Holostik commits significant resources to R&D

Rahul Kumar (RK): Reflecting on 2024, what were your organization's key achievements? 

Ankit Gupta (AG): While specific turnover figures are confidential, Holostik experienced significant growth in 2024, driven by increased demand for anti-counterfeiting and brand protection solutions. One of our key achievements was the expansion of our international presence, particularly in emerging markets with high counterfeiting rates. 

Shobhit Gupta (SG): Yes, and we are particularly proud to have received two prestigious awards in 2024: an EHS award for best environmental practices, recognising our commitment to sustainability, and three awards at the LMAI Label Awards, showcasing our excellence in label design, printing, and security features. We've also established strategic partnerships with key players in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, FMCG, automobile, and government sectors.

RK: Looking to 2024, what emerging trends or market dynamics do you believe have had the most significant impact on the industry?

AG: In 2024, we observed several significant trends. The industry has widely adopted eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging. Not to forget, we have NaturTrust, our separate venture into biodegradable packaging only. We've also seen mainstream adoption of solutions combining traditional printing with smart technologies like QR, RFID, blockchain-based solutions for enhanced authentication.

SG: I'd add that we've witnessed remarkable evolution in anti-tampering solutions, including sophisticated void patterns and colour-shifting inks. There's been a significant shift towards comprehensive supply chain security integration, enabling real-time tracking and verification from production to retail. We've also seen dramatic improvements in production innovations and the emergence of cost-effective security solutions making advanced protection accessible across different market segments.

RK: The push for sustainability continues to reshape the printing and packaging landscape. How has your company addressed this in 2024, and what initiatives are planned for 2025?

AG: At Holostik, we've maintained a strong focus on sustainability throughout 2024. We've concentrated on reducing waste in our production processes through optimised material usage and recycling initiatives, while also exploring and implementing more environmentally friendly substrates and inks. One of our key achievements has been offering solutions that enable product authentication while reducing the need for excessive packaging. 

SG: Looking ahead to 2025, we're excited about several initiatives. We're investing in research and development of bio-based and biodegradable materials through our eco-friendly packaging initiative, NaturTrust. We're also implementing more robust waste management and recycling programs across our operations. Additionally, we're integrating green solar power at our plants. Overall, our commitment to sustainability, which is one of the pillars of Holostik, is reflected in our 2025 corporate calendar themed Sustainable Horizons: A Greener Tomorrow. 

RK: What technological advancements did your company focus on in 2024? How do you see these shaping your operations and offerings in 2025?

AG: In 2024, we made significant strides in implementing advanced printing technologies and machines, including investments in more capable automation for enhanced customised solutions and shorter lead times. We've also integrated blockchain-based track & trace technology into our security solutions, including our SaaS product, SureAssure, used for verifying product authenticity.

SG: Looking forward to 2025, these technologies will enable us to provide more personalised and interactive brand protection solutions. We're particularly excited about the potential for real-time supply chain visibility and product authentication capabilities, which will significantly improve our production efficiency and help reduce costs.

RK: With consumer behaviour and regulatory frameworks increasingly prioritising eco-friendly packaging, how is your company preparing to meet these demands while maintaining product differentiation and profitability?

AG: We've taken a comprehensive approach to meeting these demands. We're developing solutions that minimise material usage and incorporate recycled or renewable materials, including our paper hologram and paper label offerings. Our focus is on providing effective eco-friendly packaging solutions while maintaining strong security features that can be easily verified by consumers and authorities.

SG: I'd like to highlight our progress at Holoprint, our sister company specialising in security solutions for the Middle East market. We've made significant strides by reducing our reliance on virgin paper from 90% to just 50%. Furthermore, our subsidiary, NaturTrust, is already producing 100% biodegradable packaging solutions. 

RK: Looking at 2025, what are your key investment priorities, and how do you plan to balance innovation with cost-efficiency to enhance profitability?

AG: As the only DSIR-certified anti-counterfeiting company providing physical and digital solutions under one roof, R&D investment remains a top priority. We commit significant resources to this area annually, and we're planning to increase this investment further. 

SG: We're also focusing on expanding our production capacity to meet growing demand, investing in automation and digitalisation to improve efficiency, and optimising our production processes. Additionally, we're leveraging strategic partnerships to share costs and access new technologies, while expanding our international presence in high-growth markets.

RK: What major challenges do you anticipate for the printing and packaging sector in 2025, and how is your organisation preparing to address these effectively?

AG: We see several significant challenges ahead, including the continued evolution of counterfeiting techniques and increasing pressure on pricing due to global economic conditions. Supply chain disruptions and material shortages remain concerns, along with evolving regulatory requirements related to packaging and security.

SG: To address these challenges, we're continuously investing in R&D to stay ahead of counterfeiters, building strong relationships with our suppliers to ensure supply chain resilience, and maintaining a flexible and agile business model to adapt to changing market conditions.

RK: How do you expect 2025 to be for you and the industry – better than 2024? If yes, or no, why do you think it will be so?

AG: We're optimistic about 2025. The increasing demand for brand protection, product authentication, and supply chain security will continue to drive growth for our solutions.

SG: I agree. While challenges remain, we anticipate a stronger year than 2024, driven by increased awareness of the importance of security solutions and Holostik's continued innovation in this space. Companies that invest in innovation, sustainability, and operational resilience will be well-positioned for success in 2025 and beyond.