In an era marked by the growing menace of counterfeiting and the pressing need for sustainable solutions, Holostik stands as a beacon of innovation and trust. Shweta Kumari from Food Infotech had an engaging conversation with Mr. Ankit Gupta, Joint Managing Director of Holostik Group, to delve into the company’s remarkable journey, technological advancements, and forward-looking vision. Mr. Gupta highlighted Holostik’s pivotal role in safeguarding supply chains and brands worldwide, its commitment to sustainability, and its ongoing pursuit of cutting-edge anti-counterfeiting solutions.
From eco-friendly Security Labels to state-of-the-art digital authentication tools, Holostik continues to redefine industry standards, shaping a future where authenticity and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Can you give us an overview of Holostik’s journey, from being a pioneer in anti-counterfeiting solutions to becoming the largest Indian exporter in this domain? What is the core philosophy driving the company?
Our journey began as a holographer for the nation, evolving into a global leader in holography. Today, we proudly authenticate supply chains and secure lives with our innovative labeling solutions. As one of India’s largest exporters in this domain, we proudly serve clients in over 100 countries.
Our core philosophy is rooted in innovation, technology, values, and sustainability. We’re committed to creating a world where trust and authenticity reign supreme.
What are the key products and services offered by Holostik? How do these cater to various industries in securing supply chains?
Holostik offers a comprehensive range of anti-counterfeiting specialized products and services, including:
- Green Products: Eco-friendly paper labels and holograms, reducing environmental impact.
- Specialty Products: 4th generation Optically Variable Devices (OVDs), 3-D Micro Optical Rolling Security Labels and other specialized products.
- Phygital Authentication: Combining physical and digital security features for robust protection.
- IT-Enabled Solutions: Including Track & Trace, Product Authentication, Inventory Management, Reward Management, Warranty Management, and Supply Chain Management.
Our solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of industries, including FMCG, food, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and electronics and others. By ensuring product authenticity, supply chain transparency, and brand protection our products and services help industries combat counterfeiting and safeguarding people’s lives.
Holostik has always been known for its cutting-edge solutions. Can you walk us through some of the advanced technologies you are currently deploying to combat counterfeiting?
Fighting counterfeiting is a never-ending exercise, and we constantly innovate to stay ahead of counterfeiters. Our focus is on 4th-generation Nano Optical Imaging technology, which offers unparalleled levels of security and authenticity. We’re also exploring sustainable security solutions to minimize our environmental impact. Additionally, our in-house phygital solutions with SureAssure application, provide robust security measures.
Could you elaborate on any new or indigenous technologies you have developed recently to strengthen supply chain authentication and security?
We’ve developed innovative solutions using 4th generation OVDs and in-house phygital solutions and our very own SureAssure app that empower brands to protect their products and consumers. Our track and trace, product authentication, and inventory management systems provide end-to-end visibility and control over the supply chain. We’re also innovating in IT-based solutions to enhance our security solutions.
Holostik emphasizes authenticating supply chains and securing lives. Can you explain the process or methodology behind your anti-counterfeiting solutions? How do you integrate technology and innovation to ensure efficiency?
Our anti-counterfeiting solutions such as security labels, holograms and security packaging integrate with QR codes to enhance supply chain integrity. For instance, a leading agrochemical brand adopted our security labels featuring unique QR codes that customers can scan for authentication. This process allows consumers to verify product authenticity instantly, reducing the risk of counterfeit products entering the market. Additionally, the data collected through these scans helps the brand monitor its supply chain more effectively, identifying potential vulnerabilities. By combining physical security features with digital verification, we empower brands to protect their products and maintain consumer trust in an increasingly challenging marketplace.
Could you share some real-world case studies where your solutions made a significant impact in combating counterfeiting? What challenges did you face, and how were they overcome?
We’ve successfully implemented our solutions in various industries, resulting in significant reductions in counterfeiting. In the pharmaceutical industry, our solutions have helped to protect public health by ensuring the authenticity of life-saving medications.
Our solutions have demonstrated significant real-world impacts, including:
● A 41%* increase in sales for clients.
● A 90%* reduction in duplication of products.
● A remarkable 339%* return on investment (ROI) for implemented solutions.
● Achieving 100%* supply chain visibility.
These results highlight the effectiveness of our R&D in combating counterfeiting challenges.
To protect our customers and partners, we have addressed new counterfeiting methods and complicated global supply chains with innovative solutions created in partnership with industry experts.
*With results driven from specific use cases and would vary as per implementation
How is Holostik addressing the challenges of counterfeiting through innovation and collaboration with various stakeholders?
We are tackling significant challenges in the fight against counterfeiting, such as rapid technological advancements and increasingly skilled counterfeiters. To combat these issues, we prioritize research and development, investing a significant portion of our budget in innovation. Collaboration is key; Holostik actively engages with government agencies, industry associations like ASPA, IHMA and premier academic institutions to share knowledge and develop effective solutions. Our DSIR-certified R&D lab plays a vital role in creating innovative and reliable anti-counterfeiting products, ensuring a resilient supply chain and enhancing brand protection across various industries.
As a global leader, what are Holostik’s plans for market expansion? Are there specific industries or regions you aim to target in the near future?
We’re focused on expanding our global footprint and targeting industries and regions more prone to counterfeiting. We’re particularly interested in emerging markets where counterfeiting is a significant problem. By leveraging our strong brand reputation and innovative solutions, we aim to become the preferred partner for brands worldwide.
Our sister company Holoprint is making strides in capturing market share in the Middle East and nearby regions, utilizing our manufacturing facilities to support this expansion. Highlighting the exceptional growth trajectory, Holoprint has achieved a staggering 5-fold increase in revenue from 2017 to 2024. This exponential growth underscores its market leadership and the increasing demand for its innovative solutions across the region.
How do you see the anti-counterfeiting industry evolving in the next five years, and what role does Holostik aim to play in shaping its future?
The anti-counterfeiting industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. We see a future where physical and digital security seamlessly converge, creating a truly integrated and secure supply chain. Holostik is committed to shaping this future by developing cutting-edge solutions that protect brands and consumers.
With the increasing emphasis on sustainability, how is Holostik incorporating eco-friendly practices into its product design and operations?
Sustainability is a core value at Holostik. We’re actively working to reduce our environmental impact by developing eco-friendly products and processes. Our paper-based holograms and labels are a testament to our commitment to sustainable security solutions.
Recently, we were honored with the Best Environment Practices award in the CII Northern Region Inter-Industry Competition on Environment, Health, and Safety Management (EHS).
Tell us about your future plans for the next 5 years?
Our commitment to brand owners is unwavering. We’ll continue to push the boundaries of innovation through substantial R&D investments, expanding our global footprint, and collaborating with industry leaders. Together, we’ll create a future where brands are protected and lives are safeguarded.