-milligram doses. We have achieved 2–3% accuracy with consistent product quality," he stated.

Meeting industry trends and demands

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, Mr Dsouza noted several key trends influencing packaging, such as the increasing demand for sustainability and the need for high-quality standards. "The pharmaceutical industry is driven by new ideas and innovations, but it’s also highly customer-centric because it deals with drugs, where quality cannot be compromised. Packaging must meet the highest standards," he said.

While sustainability is a growing focus across many industries, Mr Dsouza pointed out that pharmaceutical packaging still relies heavily on materials like aluminum foil due to its reliability. Mespack customizes its solutions to address specific industry needs, rather than offering one-size-fits-all products. "We aim to deliver what the market needs, which has always been our approach," he added.

Global compliance and technological integration

Mespack’s commitment to adhering to global regulatory standards is another key aspect of its operations. "We are committed to compliance, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, where regulations are stringent. For example, 21 CFR compliance was implemented by us long ago," Mr Dsouza explained.

He further highlighted the company’s integration of advanced technologies like interactive screens, Industrial PCs (IPCs), and IoT-enabled solutions. "Our new Athena model is 4.0 compliant, supporting tracking, monitoring, seamless integration with the digital demands of the pharmaceutical industry and other advanced features," Mr Dsouza said, underscoring Mespack’s readiness to meet the stringent requirements of pharmaceutical companies worldwide.

Sustainability and efficiency in packaging

When discussing sustainability, Mr Dsouza highlighted the importance of efficient packaging solutions that minimize waste while maintaining high-quality standards. "In pharmaceutical packaging, key requirements include excellent seal integrity, consistent pouch formation, high productivity, and minimal waste. Our machines deliver all of these with high accuracy," he said.

Mespack is also innovating in packaging solutions designed for paediatric applications. "We are working on concepts like packaging powder and liquid in a single pouch separated by a frangible seal. This eliminates the need for a bottle and ensures hygienic mixing, catering to rural areas where access to clean water can be challenging," Mr Dsouza explained.

India’s growing pharmaceutical landscape

The Indian pharmaceutical market is crucial to Mespack’s growth, as India is one of the largest pharmaceutical producers globally. "The pharmaceutical industry in India is enormous and growing. After the U.S., India has the highest number of FDA-approved plants," Mr Dsouza noted. "Events like CPHI and PMEC provide an excellent platform for networking and understanding customer requirements. Gone are the days when customers simply placed orders. Now, it’s about offering solutions, and business follows naturally."

A future driven by innovation

As for what the future holds, Mr Dsouza remains focused on continuous innovation. "Innovation is our mantra at Mespack. We focus on solving challenges presented to us by customers," he said. "While I can’t predict what innovations will come next, we continuously evolve to meet market demands. At the next CPHI, you might see an entirely new solution based on challenges we address in the coming months."

Mespack’s solutions are designed to preserve the integrity of pharmaceutical products throughout the supply chain. He also highlighted the growing role of digitalization and IoT in pharmaceutical packaging. "Pharmaceutical packaging is evolving significantly with the integration of digitalization and IoT. Smart packaging ensures product integrity, tracks shelf life, and guarantees delivery within expiry limits," he explained.

A message to the industry

Mr Dsouza concluded with a message to existing and potential customers in the pharmaceutical industry. "If you have challenges or problems in packaging, don’t waste time figuring out solutions on your own. Just reach out to us, and we’ll create the right solution for you," he said.

Reflecting on the broader pharmaceutical landscape, Mr Dsouza added, "The pharmaceutical industry is ever-growing, and India is poised to become a global leader. Events like CPHI showcase how dynamic this industry is. It’s a privilege to work in an industry that demands such high standards of technology and innovation."

With its focus on advanced solutions, regulatory compliance, and sustainability, Mespack continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of pharmaceutical packaging.