Wrapped wonders
Harish
Joshi discusses the developmental technology in packing machinery
Packaging
technology covers packing machine, product to be packed and packing
material. Broadly, it can be divided on the lines of packing material
as 'rigid packing' and 'flexible packing'. Similarly, on the product
lines, it is divided into 'liquid/viscous product packing' and 'solid
product packing'. We must look at machinery issues likeproductivity,
hygienic engineering, safety,ergonomics, user-friendliness, aesthetics
and so on. The product issues are shelf life, flow characteristics and
texture/aroma/appearance that make an impact on the packing technology.
The packing material has sensitive issues like sealability, printing,
migration to product, carrying capacity, display characteristics, machinability
and so on. The development in packing technology takes into account
all the above issues in relation to market requirement. Environmental
issues like recycling, biodegradability and so on have to be taken into
account as well. Hence, an equal balance and input from engineering,
product behaviour and packing material will assure a successful development
in packing technology. The current development in packing technology
is a great enabler to increase the product availability universally
at affordable prices with emphasis on recycling. The development in
automation is a great help here. New techniques in sealing like ultrasonic,
induction sealing, pressure seal, laser cut and spouts are helping the
technology become more functional. Modified atmosphere and aseptic packaging
are examples that help increase the distribution.
area of
the products. For Indian companies, today, the most effective way to
handle the development in packing technology is by being focused on
certain verticals instead of spreading too thin. One must have a world-benchmarking
technology for one's products and work towards it. Technology transfer
is another option to upgrade the packing technology. Indian companies
must create resources to absorb the technology and then have a sustained
product development programme.. Joint venture (JV) is another route
taken by some companies to develop technology. It is an option where
the time taken to absorb the technology by the JV company is high. Invariably,
the JV company remains a manufacturing company and the parent partner
company controls the technology. But if the business volumes of the
JV grow, this situation can change and transfer of technology in real
sense can happen. Today, India offers the cost advantage in sourcing/assembly
of engineering goods. Packing machineries have a little different positioning
here. Volumes in auto components are the basic drivers of the outsourcing
boom. Packing machinery also tends to have high variety and application
engineering. Companies that have strong brands, technology, infrastructure
and human resource base should try and penetrate into world markets
rather than becoming a vendor for outsourcing of parts. There is bigger
challenge in spreading your brand globally.
