Indian packaging market is valued at $400 million. Rexam is a leader in the 3-piece dropper. It has an impressive client base providing a foothold in the country's fast growing pharmaceutical packaging market

In a major effort to comply with consumer protection standards, Rexam Pharma Packaging India (P) Ltd is getting ready to offer child-resistant caps (CRC) in India by the end-of-the-year.

CRC will be manufactured in Bangalore by Rexam Pharma Packaging India, a subsidiary of the UK-based Rexam, one of the world's top five in consumer packaging groups.

Globally CRC is witnessing the fastest sales gains and Rexam Pharma Packaging India is keen to offer the closure to prevent overdose of drugs which is common threat among children.

The Rexam CRC is user-friendly for adults, inaccessible for child's hands and a convenient compliance packaging for drugs. CRC is also a mandatory USFDA and European Union requirement.

The company came into India in 2006 after a strategic acquisition of a leading packaging firm, True Pack Pvt Ltd. It holds a leadership status in the 3- Piece Droppers using Injection Blow Moulding Technology manufactured at its modern Class 10 K facility. The product is used for ophthalmic, nasal and oral drugs.

The company now is looking to offer value added global standard packaging solutions to the regulated markets. Its facility located at Peenya Industrial Area in Bangalore is a 10 K unit which was upgraded with a new injection moulding device. The company also has a product design-development centre, customized lab for validation and testing of process and products apart from quality control departments. It is also constructing a new clean room of 2,000 sq m area. The cGMP and documentation (traceability) will be according to USFDA requirements. The facility can also assemble advanced multi-component drug delivery devices.

"We have leveraged on True Pack's assets to create a global facility. We are focusing to augment our competitive advantage in pharma packaging offerings. Our strategy is to bring in value and add value to packaging concepts, Eric Soubeiran, business managing director, Rexam Pharma Packaging India told Pharmabiz.

Packaging is a critical component for pharma companies. It is vital for drug manufacturers to inspect and audit the suppliers facilities'. This is where Rexam is an answer as it is adheres to clean processes and is equipped with the latest injection moulding technology.

While consolidation of business is the key focus, Rexam Pharma India is also looking at acquisitions for inorganic growth, stated Soubeiran.

With a strength of 100 personnel, Rexam Pharma Packaging India is the base for the Asian markets. Right now, while it access the domestic market, it also supports the orders from Tibet, Bangladesh and Malaysia markets.

Indian packaging market is valued at $400 million. Rexam is a leader in the 3-piece dropper. It has an impressive client base providing a foothold in the country's fast growing pharmaceutical packaging market.

According to Soubeiran, present scene in India for injection moulding is quite fragmented. Stiff competition prevails in the lower-end of the market. Since Rexam is investing considerably in new technologies, there is no direct competition because of high-end entry barriers.

Among the visible trends in the pharma packaging sector are top quality and custom driven designs including halogen free packs. There is a huge demand for easy-to-use, easily transportable, light weight and cleaner technologies. There is an interest for complex packaging in drug delivery systems. Preference for plastic prevails because it is convenient, rust resistant, user friendly and flexible. International packaging companies are extremely cautious about protection of Intellectual Property.