1. What kind of anti-counterfeiting solutions do you provide for packaging and security? What gaps in the industry inspired you to take on the specific solutions that you have?
Holostik is a solution-centric company rather than a product-centric one. We offer a wide range of products, including holograms, security labels, smart digital packaging, QR codes, and shrink sleeves. Our approach involves combining these products to address counterfeiting through comprehensive solution selling. In our market research, we identified a significant gap in the industry: there was no single entity providing all anti-counterfeiting solutions in-house. Some companies focused on printing labels, others on holograms, and yet others on IT solutions with QR codes and smart applications. We aim to fill this gap by offering a comprehensive solution that minimizes the complexity of using anti-counterfeiting products.
2. With technological advancements at the forefront, where do you see the world of anti-counterfeiting solutions specific to packaging heading?
As the world moves towards digitalization, we see a similar shift in the counterfeiting space. At Holostik, we are developing solutions that integrate products and technologies. We operate on three layers: a physical layer (labels or holograms), a digital layer (QR codes, RFID), and integrating these with the product. This combination is what we call “Phygital,” a blend of physical and digital technologies. Phygital allows consumers to authenticate products at the point of sale and track them across the supply chain. This approach combines the latest technologies to enhance anti-counterfeiting solutions. While no technology will become obsolete, they will increasingly work together to form comprehensive solutions.
3. What recent technological advancements have occurred in Holostik?
At Holostik, R&D is our backbone. We invest heavily in R&D annually. Recently, we have developed eco-friendly paper-based holograms, shifting from plastic-based ones. We have also developed technologies to transfer holography onto paperboard or paper which can be further laminated to create mono cartons. Our in-house metallizer allows us to produce products like HRI and Allox, featuring transparent holography that allows visibility of the product inside the laminate. On the IT front, we launched the SureAssure application, which consumers can use to authenticate products easily. Our future focus includes SureAssure, paper-based technologies, and Allox.
4. What difference do you see in providing solutions for the Western market compared to the domestic one? What are some of the different counterfeiting challenges that exist in both paradigms?
The primary challenge globally remains stopping counterfeiting. The Western world is more advanced in adopting new technologies due to better IT infrastructure, making it easier to implement solutions like IoT and digitalization. However, developing economies like India are rapidly building their IT infrastructure, which will soon allow them to catch up. A significant global issue is the enforcement of laws; Western countries have stricter legal consequences for counterfeiting, driving innovation in the industry. India and similar countries need stronger legal systems to effectively combat counterfeiting.
5. What steps is Holostik taking to educate the industry and consumers about the risks of counterfeiting and the importance of adopting secure solutions?
At Holostik, we work closely with industry associations like ASPA (Authentication Solution Providers Association) in India and IOTA (International Optical Technologies Association) globally to spread awareness about counterfeiting risks. We collaborate with brand owners to create campaigns that educate consumers, distributors, and industry partners on how to differentiate between counterfeit and original products. This collaborative approach helps ensure that the message reaches a wider audience and promotes the adoption of secure solutions.
