ACG Packaging Materials Joins WEF's Global Lighthouse Network

ACG Packaging Materials announced its Shirwal facility has been named a global Lighthouse and welcomed into the World Economic Forum's Lighthouse Network.

This marks ACG's second Lighthouse recognition, following its Pithampur capsules manufacturing facility in 2023.

The distinction highlights ACG's leadership in using smart manufacturing to make medicines safer, more sustainable, and affordable worldwide.

Karan Singh, Managing Director of ACG, stated: "ACG has always believed that true leadership in the packaging sector comes from building smarter – not competing harder. Our Shirwal facility is now our second site to be recognised by the World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network, making ACG the world's first pharmaceutical packaging company to receive this honour."

He added: "This achievement reflects the structures and frameworks we are putting in place across the Group. All ACG business entities are converging to optimise packaging so that medicines are safer, more sustainable, and more affordable. Repetition is the test of proof – in line with our 'Make it Better' commitment, we are replicating this Lighthouse excellence across our facilities and pioneering Sustainability Lighthouses for responsible, resilient manufacturing from India."

At Shirwal, the transformation program covers end-to-end manufacturing operations using generative AI, machine learning, deep learning, Industrial Internet of Things, and digital twin technologies.

Operating in a competitive pharmaceutical packaging market, the facility pursued digital transformation to increase productivity, agility, and quality while cutting energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing workplace safety.

The program improves decision-making with better operational visibility and quicker responses to manufacturing variations.

Key results include a 40% reduction in lead times, 71% drop in defects, 31% decrease in energy consumption, and 34% improvement in on-time in-full delivery.

These changes provide customers shorter lead times, fewer defects, and reliable delivery performance.

S R Shivshankar, CEO of ACG Packaging Materials, commented: "This recognition reflects the commitment of our teams at Shirwal and their ability to integrate advanced digital technologies into everyday manufacturing operations. It strengthens our focus on delivering consistent quality, productivity and sustainability for customers worldwide."