PrintWeek India

Yash Pakka receives Great Place to Work certification

Uttar Pradesh-based paper and flexible package manufacturer, Yash Pakka, has received the Great Place to Work certification in India.

Lupin bags India Packaging Award for Be One supplement

LupinLife, the consumer healthcare business of pharma major Lupin, has bagged the Best Graphics and Brand Value Addition accolade for its daily health supplement, Be One, at the India Packaging Awards 2021.

Serum Institute buys 50% stake in Schott Kaisha

Serum Institute of India has announced the purchase of a 50% stake in German-based glass packaging manufacturer Schott Kaisha.

Amcor to invest close to USD 35 mn in two innovation centres

Amcor has announced plans to build innovation centres in Jiangyin, China and Ghent, Belgium. The new facilities will welcome customers in mid-2022, with a full build-out over the next two years. The total investment is expected to be close to USD 35 million.

Nestle’s popular brands to sport masks on packaging to spread awareness

FMCG major Nestle India said its iconic brands Maggi, KitKat, Nescafe, Everyday will have their logos masked up in order to create awareness and reinforce Covid-appropriate behaviour among the masses

Dow joins hands with Vishakha, Dharmesh Foods to boost wheat packaging in India

Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics (Dow P&SP) is partnering with Gujarat-based barrier film manufacturer, Vishakha Group, to develop a recyclable barrier film for the packaging of solid products such as wheat. The films will be first used by Gujarat-based Dharmesh Foods for vacuum-packing wheat.

Santi Arts’ artworks available for purchase

Guntur-based screen printing specialist Santi Arts has announced that it is open to sell its original print artworks. The company is also willing to transfer the intellectual property rights for the creations to the actual buyer on a non-exclusive basis.

Medpack boosts die-cutting ops with Vinsak E-Diffsystem

Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical packaging start-up Medpack India has reinforced its die-cutting operations with the installation of Vinsak E-Diffsystem on its Lombardi Synchroline (330-mm) narrow-web press.

Packman: A franchise chain in packaging

Paper price hike, sustainability, eCommerce and all else. Abhishek Muralidharan of WhatPackaging? speaks to Packman Packaging’s founder Gaurav Jalan

Yash Pakka: progress report on alternative to single-use plastic

Abhishek Muralidharan of WhatPackaging? speaks to Ved Krishna, vice-chairman, Yash Pakka, about the company’s Chuk brand, a bagasse-based substitute for packaging

Clariant Chemicals records 69% profits

Clariant Chemicals, a focused, sustainable and innovative specialty chemical company has announced its full year financial results for the year ended March 31, 2021. The company reported profit before exceptional item and tax of Rs 58.07-crore for the year ended 31 March 2021, as compared to Rs 34.29-crore in the similar previous year period – witnessing a significant growth of 69%, for its continuing business. Sales, in this period declined by 3.5% at Rs 730.77-crore as against Rs 757.28-crore in the similar previous year period, impacted by the Covid nationwide lockdown in the initial months.

Sulapac launches cosmetics packaging without microplastic pollution

Sulapac has launched a ground-breaking innovation. Now, water-based products can be packaged with a new bio-based Sulapac barrier that biodegrades without leaving permanent microplastics behind.

Pragati's calendar: A tribute to the human spirit

Pragati Offset's annual calendar 2021-22 version pays "a tribute to the human spirit and valour of man" with six themes: Rethink. Rewind. Refresh, Rebuild. Rebirth. Rejoice.

Numex boosts platemaking capacity with new Esko line

Mumbai-based pre-press trade shop Numex Blocks has opted for a complete Esko workflow and Crystal line of platemaking following the recent virtual.drupa event in April 2021. The new investments include a CDI Crystal 5080 plate imager and XPS Crystal 5080 exposing unit along with the extended gamut printing software Equinox and Print Control Wizard.

Hi-Tech bolsters ink production with Vapi plant

The new facility, which is three times the size of its existing plant, has been set up keeping in mind the growing demand for printing inks. Abhishek Muralidharan of WhatPackaging? speaks to Hi-Tech Inks' Karan Mahajan about the investment

Unbox series – a meeting point for brands, consumers and packaging design

Closed shops and plunging sales, the pandemic has driven the brands to move into the digital era from augmented reality to chatbots to digital events. But products have to be delivered and communication established. In this conversation with Hema Java of CH Java & Company, WhatPackaging? finds out the reasons behind Holmen Iggesund’s launch of Unbox series on the digital platform

Packaging industry gets sustainability boost with FIPS launch

Industry veterans Dr NC Saha, AK Gosh and MK Banerjee have combined efforts to establish the Foundation of Innovative Packaging and Sustainability (FIPS), a non-profit NGO which aims to translate packaging researches from a laboratory phase to the industrial scale for commercialisation.

Metal-container makers' SOS to Steel Ministry

Metal-container makers want ISO standards to be considered along with BIS. The Metal Container Manufacturers’ Association recommends the Quality Control Order which was issued in July be dropped since it will impact the metal packaging industry.

Rukson Packaging opts for Speedmaster CS 92

Navi-Mumbai based packaging specialist Rukson Packaging has installed a brand new Heidelberg Speedmaster CS 92 five-colour plus coater press at its 35,000-sqft facility in Rabale.

The plastic conundrum

Environmental issues have been a growing concern, but devoid of positive action. Hence, when a company like HUL flexes its clout for recycling, it's a sign of things to come. At Plastivision 2020 hosted in BEC, Goregaon in Mumbai, the WhatPackaging? team tries to find out where the industry is heading in terms of a circular economy.

Packaging with a natural connection

How often do you come across a product available in the purest form of packaging – the nature itself? With its coconut packaging, iD Fresh has added another feather to its cap of packaging innovations. PC Musthafa, co-founder, iD Fresh Food, in a conversation with Abhishek Muralidharan of WhatPackaging?, explains how the company took inspiration from nature

Lupin's innovative package ups the ante in women healthcare segment

In a calcium market worth more than Rs 2,400-crore, dominated by players like Shelcal, Gemcal and Calcimax, Lupin discerns itself with Corcal Bone & Beauty and its new packaging strategy, writes Abhishek Muralidharan.

Metal packaging market demand to surpass pre-pandemic levels

According to a study by Smithers, the global metal packaging and coatings market is set to reach USD 112.4 billion in 2020 from a dip of USD 4.8 billion as compared to 2019.

Maisha ups pre-press ops with Esko kit

Mumbai-based packaging and printing specialist, Maisha Pack, has reinforced its pre-press capabilities with the installation of Esko ArtiosCAD and ArtPro+ software. These software packages were installed in March 2020, a week before the Covid-19 induced lockdown period.

The necessary outlook towards sustainability

The absence of a centralised authority that can frame plastic waste management rules has led to every State implementing its own rules. In this interaction, Vimal Kedia, chairman and managing director of Manjushree Technopack, says, this is not practical nor workable

Day two of Heidelberg Innovation Week: The Smart Print Shop- Enabling mid-sized printers with a competitive edge

Day two of the Heidelberg Innovation Week 2020, Christine Kaser, product manager at Heidelberg, explained how the Prinect workflow system provides a higher level of flexibility and profit margins for mid-size printing companies.

Dow India launches digital waste management programme, Rethink+

Dow Chemical International (Dow India) has announced the launch of its first digital waste management platform, Rethink+. This is a unique plastics take-back programme that aims to prevent post-consumer plastic waste from going to landfills by digitally connecting waste generators, waste aggregators, waste processors and recyclers.

Temples carved out from TechNova boxes

PrintWeek finds out how the Jaju family of Pune-based pre-press bureau Image CTP reuses TechNova’s plate boxes to create exquisite temples for its Ganesh Chaturthi decorations

FSSAI set to launch food safety compliance platform

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is set to launch a cloud-based food safety compliance platform named Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS).

Schmancy launches kitsch print packaging collection

Bengaluru-based personalised packaging specialist, Schmancy, has launched a range of packaging options under its Desi Vibes collection that feature Indian kitsch prints.

Clariant Chemicals’ sales rise by 5.4 % to Rs 757-crores

Specialty chemicals manufacturing company, Clariant Chemicals India, has reported Rs 757.3-crores sales from continuing operations for the year ended 31 March 2020 as compared to Rs 719-crores in the corresponding period previous year – a growth of 5.4%.

Constantia recognised as a sustainability leader

Constantia Flexibles has been selected as one of the 50 global companies to take part in TBD Media Group’s international sustainability and climate leaders’ initiative. With the reach of Bloomberg’s digital network and United Nations’ collaboration in the campaign, the flexible packaging manufacturer is focusing on a long-term sustainability strategy.

Bizongo adds new features to Artwork Flow

Mumbai-based B2B packaging marketplace, Bizongo, has announced a range of new features to its packaging artwork management platform Artwork Flow. The added features include Adobe and Google Drive extension, a Spanish website and translation services.

Manjushree’s Born Again initiative to deliver PCR to FMCG brands

Advent International-backed Manjushree Technopack (MTL) has launched an initiative named Born Again to deliver post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials to FMCG brands.

Constantia invests in Bobst Expert K5 metalliser

Ahmedabad-based Constantia Parikh has purchased the first ever Bobst Expert K5 metalliser with 1350mm width to be installed at its Ecoflex facility in 2021. This narrow-width Expert K5 will be employed to produce high barrier PE films as a replacement for aluminum foils.

Insta Print Pack set to launch Printzogo

Rajkot-based printer and manufacturer, Insta Print Pack, is set to launch an online custom packaging service named Printzogo by the end of June 2020.

Cosmo reports profit of Rs 113 crores for FY20

Cosmo Films reported a profit of Rs 113 crores in its financial results declared for the quarter ended in March 2020.

KGN Xerox ups its capacity with Pixeljet UV hybrid printer

Hyderabad-based wide-format printing specialist, KGN Xerox, has installed the Pixeljet 2512 RMO UV hybrid printer at a new set up near its head office in Khairtabad.

APL Machinery launches UV-C disinfection systems

Faridabad-based manufacturer of UV systems, APL Machinery, has developed five UV-C disinfection systems to cater to the sanitation needs caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Amazon India expands packaging-free shipping to over 100 cities

Amazon India has announced the expansion of its Packaging-Free Shipping (PFS) initiative in more than 100 cities in the country.

ITC to acquire Sunrise Foods

ITC has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire 100% of the equity share capital of Kolkata-based Sunrise Foods.

Canon India extends support to healthcare workers

Canon India has initiated its second phase of Covid-19 relief efforts by providing over 732 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to healthcare workers of the country.

DQS India to host webinar on Spot Matching System

The latest webinar in DQS India’s series on sustainability in printing will focus on the benefits of Spot Matching System (SMS). The session is slated for 14 May 2020 at 6.30 pm.

Bizongo delivers over two lakh PPE kits across 5,500 localities

Mumbai-based B2B marketplace for packaging, Bizongo, has delivered more than two lakh Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits across 5,500 localities servicing 127 organisations in 57 urban and rural centres across the country.

Comexi's COOL makes customers' life easier during pandemic

Comexi Ordering On-Line (COOL) is an eCommerce platform, which provides 3D visualisation of machines for its customers. Launched in 2019, the platform has been a vital tool for its customers, especially, during the past few weeks due the situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, said a Comexi spokesperson.

Canon India extends CSR support to its adopted villages

As part of its CSR initiatives to fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, Canon India is providing essential food and sanitation items across its adopted villages and SOS Children’s Village India, a self-implementing child care NGO.

Clearpack, PARC develop low-cost ventilator

Greater Noida-based packaging machinery manufacturer, Clearpack and Rajasthan-based social incubator Pilani AtmaNirbhar Resource Center (PARC) have developed a low-cost ventilator named Respimatic 100, to cater to the rapid demand for ventilators amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

Supply of non-essential items to remain prohibited: MHA

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has revised its decision to permit eCommerce companies to deliver non-essential items from 20 April 2020.

Essel Propack introduces tubes for sanitisers

Lamitube specialist, Essel Propack, has introduced tube packaging for sanitisers to ensure essential supplies are delivered to brand owners on time during the coronavirus pandemic.

Colgate-Palmolive to produce 25 mn soaps packaged with hand washing instructions

Global consumer product manufacturer, Colgate-Palmolive, has mobilised five of its plants in three continents to produce a new soap. To be donated for free, the soaps will be specially packaged with instructions on proper handwashing to amplify the WHO #SafeHands message.

Shrinath Flexipack to set up Rs 113,75 cr factory in Abu Dhabi

Telangana-based manufacturer of plastic packaging materials, Shrinath Flexipack, has finalised an agreement to invest Rs 113,75 crores on a greenfield site within Khalifa Industrial Zone’s (KIZAD) Polymers Park in Abu Dhabi.

National Book Trust to launch Corona Studies Series

National Book Trust of India (NBT) is set to launch Corona Studies Series books to provide relevant reading materials for all age-groups for the post-pandemic readership needs.

Global PrintExpo to be launched as a virtual exhibition

UK-based trade show organiser Resolve Business Management (RBM) has announced the launch of Global PrintExpo as a virtual exhibition on June 2020 with the employment of its cloud-based expertise.

Folding cartons are a vital part of retail supply chain during such a crisis, says ECMA

The European Carton Makers Association (ECMA) said that cartonboard is proving to be an essential item in maintaining an effective supply chain for food and pharmaceutical products during the Covid-19 crisis.

Supply chain of milk packaging material allowed: MHA

In a letter to the Chief Secretaries of States on 29 March 2020, Ajay Bhalla, Union Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has clarified that the supply chain of milk and its packaging materials has been exempted from the ongoing lockdown.

Xerox acquires Digitex Canada

Xerox has strengthened its presence in North America with the acquisition of Digitex Canada, an independent services, software and technology provider in Western Canada.

Manjushree to open greenfield plant in Silvassa

Manjushree Technopack (MTL) has committed to invest more than Rs 100 crores to set up a new greenfield plant in Silvassa, a city bordering the state of Gujarat. With a production capacity of 10,000 MTPA, the plant will cater to FMCG, lubricants, and agrochemicals sectors.

HCCB collects 30,000 kg plastics under new campaign

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) has helped collect more than 30,000 kg of plastics under its Plastic Lao, Thaila Pao campaign, which was launched in October 2019.

Epson launches SureLab SL-D830

Epson has introduced a new addition to its SureLab range of printers with Epson SL-D830, a commercial photo printer developed for photo studios, professional event photographers.

Piramal to invest Rs 300 crores in Jambusar plant

Piramal Glass (PGL) has announced an investment of Rs 300 crores in its Greenfield project in Jambusar, Gujarat, India. The expansion plan includes one new furnace with seven manufacturing lines spread across the 300,000 sqft plant. This will be an addition to its three furnaces and 23 manufacturing lines, which produces 540 tonnes of glass per day.

Xeikon launches REX

This new integration provides Prinergy users a quick, seamless, and efficient method to set up, control, and monitor print jobs.

Coca-Cola, DeHaat, NRCL and Kedia Fresh partner to launch Unnati Litchi

Following successful Unnati interventions in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Coca-Cola India 13 February launched Unnati Litchi in Bihar together with DeHaat, National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL), and Kedia Fresh. The initiative is aimed at enhancing efficiency of the agri value chain and farmers’ capability building on high-density plantation, farmer training for good agriculture practices and creation of demo orchards through appropriate technology interventions.

Bizongo raises USD 30 million in Series C funding

Mumbai-based B2B marketplace for packaging, Bizongo has announced a Series C investment of USD 30 million, which will be deployed for ramping up technology platform and fueling expansion. The funding is led by Switzerland-based hedge fund Schroder Adveq that manages assets of USD 10 billion.

Flint Group announces price hike in India

Flint Group Packaging Inks has announced a price increase on all inks and coatings with immediate effect in India.

Basu joins Huhtamaki’s global executive team

Arup Basu has been appointed as a member of Huhtamaki's global executive team. In addition, he has been elevated from managing director to president, flexible packaging at Huhtamaki.

Nestle to create market for food-grade recycled plastics

Nestle is set to invest close to Rs 14,698 crores to lead the shift from virgin plastics to food-grade recycled plastics and to accelerate the development of innovative sustainable packaging solutions.

Xeikon and Schaffner sign distribution agreement

Xeikon has joined hands with Switzerland-based graphics company Schaffner, which will be responsible for distributing the entire Xeikon product line in Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the Austrian region of Vorarlberg.

Print Summit 2020: Mantras to address professional challenges

International life coach Gaur Gopal Das focused on changing the approach of addressing professional challenges at Print Summit 2020.

Print Summit 2020: How to run multi-location businesses for horizontal growth and vertical results

The PrintWeek exclusive story, ‘Print Summit 2020: Must-attend sessions’, crisply highlighted how insightful the only panel discussion at Print Summit 2020 is set to transpire with the inclusion of panellists Akshay Kanoria of TCPL Packaging; Pragnyat Lalwani of Seshasai Business Forms; Manish Sharma of Printo and Canvera; and Naresh Kumar Dasari of Macro Media Digital Imaging.

Print Summit 2020: Promote a listening organisation, says K Shankar

In these tough times when most firms are unable to look beyond balance sheets and performance reports and pressure on margins, K Shankar, CEO, Feedback Business Consulting Services, started of his talk with “enabled organisations who have a story to tell every single day!" These enabled organisations, according to Shankar are: Tata Consultancy Services, Titan Company, Team India and Asian Paints.

Pamex 2020: Kandalaa sets sight on packaging with two Bobst kits

Bengaluru-based Kandalaa Prints has invested in a Bobst Ambition A1 and Novacut 106 3.0 die-cutter to strengthen its new venture into packaging. The deal was finalised at Pamex 2020 held in Mumbai.

Pamex 2020: Epson - A market leader in textile printing

Satyanarayana P talks to PrintWeek about Epson’s success due to PrecisionCore and how it has succeeded in achieving more than 50% market share in the Indian market

Pamex 2020: Boxtech introduces new Velocity folder gluer

Bengaluru-based manufacturers of carton folder gluers introduced three machines at Pamex 2020 in Mumbai. According to Ajay Nayak of Boxtech, the machines have enabled the company to become an one-stop solution provider in the carton folding and gluing segment.

Pamex 2020: Valco highlights EcoStitch All-Electric system

Bengaluru-based adhesive dispensing system specialist, Valco Melton highlighted its EcoStitch All-Electric hotmelt glueing system at Pamex 2020 held in Mumbai.

Pamex 2020: Vijaya strikes two deals for Veenine 65

Sahibabad-based JP Print N Pack and Parwanoo-based Shri Balaji Industries have finalised the order for Vijaya Veenine 65 carton folder gluer for lock bottom cartons at Pamex 2020 in Mumbai.

Pamex 2020: Sangeeta focuses on sustainability

Mumbai-based manufacturers of Polypropylene sheets, Sangeeta Poly Pack highlighted its focus on sustainable operations at Pamex 2020, which is slated from 6-9 January 2020.

Pamex 2020: Tholasi books positioning machine from Ample

Bengaluru-based industrial and commercial printer Tholasi Prints has opted for a LY-485C video positioning machine, which will be supplied by New Delhi-based Ample Graphics. The deal was finalised at Pamex 2020.

Pamex 2020: Zhongke notches up two orders from Concord

Vadodara-based Concord Printing has invested in a Wenhong 1050 SF automatic die-cutting and hot foil stamping machine and a LC-740 automatic corner cutting and line pressing window patching machine at Pamex 2020 in Mumbai.

Pamex 2020: Megastar ups its capacity with Maxima die-cutter

Vasai-based commercial and packaging printer, Megastar, has booked an order for Maxima HS1020 28x40-inches die-cutter at Pamex 2020 held between 6 and 9 January 2020 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. This is the fifth Maxima HS 1020 die-cutter sold by the Ahmedabad-based manufacturer, Excel Machinery.

Pamex 2020: Epson to highlight SC-S60607L

Digital imaging and printing specialist Epson will highlight its newly launched SureColor SC-S60670L at Pamex 2020, which is slated from 6-9 January 2020 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.

Pamex 2020: Vinsak to showcase Usar 430 kit

The exclusive distributor of Lombardi presses in the Indian subcontinent, Vinsak, is set to showcase its Usar 430 modular slitter rewinder and a thermal inkjet system for variable data printing.

Arsenal completes Clariant's healthcare packaging business acquisition

US-based private equity firm, Arsenal Capital Partners has completed the acquisition of Clariant's healthcare packaging business. The company will be rebranded as Airnov Healthcare Packaging.

Riso launches world’s fastest digital duplicator

At the 14th edition of PrintPack India, the manufacturer of digital duplicators and inkjet printers, Riso, launched SF 9390, which according to Ranjith Kadiroo of Riso, is the ‘world's fastest digital duplicator’.

Tasty Dairy opts for Noluma light protection technology

Kanpur-based milk producer, Tasty Dairy Specialties, has partnered with US-based Noluma International, to certify its packaging shields dairy's nutrients and taste from deterioration due to light.

Fifth edition of CAPIndia concludes

The fifth edition of CAPIndia concluded at Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai on 4 December 2019. The exhibition hosted over 400 manufacturers and exporters.

Ten Indian converters bag Worldstar honours

World Packaging Organisation (WPO) revealed the 214 winners of the Worldstar Packaging Awards 2020, among which, Indian packaging converters bagged 10 awards. The judging session was held in Bali, Indonesia in November 2019.

Xeikon opens Innovation Centre in Shanghai

Xeikon has opened an Innovation Centre in Shanghai, China. Located inside the Shanghai Printing and Publishing College, the facility will focus on boosting consumer connectivity and support the Chinese markets.

Gaurav Luniya to deliver welcome address at Circular Economy Forum

Gaurav Luniya, chief transformation officer, Manjushree Technopack, will deliver the welcome address at WhatPackaging? Circular Economy Forum, slated from 2-5pm on 2 December 2019 at the Sofitel, Mumbai.

P-Mec 2019: ACG highlights NXT series machines

ACG Group showcased a portfolio of its next-generation production, packaging and inspection machinery, at P-Mec 2019, slated from 26-28 November 2019 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida.

WhatPackaging? to discuss Circular Economy on 2 December

WhatPackaging? is set to host the Circular Economy Forum from 2-5pm on 2 December 2019 at Sofitel in Mumbai.

Ruby Print-N-Pack ventures into packaging with Komori kit

Mumbai-based commercial printer, Ruby Print-N-Pack, has invested in a Komori Lithrone Super LS 529 (H) and an Agfa Acento II S Thermal CTP machine in order to manufacture package printing jobs.

Xeikon to highlight digital innovations at Labelexpo Asia

Xeikon will present its latest innovations for creative label production at Labelexpo Asia 2019 from 3-6 December 2019 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, China.

Romaco India appoints Vibhash Solanki as sales director

Manufacturer of packing and process technology, Romaco India, has appointed Vibhash Solanki as the new sales director of its sales and service centres in India. The company has sales offices in Mumbai and Hyderabad, which were officially opened in July 2019.

FrieslandCampina opts for Kezzler TrackEasy