PR No – 137
8th August, 2024
New Delhi
“There’s a need for strategic shift in labeling practices, particularly for Ayurvedic medicines said by Dr. Kousthubha Upadhyay, Advisor (Ay.), Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India”
AYUSH Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a Conference on Labelling and Packaging Provisions for ASU products on 7th August 2024 at PHD House, New Delhi. The conference was graced by the Chief Guest Dr. Kousthubha Upadhyay, Advisor (Ay.), Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India and Dr. Tanweer Alam, Additional Director, Indian Institute of Packaging, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India as a Guest of Honour.
The conference was also joined by Dr. Durga Prasad, Chair, AYUSH Committee, PHDCCI & Head Marketing, Dabur India Limited, Dr. Santosh Joshi, Co-Chair, AYUSH Committee, PHDCCI & Sr. General Manager, Hamdard Laboratory and it was moderated by Dr. Nasir Jamal, Senior Secretary, PHDCCI.
Dr. Kousthubha Upadhyay mentioned that digital labeling, or the incorporation of digital elements into product labeling, is an innovative approach that offers numerous advantages over traditional labeling methods. He also highlighted about a draft notification will soon be coming for the Industry on indication of packaging. Dr. Upadhyay mentioned that Industry should be very careful with the advertisement strategy need to be changed. He further urged bigger Industry players to kindly create awareness about the labelling and packaging procedures. Dr. Upadhya highlighted that labeling serves not only as a means of communication but also as a form of advertisement. He noted that the specifics of labeling are subject to debate and should align with the standards approved by the licensing authority. He also discussed about the historical shift from glass to plastic bottles, citing that the transition was driven by the challenges of transporting glass containers. He emphasized the need for a strategic shift in labeling practices, particularly for Ayurvedic medicines.
Dr. Tanweer Alam shared a brief presentation about significance of labelling and packaging and how it is crucial for the Industry to follow norms for the packaging. Dr. Alam highlighted that the plastic used in packaging has become problematic, particularly multilayer plastics, which need replacement. He pointed out issues with substandard packaging, emphasizing that traditional packaging primarily focused on covering the product. Modern packaging, however, requires proper labeling, should extend the product’s shelf life, protect the medicine without affecting its health benefits, and also have aesthetic appeal. He further highlighted that several critical issues regarding packaging in the healthcare sector. He pointed out that 70% of products currently do not have effective packaging. Specifically, the use of multilayer plastics has become problematic and needs to be replaced. He emphasized that traditional packaging primarily focused on covering the product, but modern packaging must meet higher standards.
Dr. Durga Prasad while welcoming the guest talked about labelling and packaging provision of ASU products. He stated that when products have different formats in labeling, it can be attributed to several factors, including regulatory requirements, market-specific preferences, brand differentiation strategies, and practical considerations. He further quoted with an example of Ashwaghanda that it can be used for various conditions, but it is necessary to consult an Ayurveda practitioner. Dr. Prasad also talked about how labelling can also be misleading in form of advertisement.
Dr. Santosh Joshi gave a concluding remarks and vote of thanks for today’s conference. He said that AYUSH industry is expanding and the market size of Indian AYUSH has grown significantly. In the past decades, the global herbal market has also become an economically active sector. Labelling and packaging provisions for ASU products are essential to ensure consumer safety, compliance with regulatory standards, and the promotion of these traditional medicine systems. Dr. Joshi further highlighted that Labeling and packaging provisions for ASU products are significant as they ensure product integrity, compliance with regulations, and adherence to the branding standards.
There was a technical session moderated by Dr. Himanshu Tiwari, President Technical, Karma Ayurveda and it was joined by Hari Ram Rinwa, MD & CEO, Ayubal Wellness Private Limited & Secretary, Ayurvedic Manufacturer Association of Rajasthan Mr. Ashish Dixit, Lead Regulatory Affairs, Dabur India Limited Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, Multani Pharmaceuticals limited, Mr. Vinay Yadav, Sr. Manager, Packaging Development, Hamdard and Dr. Anurag Gupta, Principle Scientist, Healthkart joined from the Industry.
The conference was well attended more than 70 delegates from AYUSH Industry stalwarts, practitioners and Ayurveda students from the Industry.
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Warm Regards,
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry