Now our systems are enabled with DRS software

Rahul Kumar (RK): How do you view the Goa Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) and its impact on the printing and packaging industry, particularly in terms of serialised QR code printing and traceability? 

Dinesh Thakur (DT): This move is really beneficial to the entire ecosystem as it will not only provide the complete traceability but will promote sustainability during the life cycle of the product. 

RK: What printing technologies and solutions are best suited for producing high-quality, durable QR codes required under the DRS framework on bottles, labels, or packaging substrates?
 

DT: Initially, it is QR code-based. This technology and adaptability have been incorporated into the system and are being used widely in pharma, tax stamps (liquor), etc. Kridwinn specialises in providing high-quality and high-speed industrial inkjet printing systems based on actual customer requirements and is ready to fit in this application. 

RK: How does your equipment ensure consistent print quality, readability, and durability of QR codes throughout the product lifecycle? 

DT: We provide end-to-end solutions to our customers and provide high-quality up to 1,200-dpi resolutions at speeds over 200-m/min, Our inks usage in systems are highly durable, consistent colour quality, great light fastness and perfect adhesion on almost all product label substrates, which makes it suitable for all products packaging in the market.

RK: How do your systems integrate with serialisation software and the DRS platform for generating and managing unique serialised identifiers (USIs) at high production speeds?

DT: With DRS, now our systems are enabled with DRS software for printing and after print traceability, we have worked with DRS team on the same and have already implemented it on our customer site on our systems. All our current customers are now enabled to take on this project, and any new customers can be delivered solutions with DRS-enabled software integration.

RK: What role do inspection and verification systems play in ensuring QR code accuracy and compliance, and how do you address issues such as unreadable or misprinted codes?

DT: QR codes have been used in Industry for a very long time now in mass production, as QR codes are quick response codes, and the systems we supply with high quality and speed, there is rare chance of readability issues, though each product label will be passed through inspection systems before dispatch. So, there is almost no chance any product in the market would have these issues.

RK: What are the key challenges beverage manufacturers and converters face when implementing DRS-compliant printing? 

DT: Every new workflow and system comes with its own initial challenges, but they are more towards execution, not performance and as far as DRS implementation, it has come at a very good time when many of the printers and manufacturers are ready with a solution, and the DRS-enabled software implementation in our systems has made it easier than ever. Even if there is any challenge, our team is fully capable of executing the project in cooperation with printers/customers, where we can guide them through any challenge they face. 

RK: What kind of investments or operational adjustments should manufacturers expect when adopting DRS-enabled printing and serialisation solutions? 

DT: As mentioned above, printers who own our systems can start the production from day one of the project, almost at no investment, and new customers/printers will have to get the variable data printing systems with DRS-enabled software. 

DT: Do you see similar deposit-return or serialisation-driven regulations emerging in other parts of India? 

DT: This is a pilot project starting from Goa on selected products. As it grows and becomes successful, it will surely be expanded into other parts of the country and a broader list of products.