Disha Chakraborty

The 13th edition of the Asia Coat + Ink Show will take place at the NESCO trade ground in Goregaon on 21-23 November 2024. As part of the event, the All India Printing Inks Manufacturers Association (AIPIMA) will host the International Conference 2024 on 20 November at The Westin Mumbai Garden City.

Mudita Dubey is a product designer at Brane Enterprises. She has an undergraduate degree in engineering, and a postgraduate in design.

Vishakha Bhagat is a brand content lead at Pakka, who manufacture wrapping grades of papers in India

Hosted by the Mumbai Mudrak Sangh (MMS), the seventh edition of its Roundtable Conference convened on 5 April, 2024 at MCA Club, BKC, Mumbai. 'Circle of Print' themed discussion involved industry stalwarts to explore trends and challenges on the ‘digital label and flexo’ table.

Brands are making their pre-Drupa push. With packaging to be found everywhere, WhatPackaging? highlights top five announcements at the show from the digital manufacturers. Drupa 2024 is being hosted from 28 May to 7 June 2024 at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre.

The Indian media and entertainment (M&E) sector grew by 8% in 2023, reaching Rs 2.3-trillion (USD 27.9-billion), 21% above its pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the latest FICCI-EY report.

The Jury Day for the second edition of Women to Watch Awards was hosted on 5 March 2024 at the Haymarket SAC Publishing headquarters in Mumbai. Five Jury members — Jayashree Joshi; Tasneem Vasi; Kavita Dalal; Jaini Gala and Anupama Sajeet scrutinised the award entries. They were supported by Charmiane Alexander and Disha Chakraborty of PrintWeek and WhatPackaging? magazines

The Indian media and entertainment sector grew by 8% in 2023, and crossed INR 2.3 trillion The latest iteration of the annual report launched at FICCI Frames 2024 also revealed 70% of growth stemmed from new media comprising digital and online gaming—while TV witnessed a marginal decline of 2%

During the Pamex 2024, held from 6 to 9 February, DGM Automation showcased its die-cutting and folder gluer machines. The company closed seventeen deals with nine customers. When asked about the response from the show, Puneet Agarwal, MD, DGM Automation said, “The response has been good, and we received good in-flow of enquiry.”

In a stride towards revolutionising the packaging industry, Faridabad-based NBG Printographic Machinery took the centre stage at Pamex 2024, unveiling its technological prowess with two automatic rigid box machines and one automatic paper bag machine.

Ahmedabad-based Shreeji Cut and Bend has opted for IEcho’s cutting tool, BK4-1312, from Emerging Graphics, on the final day of Pamex 2024.

Delhi-based Zhongke India displayed machines at Pamex 2024. However, it was the company’s fastest-selling machine, ZK-5540, that kept the visitors inquisitive.

On Day Three of Pamex 2024, the two companies- Esko and TechNova, announced a partnership to provide a complete range of Esko solutions in pre-press and press production. While Esko provides an integrated platform and tools that allow its customers to digitise, connect, automate and accelerate the concept to market processes, TechNova has a customer base in press and make-ready solutions.

Jodhpur-based Muskan Print has opted for IEcho’s cutting tool, PK0705 Plus, from Emerging Graphics, on the second day of Pamex 2024.

At Pamex 2024, Hubergroup highlighted the importance of the DFC ink range that Huber introduced in 2022.

At Pamex 2024, Pratham Technologies will showcase its outsert folder, which is made in India. To know more visit Hall 1/ Stall D25

At Pamex 2024, Pratham Technologies will showcase its outsert folder, which is made in India. To know more visit Hall 1/ Stall D25

Java Paper Group, a dealer of premium imported and local paper, participated in Pamex 2024 for the first time to showcase food-grade papers from ITC. The Group also displayed a new premium range of imported paper from Sweden called Invercote.

At the CEIF show, held at the Jio World Convention Centre, from 11 to 13 January, in a conversation with the PrintWeek team, Ajeet Pareek, VP sales of Monotech, says, “Very soon India will see a shift towards digital like the other European and American nations..”

Fujifilm showcased two photo printing kits - the ApeosPro C650 and ApeosPro C810 - at the CEIF 2024. The hardware for both printers is the same, except for the printing speed. While the C650 can print up to 65 pages per minute, the ApeosPro C810 can print up to 81 pages per minute.

Shreya Sajith is the continuous improvement engineer at Stelda & Bindwel Group of companies. She believes in being silent and let wisdom make the noise

Siegwerk is expanding its existing management team. In a strategic move to reflect its global presence even stronger and adapt to the changing dynamics of the global ink and coatings industry, the company will establish a Group Executive Committee.

Sangita Chawda is working as a team leader of sales and marketing at Pratham Technologies. She believes when people work towards achieving company goals and objectives, it is important to keep in mind that it’s a team effort

Dabur India ended the second quarter of 2023-24 with a 7.3% growth in revenue from operations at Rs 3,203.8-crore, driven by steady performance of both the home and personal care and healthcare businesses. The Q2 revenue growth stands at 10.4% on a constant currency basis.

Messe Stuttgart is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Indian business landscape with its formal entry into the Indian market. Drawing from a storied 80-year history in Germany, Messe Stuttgart brings with it a legacy of trade fairs and exhibitions that have been instrumental in fostering business growth, knowledge exchange, and international collaborations across various industries.

The Jury members for day three of PrintWeek Awards 2023 Jury Week consisted of Amit Saurkar; Deepti Lshirsagar; Fazal Farooqui; Pratik Rane; Raju Kalgutkar; Sheetal Dandekar and Soma Roy. They judged samples across five categories. The categories were Packaging Converter of the Year (F&B); Packaging Converter of the Year (FMCG); Packaging Converter of the Year (Rigid box); Packaging Converter of the Year (Paper Bag and textile boxes).

On day two, the Jury team comprised Elodie Nerot; Geet Nazir; Neeharika Paul; Nikhil Phadke; Ritesh Uttamchandani; Supreeth Sudhakaran and Yatin Patil. They judged samples sent in seven categories The categories were: Digital Printer of the Year; Digital Photo Album Printer of the Year; Fine Art Printer of the Year; Innovative Printer of the Year (paper/ paperboard/ corrugated); Innovative Printer of the Year (PET, LDPE, HDPE, PVC, PP, PS, metal/ glass); Label Printer of the Year and Pre-Media Company of the Year.

You don't often get a group of print buyers from a range of disciplines together in the same room, but that’s exactly what happened after the judging session for the PrintWeek Awards 2023 quality categories on the first day of Jury Week on 5 October. After the event, Disha Chakraborty asks the judges what their biggest challenges are, how book factories can help them and what still gets them excited about books.

XSYS has announced that its participation at Labelexpo Europe 2023 in Brussels was a great success. Attending this important industry event as a gold sponsor and exhibitor, the company seized the opportunity to demonstrate its wide reach in flexo prepress and engage directly with visitors.

SIG laid the foundation of its first aseptic carton plant in India. Expanding its presence in the country, the company plans to invest approximately Rs 880 crores in phases, for the facility being constructed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

In a unique value chain collaboration, Siegwerk, ExxonMobil, Henkel, Kraus Folie, and Windmöller & Hölscher created a recyclable stand up mono-material PE pouch. This innovation won the Gold award in the sustainability category of the German Packaging Awards on 13 September 2023.

ABB India is leading the way in sustainable and responsible resource consumption in manufacturing after achieving water positivity ratings and Mission to Zero status for one of its factories in Nashik.

Actega showcased its latest innovations at Labelexpo Europe 2023. On display was a range of Actega’s innovative products designed to enable the production of high-quality labels and packaging with greater visual impact. This included Actega’s haptic effect coating series, LED-UV coatings, white and metallic inks, as well as Actega’s pioneering Ecoleaf metallization technology.

Finat, the European label association, has presented a new initiative designed to give guidance to the label industry on the growing market demand for product carbon footprint data. The initiative is part of Finat’s four-pillar programme designed to increase the association’s agility in the areas of community networking, knowledge, collaboration and industry advocacy. The product carbon footprint leaflet and video are part of several new releases presented at Labelexpo Europe.

During Labelexpo Europe 2023, held on 11-14 September, EyeC and Hybrid Software showcased live demonstrations of the new workflow integration.

SleeveConnect represents the pinnacle of excellence in shrink sleeve technology. This groundbreaking initiative showcases the remarkable synergy achieved through the collaboration of four industry giants: Emsur, a global leader in flexible packaging; Karlville, an industry leader in cutting-edge machinery; Siegwerk, a globally renowned provider of customised inks and coatings; and SK Microworks, a prominent name in the film industry.

Xeikon will be showcasing its competitive advantage in inkjet innovation with the introduction of PantherCure UV LED inks at Labelexpo Europe 2023. The new family of inks, accompanied by enhanced screening technology, new waveforms and updated software, offers a raft of advantages in terms of cost of print, sustainability benefits and quality improvements. These advancements will greatly help printers tackle acute price pressures and continued demands for more eco-friendly solutions in label and packaging production, while also improving image quality.

On 23 August Kodak India celebrated its 50th anniversary. Kodak in India has always provided pioneer technology to customers in India, and process-free plates is one of them. Currently, Kodak India is witnessing significant growth as far as Sonora plates are concerned.

More than 90 young industry leaders have applied for the first-ever Forty Under 40 event initiated by PrintWeek and WhatPackaging? magazine. The call for registration concluded on 15 August.

Siegwerk will participate in four conferences and expert symposia in September and October 2023. These include Specialty Papers Europe, the PTS Coating Symposium, the Functional Fiber-Based Material & Packaging Conference as well as the FEFCO Technical Seminar.

Siegwerk India restored and handed over a pond at Dhaki village to the villagers, keeping up the commitment to the community around its manufacturing facility at Bhiwadi. The project of restoring the pond and increasing ToF (Trees outside Forest) cover in Dhaki Village of Tijara Block, Alwar, Rajasthan was taken up by the company in partnership with centre for CSR and Sustainability Excellence (CCSE) to promote water resource management.

ColorJet has announced an initiative, Printer Lagao Free print Head Pao, for its valued customers during the Sign India exhibition to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on 18-20 August.

Anushka Sonje is a CSR executive at Quarterfold Printabilities. She believes in a modern design with vibrant colours - and is visually appealing typography

Flint Group has solidified its reputation as the sustainable ink supplier of choice after announcing that all its sheetfed process ink series are now mineral oil-free. The full range of Flint Group’s K+E process series is now exclusively made from more sustainable formulations, under plans to increase the use of environmentally friendly raw materials and make packaging easier to recycle.

Hubergroup Print Solutions will present its comprehensive service concept as well as its three innovative series for flexo printing – iray, Hydro-X and Gecko at Labelexpo Europe, which will take place in Brussels on 11-14 September.

Kolkata-based Speed Print recently bolstered its finishing capabilities with the acquisition of a JWEI LST03II0806RM digital cutting table. The installation was handled by TechNova Imaging Systems, showcasing its commitment to providing top-notch technical support and services to its clients.

At this year’s Labelexpo Europe, Flint Group’s narrow web business and digital team (Xeikon) will showcase solutions and services that contribute to the seamless and sustainable growth of label converters. Labelexpo Europe will be held on 11-14 September 2023 at the Brussels Expo, in Belgium.

On 27 July, PrintWeek and Siegwerk are set to host an informative webinar focused on enhancing the quality of recycled material through the adoption of PVC-free ink and coating solutions. The webinar will feature expert speaker Dr. Dipshikha Banerjee, the head of technology - flexible packaging at Siegwerk, recently shared valuable insights in an interview with Disha Chakraborty.

IN Groupe has announced that it has agreed to acquire 100% of the shares of Gleitsmann Security Inks GmbH (GSI) from Hubergroup Deutschland GmbH for an undisclosed consideration in cash.

The Award ceremony of the first edition of Women to Watch Awards 2023 will be hosted online on 30 June at 3:55 pm. The Jury Day for the first edition of Women to Watch Awards was hosted on 28 April 2023, and according to the six Jury members — Aashika Sadh; Benita Paul; Bhavika Shah; Divya Subramaniam; Nita Uday Dhote and Shormistha Mukherjee — the awards is an initiative whose time has come

The Fespa Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience, when on 23-26 May 2023 at Messe Munich, delivered a stimulating, high-energy environment where visitors and exhibitors focused on opportunities for business growth.

Anavi Dhawan works for Bizongo Desworks as a designer. She believes that communication is the key for collaboration

Shruti Poojary works for Efficient Innovations as a packaging development executive. Poojary believes that sustainability and going green are important for the long term viability of our

Chennai-based picture trading specialist JB Khanna Picture has installed India’s first Konica Minolta AccurioJet KM1e. To mark the installation, JB Khanna hosted an on-site event at its Chennai facility on 30 April 2023

The All India Printing Ink Manufacturers’ Association (AIPIMA) has announced the next edition of its Asia Coat + Ink Show. The 13th edition will be held from 21 to 23 November 2024 at Hall 3 NESCO Bombay Exhibition Centre.

Ahmedabad-based Shree Harihar Printing Works has pressed its new Expertfold 80 A2 featuring the Accubraille GT, capable of producing 4- and 6-corner mono-carton as well as speciality boxes, at the new plant in Vatva, Ahmedabad.

Rupa Malireddy works for Craste as a product and packaging designer. Malireddy tells Disha Chakraborty that design is not just her passion, but her language to connect, understand and communicate better with the world

Anand Limaye, the man behind the 91-year-old India Printing Works was honoured by the Mumbai Mudrak Sangh with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award (LTA). The LTA 2023 was held on 14 April 2023. Hon former governor of Uttar Pradesh, Ram Naik, the chief guest of the function conferred the LTA to Limaye. Among others present at the LTA function were the former governor of Nagaland, Padmanabh Acharya, who was the guest of honour; Raveendra Joshi, president of AIFMP; and Prakash Canser, president of MMS.

Navi-Mumbai’s packaging specialist Rukson Packaging has supported growth with a new Bobst Expertfold 80 A2 installation. The new kit is fitted with Accubraile GT, and four- and six-corner/speciality box attachments and is the third Bobst folder-gluer in Rukson’s packaging converting armoury. The other two are Bobst Ambition and Bobst Expertfold 80 A1.

The Mumbai Mudrak Sangh (MMS) hosted the sixth edition of its roundtable conference on 14 April 2023 at MCA Club, BKC, Mumbai. The interactions between eight expert leaders in eight different groups were centred around rethink, redesign and realign.

Pratham Technologies has announced that the company sold 10 machines by the end of the third day at Pamex 2023.

Coimbatore-based printing machinery manufacturer, Autoprint has announced the sale of two machines at Pamex 2023. Patna-based Tarang Press and Publications picked up the company’s Dextra 80 HF on display at the show, while Bengaluru-based Warner Printers booked an Autoprint Fine Coat 105 drip-off.

At Pamex 2023, Insight introduced a digital press for book printing that starts with a roll and ends with a book block — the Atexco digital web press.

Think Print, a pre-press software vendor, showcased its solutions, such as PDF editing, correction software and automation for pre-press at Pamex 2023.

Alpna group, a leading manufacturer of UV and coating systems showcased its M Cure retrofit for sheetfeds with live demo of Rhino Dexa offline coater along with L Cure LED system and many other products. It also launched Labcure LED combo system with compact footprint for ink kitchens.

Minosha India, the authorised distributor of Ricoh products in India, showcased four Ricoh kits at Pamex 2023.

DGM Automation, with more than 125 installations all over India, closed three deals on the first day of Pamex 2023.

On the first day of Pamex, being held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from 27 to 30 March, Delhi-based Ample Graphics announced the sale of its corrugation machine to Silvassa-based Award Offset Printers & Packaging.

On the first day of Pamex 2023, being held at Bombay Exhibition Centre from 27-30 March, Kolkata-based Calprin invested in the flexo pre-press and platemaking technology from Esko and MacDermid.

On the first day of Pamex, Megabound inaugurated its new corrugation machine. The company claimed it is a first-of-its-kind machine that performs four-six operations on the same machine within a standard duration of 60 seconds.

Vedant Bhalwatkar works as a packaging and business development engineer at TCPL Packaging. Bhalwatkar says, understanding the nuances and personality quirks of each generation is part of the fun as well as a challenge to brand owners in the market

The show witnessed 90 awardees across 31 categories for excellence in packaging. An additional perk to the winners, they qualify to enter the Worldstar 2024 Awards organised by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO).

Ramaiah Muthusubramanian, CEO, Packfora – the global packaging consulting company offering end-to-end solutions to make packaging shine for people, planet and profit. His message for the delegates during the Print Summit at the Tata Theatre (NCPA) was: Owning the Change – A packaging industry perspective.

Amit Shah, president of BMPA, welcomed close to 1,000 delegates from various walks of the Indian print industry to the 15th edition of the Print Summit at the NCPA on 16 February 2023, which returned to the venue after a gap of two years. The day-long conference was packed with high-powered presentations.

The paper packaging industry is seen as a sunrise sector and that's because India is growing. The Crisil Ratings forecasts revenue rising at 14-16% this fiscal, and operating profitability to get a fillip

During the Asia Coat + Ink international conference held at Hotel Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai on 16 November, Sagar Singh, deputy director, chemical department, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), spoke about the printing technologies — trends and issues.

During the 12th edition of the Asia Coat + Ink Show, held at Hotel Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai, on 16 November, it had eminent leaders attending the show dedicated to the printing ink and coatings

The Sampada Group has ventured into corrugation box production with a 5-ply automatic corrugation plant and flexo printer with inline finishing as well as ancillary machines, which are feasible for short runs of 100-1000 boxes under one roof.

Pacprocess is scheduled from 23 to 25 November 2022 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre. The three-day show hosted by Interpack Alliance is backed by the expertise of the world-leading trade fair Interpack in Dusseldorf.

What Design Can Do (WDCD)’s fourth challenge in partnership with the Ikea Foundation: the Make it Circular Challenge. Winning ideas are turned into reality with USD 9955 in funding and a global development programme co-created with Impact Hub Amsterdam, which includes online training, mentoring sessions and a bootcamp.

Saamir Akhtar, PGDP student of IIP Mumbai shares with WhatPackaging? about a sustainable straw using banana leaves and food grade approved adhesives.

Besides improving environmental sustainability, roads constructed with plastics are found more durable and cost-effective. Plastic and bitumen bond well together because both are petroleum products. Nitin Gadkari, union road transport and highways minister, spoke in the Lok Sabha about how this combination enhances the road’s ability.

About 3,000 exhibitors from around the world will present products and solutions covering the spectrum of the plastic and rubber industry to an audience of industry professionals. This includes 120+ Indian exhibitors.

The PMAE will showcase new-to-market products and technologies additionally hosting segments such as packaging, processing, logistics and supply chain among others from 7 to 9 December at the Bombay Exhibition Centre.

Drinktec, organised by Drink Technology India is scheduled for 7 to 9 December at the Bombay Exhibition Centre. The show will showcase 300+ exhibitors from the Indian beverage and liquid-food market.

Hubergroup presented its latest water-based ink portfolio with excellent print finish, efficient press performance and eco-friendly formulation that supports sustainable, future-oriented packaging solutions. To ensure the ink grade is available across India, Hubergroup has established four matching centres.

UniNature was launched during IndiaCorr on 10 October. The ink aims to reduce the microplastics which can be found in inks. But more importantly, it meets the needs of brand owners and packaging converters by providing sustainable water-based inks and coatings for paper and board applications.