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Logistics player Ashwini Container Movers eyes ₹65-crore IPO

Ashwini Container Movers (ACMPL), a Navi Mumbai-based cargo transportation specialist for the food, pharma and a host of other industries, with major operations in Maharashtra and Gujarat, plans to raise approximately ₹65 crore through a fresh issue of equity shares to support strategic financial objectives and business expansion, following receipt of in-principle approval from NSE Emerge for its proposed Initial Public Offering.

The capital raise will comprise up to 50,00,000 Equity Shares of face value ₹10 each through the book-building route. Corporate professionals Capital is the book running lead manager, and Bigshare Services is the registrar to the issue.

A significant portion of the proceeds, approximately ₹56.94 crore, is allocated for repayment/prepayment of outstanding loans to optimize the company’s capital structure, while ₹8.06 crore will fund capital expenditure for expanding its truck fleet and general corporate purposes.

ACMPL reported ₹45.61 crore in revenue and ₹5.46 crore PAT in H1 FY25, ended September 30, 2024, reflecting substantial growth from FY24’s full-year PAT of ₹1.37 crore and revenue of ₹78.77 crore.

ACMPL, a Navi Mumbai-based cargo transportation specialist with major operations in Maharashtra and Gujarat, leverages a fleet of 250+ containerized trucks (20-ft and 40-ft) and advanced technology platforms, including its proprietary Clay Soft operational software and Elixia real-time tracking system.

The company serves import-export logistics through full container load (FCL), less container load (LCL), and over dimension cargo (ODC) solutions, focusing on port-to-factory transportation.

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Indian printing & packaging professionals on multi-city tour of China

Heidelberg India recently led an international customer tour to China, providing participants with an immersive experience with the recent advancements in print and packaging technology. The multi-city tour included visits to the Print Media Center in Shanghai, followed by MK Masterwork’s facility in Tianjin, and concluded at the China Print 2025 exhibition in Beijing.

This initiative formed a part of the Heidelberg Asia-Pacific Customer Engagement Program and brought together more than 150 delegates from over 10 countries across the region. From India, 50 prominent printing and packaging professionals representing print hubs from Mumbai, Goa, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Sivakasi participated in the tour. Customers from both the commercial and packaging segments of the industry joined the delegation, reflecting the diverse interests and evolving needs of the Indian print community.

Noble Printing Press from Mumbai, Rahul Print O Pack, Azure Press, Goyal Offset Works, and Premier Printing Press from New Delhi as well as SFA Print from Sivakasi, and Brilliant Printers, Global Printing & Packaging, Jwalamukhi Mudranalaya from Bengaluru were a part of the delegation, the Heidelberg India team told the IPP Group.

Heidelberg international customer tour to China

The itinerary commenced on 14 May at the Print Media Center in Shanghai, where attendees were shown live demonstrations of the Speedmaster CX 104-8+LYYL X3 and CX 92 4-color presses.

Guests were given a guided walk-through of Heidelberg’s production facility, with the staff offering insights into the company’s press manufacturing processes and technological prowess.

On 15 May, the delegation traveled to Tianjin to the MK Masterwork plant, where the attendees explored the full spectrum of MK’s packaging solutions. The visit featured a deep dive into MK’s precision-driven manufacturing from engineering and design to assembly, highlighting the company’s commitment to automation and scale.

The tour culminated at China Print 2025 in Beijing, held under the theme 'Unfold Your Potential.'

Heidelberg’s showcase at the exhibition was anchored by the Speedmaster CX 104-8LYYL+1+L, a versatile A1 format press tailored for high-end commercial and packaging applications. Also on display were the Speedmaster XL 75 8+L, known for its high-performance multi-color capability, and the Jetfire 50, Heidelberg’s latest digital press innovation.

Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Samir Patkar, president of Heidelberg India, said, “We were truly thrilled by the enthusiastic participation and engagement at China Print 2025. This tour offered a unique platform to reconnect with our valued customers, showcase breakthrough innovations, and celebrate the future of print. We are especially proud that several strategic deals were concluded during the event, reaffirming our commitment to the Indian print and packaging industry.”

Ramit Goyal from Goyal Offset Works told the IPP Group, “The entire experience was truly exemplary. We had a well-organized and insightful tour of the Heidelberg Print Media Center in Shanghai, followed by an impressive visit to the MK Masterwork facility in Tianjin. The Chinese packaging print production sites offered valuable industry insights. China Print was equally enriching — a fantastic platform to explore the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of print and packaging.”

“The entire China visit was an eye-opening experience, especially for those of us focused on packaging. The guided tours at the Heidelberg Print Media Center in Shanghai and MK Masterwork in Tianjin gave us a close look at some of the most advanced technologies in action. Visiting local packaging print facilities added even more depth — it was impressive to see how efficiently things are run,” Manjunath, director, Global Printing & Packaging, Bengaluru, told the IPP Group.

“China Print was a great opportunity to catch up on the latest trends and innovations driving the packaging segment forward. We are thankful to Heidelberg for organizing this tour, especially to the packaging companies of China, where we could see how efficiently manpower is being utilized. We could learn about decreasing manpower and increasing OEE from these Chinese packaging houses. We learned that the machines manufactured at Heidelberg's China facility are of Heidelberg Germany quality,” Manjunath said.

The company said the customer outreach effort underscored Heidelberg India’s continued focus on fostering collaboration, enabling technology adoption, and reinforcing its leadership in driving innovation across the region’s print and packaging landscape.

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Ipack-Ima and Pharmintech 2025 report significant rise in international participation

The 2025 edition of Ipack-Ima and Pharmintech concluded on 30 May at Fiera Milano with higher international participation and expanded engagement across processing and packaging sectors. The organizers reported a substantial rise in both exhibitor and visitor numbers compared to previous editions, with over 400 international exhibitors — more than double that of 2022 — and a 51% increase in foreign visitors.

The combined event hosted 70,560 professional visitors, surpassing the 2018 total of 68,802. Of these, 22,579 attendees (32%) came from outside Italy, representing over 100 countries. Ipack-Ima alone featured more than 1,300 exhibitors, 38% of which were from overseas. Pharmintech hosted over 300 exhibitors, with international companies making up 35% of the total.

The 2025 edition marked a notable expansion in the event’s processing segment, with participation from leading companies across the food, non-food, and pharmaceutical industries. Three fully operational demonstration lines — focused on flexible packaging, beverages, and coffee — were set up on the show floor, drawing sustained interest from professionals seeking practical and integrated solutions.

The four-day event included over 45 side events and panel discussions, featuring around 150 speakers from across industry and academia. According to the organizers, these sessions provided a platform to explore developments in smart manufacturing, automation, digitalization, and sustainable materials.

The strategic collaboration between Ipack-Ima and Pharmintech continued under the broader umbrella of The Innovation Alliance, which also includes GreenPlast, Print4All, and Intralogistica Italia. The joint initiative attracted 108,458 visitors from 143 countries and 1,857 exhibitors in total, 39% of whom were international.

Looking ahead, each of the partner exhibitions within The Innovation Alliance will operate on an independent schedule while continuing to share thematic and strategic alignment. Organizers confirmed that Ipack-Ima will return from 29 May to 1 June 2028.

Further international engagement is planned, beginning with participation at ProPak Asia through a partnership with Informa Markets. Additionally, a new initiative called Bevertech, developed in collaboration with the Italian Wine Union, will debut in 2026 alongside the Simei trade fair, focusing on liquid food and beverage processing.

According to Ipack-Ima CEO Simone Castelli, the 2025 edition demonstrated the potential for collaboration, including among competitors, to drive innovation and add value. Valerio Soli, chair of Ipack-Ima, described the event as a reliable platform for tracking market trends and facilitating knowledge exchange across the supply chain.

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Pamex 2026 crosses 15,000 sq m in bookings

Pamex 2026, one of India's top printing and packaging exhibitions, has crossed 15,000 square meters of booked exhibition space and confirmed participation from over 300 companies. 

Organized by the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) in association with Print-Packaging.com, the event is scheduled to take place from 27–30 January 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.

The organizers said the milestone reflects an overwhelming response from across the printing and packaging industry, affirming Pamex’s position as one of the most significant and business-driven platforms in the global exhibition landscape.

“Pamex has evolved into a powerhouse platform that reflects the aspirations and capabilities of India’s printing sector,” said Satish Malhotra, president – AIFMP. “This overwhelming response not only validates our efforts but also highlights India’s potential to lead the global print narrative in the years to come.”

Pamex Expo was recently honored at the Exhibition Excellence Awards 2025, receiving recognition in the 'Star in Industry Promotion' category. 

Pamex 2026 will showcase the latest in printing machinery, labels, flexible packaging, paper converting, corrugated packaging, textile printing, signage and allied industries. With a broader layout and a strategically curated exhibitor mix, the event is set to provide visitors with an enriched, future-ready experience. One major exhibition hall has already been marked as 'sold out'. India’s printing industry is increasingly embracing sustainability as a core driver of growth, with a strong focus on eco-friendly practices, green technologies, and responsible production. Pamex 2026 is poised to be a catalyst in this shift—bringing together innovations and solutions that support the industry's transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

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Britannia Marie Gold honors Avani Lekhara with new packaging and new biscuit design

Siddharth Gupta, general marketing manager, Britannia Industries, said, “Britannia Marie Gold was inspired by Avani Lekhara's extraordinary achievements and her embodiment of the everyday woman’s determined spirit. Her resilience and success resonated deeply with the brand's core message of empowering women. The special edition biscuit and packaging were created to celebrate her remarkable journey, highlighting her as a role model and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. This initiative recognized her as a symbol of strength and determination, aligning with Britannia Marie Gold's commitment to honoring women's contributions.”

According to Sudhir Nema, chief development and quality officer, Britannia, the redesign of Marie Gold wasn't just a packaging update; it was a creative leap with purpose. He said, “We wanted to do something that went beyond form and function, and what it could truly mean to our consumers. Avani Lekhara’s story was one of resilience, precision, and quiet determination.”

Avani's exact gold medal-winning shots were mapped on the biscuit using 3D printing. “We used 3D printing technology to etch the exact positions of her gold-winning shots from the Paris Paralympics onto specially designed Marie Gold biscuits. These markings weren’t symbolic; they were authentic recreations of her winning shots, capturing the precision that defined her victory.”

The design took cues from her rifle shooting form, with the grooves reflecting both her accuracy and focus. The design process, from ideation to final execution, was completed in six months. The design replicates the exact dimensions of Avani's Paris 2024 target, with each biscuit etched to depict her precise winning shots.

Beyond the biscuit, the special edition packaging was crafted to tell Avani’s story with the same level of detail and care. Nema said, “We used high-barrier materials to lock in freshness and ensure that every biscuit felt like a moment worth savoring. The print execution was carefully managed to bring out the clarity of the shooting target and Avani’s visual identity. The goal was to keep it authentic, focused, and true to the campaign’s spirit, subtle but powerful.”

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Avery Dennison at The Battery Show 2025

Avery Dennison will return to The Battery Show Europe 2025 in Stuttgart to showcase its latest innovations in pressure-sensitive adhesives and RFID technologies — designed to meet the evolving needs of electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers and OEMs.

Under the theme 'Making Possible,' the company will present how its solutions connect the physical and digital to ensure safety, performance and longevity across the battery lifecycle. With a portfolio that spans bonding, insulating, protecting and tracking, Avery Dennison supports every layer of EV battery design — from cell to pack.

“We’re focused on delivering solutions that help our customers meet the industry’s toughest demands,” said Martin Dolezal, marketing manager, automotive and energy storage. “Whether it’s enhancing thermal management, achieving digital traceability or reducing material impact, our technologies are built to perform in real-world conditions and ready for what’s next.”

Performance tapes: Electrical insulation and tailored venting films

Attendees will find out more about two key tape technologies essential to modern EV battery architecture, including electrical insulation films that deliver robust dielectric protection for critical components like cell connections, busbars, module plates and cooling ribbons. Designed as a high-performance alternative to coatings, these thin yet powerful films enhance thermal flow while meeting demanding electrical insulation needs. 

Attendees will also discover the benefits of venting films that tackle one of today’s most complex battery challenges: balancing airtight protection with emergency pressure relief. These engineered membranes block moisture and particles under normal conditions — but when thermal runaway occurs, they release gas and heat while shielding neighboring cells. 

“Effective venting and insulation are essential for thermal control and system safety,” said Andrew Christie, business development manager, automotive. “With growing complexity in cell-to-pack designs, we deliver reliable solutions that meet those functional and regulatory challenges.”

Label and packaging materials: Lightweight and sustainable innovations

New from Avery Dennison is a composite current collector — a PET film coated with a highly conductive metallized copper layer — offering a safer, lightweight alternative to traditional copper foil in anode applications. By reducing material mass and thermal risk, this solution enables easier processing, potential mileage gains and greater design flexibility for battery manufacturers.

Also featured are electrical insulation wrapping films made with up to 70% post-consumer recycled PET. These solvent-free solutions are available in single and dual-layer constructions, supporting enhanced safety and material flexibility. A range of color modifications and flame-retardant enhancements is also available for customers looking for customized performance.

Yongle: Next-generation PVC 2.0 low-VOC tapes

Avery Dennison Yongle will showcase its new generation of PVC 2.0 low-VOC tapes, engineered for automotive interiors and environments where low fogging, odor and emissions are required. Using a patented UV-cured hot melt adhesive and solvent-free coating process, the tapes eliminate low-molecular-weight plasticizers and leave no solvent residue.

“As sustainability and interior air quality become higher priorities, our PVC 2.0 tapes provide OEMs with a future-ready solution,” said Lisa Zhuang, senior sales manager Yongle EU. “They’re proof that innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Intelligent labeling: Connecting the physical and digital

With a growing need for traceability and supply chain transparency, Avery Dennison will also spotlight its RFID-enabled labeling solutions — designed to create a digital twin of the battery or component they’re applied to. As the world’s largest UHF RFID inlay manufacturer, Avery Dennison enables EV battery makers to unlock item-level tracking, support compliance and deliver full lifecycle visibility from cell manufacturing to pack integration and end-of-life.

Providing global coverage and local support, Avery Dennison combines material science expertise with forward-looking innovation to help customers meet the evolving needs of the EV battery industry.

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Bobst India showcases NOVAFFG 1024 flexo folder gluer at Pune open house  

Bobst India hosted its VIP Customer Day on 16 May at its manufacturing facility in Pune, unveiling the all-new made in India NOVAFFG 1024 flexo folder gluer to the public for the first time. The open house drew industry stakeholders, partners, and customers from across the corrugated packaging sector, offering them a close look at the company’s latest innovations and strategic developments.

The full-day program was split into morning and afternoon sessions, each comprising a guided plant tour, market presentations, and live machine demonstrations. Guests were welcomed with an overview of Bobst’s growing presence in India and insights into global corrugated market trends, presented by Venugopal Menon, business director of Bobst India BUPC, and Oliver Robin, technology sales director for FFG-DRO.

Live demonstration of two corrugated jobs on NOVAFFG 1024

The highlight of the day was the live demonstration of two different box production jobs on the NOVAFFG 1024, underlining the machine’s versatility, print quality, and high-speed performance.

Job 1: 2-color FMCG/industrial shipping box

The first job ran a 2-color corrugated box on BC-flute board, designed for high-volume shipping and industrial packaging. The substrate measured 628 × 1,698 mm in blank format and 274 × 353 × 483 mm as the final folded box.

The job was printed using water-based inks, in line with industry demand for more sustainable materials. The NOVAFFG 1024 produced the boxes at a consistent speed of 14,000 boxes per hour, with each bundle comprising 25 sheets. 

Job 2: high-speed eCommerce box production

The second demonstration focused on eCommerce packaging, a fast-growing segment with specific performance requirements. The job ran on C-flute board, known for its durability and lighter weight—ideal for online retail shipping.

The blank size was 533 × 1,302 mm, with the final folded box measuring 241 × 292 × 343 mm. Using a single-color water-based ink process.

The NOVAFFG 1024 handled this run at an impressive 18,000 boxes per hour. As with the earlier job, each bundle contained 25 sheets, aiding efficiency in post-print handling.

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Avery Dennison at PCD Milan 2025 – 13 to 15 May

Avery Dennison will showcase its latest premium labeling materials and digital solutions at PCD Milan 2025, from 13 to 15 May, offering new ways for brands, designers and converters to create packaging that performs and inspires.

Under the theme 'Expanding your possibilities with luxury labeling solutions,' the company will introduce the Infinity Collection alongside materials from the newest edition of its Premium swatchbook. Visitors will also explore innovative solutions through a curated sample display featuring partner designs and intelligent labels that connect the physical and digital worlds.

"The future of luxury packaging belongs to brands that can combine style with impact," said Marco Gelain, business development manager premium labeling solutions at Avery Dennison. "We're helping brands push creative boundaries with materials engineered to perform in real-world conditions and boost customer experiences."

Premium labeling solutions that perform

Luxury is no longer just about aesthetics. It's about creativity and performance. From seamless production to a premium consumer experience, Avery Dennison's Infinity Collection empowers brands to unlock their creative spirit. Featuring resilient papers that offer a smooth finish, brands can ensure a lasting impression with label decoration that delivers a beautiful experience time and time again.

"With the Infinity Collection, we're giving brands the freedom to design packaging that doesn't just look premium, it performs as well," said Marco. "It's about delivering luxury that stands up to real-world demands without compromising the level of sophistication consumers expect."

Avery Dennison’s booth will also display the latest edition of its Premium Labeling Materials swatchbook — a curated collection of high-performance materials developed to meet the creative and technical demands of today’s most visionary brands. Featuring an expanded selection of textures and finishes, the swatchbook is designed to support elevated design and production outcomes across segments like wine, spirits, beauty and gourmet food.

Visitors to the booth will also have the chance to explore a collection of these materials in action across a range of real-world packaging applications. Developed in collaboration with leading brands and designers, these examples bring to life how material choices can enhance storytelling, strengthen brand identity and deliver lasting performance.

Connecting the physical and digital

As an expert in connecting the physical and digital, Avery Dennison will also present its intelligent labeling solutions for luxury packaging. With digital ID technologies like RFID, brands can enhance traceability, authentication and consumer engagement — transforming packaging into a gateway for deeper brand relationships.

Visitors to the booth will have the opportunity to explore how these connected solutions are shaping the future of premium packaging, providing a platform for brands to innovate beyond the traditional.

Visit stand C129 - C133 to explore how Avery Dennison's materials are designed to inspire, perform and bring brand stories to life.

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K&B with Rapida sheetfed offset tech at China Print

At the 11th Beijing International Printing Exhibition (China Print), which takes place in Beijing from 15 to 19 May, Koenig & Bauer (K&B) will be present with a stand covering over 1,000 square meters in Hall 2 (W2-001). The focal point of the presentation is a Rapida 105 with eight printing units and coating equipment, which will be demonstrated several times a day in practical live shows.

The Rapida 105, which was showcased at the previous China Print as a six-color version with a coating tower, now features two additional printing units and extra equipment. The exhibition machine (max. sheet format of the demonstration machine 780 x 1,050 mm) is equipped with, among other things, an additional package for carton printing, equipment for UV/mixed operation, nonstop feeder and delivery (lowerable nonstop carriage), fully automatic plate changers, inking unit temperature control, CleanTronic washing units, measuring and control technology for print quality and register, as well as other automation components. This equips printing companies for today's and future challenges – both in packaging printing and in commercial and label printing applications.

Focus on packaging printing

The presentation of the Rapida 105 is primarily aimed at users in the packaging sector. In addition to the production of various packaging types, the production of posters is planned, which traditionally attracts great interest from the trade fair audience.

The production of seven-color printing with an expanded color gamut (CMYK+OVG) will be shown, as well as fast changeovers between individual print jobs. A second focus is digital packaging production with the VariJET 106. Packaging samples in seven-color digital printing and comparison samples in sheetfed offset were produced in advance. This allowed print specialists to see for themselves that there are no longer any differences between the two processes in terms of print quality and color gamut.

Rapida sheetfed offset: Stable backbone of print production

Sheetfed offset presses in the Rapida series are highly sought after in Greater China and have been in strong demand for decades. In many printing companies, they have become a stable backbone in production and are particularly valued for their outstanding printing performance, high print quality and flexibility in terms of their features.

Koenig & Bauer traditionally expects many visitors and widespread interest from trade professionals at China Print.

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Südpack and Multivac at IFFA in Frankfurt – 3 to 8 May 2025

At IFFA in Frankfurt, the Multivac Group will showcase three concepts developed specifically for the meat processing industry using sustainable films from Südpack. At booth A41 in Hall 12.1, industry professionals can experience firsthand how material-efficient, recyclable mono-structures can be processed on thermoforming packaging machines, tray sealers, and flowpackers – delivering the same high performance and reliability as conventional composite materials.

PP, PE, and PET are among the preferred polymers used in food packaging to meet the strict requirements for recyclability and material efficiency. However, due to their specific properties, these material structures are more challenging to process than conventional composites. Thanks to their many years of close collaboration, Multivac and Südpack ensure that these sustainable packaging materials can be reliably processed on standard packaging machines.

Sustainable packaging for raw ham slices

Among the highlights at the Multivac stand will be a high-performance slicing line for raw ham products. It will process Südpack’s new Peel PET floatable film as the peelable lidding film for thermoforming and modified-atmosphere packaging – offering a sustainable alternative. During the recycling process, the low-density top webs, which are sealable to mono-APET trays, can be cleanly separated from the APET bottom webs, enabling pure-grade recycling and infeed into dedicated material streams.

Sustainable packaging for fresh meat in trays

When packaging minute steaks in mono-PP trays on the TX 620 tray sealer – part of a high-performance meat portioning line – a PP-based lidding film from SÜDPACK’s Pure-Line ensures that the entire packaging concept is classified as recyclable and can be fed into existing recycling streams. Weighing just 60 μm, the film reduces overall packaging weight while still offering maximum stability. Its peelability also delivers added convenience for consumers.

Sustainable packaging for ground meat

Once viewed critically, now widely accepted – ‘ground meat in a pouch’ – the lightweight pouch packaging for fresh ground meat. Multivac will showcase this extremely material-efficient concept on a high-performance ground meat packaging line featuring the W 510 flowpacker, which will also process PP-based flow pack films from Südpack’s bestselling Pure-Line family – engineered for efficient processing at high output rates. Despite its low material thickness of just 60 μm, this pouch packaging offers product protection comparable to conventional tray packaging solutions. At the same time, it enables material savings of up to 60%, significantly reducing the carbon footprint.

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Domino unveils N730i press at Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2025

Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2025, the region’s largest label and package printing event, will host the unveiling of a new high-speed productivity mode for Domino N730i digital label press in Bangkok between 8-10 May 2025.

Driven by customer needs and market demand for faster print speeds, this new press enables high-quality label production while helping deliver a swift return on investment. The new mode surpasses the standard speed of 70 m/min reaching up to 90 m/min, set to provide converters with significant efficiency gains; tests have shown the improvement can increase label output by up to 28 percent or reduce the production time for a job by up to 22 percent, saving up to 8 % in annual ink usage with a projected cost saving of GBP 5,000 (US$ 6,500), states a company release.

Michael Matthews, global product manager for digital color at Domino Printing Sciences (Domino) explains, “Our customers asked for higher printing speeds that would enable them to maximize the number of labels produced on their Domino N730i digital label press. The high-speed productivity mode significantly enhances the speed and efficiency of the N730i press, allowing our customers to achieve up to a 28 % increase in productivity.”

A N730i digital label press featuring the new high-speed productivity mode will be on show at Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2025 in Bangkok along with regular live demonstrations at Domino’s stand G36.

Alongside the demonstrations on the N730i digital label press at stand G36, Domino, a leading developer and manufacturer of digital inkjet printing technologies, will also showcase the Domino R-Scan monitoring and inspection system. The R-Scan provides peace of mind during unattended operation by ensuring that, when a defect is detected, the press automatically comes to a stop. This enables the operator to remedy the error, reduces the number of labels rejected, and helps maximize efficiency and minimize waste.

At the Nilpeter stand F32, a K300 monochrome printer will also be available for demonstrations as part of a hybrid press. The printer will be featured alongside vision inspection from Domino Group Company, Lake Image Systems.

Mark Herrtage, business development director for Asia at Domino said, “Our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve our products, so we can help our customers stay ahead in a competitive market. We are delighted to be able to demonstrate this commitment at Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2025 and look forward to meeting with converters across all stages of their digital printing journey to discuss how Domino’s expertise and solutions can help support them.”

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Bacardi India’s Shalini Rawat on packaging design and trends

Bacardi, the global spirits brand famous for its rum, was founded in 1862 by Facundo Bacardí Massó in Santiago de Cuba. The brand revolutionized rum-making by introducing a charcoal filtering process that delivered a smoother, lighter taste and helped Bacardi gain popularity beyond Cuba. An arm of the global spirits giant, Gurugram-headquartered Bacardi India, plays a key role in the Indian alcoholic beverage market.

The company’s beverages include Breezer, Bacardi Plus RTD, Bacardi Non-Alcoholic Mixer, Bacardi white and flavored rums, Black by Bacardi, Dewar’s White Label, William Lawson’s, and Legacy Premium Whisky. Although produced at multiple sites across the country, the company’s mother plant is in Nanjangud in Mysore. Its co-packaging facilities in key locations, including Moonak, Dhaurala, Kashipur, Gwalior, Odisha, Telangana, Nashik, West Bengal, Goa, and Hosur allow Bacardi to efficiently serve the Indian market.

“We focus on using eco-friendly, recyclable, and reusable materials that align with our global sustainability goals. As part of our journey towards more responsible packaging, one of our key initiatives is the use of lightweight glass bottles. By cutting down on material weight, we lower resource consumption and improve transport efficiency. This allows us to ship more units per container, lowering fuel consumption and significantly reducing carbon emissions,” Rawat says.

The company is expanding the use of returnable glass bottles, which can be cleaned, refilled, and reused multiple times – encouraging circular economy practices to lower environmental footprint. It prioritizes responsibly sourced materials, such as FSC-certified paper labels and paperboard. Its shipping cartons are made from recycled material to minimize waste across the supply chains.

She explains that modern-day consumers are drawn to minimalist and premium-style packaging. Appealing and engaging designs with sleek fonts, embossed details, and elegant color schemes are popular. Authenticity is important as designs that draw on heritage, vintage artwork, and storytelling elements help create a stronger emotional bond with consumers.

Brand protection and consumer engagement

“Bold and experimental packaging with vibrant colors, unique shapes, and fun typography is taking off, especially in craft spirits and ready-to-drink beverages. Tactile and multi-sensory elements, like textured labels, embossed glass, and shiny metallic accents, add to that premium feel of a product. We’re always on the lookout for these trends, to make sure our packaging connects with changing consumer preferences.”

The company is keen to leverage Augmented Reality (AR) to add a new dimension to product interaction. AR-enabled packaging can bring products to life, presenting immersive storytelling, virtual tastings, or behind-the-scenes brand content.

According to Rawat, smart packaging is transforming the alcobev sector by enhancing consumer engagement, improving supply chain efficiency, and ensuring product authenticity. She explains, “We explore innovative technologies that improve the consumer experience. One of the most significant innovations allowing consumers to interact with the packaging using their phones is QR codes. Customers can access brand stories, cocktail recipes, authenticity verification, and exclusive digital experiences by scanning a code on the label.”

Rawat adds, “At Bacardi, sustainability is at the heart of our operations. Packaging plays a crucial role in fulfilling our environmental goals. We will ensure that 100% of the paper and board used for shipping and labels come from sustainability-certified sources by 2025. We are aiming to increase the recycled content in our packaging to 40% in the near future.” 

Rawat notes that Bacardi India is aiming to be 100% free of single-use plastic by 2030. “In addition to these commitments, we will continue to explore biodegradable materials, lightweight glass, returnable bottles, and innovative sustainable packaging technologies. By integrating these initiatives into our packaging design and supply chain, we hope to move toward a greener and more responsible future for the spirits industry,” she concludes.

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VK Seth retires from Sakata Inks

Sakata Inks, a supplier of cold-set offset inks to the newspaper, commercial, and packaging industry market segments and liquid inks to the flexible packaging industry, has announced the appointment of Yogesh Kapur as its new managing director.

Known for his expertise and leadership in the ink world, Seth graduated from Punjab University (India) in 1975 as a chemical engineer. He started his professional life at Synthetic and Chemical and also worked with Hindustan Insecticides, Montari Industries, and SIC Japan before joining Sakata Ink. Highly respected by the ink industry, Seth, apart from expanding and setting up new Sakataink plants in India, Seth also set up the Sakata India ink plant in Bangladesh.

Sakata Ink’s new managing director Yogesh Kapur previously headed the holographic division of multinational flexible packaging company Uflex. Sakata Inks stated,  “We are pleased to announce that Yogesh Kapur has taken over as the new managing director. With his extensive industry experience and leadership acumen, we are confident he will continue to drive the company toward greater achievements.”

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Amcor’s Malaysia coating plant for Asia Pacific healthcare packaging

Amcor, a global manufacturer of packaging solutions and also present in India, just announced that it has completed construction of its advanced coating facility for healthcare packaging in Selangor, Malaysia. The first plant in Asia to leverage cutting-edge air-knife coating technology, strengthens Amcor’s supply of high-quality, sterile packaging for healthcare customers across the region.

The new plant expands Amcor’s existing healthcare packaging plant in Selangor, creating an integrated campus that making it the first in Asia to produce both top and bottom substrates for medical device packaging. This development delivers critical benefits to customers, including enhanced supply chain resilience and reduced lead times.

Equipped with advanced technologies such as water-based coating systems, online inspection systems and air knife technology, the facility sets new standards for precision and efficiency. The air knife technology, in particular, uses high-speed air streams to ensure uniform coating application, enhancing product consistency and reducing material waste.

“Amcor’s investment in this new facility reflects our unwavering commitment to support our customers across the Asia Pacific region,” said Chris Kenneally, president of Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific. “By introducing advanced coating technology and boosting local production capacity, we are better positioned to meet the growing regional demand for sterile, reliable packaging and to offer our customers greater flexibility and security.”

“Producing our industry-leading global product platform locally brings us closer to our customers, enhancing supply security and flexibility,” said Virginie Maes, vice president of global healthcare, Amcor. “By investing in advanced coating technologies and expanding our regional capabilities, we are not only addressing the growing demand for high-performance healthcare packaging but also reinforcing our promise to deliver a consistent and innovative value proposition to our customers worldwide.”

Investments in China, Singapore and India

This new facility is part of the company’s broader commitment to expanding its healthcare capabilities in the Asia Pacific region. Recent initiatives include the acquisition of healthcare packaging company MDK in China, the establishment of a grid lacquer paper unit in India, and the construction of a co-extrusion blown film and printing plant in Singapore.

Amcor is a global packaging company across a variety of materials for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home and personal-care, and other products. Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect products, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains. The company offers a range of innovative, differentiating flexible and rigid packaging, specialty cartons, closures and services.

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Delhi-based Pearl Printers’ new RMGT 920ST 5-color plus coater

Ashwani Thapar was employed in the printing industry from 1981 to 1998, learning the business over 17 years, before starting Pearl Printers. in 1998 he began in a 2,000-square-foot space in New Delhi’s Okhla Industrial Area with a Dominant single-color offset press.

Thapar faced the many initial hiccups of any new print business but he is now established with extensive infrastructure comprising several multicolor presses, postpress and converting machines. In the days when he began the business, offset printers had good margins that have gradually dwindled as competition increased. Nevertheless, he has retained his regular customers, “We focus on our printing quality, which helped us carve a niche and managed to add many regular customers,” he said, adding that nevertheless, customers are not willing to pay more for work printed on a brand-new press.

Pearl Printers primarily focuses on coffee table books, mostly for real estate developers as they get good margins. The commercial printer also prints catalogs, brochures, calendars, diaries, and almanacs for schools. It produces nearly 25 magazines, including Spiritz, a few Japanese magazines, and Ayurvedic and medicinal magazines. For coffee table books and school-related printing orders, it works with ad agencies.

The company prints diaries, yearbooks, report cards, and certificates for Delhi Public School, St George, KR Mangalam, the Heritage School, Raindrops School, JPS Academy, Nehru International Public School, and Satyakaam International School along with some orders for schools in Dehradun and Mussoorie. Orders come from nearby cities such as Karnal and Meerut and from as far away as Patna. There are some exports as well.

The printer’s penchant for cleanliness is noticeable in the neat office and production areas. Thapar says he makes it a point to promote his permanent employees rather than hiring from outside, a policy that has helped him retain his best employees for 27 years.

Multicolor press fleet

The new RMGT 920ST 5-color plus coater was installed a week back in the first half of March. It has another Ryobi 4-color offset press with a coater acquired in 2018, along with four Heidelberg rebuilt presses, a 5-color plus coater, a 5-color, a double color, and a single-color press. The plant generally replaces older machines every 4 to 5 years. “We work on our six machines 24 hours every day in shifts with a mix of commercial and packaging jobs, to survive in the competitive market,” he says.

“The RMGT machines are fast and sometimes we have had to add prepress and postpress equipment to match their speed. The machines are known for their high-quality production,” Thapar said. To keep up in its postpress and book binding sections, Pearl Printers recently installed a Chinese section-sewing machine and an HPM cutting machine.

Diversifying into packaging

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Thapar noticed the shift in commercial printing from offset to digital, and in 2021 decided to enter packaging. “We added autoplaten diecutters and folder gluers, and learned the nuances of packaging in the past three years.” The company’s current packaging production is evenly divided between its clients and what is outsourced to it by other agencies and converters.

A second company, Varun Printline launched in 2015, supplies pharma and cosmetic monocartons, and undertakes some commercial printing. The companies currently operate in two plants with a combined 50,000 square feet with a third plant nearby under development. There are 90 permanent employees while contract labor is engaged when required.

Payments in the packaging business can take four to five months, says Thapar, noting there is constant price competition, as well. He banks on the company’s quality output and reliability, saying, “With high-quality inks, chemicals, and offset plates, we never compromise on the quality of the printed products. However, when a commercial printer diversifies into packaging, there is an initial struggle since both segments have different processes and working styles.”

Next-gen joins the print business

Trained in the workplace after school since he was 15, Thapar’s 22-year-old son Varun joined the business two months ago. “I wanted to make Varun understand the family business at a young age and encouraged him to spend 6-8 hours every week after school to learn the basics of printing. Being a management graduate well-versed in print technicalities adds to his business acumen. He is good at adding new clients,” he says.

The junior Thapar works with a company named Smarth International – an exporter of cosmetics and personal care products such as toothpastes – and a major chunk of its packaging is done by Varun Printline. “I started learning about the printing business while in school. The best way to understand is by getting your own clients and I try to focus on their requirements from start to finish. Right now, I am trying to maximize my productivity and implement a few changes. In the next 2-3 years, I want to take the pressure off my father – first learning to manage the existing business and then focus on expansion,” Varun said.

On government’s interest and intervention in print

In an overall comment on the industry, the senior Thapar notes, “In many countries, there is an elected representative in the government to address issues faced by a particular industry segment. However, there is no such person in India’s large printing industry. While printing in most countries has moved to the green category, in India, it is still part of the orange category. Indian paper manufacturers need to improve the quality of their products so that we don’t have to rely on paper imported from China.”

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Flexo automation and the shift to digital and hybrid labels

The pressure-sensitive label industry in India continues to grow as packed and labeled products in numerous types of containers, formats, and sizes multiply. Every food and snack product is available in various exotic and localized flavors. You can now buy packs of Hershey’s chocolates filled with California almonds with guava and Mexican chilli flavor, or Hershey’s Exotic Dark blueberry and acai flavored centers. Also, you can find Mazan chocolate cubes filled with paan flavour and many other products in the market with a variety of localized flavors including Kurkure packs with ‘UP Taste.’ In short, the number of SKU’s of pouches and labeled containers have substantially multiplied. 

It is no longer about flexo versus digital versus flexo. At the Labelexpo India in 2022, the European plate and roller manufacturers said that ‘digital is the death of flexo.’ To bolster their views they pointed to challenges such as print density, banding, and handling newer substances – a virtual laundry list of difficulties with digital label production.

Digital printing has found its place in various label applications, especially when personalization, variable data, and shorter print runs are required. Flexo holds significant advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness in large-volume production runs and printing on certain materials and increasingly for short-run flexible packaging, especially with the widespread availability of locally manufactured presses.

Managing shorter print runs is challenging for flexo converters, considering the cost of creating printing plates, time-consuming press set-up, and set-up waste. Adding flexo units to a digital module in a hybrid configuration, or investing in a digital roll-to-roll press alongside established flexo lines has helped converters adopt a more sustainable ‘print-on-demand’ business model for shorter-run labels and packaging.

Hybrid printing can be a more sustainable and economical approach. “The flexo technologies being retrofitted with add-on features to a digital press are referred to as hybrid,” explained Ajit Bharadwaj of Vinsak. “Features such as variable data printing, foiling, stamping, die-cutting, and more automated features are increasingly in demand among converters. Reducing avoidable print waste saves both converters and brands money and reduces the need to handle excess printed stock,” he said.

Parwez Izhar, senior vice president of the printing cylinders business at UFlex shares that the Indian packaging industry is witnessing a surge in smart packaging that features technologies such as track-and-trace systems integrated into labels and packaging including RFID, NFC, QR codes, holograms, and more. 

Izhar explains that approximately 20% of the gravure market share has shifted to flexo, primarily due to its cost-effectiveness and faster turnaround time. He says, “In the label industry, both flexo and digital are gaining ground, and with the increasing demand for short-run jobs, converters are also turning to digital.”

“However, converters are not focusing on just one approach, they are thinking about growth. Many opt for both technologies—if they have flexo, they add digital. Converters recognize the demand for a premium look and feel, so the future lies in hybrid technologies that can meet all the quality, volume, and variable data requirements,” Izhar adds.

The automated flexo presses that include hybrid LED UV systems, die-cut units, pre-register, auto-register, movable turn bar, lam and relam units, peal and seal kits, and foiling stations for labels, shrink sleeves, and flexible packaging are increasing in global demand. Faridabad-based Multitec’s mid-web flexo presses can print on various substrates including thin and extensible materials with capability ranging from 10 microns up to 450 microns at 200 meters a minute with impressive registration and low setup wastage.

Multitec generally leads the industry in new technology adoption and implementation with 40% of its manufacturing being exported. Amit Ahuja, managing director of Multitec explained, “The growing short-run demand is creating a market space for digital. This does not pose any threat to veteran flexo users – but the future is in the hybrid production of labels together with the increasing demand for more automation features and quicker and more precise make-ready solutions.”

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Toyo Ink India's range of inks

Toyo Ink India, part of the Artience Group, presented its ink technologies at Printpack 2025 in Greater Noida. Science & Innovation was the company’s theme, which launched its mineral oil-free inks in the economical, middle and premium segments at the show. The inks are cobalt and heavy meta-free and fulfill all sustainability requirements, Inderjit Singh Aidhen, business unit head (offset and flexo division), said.

Toyo Inks also launched Press Room Chemistry. Aidhen said the company has a plant in Malaysia that deals in content solutions, IPA, washes, and press maintenance products. “We have very good partners in inks, and now we want to support them with Press Room Chemistry and Press Room Maintenance Products,” he added.

The company's other launches were UV LED inkjet inks, solvent-based inkjet inks and eco-solvent-based inkjet inks for signage and large format printing. “UV Flexo is a growing market in India. We are very strong in this segment with our head office in Japan. We are doing a study on the UV flexo market,” he said.

Partnership with Weldon Celloplast for UV Flexo inks

Toyo announced a strategic partnership with Weldon Celloplast for UV Flexo inks in the label industry. Announced on Day 1 of Printpack, the collaboration aims to deliver advanced solutions for label customers in Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Under the guidance of Harveer Sahni, a label industry veteran, this partnership combines Weldon Celloplast’s market expertise with Toyo Ink India’s UV Flexo technology.

“Toyo Ink is a respected brand. It needs a calibrated push to promote its product (UV Flexo inks) in India and we are happy to associate with them. This is the first ink brand we have collaborated with. Our offerings to the Indian label industry will become more elaborate,” Sahni told the IPP Group.

“In my 25 years of experience in inks, I have seen that you need to have the right channel partner. As an ink manufacturer, you need to have a strong distributor who has established relationships with printers,” Aidhen said.

Rebranding as Artience

Toyo Ink, founded in 1896, completed 128 years in 2024, Aidhen said, adding the company had a legacy for over 100 years and wanted to take it to the next 100 years. It, hence, came up with a new branding – Artience, which combines the words art and science, incorporating creativity and a scientific way of doing things.

“We wanted to do more research-based products,” he said, adding that few are aware that only 50% of Toyo Ink's products are printing inks. The remaining 50% has coatings, adhesives, masterbatches, lithium battery dispersions, mobile flat panel displays, he said, adding the company wants to diversify into a lot of new segments and that is how the concept of Artience came in.

Artience has been well-received in the market and the company wants to empower new talent and the younger generation. That is how Artience is being promoted in India and worldwide, he said.

Production plants

Toyo Ink India has two plants in the country. The first one in Greater Noida, started in 2009, manufactures rotogravure inks, sheetfed offset inks, UV offset, UV flexo, water-based flexo and inkjet inks. The second plant, located in Dahej in Gujarat, manufactures rotogravure inks, offset inks, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and masterbatches.

In the offset inks market, Toyo Ink India has a 25-30% share in the Indian market and is producing and supplying more than 700 tons of inks across India.

Sustainability agenda

Toyo Ink uses 37% renewable energy, including solar and wind, he said. The company's carbon footprint used to be 900 kg for one metric ton of ink production, which has drastically come down to 230 kg per metric ton of production, mainly because of the recent investments in renewable energy.

Water harvesting has increased over the last five years and water consumption per kg has dropped by 16%, Aidhen said.

“A lot of women work in our quality control department and we are hiring women in the marketing and sales division as well,” he said, adding the company believes in empowering people.

Exports and plans

The Toyo Group has a presence in 47 countries, Aidhen said, adding they have Group companies in Europe, West Asia, Australia, and South Africa. “We are exporting more than 100 tons of offset inks from India to these countries,” he said.

'UV flexo is our main area of growth. We are doing well in the sheetfed offset segment. We want to grow in the signage industry for inkjet printing. Our key areas of growth are liquid inks, water-based gravure inks, PVC-free inks and NTNK (non-toluene non-ketone) inks,” he shared about the company's plans.