India, Dec. 8 -- At this years CPHI & PMEC India exhibition, Mespack India reaffirmed its leadership in high-speed pharmaceutical packaging with a compelling showcase focused on pellet accuracy, machine intelligence, and IoT-enabled service capabilities. Speaking to us at the event, Mr. Anthony Dsouza, Managing Director of Duravant India, shared insights into the companys innovations, market outlook, and strategic direction for 2025 and beyond.
Reinventing pellet accuracy for pharma
One of the key highlights at the Mespack booth was its proven technology for high-speed, precise pellet fillingan area that has long posed challenges to pharma manufacturers.
This year at PMEC, we are focusing on the important aspect of pellet accuracy, Mr Dsouza explained. The demand for combination packswhere powders and pellets are packed on the same machineis growing rapidly. Pellets can be as small as 10 mg, and I am proud to say Mespack is the only company that has mastered this at high speeds.
Mespack has successfully installed systems that run far beyond the industrys conventional speeds. We have proven systems not just at 50100 packs per minute but also at around 300 packs per minute, he noted. Gone are the days when pellet packing was a challenge. We can now deliver accurate medicine dosesfrom powders of 12 g to pellets as small as 10 mgwith 35% accuracy.
This capability, he said, has been a core attraction for both existing and new customers visiting the booth.
Evolving for India: High-speed applications lead the way
Reflecting on technology development customized for the Indian market, Mr Dsouza highlighted Mespacks continuous journey of scaling speed and efficiency.
We have been evolving this technology for many years. Last year, we achieved 300 ppm, which we supplied to Cipla, he shared. Since then, our focus has been on strengthening high-speed applications. That remains our forte and the centrepiece of our showcase this year.
Machine Intelligence: Athena & Hello Mespack
Mespack also used the platform to spotlight its advancements in machine intelligencean area where the company sees itself significantly ahead of the curve.
Very few people know that Mespack is far ahead in machine intelligence, Mr Dsouza emphasized. We have a unique portal called Athenaan IPC system preferred by pharmaand another concept called Hello Mespack.
Athena serves as an IoT-ready production and performance monitoring ecosystem. Athena connects with cloud software, giving excellent production data. Customers can log in from anywhere in the world to check machine status, he explained.
Hello Mespack, meanwhile, strengthens 24/7 global service and remote support. If a machine breaks down at midnight, anyone can reach Hello Mespack. Someone, somewhere in the world, responds instantlyeven through online programming, he said. It also includes preventive maintenance schedules and operator-friendly tutorial videos. We have used AI to its fullest.
In India, adoption of Athena is high across the pharmaceutical segment, though the 24/7 service model sees selective uptake. Almost everyone in pharma uses Athena. Hello Mespack comes with additional cost, so not all opt for it, but we strongly recommend it because you realize its value during a crisis, he added.
Market Outlook: Rapid rise of nutraceuticals, US uncertainty for pharma
Commenting on sector trends, Mr Dsouza pointed to sustained momentum in nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are doing extremely well. People are more inclined towards them, and the segment is showing phenomenal growth, he said.
However, he noted turbulence for pharma manufacturers due to potential US policy changes. There are challenges because of US tariff uncertainties under Trump. Many projects are on hold as companies are unsure whether tariffs will be implemented or if they must set up factories in the US, he said. The good news is Indian companies are exploring Europe and other markets, which could prove beneficial.
Customer feedback as a continuous innovation engine
Mespacks long-standing participation at CPHI & PMEC has helped the company strengthen customer relationships and refine its solutions. Customers always give valuable feedback. Exhibitions are not only for salesthey are networking platforms, Mr Dsouza emphasized. Even customers without immediate requirements visit to see whats new. Meeting them once a year at a show keeps our brand alive in their mind.
Service excellence, he added, continues to be Mespacks most significant differentiator. Many pharma and non-pharma companies have awarded us for our service. Our USP is supportthis is what earns us loyalty and respect.
Duravant synergy unlocks new opportunities
With Mespack now part of the Duravant family in India, the company sees greater strategic opportunities. Mespack has transitioned to Duravant in India, and that opens new avenues, he said.A pharma company using our primary packaging solutions may want warehousing systemswe can provide that. If they expand into food, we are prepared too.
This expanded ecosystem positions Duravant India as a comprehensive provider. Customers get world-class technology while we gain a broader market. Its a win-win, he added.
Relentless improvement & future trends
Mespack continues to refine machine performance and adapt to evolving needs. We consistently understand customer needs and make improvements. Its a continuous process, he stated.
Regarding emerging trends, he highlighted Indias slow move toward sustainability. Pharma lags in sustainability because shelf life is a priority. Globally, the shift is faster, and India will eventually evolve in that direction, he said.
While keeping future innovations confidential, Mr Dsouza hinted at exciting developments. There are new concepts and ideas coming, but I prefer to keep them under wraps until launch, he said with a smile. You will have to wait.
A strong partner across industries
Summing up Mespacks growth trajectory, Mr Dsouza highlighted the companys expanding role.
Mespack has evolved into a strong partner across pharma, FMCG, and now with Duravant, even more segments, he said. Customers can see us as a one-stop solutionfrom primary packaging to end-of-line, from food processing to material handling and warehousing.
The companys participation this year strengthened its leadership in precision pellet packing, high-speed sachet solutions, advanced machine intelligence, and globally connected service supporthighlighting its dedication to advancing innovation in Indias pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from FoodTechBiz.