HARIKRISHNAN CK

Beverage Category:

• Extensively worked in the packaging development for Campa, Raskik, Independence, Sure Water, and Serenity brands across CSD, hot fill, warm fill, and ambient fill categories.
• Involved in designing PET, closure, and label systems; conducted 50+ plant trials optimizing fill efficiency and material performance.
• Supported installation and commissioning of 27 high-speed filling lines (KHS, KRONES, SIDEL) across India; specialized in blowing machine setup, mold validation, and line qualification.
• Assisted ~5–7% reduction in bottle weight through design optimization without compromising performance.

Staples and Confectionery:

• Developed primary and secondary packaging for staples (rice, pulses, masalas, wheat, sugar, salt) and large format edible oils (5L, 15L SKUs).
• Executed packaging development for new confectionery SKUs (toffees, molded chocolates) ensuring product stability and shelf life targets.
• Conducted 20+ transit trials and drop tests, achieving 2% transit damages across multiple SKUs.

Snacks and Processed Foods:

• Supported in biscuit packaging format trials to optimize line speeds and seal integrity; improved operational throughput by ~8%.
• Performed detailed benchmarking and material analysis across competitive snack brands to drive packaging innovation.
• Packaging Material Testing and Validation:
• Extensive hands-on testing experience: UTM (tensile, elongation, seal strength), WVTR (moisture barrier), Hot Tack (seal strength), IV analysis (polymer chain strength), and CMM (dimensional accuracy of preforms and closures).
• Hands on experience with the test protocols and validated incoming packaging materials to ensure compliance with ASTM and ISO standards.

• Tube height calculation tool and standardization: Conducted a comprehensive study of tube assortment to assess and enhance harmonization within the current portfolio. Utilized SAP systems to extract, analyze, and interpret data. Designed and developed a formula and tool for tube height determination. Collaborated with cross-functional teams (Technical Development, Packaging) to find out the scope of the tool. Developed an interactive dashboard for comparative analysis of tube dimensions across production centers, resulting in data-driven recommendations for standardized tube heights and potential cost savings.
• Innovative design thinking projects: Explored incorporating thermochromic inks into packaging formats. Developed a sustainable packaging concept using plantable seed paper for mono-cartons, promoting environmental consciousness, and reducing waste. Conceptualized a novel variable dosage actuator for lotions packaging formats.
• Assisted in evaluating the performance of virgin HDPE lotion bottles through various tests, namely Top load testing, weight and mass distribution measurement, drop test. Explored lightweighting opportunities and impact on performance.
• Conducted testing of different packaging materials: Magna mike, Vacuum leakage test, UTM, Torque tester, Crash test, Decoration test, Restitution test etc.