Innovative labelling solutions, though a small part of the overall product cost, offer unparalleled accuracy, sustainability and brand enhancement.
Muthu Subramanian, GM of Avery Dennison India Pvt. Ltd., a global leader in materials science and digital identification solutions, highlighted how their extensive portfolio of RFID and intelligent labelling solutions addresses the industry’s need for greater operational efficiencies, improved supply chain visibility and better decision-making. He explained how adopting automated RFID solutions allows factories to save labour and achieve a more accurate read of carton contents. Moreover, RFID technology has streamlined several automated retail self-checkout processes. He also talked about atma.io, a platform that assigns unique digital IDs to everyday items, providing end-to-end transparency by tracking, storing and managing all events associated with each product—from source to consumer and beyond—to enable circularity and more.
In an exclusive interview with Apparel Resources, Muthu shared in detail about how Avery Dennison’s innovative solutions are enhancing efficiency for Indian businesses. Here are the edited excerpts:
AR: How does your approach to digital sampling help in waste management?
MS: Traditionally, apparel brands and manufacturers created multiple physical samples during product development, leading to significant material and resource waste. At Avery Dennison, we’ve addressed this with our 3D digital sampling solutions, such as our partnership with Browzwear (3D Apparel Design Software). This allows designers and product teams to create digital 3D virtual samples and prototypes. By reducing the need for physical sample-making, we’re cutting down on material waste, transportation costs and the environmental impact of producing physical samples. We have big plans to support this initiative and aim to reduce our sample production by 50 per cent by 2025.
AR: Enhancing operational efficiency in the supply chain is crucial for achieving a robust bottom line. How can labelling solutions contribute to this goal?
MS: We are changing how brands and retailers view supply chain operations and how improvements can quickly deliver savings and advance overall supply chain efficiency.
For instance, we partnered with a leading sports retailer, a national grocery chain and a European-based apparel retailer to upgrade historically analogue processes with digitally integrated RFID-enabled supply chain solutions.
Through the use of RFID technology, and in partnership with our customers and technology providers, we have supported multiple automated retail self-checkout processes. In collaboration with a multinational technology company, we helped develop RFID-enabled frictionless checkout in a National Football League team’s stadium merchandise store in the United States. Every item for sale in the store has a unique RFID tag, which looks like a standard apparel tag. Customers simply enter the store, take what they like and leave through the exit gate. When they pass through the exit gate, the tags on their purchases are read by RFID readers. After exiting the store, the credit or debit card they used is charged. The system requires no queuing or barcodes, improving the consumer experience by making transactions quick and convenient.
AR: How does RFID technology enhance inventory accuracy in the supply chain?
MS: Usually, brands have used RFID technology mainly for retail inventory accuracy, but I’ve noticed a growing awareness of its potential to enhance supply chain efficiency. A straightforward application is scanning RFID tags attached to products to ensure the correct quantity and mix are packed in each carton. With just an RFID reader, we can quickly validate against the packing plan and immediately address any discrepancies, significantly improving inventory accuracy.
Many factories still rely on barcode scanning, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. By adopting RFID, factories can streamline this process, saving labour and achieving a more accurate count of carton contents.
However, deploying hardware alone isn’t enough. We integrate every RFID reader with our atma.io product cloud solution, tracking each scan for every carton and item. This real-time data helps factories monitor the progress of purchase orders and manage finished goods inventory. It also creates an audit trail, facilitating efficient claims handling. Factory managers can analyse production line throughput and asset utilisation, sharing this valuable data with brands to enhance transparency and communication.
RFID technology also offers other practical applications, such as locating products in warehouses or verifying tag functionality for quality control. We provide a range of solutions tailored to each factory’s unique needs, considering factors like space, packing methods and volume.
| We integrate every RFID reader with our atma.io product cloud solution, tracking each scan for every carton and item. This real-time data helps factories monitor the progress of purchase orders and manage finished goods inventory. It also creates an audit trail, facilitating efficient claims handling. |
AR: You advocate building speed, flexibility and visibility in the apparel supply chain. How is that possible with the labelling solutions?
MS: Our in-plant printing solutions enable clients to print labels on demand, in any quantity, whenever needed. We provide printers, accessories, printing software, supplies kits, consumables and services such as installation, training and support.
We understand the importance of timely label availability for on-time product delivery at the right cost. Although labels are a small part of the overall product cost, they are a compliance requirement. Without the right labels, products can’t be shipped. Brands demand quick production lead times, leaving little buffer for factories to source labels. With in-plant printing solutions, factories can print labels on-demand, avoiding the risks of urgent courier costs, late shipment penalties and maintaining better relationships with brands.
Global brands frequently change orders, requiring label updates. Our platform provides the latest order information and label formats at your fingertips, so you can print what you need. Often, factories need to reprint small quantities due to order changes or quality issues. Service bureaus can be convenient but often have minimum order quantities, leading to waste. In-plant printing solutions allow you to print the exact quantity needed, minimising waste.
AR: How do you see the business scenario evolving in India?
MS: India’s apparel export may be stagnant, but the domestic market is thriving in both retail and manufacturing. I see several key growth drivers at play, including India’s advantages as a China+1 sourcing hub and government initiatives like PM Mitra Parks and the 5F vision (farm to fibre; fibre to factory; factory to fashion; fashion to foreign) driving capacity and competitiveness in exports. There’s real potential for Indian apparel exports to double in value over the next decade, supported by positive intent and investments from global brands like Walmart.
Moreover, the retail sector in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6 per cent from 2024-28, enabling it to compete effectively with international brands through quality products and faster service.
As an industry leader, Avery Dennison is well-positioned to capitalise on these trends with our atma.io platform and Embelex solutions that connect the physical and digital realms, enhancing the brand experience for consumers.
