Dibyajyoti Sarma

What the Union Budget has for the printing and packaging industry 

Demand drivers across packaging segments

Kridwinn sells two Digimac Series presses at Pamex

The company also sold three Vorey AuraCut A6 digital label die-cutters at Pamex, in addition to eight sold at a recent Labelexpo China, with all installations planned by March 2026. It also sold five variable data imprinting systems for security and labels, and packaging applications

Provin bags three RMGT orders at Pamex

Provin and Katsura India made a strong start at Pamex, with an overwhelming response to Katsura’s high-quality rubber rollers.

Komori India seals ten deals at Pamex

Komori India has announced the successful closure of ten new press orders at Pamex, reaffirming strong market confidence in Komori’s advanced printing solutions across multiple regions of India.

Wanjie India announces multiple deals at Pamex

Wanjie India has announced multiple successful deal closures at Pamex 2026, marking the exhibition as a highly impactful platform for business growth and customer engagement. The highlight among these is the sale of the WJPS-450 Intermittent Offset Printing Press to a customer in western India.

Industry Pulse: Excitement overwhelms headwinds, say winners

A survey of top young industry professionals for PrintWeek's 'Forty Under Forty' project reveals a strong current of excitement and optimism about the printing and packaging sectors, despite acknowledged challenges in pricing and competition. When asked to rate their excitement on a scale of 1 to 5, the pulse of the industry is a healthy 4 out of 5, with many leaders rating their enthusiasm at the highest level.

The future of print at Pamex from 27 to 30 January

The Bombay Exhibition Centre is about to host Pamex 2026, and in the usual flurry of glossy brochures and optimistic pronouncements, one can discern the anxieties of an industry caught between two irreconcilable forces: the tactile, carbon-heavy legacy of ink on paper, and the hyper-efficient, data-driven mandate of Industry 4.0. The show’s promise, "bigger than ever," feels less like a boast and more like a necessary exorcism of doubt.

Mumbai's factories trade clutter for kilowatts in an air power overhaul

Across the dense industrial geography of Mumbai — from the labyrinthine print hubs of Byculla and Parel to the massive machine shops of Thane — the unmistakable, percussive knock-knock-knock of the reciprocating air compressor is fading. In its place, a hum. The shift is not about a new corporate mandate or industrial chic; it is a cold, calculated move driven by the bottom line, the high price of power, and the sheer scarcity of real estate.

Bindwel boosts quality at Exact International and Resh View

Bindwel has delivered significant improvements in production quality and customer support for two printing businesses in Chennai: Resh View and Exact International. The positive testimonials from both firms underscore Bindwel’s commitment to quality manufacturing and exceptional service

Digital print is remarkable, with applications from high-quality books to intricate labels

September Editorial by Dibyajyoti Sarma, associate editor, PrintWeek

Printing beyond the paper: Trends in digital print

Day One of the Jury Meet for the PrintWeek Awards 2025 on 9 September focused on books. One of the key categories was Book Printer of the Year (POD). In recent years, POD has emerged as a distinct category within digital printing. The Award honours short-run books (starting from one copy) with complex post-press embellishments.

Book Printer of the Year (Education): Trends and innovations

Day One of the PrintWeek Awards Jury Meet on 9 September saw 11 industry leaders from the printing and publishing sectors come together to evaluate more than 71 entries across seven categories. A review of the submissions for the Book Printer of the Year (Education) award reveals several key trends and impressive innovations in book production.

Best practices for short-run book printing in digital

Using digital printing for short-run book production, whether it’s one or 50 or 1,000 copies, has now become the norm. Yet, the comparison with offset persists. Plus, digital printing has its own set of challenges. In this conversation with Dibyajyoti Sarma, Pallippuram Sajith, managing director, Impel Services (Bindwel - Stelda group), sheds light on the challenges surrounding short-run book printing in digital and offers some handy solutions

Paper industry appeals to PM Modi: Calls for GST revision

The Federation of Paper Traders’ Associations of India (FPTA) has sent an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing concern over the recent increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Paper & Paperboard (Chapter 48) from 12% to 18%. The letter, signed by Mehul Mehta, the president of FPTA, highlights the negative impact of this decision on the entire paper industry and its associated livelihoods.

30-member jury to meet for PrintWeek Jury Week

The Jury Week for PrintWeek Awards 2025 will be held on 9 to 11 September at Voltas Premises in The Autocar Studio.

The resurgence of the printed book: How India is revolutionising production with binding technology

In an era dominated by digital media, the printed book is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in India. This multi-year rally in demand for physical books is driving significant transformation within the Indian print and binding industry.

Indian publishers, booksellers call for urgent GST relief

India's independent publishers and booksellers are making an urgent appeal to the government to reduce or abolish the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on book printing and paper, warning that the current high rates are threatening the nation's book culture and hindering access to knowledge.

Inkfinity's 15,000-book success story with Bindwel

Delhi-based Inkfinity Prints has excelled in high-volume bookbinding, producing 15,000 books in 20 hours with Bindwel machines, including a Bindwel six-clamp perfect binder

Books export to US safe from 50% tariff, for now

The US President Donald Trump announced the additional tariffs on Indian goods imported to the US on 6 August 2025. This follows an earlier 25% duty implemented on 1 August 2025, targeting India’s continued purchase of Russian oil amid geopolitical friction over the Russia-Ukraine war.

Indian paper industry sees investment in capacity expansion

The Indian paper industry is experiencing a wave of strategic investments aimed at boosting production capacity and enhancing efficiency. Four paper mills—Andhra Paper, Orient Paper & Industries, Kuantum Papers, and Satia Industries (SIL)—have announced substantial capital expenditure plans, signalling a robust outlook for the sector.

Amit Sharma of HarperCollins is awarded a PhD degree

Amit Sharma has been awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in printing technology by the Department of Printing Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar.

PrintWeek-HP webinar to explore digital printing and India's publishing industry

PrintWeek and HP are set to host a webinar on 19 August (Tuesday), which will focus on HP's Nonstop Digital Printing: Transforming India's Publishing, Digital Journey. The one-hour knowledge session at 15:00 IST promises to deliver engaging and insightful discussions on trends, solutions, and growth opportunities within the digital printing landscape.

The hidden cost of cheap binds: How fillers are ruining bookbinding

In the competitive world of print, the pursuit of lower costs often leads to unforeseen consequences. On the eve of the Bindwel open house in Bengaluru, book-binding expert Suresh Nair shared his thoughts on "The Hidden Cost of Cheap Binds: How Fillers Are Ruining Bookbinding". Nair said he hopes to light on a silent culprit undermining the durability and appearance of books: fillers in adhesives and paper.

Editorial: How Urdu dailies made a mark on India’s freedom

Pratap: A Defiant Newspaper traces the fearless journey of a family-run Urdu daily that stood firm through India’s freedom struggle, Emergency, and Punjab’s unrest—offering a rare glimpse into Urdu journalism’s bold legacy.

Indian print firms boost production and efficiency with binding technology

Print and binding houses across India are significantly enhancing their production capabilities and operational efficiency through investments in post-press machinery. This adoption is enabling them to meet growing demands, expand service offerings, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality products.

Gopsons embraces Bindwel’s Trimit 30C for short-run book production

Gopsons Printers, headquartered in Noida, has expanded into short-run inkjet digital printing and invested in Bindwel’s Trimit 30C to address the demand for high-quality, short-run book production with minimal manual intervention and faster turnaround.

Jodhpur-based Singhvi invests in Bindwel

Aditya Singhvi of Singhvi Prints is located in Shanicherji ka Than in Jodhpur. And over the years, the digital print specialist has created a brand for themselves in Rajasthan for their work in coaching books, magazine, customised albums, brochure catalogs, visiting cards, pamphlets and now labels.

Bindwel at Shree Balaji boosts book production

Shree Balaji Bindings in Meerut has upped the ante with its book-binding process with the installation of the Bindwel 2500.

SK Offset invests in first V24 Bindwel in North India

The founder of SK Offset, Priyanshu Agarwal said the new investment will bolster the firm's post-press division and target book publishers and print firms in Meerut.

Entries open for Publishing Next Industry Awards 2025

Entries have been invited to the Publishing Next Industry Awards 2025. In its 12th year, the Awards, established under the aegis of the platform of the Publishing Next conference, seek to recognise the innovation and leadership of publishing professionals and others in the book trade. They are the only awards of their kind in India.

Book Watch: Chaitanya Kejriwal shares his favourite reads

In this book series, we find out what industry icons read and why. For the 17th Anniversary issue, Chaitanya Kejriwal, joint managing director of Parksons Packaging shares his favourites

Nagendra boosts turnaround with Bindwel install

The Vijayawada-based Nagendra Enterprises has invested in a Bindwel Freedom 5K 12-clamp perfect binder which caters to the print firm's requirement for books, plus it has been designed to consume minimal energy per book.

Basant enhances efficiency with new Bindwel

Basant Digital Solutions has taken on a new Bindwel to boost its efficiency and take advantage of its automation features.

Bengaluru-based Regal enhances book operations with Bindwel install

Regal Print Service has installed a Bindwel BW@2500 Epic to boost the production of private publications and text books. "Its production speed and quality have been fantastic,” Venkatesh M of Regal Print Services told PrintWeek

We are here to ensure bookstores thrive for generations to come: Aakash Gupta of Crossword

Crossword has been one of the most recognised bookstore chains in India for a long time now. And now, it is no longer confined to metro cities. Its expansion into smaller cities has brought bookstores to places that had a strong demand for them. Aakash Gupta, CEO, Crossword, shares the company's journey with Dibyajyoti Sarma

Women in print in March issue of PrintWeek

The cover story of the March issue of PrintWeek highlights how Lineomatic has created a model for the rest of the industry to emulate.

PrintPack 2025 highlights in PrintWeek February issue

The cover story of the February issue of PrintWeek is the review of PrintPack India 2025, which took place on 1-5 February 2025 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida.

SAP installs Bindwel's binder at Bhiwandi factory

SAP Print Solutions has taken a significant step forward in short-run book printing with the installation of the Bindwel Freedom 2K SRS binder at their new facility in Bhiwandi.

Awards winners in PrintWeek's October issue

The October issue of PrintWeek brings readers details about the winners from the 14th edition of the PrintWeek Awards. Read on to find out what is in the October issue of PrintWeek and WhatPackaging?

Print industry in competitive mode

During the three Jury days for PrintWeek Awards 2024, Jury members discussed samples animatedly, and everybody had an opinion. One thing they all agreed on, however, was that the samples this year were exceptional when compared to the previous years. A Jury member said, “Everything looks world-class.” Here are some key trends that have emerged from the PrintWeek Awards entries

Brückner Servtec marks 1,000th upgrade milestone

Brückner Servtec recently celebrated its 1,000th completed upgrading project. The company achieved a milestone after it successfully installed an Inline Coater (ILC) at the five-layer BOPP film stretching line of Gurugram-based SRF Limited.

Hubergroup Germany gets C2C certification for fourth time in a row

The American Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute has honoured the global printing ink specialist Hubergroup for the fourth time in a row for its pioneering standards in terms of environmental protection, sustainability and social commitment.

PrintWeek Awards Night takes center stage

The Awards season is upon us. The 14th edition of PrintWeek Awards, one of the most coveted industry awards, will be held on 23 September 2024, at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake.

NBG open house showcases its flexo prowess

NBG Printographics hosted a two-day open house to celebrate its unit-type wide-web flexo printing machine StarFlex HT- 13.5 colour with reel-and-sheet output on 23-24 August.

Siegwerk launches Clean Bhiwadi Green Bhiwadi campaign

Siegwerk has announced the launch of its ambitious waste management drive with an aim to transform the environment in Bhiwadi and its surrounding areas. This initiative under the aegis of its corporate social responsibility programme is a part of its commitment toward making a cleaner and healthier community. The project team comprises environmental experts and solid waste specialists, with close monitoring and support by Siegwerk India's CSR team.

S Chand Group, Embibe collaborate to transform science education

S Chand Group, India’s leading education content company through its subsidiary New Saraswati House has partnered with Embibe, India’s foremost AI-powered learning and outcomes platform, to transform the learning experience for students in Grades 9 and 10.

UFlex partners with PHDCCI for the Global Sustainability Summit 2024

UFlex partnered with the PHD Chamber of Commerce for the Global Sustainability Summit 2024, held on 13 September at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. The summit is dedicated to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by integrating sustainability into their business models in alignment with the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Gravure printing enters the digital age with SmartGravure

With SmartGravure, Bobst has achieved a great, game-changing leap forward for gravure printing, revolutionising the gravure printing process from being a highly manual operation to a fully digitalised workflow.

PrintWeek August issue celebrates excellence

With the gala award night for PrintWeek Awards 2024 set to be held on 23 September 2024, the cover story of the August 2024 issue PrintWeek focuses on celebrating the excellence and clout of the industry.

Reading habits: A PrintWeek survey

In this special feature, Dibyajyoti Sarma asks writers, critics, and people involved with books, about their reading habits. The making of a book is a long process involving many parts. Publishers pick up manuscripts and get them ready for publication. Designers design the look of the book before it goes to print. There are printers. There are binders. There are distributors. There are booksellers. And finally, there are the readers, who will pick up these books and read them and cherish them

Spotlight on Drupa launches in July issue of PrintWeek

Drupa 2024 is over, but its impact still reverberates. The July issue of PrintWeek carries an in-depth review of the show and its impact on Indian printers.

June issue of PrintWeek, WhatPackaging? out

After a wait of eight long years, and 11 eventful days later, Drupa 2024, considered to be the biggest industry trade show in the world, concluded on 7 June 2024. The June issue of PrintWeek put a spotlight on th, especially highlighting the deals made by the Indian printing and packaging industry.

Entries open for Publishing Next Industry Awards 2024

Entries have been invited to the Publishing Next Industry Awards 2024. In its 11th year, the Awards, established under the aegis of the platform of the Publishing Next conference, seek to recognise the innovation and leadership of publishing professionals and others in the book trade.

274-page May issue of PrintWeek unveils Power 100 list

The massive 274-page May 2024 edition of PrintWeek unveils the annual Power 100 list. It’s a must-read edition to find out who made the cut this year — who managed to hold onto their positions and the surprise names who made it to the list this year.

What’s up with the printed book? Where is it headed?

Printed books are seeing a dramatic resurgence. And the Indian print industry is ready to seize the opportunity.

How can paper deliver on its green ambition and succeed

: Established in 1990, Dev Priya Industries began production of kraft paper with an installed capacity of 12,000-mt per annum. Later the Delhi-based group diversifed to virgin kraft paper. Amit Gupta, technical director, of Dev Priya Industries talks to Rahul Kumar at the group headquarters.

Kalachuvadu Publisher of the Year in Publishing Next Industry Awards 2023

Kalachuvadu Publications was named the Publisher of the Year in the Publishing Next Industry Awards 2023. Marking the 10th anniversary of the awards, the announcement on 31 March 2024 in Goa named winners in 11 categories of the prizes that recognise excellence in Indian publishing

PS24, Pamex 2024 in the February issue of PrintWeek

The cover story of the February issue of PrintWeek highlights the discussions that took place during Print Summit 2024 (PS24), on 18 January 2024 at the Tata Theatre, NCPA. The event hosted an impressive line-up of speakers who discussed what print and packaging businessmen should know.

ASPA advocates prioritising conscious consumerism in India

The Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA), the non-profit organisation, which is the strongest advocate against counterfeiting and illicit trade elects a new governing body. Under the new leadership, the think tank shares a critical insight into the issue of counterfeiting that is depriving India of precious revenue.

Rajendrakumar Anayath: I want to create a Netflix for the printing industry

I envision a repository where all its history, achievements, and contributions are documented and made available to printing enthusiasts and future generations, says Prof Dr Rajendrakumar Anayath, former vice-chancellor, DCRUST, Haryana in the Print Guru series.

Penguin transitions to 100% recycled paper in book production

Taking its approach to environmental responsibility to the next level, Penguin Random House India (PRHI) has recently announced that it is transitioning its book production to use 100% recycled paper. The shift will take place in a phased manner and has already begun with the printing of text content in books on this eco-friendly paper.

Dainik Bhaskar reports 13% growth in ad revenue

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers, Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, announced its financial results for the quarter and half-year ended 30 September 2023 on 26 October.

Book industry professionals to confab in November in Delhi

Bindwel’s India Book-Mission will celebrate with a half-day programme packed with ideas about how publishers and printers can come together to increase book consumption in India, understand ways to make books more affordable, and evolve the country to be one among the top two book print exporters in the world.

PrintWeek Awards 2023: TCPL wins top honour; 48 Prisms handed out; 14 first-time winners

Mumbai-based TCPL Packaging edged out 12 contenders for the pole position to take home the coveted PrintWeek Printing Company of Year Prism at the PrintWeek Awards 2023 gala ceremony held at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake on 30 October.

VoW Book Awards 2023 Winners announced

Valley of Words has announced the winners of all eight categories of its book awards — celebrating the best of English and Hindi writing. The VoW Book Awards 2023 is currently in its seventh edition as the most comprehensive independent literary award programme in India.

How EdCIL driving educational excellence

EdCIL is a public sector undertaking under the administrative control of the Ministry of Education, which offers management and consultancy services in all areas of education and human resource development, both within India and overseas. Since joining the company as chairman and managing director, Kumar has brought vital process improvements and strategic transformations in EdCIL. He details the organisation’s activities in an interview with Dibyajyoti Sarma

With a CAGR of 8%, country witnessing solid growth in pulp and paper

Today, India is one of the largest producers in the pulp and paper industry. With a CAGR of approx 8% from 2018-2022, India has experienced solid growth over the last several years.

Last Call: PrintWeek Awards 2023 entries close on 25 September

Get ready to showcase your print and packaging prowess at the highly anticipated PrintWeek Awards 2023. Don't miss this opportunity to join the print and packaging elite – entries will be accepted until 25 September 2023.

One more round of price increase for paper by September-end

Paper prices are seeing a correction. With demand during the festival season likely to increase with the packaging boom as well as gifting items. Dibyajyoti Sarma tries to decipher what the recent price hike means against the backdrop of a slowdown in the US and European markets as well as sluggish Chinese demand not picking up.

Paper prices rise after low in June-July

Paper prices are seeing a correction. With demand during the festival season likely to increase with the packaging boom as well as gifting items. Dibyajyoti Sarma tries to decipher what the recent price hike means against the backdrop of a slowdown in the US and European markets as well as sluggish Chinese demand not picking up.

Festival of Libraries seeks to develop model libraries

The Union Ministry of Culture organised a two-day Festival of Libraries on 5 and 6 August, under the aegis of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Paper industry roundup for July 2023

Dibyajyoti Sarma's monthly roundup of the happenings in the paper industry.

Dainik Bhaskar continues its record of strong quarterly results

DB Corp (DBCL), home to flagship newspapers - Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, has announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended 30 June 2023.

PrintWeek's July issue spotlights Sukee, Nutech, Bobst, and Gallus

The cover story of the July issue of PrintWeek focuses on the growth of the Bengaluru-based Sukee Print Pack. The issue also features reports on Bobst’s new launches, Gallus Group’s 100th anniversary, and the BMPA VisCon 2023.

Minister inaugurates ColorJet pavilion at ITMA

Darshana Jardosh, Union state minister of textiles and railways, along with Rohit Kansal, additional secretary in the ministry of textiles, government of India, and Neena Malhotra, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Italy, inaugurated the ColorJet Pavilion at ITMA 2023, considered to be the world’s largest textile and garment technology exhibition.

12 industry leaders win Women to Watch Awards 2023

After a six-month-long process set out to celebrate excellence by women and guarantee equality of outcome for women in the printing industry, the winners of the first edition of the Women to Watch Awards 2023 were announced in a virtual ceremony on 30 June.

Dainik Bhaskar appoints Preeti Arora as head of Gurgram branch

Dainik Bhaskar has appointed Preeti Arora as the vice-president and head of Gurgaon branch.

Divya Bhaskar completes 20 years

Divya Bhaskar, the leading newspaper of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, celebrated its 20th Anniversary with pride and enthusiasm. Since its inception, Divya Bhaskar has been known for its objective reporting, truth-seeking journalism, and commitment to providing accurate, reliable and pertinent news to its readers.

Hachette releases retro revival series of bestselling thrillers

Hachette India has announced the release of The Great Yellowbacks: Where Thrillers Really Began, a retro revival series of classic crime fiction, adventure, and thrillers from mid-19th century to all the way down to the golden age of 1960s.

Traceability and Authentication Forum from tomorrow

With the theme focusing on Zero Counterfeiting, the fifth edition of the Traceability and Authentication Forum will be held on 6-7 July 2023 at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi. The two-day summit will feature a series of technical presentations and panel discussions along with a mini expo and will open up new avenues for learning about anti-counterfeiting and traceability technologies, solutions and systems.

New board of the European label industry association installed

At Finat’s general assembly on 31 May in Vienna, the new board of the European label industry association was installed. The election coincides with FINAT’s transition to a new governance structure that aligns with FINAT’s four-pillar strategy.

Does size matter? BMPA Vision Conclave says yes

Does the size of a printing company matter? This was the key question under discussion during the second edition of the BMPA Vision Conclave, held in Jaipur on 23-24 June.

Half-yearly evaluation of the industry in PrintWeek June issue

In the sixth month of the year already, the June issue of PrintWeek takes a close at the highs and the lows of the industry in the last five months.

Printing students of Kurukshetra University get placement

Two Printing, Graphics and Packaging Course students of the Institute of Mass Communication and Media Technology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, have been selected for multinational companies of Yamunanagar and Sonipat, the institute announced recently.

Tetra Pak Sustainability Report highlights the company’s process

Tetra Pak’s Sustainability Report FY22, highlights the company’s progress across various aspects of sustainability. Now in its 24th edition, the report demonstrates how sustainability remains core to Tetra Pak’s strategy and continues to be prioritised in decision-making.

Aleph named Publishing Next Publisher of the Year

Aleph Book Company was named the Publisher of the Year during the 9th edition of the Publishing Next Industry Awards held on 2 March 2023 in New Delhi, during the recently-concluded New Delhi World Book Fair. The Awards were presented in 10 categories.

25-30% of the market in India is counterfeit: ASPA-CRISIL report

Counterfeiting activities are impacting the sustainable growth of the major industry in India, including pharmaceuticals, FMCG, automotives, apparel, consumer durables/electronics, and Agri products, according to a new report released by ASPA & CRISIL.

First edition of Goa Book Fair on 9-13 February

The first edition of the Goa Book Fair will be held from 9-13 February 2023, at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. The event has been jointly organised by the Margao-based Publishing Next and The Dogears Bookshop.

New Delhi World Book Fair from 25 February

New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) has been scheduled for 25 February-5 March 2023 to be held at the newly constructed Halls 2-5 GF at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event has been organised by National Book Trust, India, an autonomous organisation of the government of India under the ministry of education, in collaboration with India Trade Promotion Organization.

Book on Chipko movement wins the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize

The New India Foundation has announced the winner of the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize 2022. The coveted book prize in its fifth edition has been awarded to The Chipko Movement: A People’s Movement by historian, activist, and writer Shekhar Pathak, translated from the Hindi by Manisha Chaudhry. The book was published by Permanent Black and Ashoka University.

Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize 2022 Shortlist announced

Five fascinating books have been shortlisted for the fifth Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize, recognising and celebrating outstanding non-fiction writings on modern and contemporary India. The shortlisted books range from histories of nationalism through local voices, to analysis of an environmental movement, the portrait of a diverse community, and contemporary ideas of feminism and data – all converging towards an optimistic future.

Dox2U introduces lifetime free subscription plan

Dox2U, a subscription-based SaaS document management system, has launched a lifetime free subscription plan to offer the user experience and eventually gather customers’ trust.

AG-BLF Book Prize 2022 longlist announced

Atta Galatta-Bangalore Literature Festival Book Prize 2022 has released the longlist in the fiction and non-fiction categories.

Frankfurter Buchmesse begins; more than 15 Indian exhibitors at the show

With 4,000 exhibitors from 95 countries on ten floors throughout the exhibition halls, along with numerous stages across the fairgrounds and more than 2,000 events and 4,000 accredited journalists, Frankfurter Buchmesse is back in full force from 19–23 October 2022.

What does the BIS regulation on packaging inks mean?

On June 2020, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) revised the Printing Ink Standards for Food Packaging as per IS 15495: 2020. Sagar Singh,deputy director, BIS, explains what this means for the industry

55% fall in newsprint imports in the past five years

India’s newsprint imports fell from 13,84,056 kg in the financial year 2017-18 to 5,97,766 kg in 2021-22, union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur informed the Lok Sabha on 26 July.

Paper stocks on the rise

Paper stocks are on the rise. The main reason is although India’s per capita utilisation is low as compared to global peers, things are looking up and a requirement is set to rise from the present 16 kg per capita to an estimated 20 kg per capita by 2025.

ScreenTex show opens on 29 July at Pragati Maidan

The ScreenTex India 2022 expo will be hosted from 29 to 31 July 2022 at Hall No 11, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The exhibition, which will showcase screen, digital and textile technologies, is being organised by SJ Exposition and Screen Printers’ Association of India (SPAI).

Industry Report: Forty Under Forty leaders share the secrets to their success

Based on the responses from industry leaders in the Forty Under Forty (FUF) submissions, the favourite element of a factory is a dynamic mix of human capital and optimised operations, while the "secret" strengths often revolve around deep-rooted process integrity and technological agility.

Industry Report: The investment driver for Forty Under Forty leaders in 2026

The consensus among the 'Forty Under Forty' young leaders points to a singular, overriding priority for their 2026 capital expenditure: advanced, large-scale production technology to unlock new market segments and improve operational efficiency.

Forty Under 40 Report: The Vision of the Dream Factory

The responses from industry leaders who have won PrintWeek's Forty Under Forty (FUF) define the ideal factory not just by its size or machinery, but by its operational discipline, advanced technology, and human-centric culture.

Specialty and Trade books driven by precise execution and coordination

The verdict at the end of Day One of the PrintWeek Awards Jury Meet among the 11 jurors was: the landscape of specialty and trade book production is witnessing remarkable advancements, characterised by a fusion of intricate craftsmanship, sophisticated technology, and stringent quality control. This year's entries for the Book Printer of the Year (Speciality and Trade) Award showcase a diverse range of techniques and a dedication to overcoming complex production challenges.

Anupam enhances ops with a SigLoch Sigma

Anupam Xerox has installed the SigLoch Sigma, which is a single-clamp perfect binder from Bindwel to bolster its post-press capacity for books and leaflets. The perfect binder is expected to boost the fortune of Anupam Xerox which is one of the oldest and renowned digital print firms located in Goregaon East in Mumbai.

Scholastic India's Neeraj Jain: Building a reading culture for kids

Publishers need to bring parents into the fold with an outreach programme. Once the community is on board and understands what works and how they could help ‘Raising Readers’, we would see a shift, says Neeraj Jain, managing director at Scholastic India, in conversation with Dibyajyoti Sarma

PrintPack 2025 previews in PrintWeek's January issue

With 576 companies securing their spots, covering a net display area of more than 34,062-sqmt, the 16th edition of the show, organised by IPAMA, is ready to showcase the latest technology solutions on 1-5 February 2025, at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. The January 2025 issue of PrintWeek highlights what to expect at the show, which the organiser says, will be bigger than ever.

Saurabh's book journey with Bindwel at its Greater Noida factory

First things first. Saurabh Printers based in Greater Noida has enhanced its production capabilities with the installation of the Freedom 2K short-run bookbinding system from Bindwel Technologies. This system is designed for efficiency and precision, perfectly aligning with Saurabh Printers' focus on delivering high-quality printed products to its diverse clientele.

Paper eyes long-term growth rate

Industry pundits say that the Indian paper industry will report revenue growth between 6% and 9%. However, debt levels are expected to be elevated due to the debt-funded capex mostly towards capacity expansion in the packaging segment. Dibyajyoti Sarma and Rahul Kumar investigate

The making of the modern label in November issue of PrintWeek

Labelexpo India 2024 is all set to open its doors on 15 November. To mark the occasion, the cover story of the November issue of PrintWeek features a preview of the products and services being showcased at the premier label show.

JK Paper and Andhra Paper report poor results

Andhra Paper and JK Paper have been impacted by sluggish results. The margins for JK Paper have dipped from 25% to 16% while Andhra Paper has reduced from 27% to 12%.

Govt to initiate anti-dumping investigation on virgin paperboard

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce (Directorate General of Trade Remedies) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of virgin multilayer paperboard from Chile and China PR.

Suprotik Das joins Bindwel-Stelda as mentor-director

Bindwel-Stelda Group, a leader in precision engineering for focused applications, has appointed Suprotik Das as mentor-director. A management expert and technical authority in dispensing technology, Das brings decades of global leadership experience, including his tenure as managing director of Nordson India, a wholly owned subsidiary of the world’s leading manufacturer of precision fluid dispensing equipment, Nordson Corporation.

PrintWeek Awards 2024 shortlist in September issue

The Jury Week for the 14th edition of PrintWeek Awards was hosted on 2-4 September 2024, where the esteemed Jury members reviewed and studied more than 250 entries and more than 800 samples. Subsequently, a shortlist was released.

Industry sees pro-MSME momentum in budget

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Union Budget for 2024–25 on 23 July 2024, with the new tax regime taking centre stage. Spanning nine key priorities, the budget impacts various sectors, including agriculture.

PrintWeek Awards 2024: Call for entries

What is common among TCPL, Manipal, Nutech, EPL, ITC, iMS Group, Holostik, Afflatus, Hitech Print Systems, and Yarbal Print-Pack, besides being top players in their segments? The answer is simple. They are all winners of the PrintWeek Awards 2023. This year, it’s your turn to be a part of this esteemed list.

Parag Honour List 2024 released

Parag Honour List, an initiative of Tata Trusts, has released Parag Honour List 2024 — a curated collection of outstanding books in English and Hindi for children, young readers and young adults.

S Chand successfully concludes Knowledge Quest Quiz

S Chand Publishing recently concluded its first edition of the nationwide Knowledge Quest Quiz 2024 with a grand finale held at Bal Bharati Public School in Delhi on 12 February. Combining online and offline rounds, the quiz witnessed intense competition among students across India, highlighting their general knowledge and love for learning.

OUP launches Assamese and a mini-Bengali dictionary

To mark the occasion of International Mother Language Day, observed on 21 February every year, the Oxford University Press (OUP), a department of the University of Oxford, announced the launch of a bilingual English-English-Assamese Dictionary and a new edition of the Oxford mini English-Bengali Dictionary. The launch of these dictionaries ties in with celebrations of International Mother Language Day, also known as Matribhasha Diwas, in promoting linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

Kolhapur hosts Romancing Print of West

The AIFMP flagship event, Romancing Print of West, was held at Hotel Fern in Kolkapur on 21 January. The event was organised by the Kolhapur Zilla Mudrak Sangh team headed by Sanjay Thorwat, president, and his team of directors. More than 200 printers from Kolkapur and neighbouring towns, such as Ichalkaranji, Satara, Sangli, Ahmednagar and Karad attended the event.

British Council announces the UK as theme country for Kolkata Book Fair 2024

British Council, the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, with the Publishers & Booksellers Guild, has announced the United Kingdom as the theme country for the 47th International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF), to be held from 18 to 31 January 2024 at the Central Park Mela Ground in Salt Lake, Kolkata.

Kai Buentemeyer on a book yatra in India

Kai Buentemeyer, director of Bindwel has experience of more than 30 years in manufacturing machines which have produced almost half the books consumed around the world. As the erstwhile CEO of Kolbus - a market leader in soft and hard cover adhesive binding machines - he has seen how publishing industry and book printing evolved globally, from close quarters. Buentemeyer has been visiting Indian book print firms and one multinational publisher in Delhi NCR. Dibyajyoti Sarma reports.

India’s paper imports zoom 43%, domestic industry concerned

Imports of paper and paperboard into India continue unabated. Following a 25% jump in FY23 in volume terms, the paper imports in the country have further gone up by a staggering 43% in the first half of FY24, reveals data released by DGCIS. The massive growth in imports is mainly due to a humungous 257% growth in imports of paper and paperboard from ASEAN, which enter the country at zero import duty under the ASEAN-India free trade agreement.

Collaboration with TNPL to reclaim 493 hectares of forest land

Supriya Sahu, the additional chief secretary to government, environment, climate change and forests department took to X (formerly Twitter) to say, “In a collaborative effort the Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Paper (a Tamil Nadu government PSU) has taken out around 21,178 tonnes of the weed from forest areas of Mudhumalai Tiger Reserve and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. This has been converted to 6000 MT of printing and writing paper.

Goa Book Fair scheduled for first week of January

The second edition of the Goa Book Fair has been scheduled for 4-8 January 2024. The event is jointly organised by the Margao-based The Dogears Bookshop.

Perumal Murugan’s Fire Bird wins the JCB Prize for Literature

Celebrated Tamil novelist Perumal Murugan has won the JCB Prize for Literature 2022 for his novel Fire Bird, translated from the Tamil into English by Janani Kannan. The novel was published by Penguin Random House India.

Paper makers expected to experience declining revenue: Crisil

As per IPMA's projection, India's paper consumption is poised to reach 30 million tons by March 2027, a promising sign that has seen many paper companies fortify their financial standing. However, a recent analysis by Crisil Ratings paints a different picture, suggesting an anticipated 8-10% revenue decline for paper manufacturers in the current fiscal year.

Investments in new projects indicate appetite for paper in India

The packaging paper segment dominates sales in India with a share of 55%, followed by writing and printing (W&P) paper at 30%. Newsprint and speciality paper account for the rest. How is this impacting the major manufacturers of paper and paperboard? Dibyajyoti Sarma reports.

PrintWeek September issue focuses on labels

Labelexpo Europe 2023 is in full swing, and to celebrate the return of the premier label exhibition after a gap of four years, thanks to the pandemic, the cover story of the September issue of PrintWeek highlights how label creators are sending a message to the rest of the industry.

More than 90 applicants for Forty Under 40

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 ended on 15 August.

Course for publishing professionals on 13-16 September

The Institute of Book Publishing will host the 27th Condensed Course for Publishing Professionals: Transformation in Publishing from 13-16 September 2023.

MBD Group celebrates 78th Founder’s Day

MBD Group recently commemorated its 78th Founder’s Day. The occasion honoured the legacy of the company’s founder Ashok Kumar Malhotra. This event served as a heartfelt tribute to his remarkable contributions, untiring commitment and transformative ideas towards empowering people.

Traceability and Authentication Forum pledge for zero counterfeiting

Leading India’s fight against counterfeiting for many decades, The Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA) has taken on the ambitious challenge of targeting zero counterfeiting in India. ASPA in association with Messe Frankfurt India hosted the fifth edition of the flagship Traceability and Authentication Forum on 6 and 7 July in Delhi to encourage and nurture traceability, authentication and anti-counterfeiting ecosystem in the country.

First-ever comprehensive energy sector report released

The Union Ministry of Power has come out with a comprehensive energy sector report titled National Energy Data: Survey and Analysis 2021-22, which is the maiden report of the Energy Data Management Unit, set up under Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India. The report provides granular information about energy supply and consumption patterns across various sectors of the Indian economy.

Global ad revenue to grow by 5.9% as digital offsets headwinds: GroupM

Global advertising revenue is expected to grow by 5.9% to reach a total of USD 874.5-billion in 2023, according to GroupM.

Bookstores with a difference

In the new series, we feature independent bookstores from across the country and highlight what makes them special. Here are four unique spaces — two from the East of India and two from the West. Words: Dibyajyoti Sarma

Education after the pandemic: School enrolments up; learning proficiency down

The Annual Status of Education Report 2022 reveals that while enrolment figures post-pandemic have been above 95% for the past 15 years, the learning gap for foundational skills has widened further. A PrintWeek report

Mobile reading app Saga Fiction forays into printed books

The mobile fiction-reading app, Saga Fiction, is set to foray into the world of print publishing. First, in the roll-out, Saga will release a crime thriller The Only Way Out is Death by best-selling author, Varun Gwalani.

Climate Asia addresses pertinent issues around climate

Climate Asia recently organised a virtual masterclass on the theme — Climate Career Opportunities: investments, consulting, entrepreneurship — with expert guest speaker Santosh K Singh, partner and managing director at Intellecap.

How Sheth Publishers survived the pandemic

The pandemic years were truly difficult for the industry, especially for educational publishers. Yet, Mumbai-based Sheth Publishers managed to tide over the crisis thanks to its strategic marketplace, its investment in eLearning modules and its never-say-die attitude, Deepak Sheth of Sheth Publishers tells Dibyajyoti Sarma

Shehan Karunatilaka wins the Booker Prize

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka has won the Booker prize for fiction. The judges praised the “ambition of its scope, and the hilarious audacity of its narrative techniques”.

Penguin Random House turns 35

As Penguin Random House India turns 35 this year, the publishing house has launched a special campaign, BookedByPenguin: A wordplay that captures Penguin’s impact on the literary and publishing world.

Paper stocks buzzing, India is the fastest growing market in the world

While the cost of paper and paperboard is a contentious issue for the industry, it is perhaps the best time to invest in paper stocks.

August issue of PrintWeek, WhatPackaging? out

Industry emerges as the winner, as growth returns to the fore. This is PrintWeek’s verdict on the industry outlook for the last six months, which the cover story of the August issue of PrintWeek explores.

Wan-Ifra summit in September

The Indian Printers Summit 2022 is scheduled on 14-15 September at the Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport. More than 200 newspaper industry CEOs, technical personnel and other senior news publishing leaders will attend the industry rendezvous.

FICCI conference highlights food ingredients innovations

Can India become the food factory of the world? What would be the holistic food ingredients ecosystem, and what are its growth and opportunities? What are the roles of ingredients in ensuring health and wellness? What are the emerging trends and evolving regulatory and business environment? These and other questions were discussed during FICCI's 2nd National Conference on Food Ingredients: Tool Towards Innovation on 19 July.

Paper import system to prevent under-invoicing

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) by amending the import policy of major paper products from free to free subject to compulsory registration under the scheme. The main aim is to curb imports.

PrintWeek July issue focuses on packaging, sustainability

Keeping up with the magazine’s focus on promoting sustainability, the cover story of the July issue of PrintWeek highlights the work EPL has been doing towards sustainability.

June issue of PrintWeek, WhatPackaging? out

After much delay, the 2022 edition of PrintPack India, India’s premier trade exhibition, finally took place from 26 to 30 May at India Expo Centre in Greater Noida. And, by all consensus, the show was a success. The PrintWeek team attended the five-day show, and the cover story of the June issue of PrintWeek highlights everything that took place at PrintPack 2022 —from the deals made to the machines unveiled.

Paper dominates conversation at PrintPack

For the second year in a row, India’s exports of paper, paperboard and newsprint have outstripped imports, in volume terms, in 2021-22. Most of the visitors at the show are talking about how paper exports have grown four-fold from 0.66-million tonnes in FY17 to 2.85-million tonnes in FY22. Print business owners have reported price increases, as consumer inflation rises to its highest point in 40 years. Dibyajyoti Sarma reports.

P Narendra: For the decade ahead, I would bet on Indian packaging

On 24 May, on the eve of PrintPack, the AIFMP hosted Infinite Print. The session examined infinite possibilities of the printverse. Walter Kuhn, vice president of print, Visual Communication Association of Australia, and the guest of honour, P Narendra (Pragati Offset and Pragati Pack) addressed the gathering. Excerpts from P Narendra's speech

Amazon Smbhav 2022 focuses on small business digitisation

The 2022 edition of Amazon India’s annual summit, Amazon Smbhav, for Indian businesses in the digital marketplace, was organised online on 18 and 19 May 2022.

India's paper consumption to notch 30-million tonnes by FY27

Paper industry in the country has undergone a transformation. The Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) issued a statement last week which said the paper industry in India has a potential to grow by 6-7% per annum in the next five years.

JK Paper results improve

JK Paper reported its highest ever quarterly turnover and profit, with a 50% jump in yearly revenues on the back of strong demand. JK Paper was trading in the green on 16 May on the back of healthy March quarter results for FY22.

Focus on sustainability in the April issue of PrintWeek, WhatPackaging?

The cover story of the April 2022 issue of PrintWeek is an in-depth interview with Ashok Jaipuria, the promoter, chairman and managing director of Cosmo Films. The issue also features a detailed report on the InkWeek event organised by PrintWeek and WhatPackaging? magazines on 21-25 March.

PrintWeek March issue delves deep into the ink industry

In the run-up to the InkWeek series of webinars that PrintWeek is organising from 21 to 25 March 2022, the focus of the March 2022 issue of PrintWeek was ink, especially how ink has rallied to the industry’s defence.

Good growth for newspapers, but cost remains a challenge

The Indian newspaper industry faced an unprecedented crisis when the country went into lockdown in March 2020. Circulation fell drastically, so did ad revenue. The FICCI EY report on the Indian M&E industry 2021 showed that print ad revenue came down from Rs 206 billion in 2019 to Rs 122 billion in 2020.

The never-ending saga of exam paper leaks

An incident of paper leak during a government recruitment examination triggered a massive controversy in Gujarat in December 2020. This was the ninth such incident in the state since 2014. But Gujarat is not alone, as such cases have sprung up in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra as well. Dibyajyoti Sarma reports

February 2022 edition of PrintWeek, WhatPackaging? out

Eminent Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo was recently conferred with the 57th Jnanpith Award for 2021. The cover story of the February 2022 issue of PrintWeek features an exclusive interview with Mauzo about his life and works, the importance of translation and the state of the Konkani language and literature.

Books are very popular in India: Ananth Padmanabhan of HarperCollins

In an exclusive interview with Dibyajyoti Sarma, Ananth Padmanabhan, chief executive officer, HarperCollins Publishers, talks about the impact of the pandemic on publishing, the struggles and opportunities, and the road ahead

British Council launches publishing sector study

The British Council and the Art X Company has announced the release of the ‘India Literature and Publishing Sector Study’, a pioneering primary research project aimed at understanding the challenges faced by Indian publishers, agents, authors, translators, and industry bodies when making literature written in Indian languages more widely available to an international English-speaking audience.

Sheth Publishers helps take education online during pandemic

As the Covid-19 pandemic started disrupting the traditional ways of teaching and learning, with educational institutes shut, and with teaching going online, Mumbai-based education services provider, Sheth Publishers, has started offering eBooks to teachers to help them to take lectures online.

Sivadas, Balsavar win Big Little Book Award 2021

The Big Little Book Award (BLBA), presented by Tata Trusts’ Parag initiative, announced Prof S Sivadas and Deepa Balsavar as winners for their significant contribution to children’s literature in Indian language(s).

Making of two poetry anthologies

Delhi-based independent publisher Red River recently published two landmark poetry antholo gies — Witness: The Red River Book of Poetry of Dissent and The Shape of a Poem: The Red River Book of Contemporary Erotic Poetry. The former title was printed at Sivakasi-based Lovely Offset Printers and the latter title at Delhi-based Avantika Printers

Ahmedabad University, JCBLF join hands for literary translation

Ahmedabad University has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Delhi-based JCB Literature Foundation (JCBLF) to groom and mentor interested students in the fast-growing literary translation segment.

Bookaroo Literature Festival back in Delhi

Twenty-two months after Bookaroo’s Delhi edition comes the 13th edition of India’s biggest Children’s Literature Festival. The show will take place at National Rail Museum, Chanakyapuri on 27 and 28 November.

Big Little Book Award announces shortlisted authors

Big Little Book Award (BLBA), the first-of-its-kind award for children’s books by the Parag Initiative of Tata Trusts, has announced the shortlisted authors for 2021. This year, Malayalam is the chosen language.

It’s time books are defined as an essential commodity

Neeraj Jain shares the details about the ‘value proposition of Indian publishing’ report and the current state of Indian publishing. And it’s not all bad news, as Jain says, “We were equal to the task and innovative enough to manage the impact,” in an exclusive interview with PrintWeek’s Dibyajyoti Sarma

Sage Response turns 25

A small spark can sometimes start big revolutions. Sage Response is proof of this. It all started in 1995 when Sage India established Sage Response to cater to the Indian business and management community. As SAGE Response celebrates 25 years of transforming business and management practices, it would be illuminating to look back at its journey so far.

Coal shortage shutdown five paper mills in Vapi

The paper industry is teetering on the edge of a power crisis. The coal shortage has impacted five paper mills in Vapi GIDC which have been closed. This has rendered hundreds of workers jobless.

Journalism during Covid-19: Loss of lives, layoffs and cutbacks

According to the Network of Women in Media (NWMI), so far, 538 journalists have lost their lives to Covid-19. And the situation is equally grim for those who are still reporting on the ground

73rd Frankfurter Buchmesse to bring global publishing industry back together

From 20 to 24 October 2021, the international publishing industry will come together at the 73rd Frankfurter Buchmesse under the motto ‘Re:connect – Welcome back to Frankfurt’. 1,500 exhibitors from more than 70 countries along with some 200 authors will once again turn Frankfurter Buchmesse into a marketplace for content and a celebration of books.

PackPlus South returns after two years on 7-9 October

PackPlus South, South India’s most established business-to-business event focused on total packaging, converting, and supply chain is all set to return on the show floor from 7-9 October at HITEX, Hyderabad.

Divya Bhaskar celebrates 17th anniversary of its Baroda edition

To commemorate its 17th year in Baroda, Divya Bhaskar presented a special thematic edition ‘Baroda Special Edition', which served a confluence of the past, present, and future to our illustrious readers.

Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize 2021 longlist announced

The New India Foundation has announced the longlist for the fourth edition of the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize, recognising and celebrating excellence in non-fiction writings on modern and contemporary India. This longlist of 12 books reflects a compelling picture of the diverse narratives which embody independent India’s cultural, political, and social milieu in showcasing the finest non-fiction writing from and about the Indian subcontinent.

Dainik Bhaskar’s financial results for Q1 FY2022

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30 June 2021.

Dainik Bhaskar celebrates 25 years in Jodhpur with 120-page edition

To commemorate its 25 years in Jodhpur, the ‘Blue City of India’, Dainik Bhaskar, in continuation with its mega-edition spree, published a 120-page Foundation Day issue in Jodhpur.

Parle Agro set to reshape the dairy landscape

India’s multi-category, multi-brand beverage behemoth Parle Agro that has been dominating the fruit-based drinks category in the country for over three decades with iconic Indian beverages, has announced its diversification into the dairy category. The move is backed by years of devoted in-depth research and extensive investment in modern and innovative technologies to build a robust dairy infrastructure and introduce novel products to the Indian consumers. With this, Parle Agro is set to dynamically transform the dairy universe in India with innovations and new consumer experiences that haven’t existed in the category before.

Dainik Bhaskar regains 90% of pre-Covid circulation numbers

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers, Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, has announced its financial results for the quarter ended 31 March 2021. In the performance highlight for Q 4 FY2021 Consolidated (compared to Q4 FY2020), PAT grew by 158 % yoy at Rs 619-million as against Rs 241 million and EBIDTA grew by 52 % yoy at Rs 1,047-million (23 % margin) as against Rs 690-million (margin of 14%).

Counterfeiting incidents up by 20% in three years: ASPA report

Observing the World Anti-Counterfeiting Day on 8 June, the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), a self-regulated industry body of anti-counterfeiting and traceability solutions providers unveil the latest edition of its report ‘The State of Counterfeiting in India – 2021’. The aim is to create awareness amongst industry stakeholders in the fight against fake.

Pandemic results in 50% growth in soap sales in rural India

StoreKing, India’s only rural retail ecosystem that connects suppliers/ brands and financial institutions to rural consumers with kirana as an anchor, conducted a study to understand consumer consumption behaviour during the lockdown period. The study conducted across 22,000 rural kirana stores monitored purchase habits in categories like baby care, food and beverages, home care and personal care staples.

WasteAid launches 10,000-pound Zero Waste Cities challenge

WasteAid, a UK-based international NGO, is launching the Zero Waste Cities Challenge to find entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that help reduce or recycle waste and create green employment opportunities. The competition is part of WasteAid’s Circular Economy Network funded by Huhtamaki, which is running events across three cities: Johannesburg in South Africa, Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam, and Guwahati in India. Two winners in each city will be awarded 10,000-pound and business mentoring support to help make their idea a reality.

Retail analytics market size to hit USD 20-bn mark by 2026

The expanding penetration of big data across the retail sector is likely to prompt global retail analytics market to surge at a prodigious pace over 2020-2026. Vivid brands and retailers are massively adopting retail analytics to comprehend the customer buying patterns along with deriving meaningful data insights. What more has fostered the growth of retail analytics is the advancement in big data analytics which has effectively supported businesses to target and identify potential customers.

Xeikon adds brand new CX50 press to its wall decoration suite

Xeikon announces an eco-friendly, cost-effective digital answer to today’s wallpaper production challenges. As a key part of Xeikon’s Wall Deco Suite and with Xeikon’s bespoke and environmentally friendly dry toner technology with extended colour gamut, the new Xeikon CX50 is introduced. The Xeikon Wall Deco Suite is an all-in-one streamlined solution including inline finishing – all developed to cost effectively produce creative wall decorations including custom illustrations and photomurals in short runs. Meeting today’s consumer demand for individualised home interiors, the Xeikon CX50 digital press offers unlimited creative freedom across a wide range of substrates where every printed product can be unique.

JCB Literature Foundation makes award-winning titles accessible for visually-impaired

In a groundbreaking initiative to make current award-worthy fiction titles available for the visually-impaired, the JCB Literature Foundation has joined hands with Sugamaya Pustakalya, India’s first and largest collection of accessible books, to make books that were shortlisted for the JCB Prize for Literature available as eBooks for free download by the visually-impaired community.

Print mulls strategy, as second wave is here

With India's official death toll now at more than 165,000, and the second wave is here. On Sunday night, the Prime Minister reviewed the Covid-19 and vaccination related situation across the country. He reiterated the importance of the five-fold strategy of Testing, Tracing, Treatment, Covid-appropriate behaviour and vaccination as an effective way to fight the global pandemic. Under such circumstances, it is inevitable that the print industry is worried about the future.

JM Financial invests Rs 600-mn in Canpac

JM Financial Private Equity, a sector-agnostic growth-capital private equity fund, has finalised an investment of Rs 600-million in the Gujarat-based folding carton and packaging solutions company, Canpac Trends, to fund the company’s current expansion plans.

Book Watch: Annie Zaidi shares her favourite reads on human history

Annie Zaidi’s collection of essays, Known Turf, was short-listed for the Vodafone Crossword Book Award in 2010. She also writes poetry (Crush, 2007), short stories (The Good Indian Girl, 2011), plays, and has published a novella. She won The Hindu Playwright Award in 2018 and the Nine Dots Prize in 2019 for her work Bread, Cement, Cactus.

Raghu Rai named Fujifilm brand ambassador

Fujifilm India has announced ace photographer Raghu Rai as the brand ambassador for Fujifilm’s GFX series of cameras to unfold an exciting new photography venture. As part of this association, Raghu Rai will be capturing the art and undiscovered murals of India’s magnificent national treasures — the Ajanta Ellora caves. The project will be shot exclusively on the Fujifilm GFX 100s camera that helps attain smooth gradation and image sharpness.

Container crunch hampers smooth return to export

With Covid-19 related lockdowns lifted, and the market slowly opening up, especially buoyant with the vaccination drives the world over, the import-export market is facing a new challenge — rising cost and unavailability of ocean freight containers. While the shortage has acutely affected print businesses which export their products, industry insiders are citing this as one of the reasons for the recent paper price hike by the companies.

Dainik Bhaskar reports rise in ad revenue in Q3 FY2021

DB Corp Limited (DBCL) announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 on 28 January. In performance highlights for Q3 FY2021, the company’s ad revenue stood at Rs 3667-million against Rs 4248-million. Circulation revenue stood at Rs 1082-million as against Rs 1321-million. Total Revenue came in at Rs 4966-million as against Rs 6018-million. EBIDTA grew by 16% YOY at Rs 1679-million (34% margin) as against Rs 1447-million (margin of 24%), after considering forex loss of Rs 3.3-million. PAT grew by 21.3% YOY at Rs 990-million as against million as against Rs 816-million, after considering forex loss of Rs 3-million.

Media Expo Mumbai moves to May 2021

In preparation for the vaccination drives at Mumbai’s jumbo care centres, trade fairs scheduled at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in March have been pushed ahead. With a comprehensive safety concept under the ‘MFISafeConnect’ standards, Media Expo Mumbai will now open its doors on 20-22 May in 2021. Drawing attention to innovations prompted by the pandemic in OOH, ambient and transit media, the 47th edition will define the road ahead for indoor and outdoor advertising in India.

Ten business books to inspire entrepreneurship

This is not a top-ten list, but ten insightful books on entrepreneurship published in a year marked by a pandemic — to remind us again the old cliché — Tough times don’t last, tough people do. A PrintWeek recommendation

Book Watch: Tejaswini Niranjana shares her favourite reads

Tejaswini Niranjana is currently professor and head, Department of Cultural Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, and visiting professor with the School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University. She is the author of Siting Translation: History, Post-structuralism and the Colonial Context, as well as Mobilizing India: Women, Music and Migration between India and Trinidad. Her translation of Jayant Kaikini’s No Presents Please was jointly awarded the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature

KVIC revives 1,000-year-old Monpa handmade paper industry in Tawang

The 1000-year-old heritage art – the Monpa handmade paper of Arunachal Pradesh – which was driven to the extinction, has come to life once again, with the committed efforts of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

Remembering Shamsur Rahman Faruqi; celebrating ink on paper

It is said, the printed book is like the spoon, once invented it cannot be improved. A lover of books, Shamsur Rahman Faruqi (30 September 1935 – 25 December 2020), the Indian Urdu language poet, author, critic and theorist passed away in his beloved Allahabad (now Prayagraj) in the presence of his library of books

Book Watch: Karishma Kram shares her favourite reads

Karishma Kram, the author of I See You and Don’t Look Down, is the founder of Shakespeare for Dummies, an interactive workshop series that demystifies the legacy of the world’s greatest entertainer. As a storyteller consultant, she helps organisations find focus with the right messaging strategies and collateral to connect meaningfully with audiences

Dainik Bhaskar Group sets world record for Republic Day campaign

Dainik Bhaskar Group’s latest innovative campaign ‘Ek Salaam, Desh Ke Naam’, has broken the world record of ‘Maximum People Saluting on a Digital Platform’. This campaign is particularly significant, as it honours the spirit of nationalism, patriotism, and oneness as an Indian, amidst different cultures, religions, and languages and commemorates India’s 72nd Republic Day celebrations.

QCI launches recognition scheme for hygiene rating audit agencies

Quality Council of India (QCI) at the behest of the FSSAI has come out with a scheme for approval of hygiene rating audit agencies to scale up hygiene rating by increasing the number of recognised hygiene rating audit agencies in the country. The detail of the scheme is available on QCI’s website.

Books worth Rs 8-crore sold at Guwahati Book Fair

After months of slumps, thanks to the pandemic, and the general apathy towards language writings, the publishing sector in Assam received a much-needed shot in the arm at the 33rd Guwahati Book Fair held from 30 December 2020 to 10 January 2021. It being the first major book related public event in more than a year, according to Publication Board Assam, the organiser of the event, around 25,000-1 lakh people attended the fair every day, and books worth Rs 8-crore were sold in 12 days.

FSSAI’s Eat Right India among top visionaries for the Food Systems Vision Prize

Eat Right India, led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has been declared one of the top visionaries for the Food Systems Vision Prize 2050. Eat Right India envisions safe and nourishing food for all Indians produced in environmentally sustainable systems with a return to our traditional food culture. This prize has been instituted by the US-based Rockefeller Foundation, in association with SecondMuse and Open Ideo. The ten finalists shortlisted among over 1,300 applicants have been announced as top visionaries recently.

Dainik Bhaskar adds mask to its masthead

The Dainik Bhaskar Group has always believed that headlines write themselves. But in challenging times like these, it requires focused effort to elevate the information into something that grabs the attention of the reader. In this spirit, the Dainik Bhaskar newspaper has pioneered and revolutionised social messaging by replacing its masthead with ‘Mask is the only vaccine for now’. With a strong pulse of the sentiments on the ground and its ethos of keeping the reader at the centre of all its efforts, this novel move is unprecedented and perhaps a first in the world.

Frankfurt Book Fair 2020’s online edition sends a strong signal of hope to authors and activists

With Covid-19 still raging, and with flight bans and social distancing norms, the biggest publishing trade show in the world came to the internet, in a Special Edition, which saw 2,00,000 users worldwide log in. A PrintWeek report

The Making of Hero bags Tata Lit Fest’s Business Book of the Year title

The Making of Hero: Four Brothers, Two Wheels and a Revolution that Shaped India, Hero Enterprise Chairman Sunil Kant Munjal’s personal tribute that captures the incredible journey of the Hero Group’s founders, has won the Business Book of the Year 2020 Award at the prestigious Tata Literature Live! festival.

Book Watch: Mita Kapur of Siyahi shares her favourite literary reads

Mita Kapur is the founder and CEO of Siyahi, India’s leading literary consultancy. She is the author of The F-Word, and the editor of Chillies and Porridge: Writing Food, an anthology of essays on food. Mita is currently Literary Director for the JCB Prize for Literature.

Now, a Divya Bhaskar 160-page mega edition in Rajkot

Divya Bhaskar, the Gujarati language newspaper of the Dainik Bhaskar Group has continued the tradition of setting new precedents with another mega two-part 160-page edition, to celebrate the 14th anniversary of the Rajkot Edition, following the special editions in Shimla (144 pages), Indore (128 pages), Bikaner (130 pages), Ahmedabad (80 pages), Raipur (80 pages), Bhopal (72 pages), Ujjain (60 pages), Hoshangabad (60 pages).

Print exporters suffer as the country faces container shortage

While the impact of the lockdown has been acute and immediate for Indian businesses, for a while now, the country is facing another challenge — a crippling shortage of containers for sending out export cargo. This has especially hit the exporters hard as they struggle to take advantage of economic recoveries in other countries.

Gartex Texprocess, Screen Print to be hybrid events in 2021

India’s most comprehensive exhibition on garment and textile manufacturing – Gartex Texprocess India is all set to be launched as a ‘hybrid’ event in 2021. A significant event in the textile trade calendars, the 2021 edition will be held alongside yet another premier fair for screen, textile, sublimation and digital printing technologies – Screen Print India, thus bringing the entire textile value chain together for business through their new hybrid format.

Dainik Bhaskar publishes 130-page Bikaner edition

Bikaner, the historical city from Marwad of Rajasthan, famous for its Bikaneri Bhujia, has created a record that might take many years for anyone to break. On its 23rd anniversary on 16 October 2020, Dainik Bhaskar published a whopping 130-page newspaper issue after setting milestones with 128 pages edition in Indore, 72-page in Bhopal, 80 pages each in Ahmedabad and Raipur, 60-page in Hoshangabad, and 54 pages in Bilaspur.

Naitik Enterprise installs MGI Jetvarnish 3D

Surat-based Naitik Enterprise has invested in MGI Jetvarnish 3D. The company said that it is delighted with the results of the equipment which was installed on its shopfloor before the lockdown in March.

Rs 25.39-crore in fake currency notes seized in 2019

There is no rest for counterfeiters, not evening during the pandemic. And their targets remain the same — money, drugs, and alcohol.

Seema Mustafa elected president in Editors Guild’s first polls

For the first time since it was founded in 1978, the Editors Guild of India chose its three top office-bearers through elections, with Seema Mustafa, editor of The Citizen, elected its president. In the past, presidents, general secretaries and treasurers of the guild have been appointed through consensus.

Now, Aadhar PVC Card in smart size

More than a decade after the launch of Aadhaar, people still finds it quite confusing how and which part of the card to carry with them to produce as a document when required. The reason being, the Aadhaar card is not issued in a proper format. The holder has to cut it out from the Aadhaar letter received from the UIDAI.

All-digital Frankfurt Conference kicks off Special Edition book fair week

Under the motto Signals of Hope: New Perspectives for a Stronger Future, Frankfurter Buchmesse’s new all-digital Frankfurt Conference kicks off on 13 October, marking the start to the Special Edition book fair week. Spread over four days and packed solid with professional expertise, the conference programme offers discussions, Q&A sessions, and brief presentations featuring keynote speakers and panellists from around the world.

American poet Louise Glück wins Nobel Prize in Literature 2020

American poet Louise Glück has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2020 “for her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal”. The award was announced on 8 October.

A tribute to Chandamama artist KC Sivasankar

With the passing of legendary artist KC Sivasankar, the last of the original Chandamama team, an important era in the history of children’s writing in India, comes to an end.

Frankfurter Buchmesse Bookfest now online

Every year in October, culture enthusiasts from all over the world celebrate the Bookfest together — the big international cultural festival of Frankfurter Buchmesse — from bestseller events with world-famous authors to discussion rounds, workshops and performances. This year, for the first time it will take place virtually as Bookfest digital.

Frankfurt Book Fair 2020 unveils its digital avatar

Like no other happening in the publishing industry, Frankfurter Buchmesse leads the way in activating global networks, opening up future markets and putting both sector-specific and socio-political issues on the agenda.

Media industry to contract by 20% in FY21 as digital shows growth: KPMG Report

The Indian media and entertainment (M&E) industry, which grew by 7.4% in FY20, to reach a size of Rs 1.75-trillion, is expected to contract by a whopping 20% in FY21, KPMG in its Media and Entertainment Report 2020, titled A Year Off Script, released on 30 September, said. The report added that only by FY 2022 that the media and entertainment industry will regain its mojo. This is the 12th edition of KPMG’s Media and Entertainment (M&E) Report.

Bertelsmann joins race to acquire Simon & Schuster

German media group Bertelsmann is joining the race to buy ViacomCBS’s publishing arm Simon & Schuster, in a move that would entrench the owner of Penguin Random House as the world’s biggest book publisher.

HUL book makes case for how to be a champion CEO

In the new book, The CEO Factory, Sudhir Sitapati, executive director, foods and refreshments, HUL, offers anecdotal and useful management lessons culled from the company’s stories past. A DibyajyotI Sarma book review

Call for entries: Frankfurter Buchmesse Film Awards 2020

The submissions period for the Frankfurter Buchmesse Film Awards is open. Until 28 August 2020, publishers and production and media companies may submit their proposals for the Film Awards for the categories ‘Best Literary Adaptation’, ‘Best Adaptation for Children or Young Adults’ and ‘Best Illustrated Book on Film’.

PRH India to distribute Independent Publishers Group

Penguin Random House India has signed a new distribution partnership agreement with Independent Publishers Group (IPG), the original independent book sales and distribution company in the United States. This new partnership will enable PRHI to exclusively sell and distribute titles published by over 100 international independent publishers, who are a part of IPG, in the Indian subcontinent, effective immediately.

Counterfeiting in India up by 24% between 2018-2019

The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), a self-regulated industry body of anti-counterfeiting and traceability solutions providers, unveiled the first edition of its report ‘The State of Counterfeiting In India – 2020’. The report highlights the trends of counterfeiting incidents reported in India for the period 2019 and 2018. According to the report, counterfeiting incidents have risen steadily in the last few years and in 2019, these have increased by 24% as compared to 2018.

Iggesund addresses Europe’s sustainable packaging demand

The hunt for materials that can replace plastic is intense. Innovation work is being done on a global scale to find renewable alternatives to plastic so that humanity can reduce the huge impact on the environment from our use of plastic. Many solutions are being tried but we still have no material with all of plastic’s great advantages without its devastating disadvantages. Instead of waiting for that magic material, which may never come, packaging buyers concerned about the climate should consider the existing alternatives and move to composite materials.

Delhi, Guwahati top TRA’s mental wellbeing index during Covid-19

TRA Research, a consumer insights and brand analytics company, released a whitepaper on 26 June 2020 tracking the mental wellbeing of citizens across urban India during the lockdown period. The survey was conducted across 16 cities between 23 March and 21 May 2020. The study measured health worry, economy worry, family worry and financial worry of citizens and their ability to cope with them.

A print journal: The life and soul of TISS for 82 years

One of the oldest Indian journals, the history of the IJSW is the story of the social work profession in India from its early days to present times. Dibyajyoti Sarma learns the inside story from Sudha Ganapathi of TISS

Entries invited for Publishing Next Awards

Entries have been invited for the Publishing Next Industry Awards 2022. In its ninth year, the Awards, established under the aegis of the platform of the Publishing Next conference, seek to recognise the innovation and leadership of publishing professionals and others in the book trade.

HarperCollins wins top honours at Publishing Next Industry Awards

HarperCollins Publishers India has been named the winner in the Publisher of the Year category of Publishing Next Industry Awards 2021. The eighth edition of the annual Awards were announced on 27 March. The Awards were presented in 10 categories. Pratham Books, the Bangalore-based non-profit publisher, was declared runner-up in the category.

Spotlight: Newspaper industry troubles and book problems

Dibyajyoti Sarma looks at how publishing sector is putting up a brave fight to stay relevant despite insurmountable odds.

StoryWeaver’s repository of over 38,000 books to promote reading literacy

The CBSE has partnered with Pratham Books’ StoryWeaver for a two-year initiative to increase reading ability of the students. Himanshu Giri, CEO, Pratham Books, tells Dibyajyoti Sarma of PrintWeek, why this is a good idea

Book on circular design for fashion released

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which works for the promotion of circular economy, has released a booked called Circular Design for Fashion. The book has been written in recognition of fashion’s huge potential to move towards a circular economy and in homage to its creatives, passionate pioneers on the constant search for reinvention.

Employability improves from 45.97% to 46.2% this year: India Skills Report 2022

The India Skills Report 2022 by Wheebox, in partnership with CII, AICTE, AIU, Taggd, Sunstone Eduversity and UNDP is a report on the talent demand and supply. According to ISR 2022, overall, 46.2% of the youth were found to be highly employable against last year’s employability of 45.97%, which is a significant improvement. Women employable pool is steadily increasing which is 51.44% of females while 45.97% of males were found highly employable. Another trend which has picked up is that 88.6 % graduates are seeking internship opportunities.

Indian Icon: A Cult Called Royal Enfield wins Gaja Capital Business Book Prize 2021

Indian Icon: A Cult Called Royal Enfield, a riveting story of the creation of a powerful Indian brand going global, has been announced as the winner of the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize 2021.

Raipur continues Dainik Bhaskar's spree of mega editions

To commemorate its 33 years in Raipur, Dainik Bhaskar curated the 104-page Foundation issue, in keeping with its reader-centric philosophy. For this special edition, Dainik Bhaskar chose the theme ‘MORE Raipur’ which is duly connected to MOR Raipur, which is the punch line of Raipur's Smart City Project, and it reflects the sense of being a Raipurian.

Biodegradable cellulose acetate receives marine biodegradability certification

Osaka, Japan-based Daicel Corporation has announced that its Cafblotm product obtained the OK biodegradable MARINE, an international certification for marine biodegradability, in August 2021. This is the second such validation following the granting of the “OK compost INDUSTRIAL” certification for biodegradability in an industrial composting plant.

Publishing during Pandemic: a closer look

How are the book publishers dealing with the pandemic, especially the second wave, in terms of workflow, meeting deadlines, print-runs, quality production and sales? PrintWeek asks seven prominent publishers

ASPA elects new governing body members

The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), a non-profit organisation focused on the development and strengthening of building authentication eco-systems in India announced the appointment of its new governing body members for the period 2021-2023. The new Governing Body Members were elected at its 21st Annual General Meeting which was held 13 July on a virtual platform.

A website that digs deep into sustainability

By creating the ‘Sustainability Unfolded’ platform, Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, aims to provide a consumer-oriented and fresh way to open up and address sustainability topics, especially in the context of packaging sustainability. The targets are clear: increase understanding, challenge myths, and help make the right everyday choices.

Swati Raje: Keeping children positively engaged was a big concern

Swati Raje, the founder-president of Bhaashaa Foundation, shares how the Pune organisation intensified its education efforts through its libraries and interactive centres to mitigate challenges faced by school children during the pandemic

Bound releases industry research report to bridge the gap between readers and publishers

In an attempt to bridge the gap between readers, writers, editors and publishers, Bound, an organisation that creates stories and helps individuals and brands tell their stories, has released the project, Bound’s Ultimate Publishing Toolkit, which comprises of ‘The Book People’ podcast and ‘Demystifying Indian Publishing: Bound’s Industry Insights and Predictions 2021’.

Impact of physical advertising to remain irreplaceable

With the Indian economy gradually re-opening and outdoor interactions returning to normal, the indoor, outdoor and signage advertising segments will re-emerge as credible advertising mediums for B2C communication.

Mathrubhumi delivers during Onam

This year, with the ongoing pandemic and other calamities that plagued Kerala, Onam was also in the vicinity. The team from Kerala’s leading media group Mathrubhumi decided that nothing was enough to stop them and created history by roping in more than 1,000 advertisers on board out of which 200 plus were local traders of Kerala who exclusively advertised in Mathrubhumi.

Divya Bhaskar prints 80-page mega edition

After setting new milestones with 128 pages edition in Indore, 72-page in Bhopal, 60-page in Hoshangabad and 54 pages in Bilaspur, the Bhaskar Group’s fight against the impact of the Corona continues with Divya Bhaskar’s 80-page edition in Ahmedabad.

Physical show cancelled, Frankfurt Book Fair goes virtual

With nearly a month to go for the world’s biggest trade fair in publishing, Frankfurt Book Fair has announced the cancellation of its traditional on-site exhibition for the year due to the corona pandemic, since current travel restrictions would prevent numerous country stands from being realised as planned. In addition, the quarantine requirements that will be enforced on 1 October 2020 make it nearly impossible for European exhibitors and trade visitors to participate.

ASPA, GS1 India sign MoU to strengthen anti-counterfeiting ecosystems

Realising the magnitude of damage counterfeiting causes to the Indian economy, brands and consumers, Authentication Solutions Providers’ Association (ASPA) and GS1 India have joined hands to take the fight against counterfeiting to the next level.

PRH India launches exclusive social media page for young readers

Penguin Random House India has launched an exclusive social media page on Facebook and Instagram called Penguinsters, especially for our young readers, teenagers, their parents, teachers and everyone else who loves books. This platform will give our readers an opportunity to explore some of the greatest books and writers, access to resources that will shape their minds and host exciting and fun content about books published by the three imprints of the children’s division: Puffin, Penguin and Duckbill Books.

DB Corp reports Rs 22,363-million revenue for FY2020

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, on 23 June announced its financial results for the quarter and full year ended 31 March 2020.

First speakers revealed for the sixth TheIJC in Düsseldorf

Coming from the world’s leading industry players and academic centres, over 60 speakers will present their research on core inkjet technologies during TheIJC (The Inkjet Conference) on 29 and 30 October 2019 at Crowne Plaza Düsseldorf. Several hundreds of developers, innovators and decision-makers are expected to join the event to peer into the future of digital printing and assess its impact on various manufacturing processes.

DB Corp ropes in Salman Khan to boost circulation

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, has roped in Bollywood Superstar and popular actor Salman Khan, to be the face of Dainik Bhaskar Group’s recent Circulation Expansion Initiative.

With the acquisition of Bemis, Amcor becomes a global packaging giant

UK-headquartered Amcor, a global packaging company, which produces flexible packaging, rigid containers, specialty cartons, closures and services for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical-device, home and personal care, and other products, recently announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Bemis, effective 11 June 2019. The combined company will now operate as Amcor.

Frankfurter Buchmesse launches campaign to celebrate culture as a driver of innovation

This year’s Frankfurter Buchmesse (16-20 October 2019) is putting culture back at the centre of global discussion. Together with the United Nations and Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels (German Publishers & Booksellers Association), Frankfurter Buchmesse is launching the global campaign ‘Create Your Revolution – initiative for the future of culture’ that celebrates the power of culture as an enabler and driver of innovation and growth to help achieve the sustainable development goals.

Mathrubhumi launches innovative integrated ad campaigns for Onam

Onam holds a symbolic significance with celebrations and festivities for Malayalis worldwide. It carries a legacy in tradition and rituals that lead to immense excitement in the air and high spirited celebrations everywhere. Malayalis go shopping with a vengeance, and brands focus their marketing might to capitalise on the frenzy. This year, the media group Mathrubhumi has decided to bring some fresh thought to this communication, conceptualising it in an effective manner. The objective of the campaign is to demonstrate its various combinations of media that can effectively drive response across target groups.

CII GreenCo Summit 2019 on 4 and 5 July

As part of the GreenCo rating system, instituted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the annual GreenCo Summit, a platform to learn, share and explore new growth opportunities in green businesses space, has been organised to be held at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi from 3 to 5 July 2019.

OAC 2019 in Mumbai on 26 and 27 July

The 15th edition outdoor advertising convention (OAC) 2019 will be held at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, Powai, Mumbai, on 26 and 27 July. Titled ‘OOH 2.0! The Revolution Begins Here’, the convention will bring all key stakeholders of the OOH industry on a common platform to deliberate upon the new business opportunities and chart a roadmap for accelerated OOH growth.

North American flexo inks market to grow at USD 3-billion until 2024

According to a recently report by Graphical Research, the North American flexographic printing inks market is estimated to exceed USD 3-billion by 2024. Increasing demand for flexographic printing inks in cosmetic packaging has been driving the market.

Global wax market to exceed USD 10-billion by 2024

According to an industry report published by the Global Market Insights, the global wax market is set to surpass the USD 10-billion mark by 2024.

PackPlus 2019 opens its doors

The 2019 edition of PackPlus, the comprehensive packaging and supply chain show, which opened its doors on 28 August, promises to offer a brand-new outlook to the industry. It’s the first time the show is being organised by Reed Exhibitions, which also organises IndiaCorr Expo, after it acquired the flagship packaging exhibition portfolio from Mumbai-based Next Events. Co-located with CartonTech, SupplyPlus, PackSol and India Converting Show, PackPlus 2019 is on until 31 August 2019 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Sri Lanka Association of Printers members felicitated

During his recent visit to Sri Lanka, Kamal Chopra felicitated the newly-elected team of Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP) on 12 August 2019 at Colombo. Congratulating the new team, Chopra assured complete support and assistance from AIFMP for the growth and development of printing industry.

FSSAI opens National Food Laboratory in Ghaziabad

FSSAI’s National Food Laboratory, at Ghaziabad, Delhi-NCR was inaugurated by Harsh Vardhan, Union minister of health and family welfare on 23 August 2019. The minister also laid the foundation stone of the FSSAI Tower. Incidentally, 23 August 2019 also marked the 13th anniversary of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Pamex joins hands with IPAMA for Pamex 2020

The members of Pamex and IPAMA have reached to an agreement that will see IPAMA members getting a special discounted rate to take part in Pamex 2020. The trade show is slated from 6 to 9 January 2020 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.

The best of the corrugated value chain at IndiaCorr Expo 2019

IndiaCorr Expo–SinoCorrugated 2019, the country’s only business platform for the entire value chain of corrugated packaging industry, is all set to take place from 5 to 7 September 2019 at India Expo Centre, Greater Noida.

Non-commercial acrylic paints to see sustained growth in the US

According to a recent report released by Future Market Insights, non-commercial acrylic paints are expected to witness sustained demand in the US as preference for fast-drying paints takes off in canvas- and paper-based applications. The approximately USD 230-million market for non-commercial acrylic paint is foreseen to grow by 4.3% yoy in 2019. The study also delivers key insights on the US non-commercial acrylic paints market.

Scrapbook 2019 to focus on diversity of content

The 2019 edition of Scrapbook, the annual children’s publishing conclave organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci), to be held on 10 August 2019 in New Delhi, will focus on ‘diversity of content’. In particular, the initiative will highlight the need and requirement for diversity of content in K12 education space to enhance the learning outcomes.

DSC Prize 2019 travels to Nepal

In its ninth year, the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature has announced that it would be awarding the DSC Prize 2019 winner at the Nepal Literature Festival in Pokhara on 16 December 2019. The felicitation ceremony is planned as the finale event of the Nepal Literature Festival which takes place from 13 to 16 December 2019.

Scrapbook 2019: We need literature in education to foster meaningful life

Govind Prasad Sharma, chairman, National Book Trust, said that vanishing literature from school education is clipping the wings of imagination and is robbing the child of a meaningful life despite having a successful career. He was speaking at the 2019 edition of Scrapbook, the annual children's publishing conclave organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci) on 10 August 2019 in New Delhi.

MCMA extends support to PackPlus 2019

The Metal Container Manufacturers Association (MCMA), which works towards formation and implementation of standards for the necessary raw materials, finished goods and allied products of the metal packaging industry in India, has extended its support to PackPlus 2019, to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 28 to 31 August 2019.

Labelexpo 2019: Baldwin to highlight solutions for print quality perfection

Baldwin Vision Systems (BVS) will bring new technical achievements to Labelexpo Europe 2019 (24-27 September, Brussels). BVS will be at the show with AMS Spectral UV, another Baldwin Technology Company.

Cosmo Films reports 170% increase in PAT

Cosmo Films, a global leader in films for packaging, labelling and lamination applications and synthetic paper declared its financial results for the quarter ended June 2019 on 5 August.

Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison, the legacy she leaves behind

Celebrated American author, and the first black woman to win a Nobel Prize in literature, Toni Morrison, passed away on 5 August. She was 88.

Stakeholders come together to celebrate paper on 1 August

The second edition of Paper Day, envisioned as an annual event to promote the cause of paper, and organised by the Federation of Paper Trader’s Association of India (FPTA), was held on 1 August 2019 in New Delhi. The event was attended by all stakeholders associated with the paper industry, including paper manufacturers, paper traders and others.

Sustainable packaging to drive growth of pulp-moulding machines

According to a recently report by Future Market Insights, increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions will drive the pulp-moulding machines market growth. In terms of revenue, the global pulp-moulding machines market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period.

Mathrubhumi Kerala 2.0 Business Conclave concludes on a high note

Ahead of Onam, where various national and regional brands focus their marketing might on the state to capitalise on the frenzy, one of Kerala’s leading media group Mathrubhumi hosted the Kerala 2.0 conclave on consumer durables and kitchen appliances and mobile phones.

Cuttack's Om Oil and Flour Mills installs AccurioPress C3070P

Cuttack, Odisha-based Om Oil and Flour Mills has recently installed a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C3070P. The machine has been running in the shopfloor from April 2019, and according to Dr Sarat Chandra Sahoo, MD, Om Oil and Flour Mills, the company is satisfied with the performance of the machine.

Matthias Fischer is PPI Media’s new contact for Indian market

PPI Media, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of publishing solutions, which has served publishers and media groups throughout India, including companies like Jagran Prakashan, the ABP Group and Bennett, Coleman & Co, has announced that the internationally experienced publishing expert Matthias Fischer will be its new local contact for all PPI Media publishing solutions from 1 October.

Manugraph announces partnership with Japanese company for new 4x1 press

The highlight of Wan-Ifra 2019 conference, which took place at The Leela Ambience, Gurugram, on 18 and 19 September, was the announcement that Mumbai-based Manugraph, India’s largest manufacturer of web offset presses, made in the sidelines.

Wan-Ifra India 2019 Conference begins in Gurugram

The 27th edition of the annual Wan-Ifra India 2019 Conference, the largest gathering of news publishers in South Asia, was inaugurated at The Leela Ambience, Gurugram, on 18 September. The event is on until tomorrow.

FSSAI for sustainable food packaging gets Virat Kohli’s endorsement

Aligned with the government’s call for action to eliminate single-use plastic in coming years, develop environment-friendly substitutes and also an efficient plastic collection and disposal system in the food and beverages (F&B) sector, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is developing a concrete action plan in partnership with all stakeholders.

AccurioJet KM-1 receives Fogra53 accreditation

Konica Minolta’s AccurioJet KM-1 was recently awarded the world’s first Fogra53 accreditation. The robust profile certification was awarded by Fogra Research Institute for Media Technologies for the outstanding stability, versatility, and colour accuracy delivered by the AccurioJet KM-1 after an exhaustive testing programme.

Containerboard market to cross 250-million tonnes consumption by 2025

According to a latest industry report by Global Market Insights, the containerboard market is set to cross USD 250-billion by 2025.

FSSAI’s new labelling and display regulations to encourage healthier food choices

Healthy diet is one of the key responses to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases. Both supply and demand-side interventions are needed to ensure that citizens have access to and eat healthy food. FSSAI has initiated a series of action in this regard. One of them is the new labelling and display regulation.

Union Budget to impact newspapers and printed books

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her first presentation of the Union Budget on 5 July 2019, imposed 10% import duty on newsprint and 5% import duty on printed books. Industry veterans stated there was no import duty on newsprint.

PackPlus 2019: Konica Minolta showcases label samples

During PackPlus 2019, held at Pragati Maidan from 28 to August 31, Konica Minolta showcased state-of-the-art label and packaging samples created using its innovative industrial printers.

Publishing Next to host publisher across the country on 19 September

The eighth edition of the Publishing Next conference, South Asia's only publishing conference, this year, will host publishers from across the country, including marquee names like Penguin Random House, HarperCollins and Westland, at the Goa Science Centre, Miramar, Goa, from 19 to 22 September 2019.

PackPlus 2019: Bostik showcases cutting edge technology solutions

Bostik, a leading global adhesive specialist for industrial, construction and consumer markets, is showcasing its products and technology for the packaging industry PackPlus 2019.

220 exhibitors at sold out Media Expo New Delhi starting 6 September

The burgeoning progress of the Indian ad industry and the leading show for indoor and outdoor advertising and signage, Media Expo, seem to be in sync. With the industry growing at the rate of 10.62% CAGR, the New Delhi edition of the show has broken all exhibitor records, showcasing 13% growth. Keeping pace with the current trends of the industry, Media Expo New Delhi, to be held at Pragati Maidan from 6 to 8 September, will also organise an insightful workshop by industry experts.

Dainik Bhaskar restructures corporate sales team

DB Corp, home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, has announced key restructuring in corporate sales and marketing division.

All about writing at Frankfurter Buchmesse

With the new Frankfurt Authors Area in Hall 3.0, Frankfurter Buchmesse, to be held from 16-20 October 2019, has created a new space dedicated to writing. Frankfurt Authors is an extension of the previous Self-Publishing Area — with a new stage, signing area and lounge as well as a professional programme and networking events.

Publishing Next 2019 to be held on 19-22 September

The edition of Publishing Next, the annual conference on the future of publishing, will be held spread over four days, from 19-22 September 2019 at the Goa Science Centre, Goa.

Screen Print India 2020 to be held on 24-26 April

Followed by a successful edition and growing demand of screen printing in various application areas in the Indian market, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India has announced the schedule of the 15th edition of the Screen Print India show. The how will be held in Mumbai from 24 to 26 April 2020.

International Paper to sell its Indian paper business to West Coast Paper Mills

International Paper has entered into an agreement with West Coast Paper Mills (WCPM) to sell its controlling interest in International Paper APPM, an India-based paper business. International Paper currently owns approximately 30-million shares, or 75% of the outstanding shares, of International Paper APPM Limited (APPM).

Dell is India’s most trusted brand, Jeep ranks second

Dell has been ranked as India’s most trusted brands in TRA’s Brand Trust Report 2019, the ninth edition in its series which was released on 4 June 2019. It is followed in second position by Jeep, which also becomes the most trusted automobile brand of India this year. LIC and Amazon are ranked third and fourth and Apple iPhone is India’s fifth most trusted brand, rising 116 ranks from 2018 to also lead in mobile phone.

With two months to go, PackPlus 2019 records 90% bookings

The market size of India’s packaging industry is expected to touch USD 72.6-billion by FY2020 on account of rising population and income levels. The growth is driven primarily by pharmaceuticals, foods and beverages. About 45% of the packaging machinery and materials produced is absorbed by the food processing sector alone, 25% by the pharmaceuticals sector, and 10% each by the personal products, tea and coffee, and industrial products industries. These optimistic figures open up various new opportunities for the industry.

Girija Jhunjhunwala: Graphic novels offer unending possibilities for thoughtful literary expression

In the West, graphic novels are a serious business (look at the blockbuster movies based on popular DC and Marvel Comics characters), with dedicated publishers churning out content for adult readership but with the same literary depth afforded to a traditional novel. In India, this combination of text and visuals still means literature targeted at children — Tinkle, Amar Chitra Katha, Chacha Chaudhary or occasionally Archie. Is it true, or the dynamics are changing? In a conversation with Dibyajyoti Sarma, Girija Jhunjhunwala, director, Campfire Graphic Novels, explains the state of graphic novels in India

With digitisation, Comexi moving towards autonomous machines

The answer is Comexi Cloud, which the company had been working on and which began showing results in 2016.

Olga Tokarczuk and Peter Handke win Nobel Prize for literature

Following a sexual harassment scandal last year, which saw the Nobel Prize for Literature for 2018 being postponed, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden, on 10 October announced the winners of the Prize for both 2018 and 2019. Olga Tokarczuk and Peter Handke were announced winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature for 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Bookaroo, India’s biggest children’s literature festival returns to Delhi

On the last weekend of November, Bookaroo, India’s biggest children’s literature festival, will open its 12th edition in New Delhi, bringing celebrated authors, stories and books in all forms, shapes and sizes. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) on Rajendra Prasad Road, the venue for Bookaroo 2019, will witness two days of non-stop fun and learning with books on 30November and 1 December 2019.

Frankfurter Book Fair 2019 ends with significant increase in visitors

The 71st Frankfurter Buchmesse ended on 20 October with a significant increase in the number of visitors of 8.3% at the weekend and a rise of 3.7% on the trade visitor days. In 2019, the fair welcomed 302,267 visitors (2018: 285,024), an increase of 6.0% compared to last year. This year, 7,450 exhibitors from 104 countries participated (2018: 7,503 exhibitors from 109 countries). Industry representatives proved to be optimistic and celebratory: Never before have there been as many events, discussions, parties, meetings and interactions on social media.

THE ARTS+/B3: A festival with a view to the future of culture

Once again this year, THE ARTS+ (16 to 20 October) will offer plenty of inspiration to visitors: Shudu, the first digital supermodel; the second Frankfurt Creative AI conference; an exciting programme for and with pioneers of the media and cultural industries, as well as international artists and tech experts.

Frankfurter Buchmesse 2019 partners with Copyright Clearance Center

Copyright Clearance Center (CCC), a leader in advancing copyright, accelerating knowledge, and powering innovation, has once again partnered with Frankfurter Buchmesse.

32 exhibitors from India at Frankfurt

More than 32 India firms will attend the Frankfurt Book Fair 2019, the world’s biggest gathering of the book industry, to be held from 16 to 20 October, as exhibitors.

Margaret Atwood, Ken Follett, Jo Nesbø, Colson Whitehead at Bookfest 2019

On 19 October 2019, Frankfurter Buchmesse is organising a literary gala with renowned authors from around the world: Margaret Atwood, Maja Lunde, Elif Shafak and Colson Whitehead.

Indian representatives at Frankfurt

Three Individuals from India — Anya Malhotra, Esha Chatterjee and Vinay Kumar Diddee — has been invited to the Frankfurt Book Fair 2019, the world’s biggest gathering of the book industry, to be held from 16 to 20 October, under its various programmes.

Culture as a driver of innovation at Frankfurt

Frankfurt Book Fair 2019, the world’s biggest gathering of the book industry, to be held from 16 to 20 October, promises to put culture back at the centre of global discussion.

All about writing at Frankfurter Buchmesse

With the new Frankfurt Authors Area in Hall 3.0, Frankfurter Buchmesse, to be held from 16 to 20 October 2019, has created a new space dedicated to writing.

FSSAI initiates year-long campaign Eat Right India

It’s time for India to Eat Right, with Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union minister of health and family welfare kick-starting POSHAN Maah 2019 with a year-long social and mass media campaign on the Eat Right India movement on 5 September 2019. Leading with one tweet-a-day focusing on a weekly theme of eating right for the next 365 days, Dr Harsh Vardhan also launched the new Eat Right India logo that represents a healthy plate, an online Eat Right Quiz, the Eat Right Online Course for frontline health workers and the Eat Right India Store, featuring merchandise to nudge right eating habits.

Fujifilm, GK Vale open co-branded Wonder Photo Shop in Bengaluru

Fujifilm India recently unveiled its first co-branded Wonder Photo Shop in Bengaluru in association with GK Vale, making it the fifth ‘Wonder Photo Shop’ concept store of its kind in India.

15 novels, including 3 translations in contention for DSC Prize 2019

The US $25,000 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature, which is now in its ninth year, announced its longlist on 26 September. The longlist of 15 novels, which represent the best in South Asian fiction writing, was unveiled by the chair of the jury panel Harish Trivedi at a special event at the Oxford Bookstore in New Delhi.

Pathik Shah appointed as chief executive officer, DB Digital

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers, Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar and Divya Marathi, announced the appointment of Pathik Shah as the chief executive officer for DB Digital, its digital products business.

Fespa launches campaign for its Global Print Expo 2020

Fespa has launched its visitor campaign for Fespa Global Print Expo 2020 and its co-located exhibitions, European Sign Expo 2020 and Sportswear Pro 2020, which will take place from 24 to 27 March 2020 at IFEMA – Feria de Madrid, Spain.

PaperTech 2019 highlights the rise of Indian paper industry

With a growth rate of 6-7%, India is the fastest growing market in the world for paper. However, inadequate raw material availability and government’s policy of extending preferential tariff treatment to import of paper under the free trade agreements (FTAs) has left the industry exposed to cheaper imports hurting domestic manufacturing, experts stated at the 13th edition of PaperTech 2019 held at Hyderabad.

Plastics manufacturers body urges government to restructure custom duties, anti-dumping duty on import

The All India Plastics Manufacturers Association (AIPMA), the 74-year-old apex body of plastic goods manufacturers in the country, representing 22,000 industrial units, has called for immediate steps by the government of India to revive the industry and put it back on the growth trajectory.

Dainik Bhaskar Group releases biography of Ramesh Chandra Agarwal

Dainik Bhaskar Group, India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, announced the launch of the biography of its late chairman Ramesh Chandra Agarwal on the occasion of his birth anniversary on 30 November 2019.

Dainik Bhaskar Group sets up scholarship in memory of Ramesh Chandra Agarwal

Dainik Bhaskar Group, India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, along with Ramesh & Sharda Agarwal Foundation, announced the setting up of the ‘Dainik Bhaskar Merit-Cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship’ at one of India’s premier business schools with a legacy of creating global leaders, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, on the memorable occasion of the 75th birth anniversary of the late Ramesh Chandra Agarwal.

Girish Agarwaal to deliver keynote address at Show & Tell

Girish Agarwaal, the promoter director of DB Corp (DBCL), will deliver the keynote address during the inaugural edition of Show & Tell organised by PrintWeek. To be held on 2 December from 10 am to 1 pm at Sofitel in Mumbai, the event is a stepping stone for the next-gen of brand managers, designers and packaging technologists. The speakers with their presentations hope to promote the clout of print and packaging.

Siegwerk celebrates two years of toluene-free operations in India

The manufacturing unit of Siegwerk India has completed 2 years of being 100% toluene-free manufacturing operations. The company is a market leader in safe packaging inks, adhering to the highest safety standards.

Manjushree Technopack acquires National Plastics

Advent International-backed Manjushree Technopack (MTL), one of the country’s largest rigid plastics packaging solutions company has acquired National Plastics (NAPLA), one of the leading player in spraying and dispensing systems and solutions in India. This is the first acquisition by MTL since Advent bought majority stake in the company last year.

PRH India acquires the book publishing assets of Duckbill

Penguin Random House India has acquired the book-publishing assets of Duckbill Books, a leading independent publisher of books and digital products for children and teens. This includes titles and its backlist of non-fiction and fiction books across a broad range of categories. The Duckbill brand will be published within Penguin Random House India’s children’s publishing group division.

Experts to share power of print and packaging at unique gathering on 2 December

Ahead of the gala PrintWeek Awards Night on 2 December, PrintWeek and WhatPackaging?has organised two special events for the larger printing fraternity, including packaging technologists and brand experts — the inaugural edition of the Show & Tell session and the Circular Economy Forum. Both events will be held at the Sofitel in Mumbai, the venue for PrintWeek Awards — Show & Tell from 10am to 1pm and Circular Economy Forum from 2 to 5pm.

Entries invited for Ficci-LBF Rights Catalogue

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), in London Book Fair 2020, has invited entries for next edition of ‘Rights Catalogue on Indian Writings’ from publishers to explore trading opportunities with international publishers/ distributors at The London Book Fair, scheduled from 10-12 March 2020.

Clariant partners to bring new biotransformation technology to India

Clariant, an innovative specialty chemical company and Polymateria, a company developing a new standard in biodegradation of plastics, signed a partnership agreement with the Central Institute of Plastic Engineering & Technology (CIPET), department of chemical and petrochemical, ministry of chemicals & fertilisers, government of India to bring Polymateria’s biotransformation technology to market in India through Clariant’s masterbatches.

Sulapac, Stora Enso offer sustainable straw

Sulapac and Stora Enso have launched a renewable and microplastic-free straw to combat the global problem of plastic waste. The straw has strong usability and works just like a traditional straw. The new straws are available to brands and consumers looking for more eco-friendly solutions.

Ficci PubliCon 2020 discusses the economics of publishing

Govind Prasad Sharma, chairman, National Book Trust, India, on 9 January said that books are not just reflection of the society, but also the guiding force to give direction that will pave the way forward to a new society.

JK Paper Q3 net up 18% at Rs 132-crore

JK Paper reported 18% increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 131.85 crore in the third quarter ended December 2019, on the back of lower input costs and high operating efficiencies. The company had posted consolidated net profit of Rs 111.44-crore in the same quarter last fiscal, JK Paper said.

Classic Creator charts a growth path with KM engine

Dindigul, Tamil Nadu-based Classic Creator invested in a Konica Minolta production engine in February 2018, and two years on, according to Nandhini Sankar, managing partner, Classic Creator, the machine has been working really well, and the company is 200% happy with the decision to install the Konica Minolta kit.

DB Corp reports ad revenue of Rs 12,338-million for third quarter

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, on 23 January announced its financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2019.

1,06,459 samples analysed for food safety in 2018-19

The country’s food regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), on 25 November 2019, released the data on enforcement efforts by the states and union territories. This includes samples analysed, non-conforming samples, cases launched, convictions and penalties by the states and union territories during 2018-19, and also trends over the past three years.

MBD Group launches pre-primary books featuring Disney themes

MBD Group announced the launch of pre-primary books at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2020 held from 5 to 12 January at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Created for children aged between three to five years, the books will feature popular Disney and Pixar stories, including Mickey Mouse, the Lion King, and characters from Frozen, Cars, Toy Story and other franchises.

DB Digital appoints Paresh Goel as chief technology officer

DB Digital, the digital products business of the Dainik Bhaskar Group (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers like Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar and Divya Marathi, announced the appointment of Paresh Goel as the chief technology officer.

Uflex inks rotogravure deal in Bangladesh

Uflex has developed the machine with technical inputs from MRG Grafomac of Italy and its in-house design team.

Comexi highlights Comexi Cloud, Smart Glasses at K 2019 Fair

Comexi, the global supplier of solutions for the flexible packaging printing and converting sector, welcomed more than 700 distinguished visitors during the K 2019 Fair. The company also secured talks for over 50 new projects with various worldwide companies as well as closing sales for eight machines to be distributed in South America, Central America, and Europe. Additionally, Comexi experienced a huge success with its Smart Glasses remote connectivity and many visitors showed interest in solvent-free ink technology of offset and flexo printing solutions.

Konica Minolta India appoints Kuldeep Malhotra to its board of directors

Konica Minolta Business Solutions India has further strengthened its leadership ranks by appointing Kuldeep Malhotra to its board of directors from 1 December 2019. Malhotra is now responsible for major corporate strategic decision-making, business performance, and organisation-wide digital transformation. He will also ensure compliance with all applicable laws, corporate ethics, and internal corporate rules at Konica Minolta India, in addition to his current role as the head of sales and OP marketing divisions.

CanTech The Grand Tour on 17-19 February

In its second year, CanTech The Grand Tour, a conference for metal packaging manufacturers from across the globe, will be held in New Delhi from 17-19 February 2020.

Import of stock lot of paper, paperboard prohibited

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Government of India, issued a gazette notification on 31st January incorporating policy condition under HSN code 4810 of Chapter 48 of Schedule Policy I (Import Policy), ITC (HS), 2017.

14th Pune Design Festival to focus on Crossroads

The 14th Pune Design Festival to be held on 10 and 11 January 2020 at Hyatt Regency, will focus on the theme ‘Crossroads’ and discuss how design is evolving across domains and disciplines and is on the cusp of its next big shift.

Philanthropy doesn’t mean money, says Sudha Murty

The year’s much-awaited publishing event organised by Penguin Random House India, The Penguin Annual Lecture, concluded on 12 December with a standing ovation for the acclaimed writer and philanthropist Sudha Murty, who delivered the lecture this year and spoke on ‘Storytelling and social change: how literature influences who we are and what we do’.

Amitabha Bagchi wins the DSC Prize 2019

Author Amitabha Bagchi’s novel Half the Night is Gone was named the winner of the prestigious DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2019 at a special Award Ceremony at the IME Nepal Literature Festival on 18 December in the picturesque city of Pokhara, Nepal. Pradeep Gyawali, minister for foreign affairs of Nepal, along with Surina Narula, co-founder of the DSC Prize, presented the winner’s trophy to Amitabha Bagchi in an event attended by key dignitaries, literary enthusiasts, writers and media.

Book Watch: Bloomsbury India's Prerna Vohra shares her favourite reads

Prerna Vohra, a commissioning editor who has worked with Rupa and Aleph Book Co, Hachette India and is now associate publisher at Bloomsbury India, names five books ranging from essays to romance, business books to fantasy.

PackPlus South, PrintFair rescheduled due to coronavirus

Owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, PackPlus South and PrintFair exhibitions, scheduled to be held on 20-22 March in Hyderabad, have been rescheduled for 18-20 December 2020 at HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad.

Drupa to stage special show on digital textile printing

Touchpoint textile, a new special show for digital textile printing applications, is premiering at Drupa 2020 in Hall 4. With the textile industry spawning technologies for numerous industries, touchpoint textile connects these various sectors, offering them a platform for cross-industry collaboration, new projects, as well as product and manufacturing ideas that will be demonstrated on-site in a micro-factory.

European Paper Packaging Alliance for circular solutions

Leading manufacturers of paper and fibre-based food and food service packaging met in Munich recently to launch the European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA), co-founded by Huhtamaki and Seda International. EPPA aims to find concrete solutions to increase recycling and to reduce carbon emissions of food and foodservice packaging without compromising food safety and human health protection.

FSSAI says imported food safe from coronavirus

Food Safety & Standards Authority (FSSAI), the food regulator of the country, has informed that food imported into India, including from the Coronavirus affected countries, is safe for human consumption.

Konica Minolta AccurioLabel Series sells 500 units

Launched in 2016, the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel Series, with which the company entered the digital label printing market, has hit the milestone of 500 units sold. Announcing the news, Toshitaka Uemura, general manager, industrial print business unit, professional print business headquarters, Konica Minolta, said, “We drove the growth of the overall digital label press market by creating a new market of the mid-range digital label press. Last year, we had one of the largest shares of the global market. This has been achieved by widespread support from customers for the AccurioLabel series as a solution to various issues faced by the label printing industry, including the growing demand for small to medium print jobs with fast delivery.”

Packaging boost to gravure printing inks market

The global gravure printing inks market was valued at USD 3,227.1-million in 2017 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2018 to 2026, according to a new report titled ‘Gravure Printing Inks Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2018–2026,’ published by Transparency Market Research (TMR) . The global gravure printing inks market is driven by low per-unit costs offered by gravure printing.

Despite eCommerce, retail-ready packaging still in demand

While the digital revolution is encouraging more and more people to move their patronage to the online markets, it has been observed that the younger generation still prefers to visit stores for shopping needs. Studies have revealed that nearly 82% millennials still view in-store shopping as their preferred retail channel, despite engaging in online shopping.

Mutoh to display new xpertjet product lineup at Fespa 2020

Mutoh EMEA all set to inspire Fespa’s visitors with profit making new digital print opportunities for object personalisation, sign and display and print to cut. At the Global Print Expo 2020 in Hall 7 Stand B95, Mutoh Europe will be presenting the brand new XpertJet 461UF and 661UF desktop UV LED direct to object (DTO) printers as well as two new wide-format vinyl cutters, the ValueCut II 1300 & 1800.

Konica Minolta wins the inaugural Nikkei SDGs Management Grand Prix

In keeping with its vision for a sustainable future, Konica Minolta ensures that its solutions are aimed at tackling deep-rooted problems that have a direct impact on society and the world at large. With this broad outlook, the company identifies pressing problems within its purview to implement ethical business practices that raise awareness and drive positive change at the grassroots level.

Fespa ready to tackle coronavirus

While Fespa Global Print Expo 2020 will take place as scheduled from 24 to 27 March 2020 at IFEMA – Feria de Madrid, Spain, along with the co-located exhibitions, European Sign Expo 2020 and Sportswear Pro 2020, the organisers have taken the concerns of exhibitors, visitors and partners regarding the outbreak of COVID-19 (also known as coronavirus) very seriously. As such, the Fespa board and senior management team is actively monitoring all developments relating to COVID-19, guided by latest information from WHO.

Samsung Mobile is India’s Most Desired Brand in 2020

South Korean electronics giant Samsung wins the crown in TRA’s Most Desired Brands 2020, making it a fourth time victory in six editions of the report. The brand also led the list in 2018, 2015 and 2013 reports as well. Technology giant Apple takes the 2nd place up one rank from last year, having climbed steadily over the years from rank 290 in 2015 to the exalted place this year.

Foldable and rollable printed electronics at LOPEC 2020

From March 24 to 26, LOPEC, the International Exhibition and Conference for the Printed Electronics Industry, will open its doors on the premises of Messe München. In addition to new materials and machines for the printing of electrical components, market-ready applications are increasingly moving into focus. Flexible displays in particular are changing the appearance and function of electronic devices.

FSSAI to set up 10 new offices across India

FSSAI has decided to set up six new branch offices, four new import offices and two new food laboratories in the country. With this, FSSAI will have four regional offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, 12 branch offices and six import offices. In addition, it will have four national food laboratories at Kolkata, Ghaziabad (Delhi-NCR), Mumbai JNPT and Chennai and two food laboratories at Sanauli and Raxaul on Indo-Nepal border.

Paperboard gift cards in the spotlight at sustainable BAFTA

When the British Academy of Film and Television Arts was planning the 73rd Awards, organisers were keen to take a step towards greater sustainability. One of the big changes for 2020 saw the traditional prestigious gift bags given to the nominees and presenters replaced with a sustainable gifting wallet, filled with a selection of plastic-free experience and gift cards made of paperboard.

Entries invited for Publishing Next Industry Awards 2020

Entries have been invited for the 2020 edition of the Publishing Next Industry Awards. In its seventh year, the Awards, established under the aegis of the platform of the Publishing Next conference, seek to recognise the innovation and leadership of publishing professionals and others in the book trade.

Jisc, UK institutions and Wiley agree groundbreaking deal

Jisc, the UK’s research and education not-for-profit that negotiates licences and digital content agreements on behalf of UK universities, and Wiley, a global leader in research and education, have struck a four year ‘read and publish’ agreement that offers researchers at UK universities the means to publish open access (OA) in all Wiley journals at no direct cost to them.

How will Covid-19 impact the packaging business?

As the coronavirus continues to spread from continent to continent, what does it mean for the packaging sector?

Anand Vihar railway station becomes the first Eat Right Station in north

The Anand Vihar railway station in Delhi has been declared the first ‘Eat Right Station’ in the northern region with an audit score of 92%, highest across pan-India. The Eat Right Certification is an initiative of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), where detailed guidelines and norms have been established for certifying any station as an Eat Right Railway Station.

Altana completes acquisition of Schmid Rhyner AG

The specialty chemicals group Altana has completed the acquisition of the overprint varnish specialist Schmid Rhyner AG, which was previously part of the Swiss Conzzeta Group. The acquisition was announced on 20 December 2019. Schmid Rhyner AG will be integrated into Altana’s Actega division, which will thus be strategically expanded.

Jury for the Media Expo Excellence Awards unveiled

Ahead of Media Expo Mumbai, to be held from 20 to 22 February, the organisers have revealed its top-of-the-league jury panel for the Media Expo Excellence Awards 2020. With a fair and transparent evaluation process in place, the Media Expo Excellence Awards 2020 will be officially tabulated by Ernst and Young. Judging the nominations for the awards will be a highly-accomplished and industry-experienced jury panel with some big names under the hood — KS Chakravarthy, KV Sridhar, Ritesh Ghosal, and Rahul Puri.

Dainik Bhaskar named world’s third largest-circulated newspaper

In its latest edition of World Press Trends 2019 report released by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers’ (Wan-Ifra), the Hindi daily Dainik Bhaskar, with over 4.3-million copies in circulation, has been named the world’s third largest-circulated newspaper. The other top two being Yomiuri Shimbun (Japan, 8.1-million copies) and Asahi Shimbun (Japan, 5.6 million copies).

Sona calendar chronicles how paper changed the world

Sona Papers has created a unique calendar for 2020 that spins the yarn on how paper has, gradually but forcefully, changed the world by its influence. According to the company, the calendar, which is visually stunning, is as much a statement on the qualities of paper that has ushered in irrevocable change since its introduction, as it is an example of the different types of premier papers that Sona sources from manufacturers from around the world.

First Landa Press installed at Simian in the Netherlands

Landa Digital Printing has announced that commercial web-to-print specialist, Simian, has purchased the first Landa press to be installed in the Netherlands. The company plans to utilise its Landa S10P Nanographic printing press to transition all current digital work, as well as a third of all its offset jobs, to its new Nanographic press. This will enable it to significantly increase its margins and improve overall business profitability.

Copyright key to empowerment, asserts International Publishers Association

On the occasion of World Intellectual Property Day on 27 April, the International Publishers Association highlighted the time-tested importance of the global copyright framework. According to the organisation, this regime has enabled publishers all around the world to invest in authors and serve the public interest by making literature, peer-reviewed research, educational platforms and learning solutions available to so many consumers, students, scientists, educators and other readers.

Battery packaging material market size to surpass USD 11.3-billion by 2026

According to a new research report by Global Market Insights, battery packaging material market size will surpass USD 11.3-billion 2026. Battery packaging materials have been playing an invaluable role in the battery manufacturing process. Even though demand has been fuelled by the automotive sector, cell phones and portable computers, applications such as electric vehicles (EVs), are also gaining traction.

FSSAI initiates training for food businesses to mitigate Covid-19

Covid-19 is posing a serious challenge for food supply chains worldwide. The challenge is to ensure uninterrupted food supply to consumers whilst containing the risk of Covid-19 for the workers, customers and all participants in the food supply chain. Keeping these issues in mind, FSSAI had issued detailed guidelines for food businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

India’s crisis recovery perceptions good for health, poor for economy: TRA

TRA Research, a consumer insights and brand analytics company, on 24 April released its white paper on the findings of its research survey conducted across 16 cities from 10 April to the 22 April 2020. The white paper titled ‘TRA’s Coronavirus Consumer Insights 2020’, is based on a research conducted across 16 cities with 902 urban citizens and delves into their perceptions, attitudes, worries, fears and expectations who have been under voluntary house-arrest for nearly a month.

IBF, INS stand with government of India on PSU advertising

The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) has issued a statement following Congress Parliamentary Party's chairperson Sonia Gandhi's calls to the prime minister of India to put an end to all advertisements by the various state Governments and PSU's (Public Sector Enterprises) for a period of two years.

Global print industry faces economic, environmental challenges: 7th Drupa Global Trends Report

The 7th Drupa Global Trends Report will be published in April 2020. The results, from a survey conducted before the outbreak of the coronavirus and the postponement of Drupa to April 2021, show a global industry that remained positive but reflected more challenging global economic conditions. Packaging and functional market sectors are better placed than publishing and commercial.

Now an association to empower independent bookstores

We have read and written about the adverse effects of Covid-19 in the publishing business. Now, it appears that the pandemic has resulted into something important for the publishing supply chain. Recently, owners of six independent bookstores across India came together from the Independent Bookshops Association of India (IBAI), with the aim to bring independent bookstores across India together, forging partnerships within and outside the publishing industry, and advocating for rights.

TRA Research: Lockdown 3.0 perceptions

TRA Research, a consumer insights and brand analytics company, on 29 May released its second consumer insights whitepaper titled TRA’s Coronavirus Consumer Insights – 2, based on a research across 16 cities across 902 citizens.

It’s a match! Frankfurter Buchmesse and The Arts + launch new format

The Arts + of the Frankfurt Book Fair will counteract the loss of matchmaking meetings at international creative fairs due to Covid-19 with a solution for trading in Creative Intellectual Property (ideas, concepts, texts, images, audio content etc). The closed Facebook group ‘Pitch your CIP – Where your content becomes a game, a book, a film’ will bring together content professionals from the creative industries. Here they will find partners for co-productions, media adaptations, and rights and licensing sales. The Facebook group will serve as a space for mutual dialogue and aims to develop new marketing potential. The goal is to build a B2B community that trades in content, brands, rights and licenses.

Frankfurt Book Fair is on, with extensive virtual programming

At a time when almost all major trade fairs have either postponed or cancelled their events, Frankfurter Buchmesse 2020 will take place on 14-18 October 2020. A decision to that effect was made by the supervisory board of the German Publishers & Booksellers Association. The book fair is planned to be held on the fairgrounds, throughout the city and, at the same time, virtually.

New Iggesund paperboard certified for HP Indigo

A new thick paperboard from Iggesund Paperboard has been certified for HP Indigo for printing high-value applications on commercial digital presses.

Import clearance, food testing labs classified as essential services

Food Safety & Standards Authority (FSSAI) has classified the import clearance of food items and functioning of notified food testing laboratories (including National Food Labs) under Essential Services during the Covid-19.

2020 GCSA seeks to recognise sustainability

Companies worldwide with an outstanding commitment to sustainable development have the opportunity to earn recognition and acclaim they deserve by entering the 2020 Global Corporate Sustainability Awards (GCSA).

Fujifilm India appoints Kunal Girotra as national business manager for Fujifilm Instax

Fujifilm India announced Kunal Girotra as national business manager for Instax range of cameras as he takes on the mantle for heading the category’s business division in India. Girotra has over 14 years of professional experience and is entrusted with the responsibility of driving sales and formulating business growth strategies for the Instax range in India.

Corporates expect economic normalcy to take nearly 17 months: TRA whitepaper

A fortnight after it released a survey on consumer insights, TRA Research, a consumer insights and brand analytics company on 13 May released its second report, TRA’s Coronavirus Corporate Insights 2020, a whitepaper from a research conducted across 16 cities with 101 corporate respondents from 8 April to 4 May 2020. The TRA survey indicates that corporates, on average, perceive it will take 66.1 weeks (16.5 months) to achieve economic normalcy, while for full health normalcy, they feel it will take 15 weeks (3.8 months) more.

Wan-Ifra Women in News launches gender balance guide

Women in News, a part of the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra), has developed a practical guide for media organisations and professionals with the aim of equipping them with the necessary tools and insights to improve gender balance in content.

Panel labels from TE Connectivity provide alternative to engraved plates

TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity and sensors is offering TTDS-245 thermal transfer printable adhesive backed panel labels. TE’s panel labels use high-performance adhesive foam to adhere to the surface making the need for rivets or bolts used for engraving obsolete. In addition to fewer components needed for installation, the engraving process can be noisy, dusty, and require special tooling to engrave the surface.

Wan-Ifra India 2020 Conference now on 23-24 September

Wan-Ifra India 2020, the 28th edition of Wan-Ifra’s annual conference in India, initially planned for 16-17 September, is now rescheduled to 23-24 September, in Chennai. The India event will be held a week after the World News Media Congress.

Third Drupa Global Trends Spotlight Report to be published

This year’s Drupa Spotlight report, ‘Strategic choices in a competitive and converging marketplace’, will be published in May. In a survey (conducted before the coronavirus outbreak) over 500 printers and almost 200 suppliers described the challenges and successes of launching new products and services. For many in the industry, planning their recovery from the coronavirus recession may well necessitate such launches, so lessons must be drawn on how best to do so.

Fespa announces new dates for Global Print Expo

After cancellation of the event to be held on 24-27 March, Fespa announced that its flagship event, Global Print Expo, will return to IFEMA – Feria de Madrid from 6-8 October 2020, along with its co-located events, European Sign Expo and Sportswear Pro.

Global ink solvents market projected to expand at 5.3%

The global ink solvents market was valued at USD 692.3-million in 2017 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2018 to 2026, according to a new report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR) titled ‘Ink Solvents Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2018–2026.’

Penguin Random House launches an exclusive eBookstore with Amazon Kindle

Penguin Random House India has launched its first exclusive eBookstore with Amazon Kindle. Readers will find over 400 bestselling titles all at one place available on Amazon India website at attractive discounted prices.

MBD Group makes its books and eContent free to access

MBD Group, one of the leading education companies in India, is offering free access to its text books and digital resources via its eLearning platform www.mbdalchemie.com for students and teachers across the country.

Market demands increasingly drive sustainability work

Over the past 60 years, regulatory requirements have been the biggest driver of environmental efforts by the process industry. But now brand owners with high sustainability expertise have become an important force — by making more and more demands on their suppliers right across the sustainability spectrum.

Flint Group Flexographic launches Nyloflex FTL Digital

With Nyloflex FTL Digital, Flint Group announced the launch of a very low durometer flat top dot flexographic printing plate for printing on sustainable substrates with a higher content of recycled fibres and other paper and board applications in combination with water based inks. The core advantage of this new plate is the out-of-the-box reliable performance in fluting reduction in corrugated post-print, for example, delivering a very appealing print performance on substrates like uncoated test liners or kraft liners in combination with a B-flute.

Now social media accounts to lend paper a voice

Continuing its campaign to promote the cause of paper, and also to popularise the concept of Paper Day, which is celebrated on 1 August, the Federation of Paper Traders' Association (FPTA) has started a social media campaign called Voice of Paper by joining popular social media platform. Currently, Voice of Paper is active on four social media platforms — Facebook; LinkedIn; Twitter; and Instagram.

Flexible packaging market to reach USD 250-bn by 2024

Flexible packaging market size is estimated to surpass USD 250-billion by 2024; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights. Improved barrier properties, technological advancement in thin elastic material, along with reduced wastage are key trending factors driving the flexible packaging market growth. Superior sealing, heat insulation and barrier against moisture makes the product more attractive for end user industry.

Print is Proof is about the credibility of print: Kaacon Sethi

The first Print is Proof ad is a part of a two-month campaign. The Dainik Bhaskar Group, The Times of India Group, The HT Media Group and The Hindu came together in the first round. Many more will join in the second round. Kaacon Sethi, chief corporate marketing officer at DB Corp, says: “Dainik Bhaskar has acted as a catalyst. The Print is Proof campaign belongs to the print industry. It is a momentous occasion as it has brought the industry together without the help of a common platform."

Entries invited for Ficci Publishing Awards 2019

Entries have been invited for the Ficci Publishing Awards 2019, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) in the categories, Children’s Book of the Year (Fiction) in English and Hindi, and Business Book of the Year (English).

Paperboard packaging market exceeding at 7.5% CAGR to cross USD 240-bn by 2024

Paperboard packaging market size will likely surpass USD 240-billion by 2024; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights.

Workshop on blogging and promotion for books on 27 April

Jump Start, an initiative of the German Book Office, New Delhi, has organised a day-long workshop and networking event on ‘blogging and promotion for books’ to be held at Nehru Place, New Delhi on 27 April 2019.

Digitalisation spurring digital printing demand, reveals study

According to a recent report on the photo printing and merchandise market, conducted by Future Market Insights, the USD 16.9-billion photo printing and merchandise market is expected to register a CAGR of 2.6% through the forecast period between 2018 and 2028. Emergence of 3D printing technology and elevating use of smartphone applications, will, however manage to sustain the market growth at a passive pace, through 2028.

Dubai Cares and International Publishers Association forge partnership to support the future of African publishing

Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Publishers Association (IPA), the world's largest trade association for publishers, to support a range of initiatives to address pressing African publishing ecosystem challenges, build indigenous publishing capacity, and create national cultures of reading. The MoU was signed by Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, vice-president of the International Publishers Association (IPA), and His Excellency Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares.

Dainik Bhaskar ad revenue grows 7% for FY19

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, on 16 May announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2019. Among the highlights, Dainik Bhaskar’s well-implemented circulation expansion strategy has delivered strong results on account of increased market share.

StoryDrive conference focuses on the future of culture

The 7th edition of the StoryDrive Exhibition and Conference, started on 28 May 2019 in Beijing. To run until 1 June, the theme for this year’s show is ‘the future of culture’ with a special focus on artificial intelligence, trans-cultural storytelling and science fiction. The international all-media professionals event is organised by Frankfurter Buchmesse and Creative Publishing Consulting.

Taboola expands reach across India with new publisher partnerships

Taboola, a discovery platform, has announced its expansion in India, opening up new offices in Cyber City, Gurugram, a new sales centre in Mumbai, and actively hiring 80 employees, all to support the company’s operations in India and globally.

Cosmo Films reports Q4 PAT of Rs 27-crore; net revenue of Rs 2,156 FY19

Cosmo Films, a global leader in films for packaging, labelling and lamination applications and synthetic paper on 15 May declared its financial results for the quarter ended 31 March, 2019.

Golds for Classic Stripes, Spectrum Scan and Perfect Packaging at Fespa Awards 2019

India brought home four gold metals in the application category at the Fespa Awards 2019. The winners of this year’s Fespa Awards were announced at Fespa’s annual gala dinner on 15 May in Munich, Germany, during Fespa Global Print Expo 2019. Among the four golds, Mumbai’s Classic Stripes got two and Spectrum Scan and Perfect Packaging received one gold each.

Cosmo Films launches CPP high barrier films

Cosmo Films, a global leader in specialty films for flexible packaging, lamination and labeling applications as well as synthetic paper has recently introduced a cast polypropylene (CPP) film for packaging applications requiring high moisture and oxygen barrier and high hot tack properties.

Polyethylene Naphthalate Market expects 380 kilo tonnes consumption by 2024

According to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN) Market is set to surpass USD 1.8 billion by 2024.

Konica Minolta India aims to reach out to higher education landscape

Konica Minolta Business Solutions recently participated in the Zonal Vice Chancellors’ Meets organised by the Association of Indian Universities. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is the apex body of higher education in India which organises the zonal and national vice-chancellors’ meet every year. During these meets, matters relating to higher education, with a specific reference to the university system in the concerned region, are taken up for discussions.

Konica Minolta launches customer support portal

Underlining its commitment to after-sales service, Konica Minolta Business Solutions recently launches a dedicated support portal for its customers. The portal is aimed at streamlining end-user support for Konica Minolta customers by enabling them to remain connected to the company’s pan-India service network of more than 1,000 engineers, including more than 300 direct customer engineers and more than 700 partner customer engineers, round the clock.

Cosmo Films to showcase speciality printing substrates at Print China

Cosmo Films will showcase its range of speciality printing substrates at the upcoming International Printing Technology Exhibition of China, popularly known as Print China, scheduled to take place from 9-13 April in Dongguan city, Guangdong Province, China.

KGN Photostate installs AccurioPress C2070

Noida-based KGN Photostate has recently installed a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C2070. The machine has been running on the company shopfloor since May 2018. According to Sharif Siddiqui, proprietor, KGN Photostat, the company is satisfied with its performance.

Publishing Next conference to be held on 20-22 September 2019

After a hiatus of two years, the next edition of the Publishing Next conference has been scheduled to be held in Goa on 20-22 September 2019.

Jan Kasten, managing director, PPI Media says goodbye

On 28 February 2019, the current managing director and CTO of PPI Media, Jan Kasten, left the company to take a break from his career. The two shareholders, Hauke Berndt and Manuel Scheyda, remain as managing directors.

Wiley hosts global innovation conclave to strengthen the future of learning

Wiley, a global leader in research and education, brought together leaders of industry and academia for the inaugural Wiley Global Innovation Conclave 2019 (WGIC) in Bengaluru, India. With a focus on bridging the skills gap and improving job readiness, this event fostered thoughtful conversation around the role innovation plays in the future of learning, research, and work.

Flexography market to witness steady growth at 6.5% CAGR during 2018 - 2028

Persistence Market Research has published a new research study on the global flexographic printing machine market in its latest report titled ‘Flexographic Printing Machine Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013–2017 and Forecast, 2018–2028.’

Printing toners market exceeding at 6.2% CAGR to cross USD 5.5-bn by 2024

According to a new research report by Global Market Insights, printing toners market will surpass USD 5.5-billion by 2024.

Barcode printers market growing at 5% CAGR to reach USD 3.5 billion by 2025

According to a new research report by Global Market Insights, the barcode printers market will reach USD 3.5 billion by 2024.

Samsung leads India’s most consumer-focused brands’ list; three Tata Brands among top 20

Samsung, the South Korean multinational major leads the TRA’s most consumer-focused brands 2019 report this year. It is followed by Tata Motors at the second place and Apple secured the third position with the latter having climbed two ranks over last year. Hero Motocorp was forth and Nike was named fifth consumer-focused brand.

Global adspend to rise from 4.0% to 4.7% in 2019

According to Zenith’s Advertising Expenditure Forecasts, published on 25 March, strong growth in internet advertising will drive 4.7% growth in total global adspend in 2019, from the 4.0% forecast made in the previous edition of the report. The report also forecasts 4.6% growth in both 2020 and 2021, ahead of previous forecasts of 4.2% and 4.1% growth respectively.

Tulika, Tata Trusts win LBF International Excellence Awards

India made an impressive showing during the London Book Fair International Excellence Awards 2019, which was announced on 13 March, with two Indian publishing initiatives taking home the awards.

Hike in paper prices, cost cuttings help paper mills improve margins

Market leader JK Paper posted a 72% jump in December quarter profit to Rs 120.26-crore this year, compared to Rs 69.81-crore in the corresponding quarter last year. JK Paper has also announced that it expects the Sirpur Paper Mills facility in Telangana to add capacity by 1.4-lakh tonne from 1 April 2019. The company acquired the mill last year.

PrintFair goes on the road to promote show

PrintFair, the commercial printing, package converting and digital sign show, will be held from 10 to 13 April 2019 at BIEC, Bengaluru. The event, supported extensively by the Karnataka State Printers Association (KSPA), recently organised promotional campaigns in the interiors of South India.

Masterbatch market growing at 5% CAGR to cross USD 13-bn by 2024

According to a new research report by Global Market Insights, the masterbatch market will likely surpass USD 13-billion by 2024.

Print News from Round the World

This edition of the weekly update includes counterfeiting of new notes worries agencies; RBI needs to print only Rs 1.15 trillion more currency; why newspaper industry is still growing; schools asked not to sell own textbooks, uniforms; Sangrur printer charges seven times more for printing job; US ad revenue to grow by 3.7% in 2017; What a small-town press says about Hindu nationalism today and the rise and fall of midlist books.

5.5 billion aluminium cans produced worldwide in 2016

The economic and political problems did not have an adverse impact on the performance of the member companies of the International Organisation of Aluminium Aerosol Container Manufacturers (Aerobal) in 2016. According to its latest report, the sector saw 3% increase in year-on-year growth in 2016 and produced about 5.5 billion aluminium cans worldwide.

Agfa Apogee gets Ghent Workgroup PDF preflight certification

Ghent, Belgium-based international assembly of industry associations and suppliers, Ghent Workgroup (GWG), has announces that Agfa’s Apogee Prepress workflow has successfully passed the latest GWG PDF preflight certification, addressing the highest level of preflight capability for reliable PDF processing.

Cosmo Films launches universal printable synthetic paper

Cosmo Films, a leading manufacturer of speciality BOPP films, has announced the launch of BOPP based universal printable synthetic paper. The newly launched film which appears like paper is printable with all available printing technologies which include wet and UV offset, wet and UV flexo, letterpress, screen, thermal transfer and most of the digital toner technologies. The company has been manufacturing and marketing its standard synthetic paper used for printing on offset and screen for years

AIFMP announces three-month courses on 3D printing and printed electronics to be taught at BIGC, China

The All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) has announced the dates for the first batch of specialist short courses in ‘3D Printing’ and ‘Printed Electronics’, where the candidates will get an opportunity to study the subjects at the Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication (BIGC), in Beijing, China. Kamal Chopra, president AIFMP said, in consultation with the BIGC authorities, it is decided that the training of the first batch will start on 15 May and the valedictory function for the

Paperex 2017 expecting to host 30,000 visitors

The 13th edition of International Exhibition & Conference on Pulp, Paper & Allied Industries, Paperex 2017, which opened on 1 November, is expected to host more than 30,000 trade visitors from 55 countries. Besides CEOs of 30 big public listed companies, more than 100 international companies are attending the exhibition, which showcases 600 leading exhibitors from more than 22 countries. The show is on until 4 November.

Training for young publishing professionals

German Book Office New Delhi has invited application for participation for its annual Publishers Training Programme for Young Professionals 2017. The two-day event, to be held on 1-2 December at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi, is particularly relevant for publishing professionals managing rights and licensing; marketing/ sales and product development. The event also holds interest for published and soon-to-be-published authors and literary agents.

DB Corp registers 6% growth in ad revenues in Q2, 2017-18

DB Corp Limited (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Dainik Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, on 31 October 2017 announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 30 September 2017.

How to build a FMCG brand

Dibyajyoti Sarma reviews Priyanka Pathak-Naraina's book about one of India's most successful gurus Like it or loath it, Baba Ramdev is a brand name, someone akin to Steve Jobs, perhaps more for his legion of followers. In India, being a popular yoga guru is not a tall order, if you are smart and savvy and are willing to experiment. This is what Baba Ramdev did, when from being a small-time yoga instructor in Haridwar, he metamorphosed into a TV star in 2002, first in Sanskar TV and then

Paperex 2017 opens at Pragati Maidan

The 13th International Exhibition and Conference on Pulp, Paper and Allied Industries opened on 1 November at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Popularly known as Paperex, the event is the only comprehensive business platform serving the paper industry and over the years, this leading business event has become the perfect platform for showcasing the entire spectrum of products and services relating to the Paper and Allied Industries.

The onus is on the readers to make proactive reading choices - Anant Goenka

With digital media truly and irrevocably dominating the landscape, and threatening to obliterate the thin line between news and opinion, it’s time for the readers to use the internet wisely, says Anant Goenka, executive director, Indian Express Group

Uflex income for Q1 FY 2018-19 up by 17.5%

India’s largest multinational flexible packaging materials and solution company, Uflex, has declared the earnings for the Quarter ended 30 June 2018, according to which the company has been maintaining a sustained growth curve and achieved the consolidated income for the quarter ended 30 June 2018 of Rs 1,912 crore as against Rs 1,627 crore for the same period last year, thus registering a growth of 17.5%.

Optimism for packaging future at PackPlus 2018

With everyone in the printing packaging industry, from converters to machine manufacturers and everyone in between, converging at the annual PackPlus, the show is perhaps the ideal place to gauge the health of the industry. At PackPlus 2018, the industry looked healthy and rearing to go, report Dibyajyoti Sarma and Rahul Kumar

Dainik Bhaskar Group launches India’s first start-up funding competition

The Dainik Bhaskar Group has announced that the group’s non-profit arm, Ramesh and Sharda Agarwal Foundation has launched India’s first start-up funding competition for start-ups from tier-two and -three cities, which are India’s new growth engines. The initiative is powered by Mumbai Angels (The MA Network), India’s premier angel investing network.

Delhi Printers’ Association launches its website

Keeping with the demand of time, the Delhi Printers’ Association launched a new website during its executive committee meeting held on 26 July 2018. All information and updates of DPA will now be available on the digital platform through this website accessible at www.delhiprintersassociation.org.

Global marketers expect their budgets to rise in 2019

Technology, energy, financial services and healthcare sectors are the most optimistic about an expansion in their spending power in the next 12 months, according to a research carried out by Dentsu Aegis Network surveying more than 1,000 chief marketing officers worldwide.

84th PEN International Congress in Pune to focus on truth, freedom and diversity

The 84th PEN International Congress, hosted by PEN South India, first time in Pune, India, started with a with a silent prayer offering tribute at Kasturba Memorial, Agakhan Palace on 25 September. The event, which will focus on truth, freedom and diversity, is on until 29 September 2018. The event will run alongside the year-long commemoration of the life of Mahatma Gandhi, whose celebrated autobiography ‘My Experiments with Truth’ is the theme of this year’s Congress, with events and panels focusing on the values of truth and non-violence.

Cosmo installs lamination machine at its Karjan plant

Cosmo Films, a global leader in speciality films for flexible packaging, lamination and labeling applications as well as synthetic paper, has announced installation of a new solventless lamination machine at its Karjan plant, Vadodara.

Kolkata RM Enterprise installs Accurio Press 6085

Kolkata-based RM Enterprise has invested in a Konica Minolta Accurio Press 6085. The machine was installed on the shopfloor in April 2018 and according to Surojit Das, proprietor, RM Enterprise, he is very happy with the performance.

PackPlus 2018: Baldwin launches Autotron 3600

Baldwin Vision Systems, the market leader in automated colour management, register control, and inspection technology launched its next-generation register system Autotron 3600 on the first day of PackPlus 2018 on 25 July in New Delhi.

DB Corp revamps its Gujarati news portal DivyaBhaskar.com

DivyaBhaskar.com, the World's Largest Gujarati News Site, with 10 million unique users (Source: Google analytics) coming from India and abroad, goes beyond news and restructures its content offerings to become the biggest global destination for Gujarati content. With an all new look and a wide canvas of content, it will now impart knowledge through news coverage from state, country and the globe with a special focus on spirituality, literature and women centric content.

PackPlus 2018 is now open

The 2018 edition of PackPlus, the annual packaging, processing and supply chain event, was inaugurated at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on 25 July. The show is on until 28 July 2018.

Cosmo Films records 22% increase in net revenue to Rs 557.7-crore in Q3FY19

Cosmo Films, a global leader in films for packaging, labelling and lamination applications and synthetic paper, declared its financial results for the quarter ended December 2018 on 13 February. According to the latest results, the company has grown both in terms of net revenue and EPS during the quarter.

OUP India partners with CENTA for Teaching Professionals’ Olympiad 2018

Oxford University Press (OUP), the world’s largest university press, has partnered with Centre for Teacher Accreditation (CENTA) for the 4th edition of CENTA’s flagship initiative, Teaching Professionals’ Olympiad (TPO) 2018. A national competition for teachers in the format of a multiple-choice test, TPO 2018 will be held this December 8 in 46 cities in India and at CENTA’s international centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Publishing Next Industry Awards 2018 shortlist announced

The Publishing Next Industry Awards, one of the popular awards for the Indian publishing industry, instituted by the Publishing Next conference, has announced the shortlists in 10 categories for 2018. The winners will be declared on 12 January 2019, at a ceremony at the India International Centre, New Delhi.

Cosmo Films launches metalised velvet lamination film

Cosmo Films, a global leader in speciality films for flexible packaging, lamination and labeling applications as well as synthetic paper recently launched a metalised velvet lamination film for luxury packaging segment. The newly developed film has been engineered to offer intense silver colour along with rich velvet touch to the laminated paper/ paperboard or package.

Thomson Press launches new website

Thomson Press, one of the country’s best known printer for books and magazine, has announced the launch of its new website. The website is available at thomsonpress.com.

Sona introduces Hansol’s new Insper M range in India

Sona Papers, one of the country’s biggest suppliers of luxury fine paper, introduced the new Insper M range from Korea-based Hansol Paper in a gala event organised in Delhi on 18 September 2018.

Media Expo Delhi 2018: Colorjet inks record number of deals

Colorjet India had the best showing ever during Media Expo 2018 New Delhi, held from 7 to 9 September, led by its Verve Hybrid UV flatbed/ roll-to-roll printer, which was launched during the show, after a successful launch in Australia.

Konica Minolta showcases innovative digital solutions at Interprint Expo 2018

Konica Minolta Business Solutions recently participated in Interprint Expo 2018 held in Chandigarh from 14 to 17 December 17, 2018, where the company underlined its advanced technological capabilities in the digital printing space through live demonstrations of its wide range of digital printing solutions.

Pune’s Vision Graphics installs Accurio Press C3070P

Pune-based Vision Graphics has recently installed a Konica Minolta Accurio Press C3070P. Traditionally an offset player, this is Vision’s first foray into digital printing. The machine was installed on the shopfloor on 28 November 2018.

Cosmo Films launches sterilisable conduction sealing film

Cosmo Films, a leader in speciality films for flexible packaging, lamination and labelling applications, as well as synthetic paper recently launched sterilisable conduction sealing film for wad and lidding applications for PP and PE containers. This film can withstand high temperatures during sterilisation process, which is used to increase the shelf-life of the product.

49 Indian brands make it to top 100 India’s most attractive list

India’s Most Attractive Brands Report 2018 (MAB 2018), in its fifth edition, has listed the country’s Most Attractive 1000 brands, based on TRA’s proprietary model of brand attractiveness. Total 49 Indian, 18 American, six South Korean, six Japanese and two Chinese brands feature among the top 100, while Samsung Mobile regains its 2015 position to leads the list.

Prime Minister releases two books by Spenta Multimedia

Two books published by Mumbai-based Spenta Multimedia, ‘Making of Kumbh, Prayagraj 2019’ and ‘Timeless Laxman’ were released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16 and 18 December respectively.

Parveen Aggarwal elected as president of OPA

Parveen Aggarwal was unanimously elected as President and Kamal Chopra as general secretary of the Offset Printers Association for 2019-2020. The general body of the Offset Printers Association (OPA) unanimously elected Aggarwal and Chopra for another term of two years.

New Delhi World Book Fair begins on 5 January 2019

The New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF), the country’s biggest book-related event, will be held from 5 to 13 January 2019 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The Fair is organised by the National Book Trust, India, an autonomous organisation of the government of India under the ministry of human resource development. India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the nodal agency of the government of India, under the ministry of commerce, is the co-organiser.

Taylor Corporation increases its investment in India

Taylor Corporation, one of the largest privately held companies in the US, which provides a diverse set of customer communication products, services and technologies, has recently set up print marketing execution operations in India. The Indian setup will be a wholly foreign owned entity. According to Omparkash Sharma, regional sales head – Northern India (Managed Services Programs), Taylor will also look for opportunities to potentially partner, merge and acquire Indian companies as well.

Ganesh Kumar of Heidelberg, colleague develop colour vision deficiency detection tool

A technical paper on finding a cost-effective and easy tool to detect colour blindness by Ganesh Kumar of Heidelberg India and Mohan Venkat of Sphere sight and Elite School of Optometry, has been selected for the prestigious 2019 Annual Technical Conference organised by the Technical Association of the Graphic Arts, to be held on 17-20 March in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the US. This is the only representation from India among the 35 papers to be presented during the conference.

Slain, jailed journalists named Time’s Person of Year

Highlighting the threats journalists are facing the world over and also highlighting the importance to protect the rights of the representatives of the fourth pillar of democracy, the New York-based Time on 11 December named a group of journalists, including a slain Saudi Arabian writer and two Reuters reporters imprisoned by Myanmar’s government, as “Person of the Year”. The publication also honoured the founder of a Philippines news website critical of that country’s authoritarian government and a Maryland newspaper that was the target of a mass shooting. The first time in the magazine’s 95-year history, Time has bestowed the distinction on its own profession.

Publicon 2018 highlights the rise of language publishing in India

After shedding lights on children’s writing on two previous editions, Publicon 2018, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci), held on 6 December 2018 in New Delhi focused on ‘publishing in Indian languages. The event saw the leaders of language publishing in India come together to discuss on diverse topics, such as publishing in Indian languages and translations; publishing in Indian languages; translating for children in Indian languages; artificial intelligence for translation of Indian languages; Hindi language publishing and impact of Bhasha on writing, among others.

Four Indian and two Pakistani authors in contention for DSC Prize 2018

The much-anticipated shortlist for the USD 25,000 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2018 has been unveiled at a special event, which took place at the London School of Economics & Political Science. Now in its 8th year, the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature is one of the most prestigious international literary awards specifically focused on South Asian fiction writing.

Bangalore’s Futura invests in MGI Jetvarnish 3DS & iFOIL S

Bangalore-based digital printing firm Futura Infinite has recently installed the MGI Jetvarnish 3DS & iFOIL S. According to Deepak Boggaram, director, Futura Infinite, the investment has helped the firm venture into new printing segments, while offering its customers a range of high-quality printing services to choose from.

Jumpstart in Mumbai to focus on children content

Organised by the German Book Office (GBO), New Delhi, which is the South Asia node of the Frankfurt Book Fair, Jumpstart is India’s only congress for children’s content creators. The tenth edition of Jumpstart 2018 will be hosted in Mumbai on 27 and 28 November 2018 in collaboration with and at the Goethe Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Mumbai.

Haldwani’s Karizma Album Binder installs AccurioPress C6085

Haldwani, Uttrakhand-based Karizma Album Binder has invested in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C6085. The machine was installed on 25 September 2018, and according to Nitesh Miglani, the company is satisfied with the machine.

Konica Minolta India joins hands with China-based Brotech Graphic

Konica Minolta Business Solutions, a global leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies, has recently partnered with China-based Brotech Graphics. The association is aimed at sourcing accessories for the Konica Minolta AccurioPress 190 Label Press. Post the tie-up, Konica Minolta India will promote the AccurioPress 190 with the unwinder/ rewinder developed by Brotech Graphics.

Baldwin to unwrap the secret to accurate colour at Packaging Innovations 2018

Baldwin Vision Systems, market leader in colour management, register control, and defect management technology, will feature the latest automated solutions during Packaging Innovations 2018, to be held at Olympia London, from 12 to 13 September 2018. Experts will be on-hand throughout the show to demonstrate how converters and brand owners can utilize simplified yet powerful automated workflow solutions to eliminate defects and deliver perfect colour across their operation.

Indo-Nepal printers meet held at Gorakhpur

The Master Printers’ Welfare Association (MPWA) of Gorakhpur recently hosted the first ever Indo-Nepal Printers’ Meet at Hotel Clarks Inn, Gorakhpur. The event was attended by 70 printers from different cities of Nepal, including Kathmandu, Bharava, Pokhra, Butwal and Rupandehi, among others. The Indian contingent was represented by more than 300 printers from Gorakhpur and other surrounding cities of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, including Basti, Devria, Azamgarh, Bansi, Kasya, Kushinagar, Tamkuhi, Sehjanva and Lucknow, among others. Besides, around 50 printers from Bihar also participated.

364 exhibitors confirmed at PrintPack 2019

The countdown to the PrintPack India show from 1 to 6 February at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida is truly on. According to Dayaker Reddy, president IPAMA, "Thusfar, 364 participants have already booked space. The total booking of space is 19,000 square metres." This is 1500 square metres more than the previous area booked. Reddy stated, "The process of allocating the stands to the exhibitors is going on."

Telangana’s Pooja Digitals installs MGI Jet Varnish 3DS

Telengana’s Pooja Digitals is an example how digital production printers are helping small- and mid-level print firms deliver quality and grow in business. Established in 2009, the company invested in a Konica Minolta Bizhub Press C70hc in 2012 to consolidate its photobook business. Four years later, in December 2016, Pooja installed the MGI Jet Varnish 3DS solution.

CBSE circular did not make NCERT books ‘mandatory’, publishers’ bodies clarify in a public awareness message

As the controversy over the directive to CBSE-affiliated schools to use only books published by NCERT blows over, Indian publishers’ bodies on 22 February 2017 issued that public awareness notification to school leaders, educationists, teachers, parents and students to clarify the finer details of the decision.

Authentication Forum focuses on fighting counterfeits

The need for authentication in the packaging supply chain is no longer a value addition, but a special requirement, especially if it happens to be pharma or cosmetics packaging. The issue is no longer brand protection, but revenue loss, to the tune of Rs 39,239 crore, according to one report.

Experts show the way during Marathwada University conference

The Department of Printing Technology & Graphic Arts of the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, conducted its second national printing conference titled ‘Printing for packaging: a multi-dimensional approach’ on 14 February 2017.

Print news from mainstream media

In this regular feature, we bring you the news of the industry as they appear in mainstream publications

Currency in news: numbers, paper and counterfeits

On 17 February, the Union finance ministry said that over Rs 1 lakh crore worth of the new Rs 500 notes have already been printed with the presses churning out approximately 22 million pieces of it every day. “More than Rs 1 lakh crore worth new Rs 500 notes have been printed. Total 22 million pieces of Rs 500 are being printed per day," Security Printing Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) CMD and joint secretary in the department of Economic Affairs, Praveen Garg, told reporters.

Print News from Round the World

In this regular feature, we bring you the news of the industry as they appear in mainstream publications. The week, we cover ad spend projections, ad spend in print, a murder follow up, the future of print and digital in publishing and how curb on posters hit Odisha printers.

Amitsons invests in Konica Minolta C1060 to fulfill digital needs

Pune-based Amitsons Digital Copiers recently installed Konica Minolta Bizhub Press C1060, featuring enhanced Simitri HDE toner for halftone and skin tone reproduction, to fulfill the company’s in-house need for a digital industrial printing solution.

Print news from mainstream media

In this regular feature, we bring you the news of the industry as they appear in mainstream publications

PrintPack 2017: Manroland to showcase its diverse product portfolio

During PrintPack 2017, Manroland Web Systems is focusing on its entry into packaging printing Cromoman 4X1 and the recent installation at NT; retrofits and upgrades such as inline density control; inline registration control,etc; press consumables, blankets, rollers & press chemistry; print services and the Novexx Solutions for the label market.

PrintPack 2017: Naph Graphics to showcase Koncept

Naph Graphics is showcasing its signature product Koncept, a revolutionary two-frame tower capable of printing four colour on both sides of a single web.

PrintPack 2017: QuadTech to present new workflow technologies

QuadTech will present its extensive portfolio of print quality and waste-saving solutions at PrintPack 2017 to be held from 4 to 8 February at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida. Among the featured solutions will be four new technologies introduced at Drupa 2016, which promise consistently high colour quality, reduced production time, waste reduction, and dramatically lowered consumable costs.

PrintPack 2017: Papers Worldwide to showcase range of fine papers

Coming to PrintPack India for second time, UAE-based trader of fine papers, Papers Worldwide, will showcase its collection of printing, writing and luxury packaging papers. In addition to its own stall, several of its papers will also be showcased in the HP stall where the company will showcase the colour reproduction on HP Indigo machines.

PrintPack 2017: Sodhisons to launch three new products

Coming to PrintPack India 2017 on its golden jubilee year, Sodhisons Mechanical Works will launch three products – a high-end automatic thermal lamination machine produced with European technology for metalised polyester film, with hot knife cutting system and electromagnetic heating system at speed of 100m/min and accuracy of +/- 1 mm; a carton inspection machine for products like pharmaceutical cartons and tobacco boxes; and the Rogler ERP software from Austria to cater to all print-related re

Printers in peril as CBSE schools told to use only NCERT textbooks

Already reeling under the effects of demonetisation, the academic book printers (and by extension the publishers of K-12 curriculum) were in for another shock when the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), at a meeting in presence of Central HRD minister Prakash Javadekar, took the decision that all CBSE-affiliated schools will have to follow NCERT textbooks from the academic session 2017-18. Recently, the HRD ministry has also decided to make NCERT books available before the commencement

Top publishers and book printers to brainstorm during PrintPack

PrintWeek India, along with Welbound Worldwide and Henkel, is putting together a closed-door roundtable for book publishers and book print CEOs during PrintPack 2017. The deliberations will transpire on 7 February in the VIP lounge of the Expo Centre.

PrintPack 2017: Zund to showcase digital cutting machine

Zund India is showcasing its workhorse digital cutting machine model S3 M 800. Zund digital cutting tables are known for its modularity, high productivity and reliability. “We shall be showcasing these aspects at the trade show, Prasanna Venkatesh of Zund India said.

PrintPack 2017: Fresco Printpack to showcase synthetic paper

During PrintPack 2017, Fresco Printpack will showcase its range of non-tearable paper bags, paper bags, rigid boxes, non-tearable synthetic papers for wide range of applications like posters, maps, labels, tags, self-adhesive (non-tearable) material for stickers and other allied products for paper bag industry, such as premium metallic rope handles, ribbons, and so on. According to Manish Goyal of Fresco Printpack, the company’s strength is in synthetic paper.

DB Corp reports 18% rise in circulation in nine months

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, on 16 May 2018 announced its audited financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2018. The highlights of the results reveal that Dainik Bhaskar’s well-implemented circulation expansion strategy has delivered strong results, as the company achieved commendable performance on the back of higher circulatio

Mumbai’s Protolab wins Fespa 2018 Awards in functional printing

Mumbai-based Protolab Electrotechnologies was the winner in the Functional Printing category during Fespa 2018 Awards. The winners of were announced at its annual Gala Dinner, which took place at the Classic Remise in Berlin on 16 May, during Fespa Global Print Expo 2018.

Fespa 2018 print census reveals strategic responses to escalating demand

Fespa has revealed the headline findings of its 2018 Print Census, conducted in partnership with InfoTrends, a division of Keypoint Intelligence. Total 1,405 respondents were surveyed, representing a 12% increase over the last Print Census published in May 2015. Respondents were from 102 countries, giving a significantly broader geographical reach than the 2015 research (+59%), with data collected throughout 2017 at Fespa events and from association members in Europe, Eurasia, Mexico, Brazil, Th

Premedia plays a pivotal role in supply chain

On the one hand, we prepare packaging artworks for different print formats and on the other, we work with printers regarding colour specifications, explains Vijay Ayyappan, CEO, Olympus Premedia

Knowledge of the entire supply chain is a must for a premedia agency: Daggupati of Vismaya

Based in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and founded in 2016, Vismaya Premedia believes in the ability to think out of the box, and in a short span has established itself in outsourcing packaging services, with clients in USA, the UK, Australia, among others. As Pavankumar Daggupati, director of technical operations, Vismaya Premedia Services, explains, at a time when requirements for packaging design is changing faster than ever, it’s important for a premedia firm to understand every aspec

Arun Naik to attend letterpress conference in the UK

Print expert Arun Bapurao Naik has been invited to present a paper on ‘The Legacy of Letterpress Printing in India’ at the Letterpress: Past, Present, and Future conference organised by University of Leeds and Birmingham City University in the UK. The conference will run from 19 to 20 July 2018 and will be held at the Business School, University of Leeds.

AIM begins print campaign to highlight magazine readership growth

Following the whooping 95% growth in total magazine readership over three years, according to the IRS reports, the Association of Indian Magazines (AIM) has come up with a print campaign to highlight this growth.

Pre-media plays a pivotal role in supply chain: Ayyappan of Olympus

On the one hand, we prepare packaging artworks for different print formats and on the other, we work with printers regarding colour specifications, explains Vijay Ayyappan, CEO, Olympus Premedia, to Dibyajyoti Sarma

Esko WebCenter 18 to streamline workflow

Esko has announced a major new release of its packaging management solution, WebCenter. The WebCenter 18 streamlines and speeds up the packaging development workflow by delivering extra features that give brand owners and converters more control and visibility over their packaging pre-production specification, approval and project life cycle.

EasySignCut Pro launches updated version

EasyCut Studio, the popular provider of sign-making software, has announced its updated version of EasySignCut Professional, a powerful vinyl-cutting design and production software package. This feature-rich package includes all of the tools required to create and produce vinyl cut signage on virtually any vinyl cutter available today. The new version added supports for Roland GS, Teneth, GoldCut, Redsail, and Liyu vinyl cutters, In addition, the software is compatible with macOS 10.13 High Sier

More than 50,000 visitors at Anuga FoodTec 2018

More than 50,000 experts from the food industry visited Anuga FoodTec 2018, the international supplier trade fair of the food and beverage industry, which was held at Cologne, Germany, from 20 to 23 March 2018. Visitors from 152 countries attended the show, which also featured a special programme by the German Agricultural Society, including conferences, guided tours and lectures.

Sappi introduces flexible packaging solution Sappi Seal

In 2016, Sappi was the first manufacturer to launch an innovative packaging paper with integrated sealing functionality. This sustainable packaging solution generated a great deal of interest in the market and has gradually been developed further. Now, Sappi is introducing Sappi Seal to the market, the second generation of this flexible packaging solution with improved sealing properties, which is also recyclable.

Xeikon Cafe continues year-on-year growth

Xeikon Cafe is growing year-on-year and the fourth edition, which took place from 20 to 23 March 2018 in Belgium, was no exception. A record number of 830 unique visitors attended the four-day event, which had an international scope with attendees from 40 different countries, mainly Europe, Asia and Australia, as American packaging and label printers are invited to the Xeikon Cafe North America that takes place 15-17 May in Itasca, Illinois. The organisation also announced that next year’s Xeiko

Designer Viral Pandya mentors students at Sona’s Breakfast Meet

A great design is a combination of many elements coming together in a perfect harmony to represent an idea. Therefore, according to Viral Pandya, co-founder and chief creative officer of Gurgaon-based design firm Out of the Box, an idea is the first and most important step towards executing a great design. It is the foundation of design. Everything else — the copy, artwork, typography, format, paper — comes later.

Media Expo: Colorjet showcases green printing

India's largest manufacturer of inkjet digital printers, Colorjet India, takes environmental responsibility seriously and so, continually works towards cleaner and greener environment-friendly digital printing solutions.

Applications invited for Frankfurt Fellowship Programme

The Frankfurt Fellowship Programme focuses on information exchange, professional dialogue and the creation of networks between young international publishers. First launched to mark the 50th anniversary of the Frankfurter Buchmesse in 1998, the Frankfurter Buchmesse Fellowship Programme celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. More than 300 publishing people from more than 50 countries have gained so far from this experience.

Madurai celebrates Printers Day by contributing to a cause

As part of Printers’ Day celebrations on 24 February, the Madurai District Offset Printers Association (MADOPA) paid tributes to Johanus Alios Senefelder, who discovered offset printing.

FIPP joins organisers for IFRA & DCX Expo in Berlin

FIPP, the network for global media, will join forces with IFRA World Publishing Expo and DCX Digital Content Expo in a world first for global associations representing newspaper and magazine media. The leadership of Wan-Ifra, representing the global newspaper industry, and FIPP, representing the global magazine media, made the joint announcement recently.

Frankfurt Book Fair ready with a new stage

A 6.5m tall self-supporting wooden structure, with a translucent membrane on 500squ/mts, called Frankfurt Pavilion, will be the highlight of the Frankfurter Buchmesse, to be held from 10 to 14 October 2018. Designed and built by the renowned architecture firm schneider+schumacher, this iconic structure will make its debut at the 70th Book Fair and will host events with authors and industry experts from around the world.

Sona’s 2018-19 calendar features 365 artworks by 365 young artists

Sona Papers launched its 2018-19 calendar recently at an event in Bengaluru jointly organised with HP India. Titled ‘Daily Dose of Art’, the calendar features 365 artworks by 365 young artists from all over India, making every page unique.

Gujarat's print sector sees a turning point

Some years back, PrintWeek India carried a feature titled, ‘Ahmedabad has never had it so good’, where we posited that thanks to the development in Ahmedabad, medium and small companies are launching campaigns in print and outdoor. In addition, there has been an organic growth with new advertisers coming into the folds. This has added to the growth of the print market in the city.

Exhibitor entries invited for PHDCCI India Pavilion at Paperworld 2019

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) will showcase India Pavilion during Paperworld 2019 to be held in Frankfurt, Germany, from 26 to 29 January 2019. The participation under India Pavilion will be subsidised under the MAI scheme of the government of India.

Konica Minolta adds colour to SPI 2018 with digital solutions

Konica Minolta Business Solutions offered visitors a glimpse of the most cutting-edge colour printing technology at the Screen Print India (SPI) 2018, held at Bombay Exhibition and Convention Centre in Mumbai from 20 to 22 April.

OPA campaign for using original software

To encourage its member printers to stop using pirated software, the Offset Printers Association (OPA) has launched a unique campaign titled ‘Think Legal – Be Safe’. The main idea behind the campaign is to educate the printers about the legal consequences while using pirated software.

Flint Group to showcase its expertise at Labelexpo Southeast Asia

Flint Group’s labels and packaging technologies will present possibilities and signpost opportunities at the newest Labelexpo event – Labelexpo Southeast Asia. To be held from 10 to 12 May 2018 at Bangkok, the event’s premise is a clear focus on label and packaging printing. As such, it will be the perfect platform for Flint Group to highlight the combined industry strengths of four of its divisions, namely flexographic, narrow-web, digital solutions (Xeikon and ThermoFlexX).

Converter challenges at Finat European Label Forum

The challenges being faced by converters and the emerging technical trends that are impacting their businesses are among the key topics that will be addressed at the 4th Finat European Label Forum, Dublin, from 6-8 June 2018. This will provide attendees with insight and guidance as they think about the future of their businesses in a rapidly evolving environment.

Oki to unveil two label printers at Labelexpo Southeast Asia

Oki will unveil two new label printer models at the Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2018 to be held from 10-12 May, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) in Thailand. Focusing on the growth of evolving markets, the new Pro1040 and Pro1050 represent OKI's latest innovation in label printing technology, and both Pro Series label models are expected to strengthen the company's foothold within the printing and packaging industry in the region. The Japanese company is already a lead

Publishing Next conference scheduled for 20-22 September 2018

The eight edition of the Publishing Next conference, the annual event that brings together publishing, printing and allied professionals, to discuss the trends and business practices that dominate the sector, will be held from 20 to 22 September 2018, in Panaji, Goa.

Colorjet to showcase its latest at FESPA 2018

Colorjet India, the country’s the largest manufacturer of wide-format digital printers in India, will host live demonstrations of the finest UV, soft signage and digital textile solutions at Fespa 2018, to be held in Berlin from 15 to 18 March.

DB Corp ad revenues grew by 1.3% to Rs 12,565 million during 9M FY 2017-18

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Dainik Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, on 18 January announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2017. According to the report, during the 9M FY 2017-18, the company’s consolidated advertising revenues grew by 1.3% YOY to Rs 12,565 million as against Rs 12,406 million during 9M last year. Circulation revenue increased by 6.3% YOY to Rs 3,825 million fro

Entries invited for Publishing Next Industry Awards 2018

Entries have been invited for the fifth edition of the Publishing Next Industry Awards. Instituted in 2014, these awards seek to ‘recognise the innovation and leadership of publishing professionals and others in the book trade in India’.

IPA Congress 2018: Wiley displays commitment to research and learning

Peter Booth Wiley (chairman emeritus, Wiley), Matthew Kissner (chairman of the board, Wiley) and Vikas Gupta (managing director of Wiley India), discussed the future of research and learning in India at the 32nd International Publishers Association (IPA) Congress held in New Delhi from 11 to 13 February 2018. The company’s top leaders will discuss opportunities to build science, technology and mathematics (STEM) capacity in India.

Sold out Media Expo Mumbai begins on 22 February

A series of successful editions in the past clearly reflects on the 42nd edition of Media Expo 2018, as the key business event has turned out to be fully booked exceeding previous exhibitor records. The three-day exhibition is all set to showcase the best of industry with 131 exhibitors displaying the latest in indoor and outdoor advertising and brand solutions at Hall 6, Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (E) from 22-24 February 2018.

IPA Congress 2018: India edition comes to a close

The 32nd International Publishers Congress, held from 11 to 13 February 2018, ended with a flurry of activities, including discussions on important topics such as ‘Book Markets in India’, ‘Strengthening Education Building Capacity’, ‘STM Publishing’ and ‘Collective Rights Management’. The event concluded with a valedictory function attended by Hugo Setzer, IPA vice-president; Michiel Kolman, IPA president and Ashok K Ghosh, FIP chairman.

Kalam library launched at Ahmedabad observation home

A Kalam Library, an initiative of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre, was inaugurated at the Observation Home in Ahmedabad on 6 February 2018. The library gives access to books to 20-25 children living in the observation home. The first book of this library was donated by Avantika Singh Aulakh, IAS, district collector, Ahmedabad. Also present at the event were Bhartibaa Vaghela, deputy district collector of Ahmedabad and Srijan Pal Singh, founder, Kalam Library Project, who interacted with the children d

Publishers urged to explore digital platforms to find new markets

Bengaluru-based MAP Systems, a digital services provider, in association with TERI and Society for Information Research and Studies, organised a conclave on ‘Emerging technologies and engagement models for publishing industry’ in New Delhi on 12 July.

How Mars is innovating packaging design

Why it’s important to innovate packaging design? The answer is simple. The package is the ultimate and final stage product promotion. As Kannan Iyenger, regional commercial manager, packaging graphics and print technology manager, MARS GCC FZE, explains, the packaging is the most important media to stop the consumer, hold the consumer’s attention and make them buy the product.

PackPlus 2018 all set to open in New Delhi on 25 July

PackPlus, the total packaging, processing and supply chain event, returns to Delhi on 25-28 July 2018. The exhibition will be held at Pragati Maidan.

International Packaging Conclave to focus on safe packaging

As the draft of the new Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulation, 2018 is ready and awaiting final notification by the FSSAI, which entails significant changes in the supply chain for packaging of food and beverage, the seventh edition of the International Packaging Conclave, organised concurrently at PackPlus 2018 exhibition, will focus on the subject.

Approaches to incremental change in using plastic - Arjun Dewan

Instead of jumping the gun following the ban on plastic, Arjun Dewan suggests a step-by-step approach to incremental change in reducing the use of plastic

Guwahati’s Balaji Books installs Heidelberg SX 74

Guwahati-based Balaji Books has invested in a Heidelberg SX 74 four-colour 20x30-inches sheetfed offset press. The machine has been running on the shopfloor since March 2017.

Digital ink system technology to expand with Baldwin’s new acquisition

US-based Baldwin Technology has reached an agreement with Quad/Graphics to acquire the intellectual property rights for the digital ink system, enabling continued development of the technology. Baldwin provides process automation solutions, consumables and services for the print, packaging, textile and corrugated industries.

Screen Print India 2018 announces 49 Awards in 33 categories

Ahead of the Screen Print India 2018, to be held at Bombay Exhibition and Convention Centre, Mumbai from 20 to 22 April 2018, the organisers have announced the winners of Screen Print India Awards 2018. The Awards will be handed over in a gala night during the event, where members from screen printing, textile printing, digital printing and sublimation printing. Judged by an eminent panel from the industry, the winners will gain national recognition within this sector with a chance to showcase t

Digital textile printing market to be worth USD 2.31 billion by 2023

According to a new market research report on ‘digital textile printing market: global forecast to 2023’, published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is expected to be worth USD 2.31 billion by 2023 from USD 1.76 billion in 2018, at a CAGR of 5.59% between 2018 and 2023.

Frankfurt Book Fair gets a new designer pavilion this year

Starting 2018, Frankfurter Buchmesse will have an exciting new attraction: the Pavilion. This approximately 450sq/m, purpose-built structure will act as the main stage of the fair over all five days. The high-quality and iconic stage will be centrally located in the Agora.

World Environment Expo 2018 on 5-7 June

World Environment Expo (WEE 2018), an international exhibition on environment protection technology, green innovation, clean and green energy, eco-friendly products, recycling and waste management, will be held on 5-7 June 2018 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Marriage of print and fashion at Gartex 2018

In its third year, Gartex 2018, the comprehensive show dedicated to garmenting and textile manufacturing solutions and technologies, organised by Mex Exhibitions, represented its full forced and signalled towards the rise of Indian apparel industry. Over the last couple of years, textile printing has emerged as a legitimate printing segment. Gartex 2018 was a validation to this fact. At the same time, the show highlighted how garment printing is just a small part of the massive and diverse industry, which is growing leaps and bounds.

"We need an integrated approach to packaging safety"

As Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is all set to implement the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulation, 2018, Pawan Kumar Agarwal, chief executive officer, FSSAI, explains to Dibyajyoti Sarma the challenges in ensuring food safety in packaging.

GBO’s Publishers Training Programme on 1-2 December

Publishers Training Programme for Young Professionals 2017, organised by German Book Office New Delhi will be held on 1 and 2 December 2017 at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi.

Three-day SmartCards Expo 2017 begins

The 2017 edition of SmartCards Expo, targeted at stakeholders in segments like smart security, payment, identification and mobility, among others, opened its gates on 25 October 2017.The three-day exhibition, which also features a daylong technical workshop on RFID technology on 26 October, is on until 27 October at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Konica Minolta launches ‘simply efficient’ Accurio Press

Konica Minolta has launched its ‘simply efficient’ Accurio Press C6100 Series of colour production printers, which are designed to support a highly responsive print room environment. The Accurio Press C6100 Series is now available in the 85ppm C6085 and the 100ppm C6100. The fast and flexible series has been created for firms which recently started digital printing and are now expanding their service as well as those who need to handle large, repeat, print volumes.

International Paper India announces leadership changes

International Paper on 22 February announced that Rampraveen Swaminathan, president, International Paper India and chairman and managing director, International Paper APPM, has decided to leave the company to pursue his professional interests outside International Paper.

Replika Press wins Capexil Top Export Award for 2014-15

It has become a habit for Kundli-based master printer Replika Press to win the Capexil top export award. This year too was no exception.

International Paper India announces leadership changes

International Paper on 22 February announced that Rampraveen Swaminathan, president, International Paper India and chairman and managing director, International Paper APPM, has decided to leave the company to pursue his professional interests outside International Paper.

Print News from Round the World

This edition of the weekly update includes Delhi police seize books, confiscate printing press over ‘indecent content’; screen fatigue sees UK eBook sales plunge 17%; publisher business models in the age of platforms

Bansi Lal Arora, founder, Royal Offset Printers, is no more

Bansi Lal Arora, the founder of Delhi’s Royal Offset Printers, passed away on 20 April. He was 77.

Flint opens innovation centre for packaging inks in Sweden

Flint Group continues its innovation and leadership position with the opening of its Global Innovation Centre (GIC) in Malmö, Sweden. At the centre of this facility will be Flint’s new eight-station Soma printing press equipped with the latest web handling and both water-based and UV printing capabilities.

Focus on India at Save Food Congress during Interpack 2017

As usual, Interpack 2017, which begins in Dusseldorf, Germany, from 4 May, will have everything packaging. If you are visiting Interpack this year, and if you are in the food packaging business, it would be a great idea to stop by at the third edition of Save Food Congress, held as part of Interpack 2017. For one thing, a great chunk of the conference will focus on India. In general, the event will pursue a multi-dimensional approach to fight food waste, featuring speakers from political circles

Cosmo Films launches low noise tape film

Cosmo Films recently announced the launch of a low noise tape film used in making of low noise tapes. The BOPP-based low noise tape film with a proprietary release surface treatment enables easy release and generates low noise on unwinding. This feature becomes extremely significant in industrial settings where multiple packing lines work in tandem and auto dispensing machines are installed and packing takes place at relatively higher speeds. In most developed countries, factory guidelines requi

Interpack 2017 show guide

Interpack 2017 opens its doors on 4 May 2017 in Dusseldorf, Germany. Rahul Kumar and Dibyajyoti Sarma bring you an essential guide highlighting the must-see products at the seven-day show

Konica Minolta ships seven C1085 kits to Eastern India in 2016

Konica Minolta India seems to be making great inroads into the untapped markets in eastern India. During 2016-17, the company not only shipped 20 Bizhub Press C1060 to West Bengal, Odisha and the states in the northeast, it also managed to find customers for seven Bizhub Press C1085 digital industrial printing solution in the same region.

Hi Poly Prints using Ricoh Pro C9100 for photobooks

Among all the positive arguments on the behalf of digital printing, the best one yet is how it is fulfilling the demand for quality printing in small-town India. With technology shrinking the world into a global village, a customer in Gorakhpur desires and demands the same things as its counterpart in a Metro city like Delhi — be it quick visiting cards in an unusual substrate or a shinning photo albums. Earlier, to fulfill these demands a small-town customer needed to visit the nearest city. No

Print News from Round the World

This edition of the weekly update includes government printing press to be upgraded at a cost of Rs 338 crore; six held in Bhopal for printing fake currency notes; founded in 1910, Osmania University printing press rumbles on; print ads can help promote education for girl child; and, a weekly dedicated to the cow.

Print circulation bucks global trend, grows 4.87%, says ABC

The circulation of India’s print publications grew at the compound annual growth rate or CAGR of 4.87% between the end of 2006 and the end of 2016, to 62 million a day, the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) announced on 8 May 2017. “This is remarkable growth for print at a time where most countries are seeing a decline in print”, I Venkat, chairman of ABC, said.

Christian Duyckaerts named new president of Fespa

Christian Duyckaerts has been inaugurated as the new president of Fespa, the global federation of associations for the wide-format printing community. The inauguration took place during the annual Fespa gala night on 10 May during the FESPA 2017 global print expo in Hamburg, Germany (8 - 12 May).

Print News from Round the World

This edition of the weekly update includes S Chand trims early gains; govt to shut five non-feasible presses; currency in circulation may not match pre-8/11 levels; Indian cartographic agency gets in-house Braille; India for International Book Fair in Nigeria; a scooter-riding bookseller has served Kolkata better than Amazon; and Leila Seth: breaker of glass ceiling, deliverer of justice

Classic Stripes wins functional printing gold at Fespa 2017

Mumbai-based Classic Stripes, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of automotive graphics, added another stripe to its already impressive list of honours after it received the gold medal in the Functional Printing category at Fespa 2017 Awards. The awards were announced during Fespa’s annual gala dinner, which took place at the Grand Elysée hotel in Hamburg on 10 May.

Delhi Printers’ Association elects office bearers for 2017-18

During its annual meeting held on 29 April 2017, Delhi Printers’ Association elected the office bearers for the year 2017-18. Accordingly, Rajiv Gupta of Press of India has been elected as the president of Delhi Printers’ Association. Rajesh Sardana of Cambridge Press will be the new honorary general secretary and Mahinder Budhiraja of Em Kay Printers will be the new treasurer of Delhi Printers’ Association.

Must-see products at Fespa 2017

Like its previous editions, Fespa 2017 too, to be held at Hamburg from 8 to 12 May, will see its fair share of technology innovations in signage and graphics products. With more than 700 exhibiting brands present at Fespa 2017 in Hamburg, it may be little confusing. To make it easy for you, PrintWeek India brings you a handy guide of what to look out for during Fespa 2017

Series of exciting product launches during Fespa 2017 at Hamburg

Fespa, the world’s premier exhibition on signage and graphics products, has always been a site of launching latest technology, equipment, consumables and materials. Memorable launches in the past include HP Scitex FB10000, Durst’s Water Technology, the Océ Arizona 6100 series, the Agfa Jeti Mira and Jeti Tauro launches, EFI's VUTEk HSr press, the Inca Onset R50i UV Flatbed Printer and Mimaki's UJV55-320 printer, to name just a few.

Dainik Bhaskar launches a new edition in Surat, Gujarat

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, on 2 May announced the successful launch of Dainik Bhaskar’s new edition from Surat in Gujarat.

Webtech installs Omet iFlex at its Sikkim plant

The Omet iFlex, showcased for the first time in India during Labelexpo India 2016, which Webtech Labels booked during the show, has arrived in the shopfloor at the Sikkim unit of Huhtamaki PPL-Webtech Labels.

Print News from Round the World

This edition of the weekly update includes entertainment sector is at Rs 1.26 lakh crore; Maoists' printing press run on solar power; question paper fiasco in Odisha and how a monastery in Tibet is still using block printing to keep ancient texts alive.

Indiapack Pacprocess to raise the bar for packaging shows

If you haven’t booked your tickets for Interpack 2017 to be held at Dusseldorf, Germany from 4 to 10 May, and if you plan to attend just one packaging show this year, might we suggest Indiapack Pacprocess? The show, to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 26 to 28 October 2017 may be new, but it comes with exceptional pedigree — the combined experience of a 50-year-old knowledge body, Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), and one of the world’s biggest organisers of printing-packaging exhibi

GBO New Delhi moves to a new address

German Book Office New Delhi, the joint venture between the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Federal Foreign Office, Berlin, which works towards books and translations, has moved to a new office in Nehru Place, New Delhi.

Heidelberg’s Primefire 106, Prinect Press Center XL 2 win iF Design Award 2017

Heidelberg’s Primefire 106 digital printing system and the Prinect Press Center XL 2 machine control station, the innovations introduced during Drupa 2016, have won the iF Design Award 2017. The awards were given for the cleanly structured design of the digital unit and press platform of the Primefire 106, and the ergonomic design of the Prinect Press Center XL 2 machine control station for uniform operator guidance for all digital and offset printing systems.

Print News from Round the World

This edition of the weekly update includes approval given to RBI to print Rs 10 plastic notes; the cost of printing Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes, media, entertainment to grow at 14% by 2021; TV will account for nearly 40% of ad spend in India; London Book Fair puts spotlight on India; 139 JK publications empanelled with DAVP; and FDI cap tweak in print media in the works

Bookaroo wins International Excellence Award at LBF ‘17

Children’s literature festival Bookaroo has won the International Excellence Award in the Literary Festivals category at the London Book Fair 2017. “It is a huge honour and we are so pleased with the recognition that children’s literature has received,” Bookaroo said in a Facebook post.

Dainik Bhaskar wins two gold awards at Publishers Abby 2017

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, received two gold awards at the Publishers Abby Awards 2017. DB Corp was given the awards for the campaign, ‘Zidd Karo, Duniya Badlo’ under the categories, ‘Best marketing of a printed newspaper/edition’ and ‘Best use of mobile/digital by a newspaper’ at the Publishers Abby Awards 2017.

What's driving circulation of Indian newspapers

Bucking the global trends, newspapers in India continues to grow. The Indian Media and Entertainment Industry Report, 2017, published by KPMG India, in association with FICCI, in March, explains the reasons.

Print: The digital debate continues

Despite the threat of digital media looming large, and with traditional players still struggling to find a way to integrate digital to the traditional business model, in 2016, the Indian print industry grew at 7.0%. This growth was driven by regional language newspapers, explains the Indian Media and Entertainment Industry Report, 2017 published by KPMG India-FICCI.

Media for the masses: Highlights from the M&E Industry Report

In March, KPMG India, in association with FICCI, released the Indian Media and Entertainment Industry Report, 2017. Titled ‘Media for the Masses: The Promise Unfolds’, the reports, in numbers and charts, highlights the growth trajectory of the different sectors — digital consumption, television, radio, sports, theme parks, print, films, animation VFX, live events — and other allied issues such as demonetisation, impact of goods and service tax, deal volume and values in 2016 and tax and regulato

India to become third largest consumer economy by 2025

Consumption in India is set to triple to USD 4 trillion by 2025 as rising affluence drives changes in consumer behaviors and spending patterns that have big implications for companies, according to a report released on 21 March 2016 by The Boston Consulting Group’s Center for Customer Insight. According to the report titled The New Indian: The Many Facets of a Changing Consumer, nominal year-over-year expenditure growth of 12% is more than double the anticipated global rate of 5% and will make I

Tremendous opportunity for India to embrace creativity, value-added printing, says Jonathan Mitchell of Arjowiggins

With its roots in both England and France, and now owned by French pulp and paper company Worms & Cie, Arjowiggins is one of the world’s leading manufacturer of paper products. Arjowiggins Creative Papers has been making fine papers aimed at enhancing creative ideas since 1770. It took time to come to the Indian shores, but now three Arjowiggins ranges, Conqueror, Curious Collection and Rives, is available in the Indian market, distributed by Sona Papers. On March 1, Sona announced its partnersh

Print News from Round the World

This edition of the weekly update includes creativity for good; Bihar university forgets to print question papers and NSCN (R) directs printers to seek permission before printing govt jobs

Sage partners with Neotia University to offer short-term courses

Leading independent academic and professional publisher Sage, in collaboration with Kolkata-based The Neotia University, has instituted short-term professional courses in editing with an aim to support graduates in pursuing a career in publishing. According to Vivek Mehra, managing director and CEO, Sage Publications, India, said that the company believes in playing a creative role in society by disseminating teaching and research on a global scale, the cornerstones of which are good, long-term

Daisuke Mori named new MD of Konica Minolta India

Konica Minolta has announced the appointment of Daisuke Mori as the new managing director of Konica Minolta Business Solution India. Mori, who started his career in 1992 at Minolta’s sales division in Japan, comes with more than 25 years of hands-on experience in the printing industry.

Dainik Bhaskar wins two platinum awards from LACP, US

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, received two platinum awards from League American Communications Professionals (LACP).

Moradabad’s Harish & Co invests in Ricoh Pro C9110

Moradabad, UP-based paper merchant Harish & Co has invested in a Ricoh Pro C9110. The company decided upon the Ricoh machine as it wanted to have features like speed, auto duplex, quality, heavy gsm sheet printing, and so on in the machine to meet the market demand.

Three reasons to attend Publish Asia 2017

Created in 2000, Publish Asia is an annual meeting place for the Asian newspaper and news publishing industry. More than 300 media executives from over 30 different countries will gather in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 18-20 April for three days of exciting masterclasses, conference sessions and networking events.

Konica Minolta showcases its offerings in Telangana roadshow

Konica Minolta Business Solutions recently organised a roadshow in Nalgonda, Telangana, where the company demonstrated its state-of-the-art production printers with the pivotal highlights of the event being the Bizhub Press C71hc and C1060.

Taco Visions’ 3D lenticular prints during UP elections

Technology plays an important role during an electoral process. We have seen how in the recent years, the internet and the social media have becomes a key tool for political parties. However, the use of 3D lenticular prints during elections was still unheard of, until it proved to be a key promotional tool during the recently concluded assembly elections in UP. The credit for this must go to Mumbai-based Taco Visions.

Heidelberg going ‘Simply Smart’ at China Print 2017

During China Print 2017, to be held in Beijing from 9 to 13 May, Heidelberg will exhibit innovative packaging and commercial printing solutions under the motto ‘Simply Smart’, for visitors from China and Asia Pacific Regions, to showcase itself as a reliable print partner for the digital era.

Win a Wildcard stand at the Frankfurt Book Fair

For the third year in a row, the Frankfurter Buchmesse is awarding its Wildcard, in which a publisher is asked to provide convincing answers to three questions regarding its exhibition concept to win the grand prize — an 8-sq/m stand at the world’s largest fair for content.

Four Indian news publishers nominated for Asian Media Awards

Four Indian newspaper companies — Malayala Manorama, Jagran Prakashan, India Today Group and Kasturi & Sons — are among the finalists of the Asian Media Awards at Publish Asia 2017. The winners of the prestigious Asian Media Awards will be honoured at a gala dinner at Publish Asia 2017, in Kuala Lumpur, on 19 April.

Print News from Round the World

In this regular feature, we bring you the news of the industry as they appear in mainstream publications. The week, we cover Naroda press moves HC for protection; Army papers leaked from Nagpur press; fire in Kolkata; four arrested for murder of press owner in Hyderabad; Currency printing press makes profit; fake Rs 2,000 notes are of low quality; and Pearson reports biggest loss in its history.

Arun Maheshwari receives award from Oxford Business College

On 28 March 2017, Oxford Business College in the UK presented Arun Maheshwari, managing director, Vani Prakashan and chairman, Vani Foundation, with a special Award of Appreciation for his outstanding contribution in the field of Indian publishing.

Print News from Round the World

This edition of the weekly update includes govt to change security features of notes every 3-4 years; printing error causing anxiety amongst H1B visa holders; ‘Print ad effective because words linger in mind’; exhibition features historic prints from early 19th century and 10 everyday phrases that come from printing

KM announces Workplace Hub, the workplace of the future

Konica Minolta has introduced Workplace Hub, an innovative new enterprise IT solution that unifies all of an organisation’s technology via a single centralised platform. Designed to future-proof workplaces of every size as they work towards digital transformation, version one of Workplace Hub, to be available from October 2017, will directly address the growing IT complexity by providing more efficient and effective management of the disparate array of tools, services and devices used by modern

Xerox’s new solutions will help break into new markets

With the launch of a new Xerox ConnectKey portfolio, the company has claimed to have transformed traditional printing devices into smart, connected workplace assistants that reflect the evolving needs of today’s businesses.

Cosmo Films to set up new line for speciality polyester films

Cosmo Films Limited, a leading global speciality films company, manufacturing multiple types of Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) and Cast Polypropylene (CPP) films has announced plans to install a new production line for Speciality Polyester (Biaxially-Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate) films by the third quarter of 2018-19.

Kolkata’s Nukkad invests in C1060, its fourth Konica Minolta kit

Kolkata-based Nukkad Printers recently installed a Konica Minolta Bizhub Press C1060, its fourth Konica Minolta kit. “Konica Minolta has helped us in growing our business significantly, by helping us achieve faster turnaround time,” said Pawas Shah, owner of Nukkad Printers.

Galgo launches its calendar Eyes Wide Shut printed on glode

Galgo Fine Papers launch the 8th edition of its financial year calendar in a gala function at The Arena Luxury Lounge, New Delhi on 24 March 2017. Titled ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, the calendar features portraits of celebrities photographed by Rohit Chawla.

Nearly 40 Indian exhibitors to share spotlight at LBF

Indian publishing is all to set take the centre stage at the 2017 edition of The London Book Fair, to be held from 14 to 16 March, under a special Spotlight on India series of events. The government export promotion body Capexil is working with The London Book Fair to highlight nearly 40 exhibitors from India over three pavilions. Meanwhile, there will be four pavilions dedicated to the Spotlight on India programmes at The London Book Fair, with Capexil the main stand holder.

Four-day Garment Technology Expo ’17 New Delhi begins

The 2017 edition of the Garment Technology Expo (GTE), the largest and most comprehensive garment technology show in India, opened its doors on 3 March 2017. The show, being organised at NSIC Exhibition Complex, Okhla, New Delhi, is on until 6 March.

Sona Papers announces partnership with Arjowiggins

Although Sona Papers had a special stall during PrintPack India 2017 in February to promote the latest addition to its portfolio of fine papers – Arjowiggins Creative Papers – the Delhi-based trader of fine papers formally announced its partnership with Arjowiggins in the presence of printing and designing fraternity in Delhi on 1 March.

OMG! Now sugarcane juice in recyclable glass bottles

If you thought sugarcane juices are just summer delicacies and you can find them only on the roadside, the reality is about to change. A young Delhi-based company focused on natural beverages, Nutricane Beverages, has now introduced bottled sugarcane juice, which the company calls OMG! (Oh My Ganna).

Print News from Round the World

This edition of print news includes nine gems from round the world: RBI cuts printing order for new currency notes; Assam CM seeks Rs 1,800 crore for revival of paper mills; Assam booksellers list GST woes; classics in Assamese translation; how to start investing in rare books; how Speaking Tiger Books bringing international fiction to India; Kindle vs physical books; Dayanita Singh’s Museum Bhavan wins Book of the Year; block-printed textiles of India.

Chocked capitals: Reflection of Delhi in yesteryear’s London

‘Fog everywhere. Fog up the river, where it flows among green aits and meadows; fog down the river, where it rolls defiled among the tiers of shipping and the waterside pollutions of a great (and dirty) city. Fog on the Essex marshes, fog on the Kentish heights. Fog creeping into the cabooses of collier-brigs; fog lying out on the yards and hovering in the rigging of great ships; fog drooping on the gunwales of barges and small boats. Fog in the eyes and throats of ancient Greenwich pensioners,

Mathrubhumi initiates ‘Re-imagine the future’ campaign

Everywhere you look there are stories of parents forcing their children into certain professions and the children rebelling. The problem being, everyone paints these parents as close-minded villains, out to suffocate their children’s dreams. However, the reality is very different – the parents are simply acting out of concern for their children, they are doing their best to ensure that their child has a stable future, financially. Unfortunately, most parents aren’t exposed to all the professions

Anuk Arudpragasam wins the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2017

Anuk Arudpragasam has been announced as the winner of the prestigious DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2017 for his novel, The Story of a Brief Marriage at the Dhaka Lit Fest in Bangladesh. Told in meditative, nuanced and powerful prose, this shattering novel marks the arrival of an extraordinary new literary voice. In a glittering award ceremony, the USD 25,000 DSC Prize was awarded to the winner along with a unique trophy by Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, minister of Finance, Bangladesh. The worl

PRH India celebrates 30 years in India with Penguin Readathon

To celebrate its 30 years of existence in India, and to spread the power of reading and storytelling, Penguin Random House India, has embarked on a journey of reading sessions and library contributions to 30 spaces spanning the country. To run from 17 November to 31 December 2017, the Penguin Readathon and Book Gifting Journey will cover a range of partners – from community libraries, shelter homes, informal schools, independent bookshops, organisations working with people with disabilities, an

Konica Minolta ties up with Insight for label business

Konica Minolta Business Solutions India has appointed Insight Print Communications as channel partner to represent its Bizhub Press C71cf Label Press in east as well as in west India for the label printing business.

Jetvarnish 3D wins diamond at DuPont Awards

MGI’s Jetvarnish solution earned a Diamond Finalist Award in the DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation. The Jetvarnish 3D digital print decoration process for folding cartons and labels is set to enable companies to achieve a premium branded look for their folding cartons and labels without the time, cost and expense of using traditional dies, screens or plates.

Mumbai’s Aakarsh swears by Ricoh technology

Aakarsh Print-O-Graph based in Andheri (East), Mumbai seemed to have found their expertise in Ricoh technology. After investing in Ricoh Pro c7100x with white and clear in 2015, the digital print company went for two more Ricoh kits in 2016 — Ricoh Pro 8100s and Ricoh Pro C9100.

PMO writes to HRD ministry over ISBN complaints

Following the alleged difficulty of getting ISBN number allotments, plus complaints of red-tapism and fears of censorship, after which the ISBN International Agency had threatened to strip the Indian government of its role in distributing International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) to publishers, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has now sought an explanation from the Ministry of Human Resource Development on the issue.

Agfa unveils new UV LED printers at Fespa 2017

At Fespa 2017, Agfa launched its new Jeti Tauro H2500 LED UV printer, featuring an integrated roll-to-roll system for continuous and automated media feeding. The 2.5m-wide roll-to-roll hybrid UV printer can reach 275m2/hr and prints in six colours with optional white or primer.

C71hc helps Top Today’s capture Marathwada’s photo market

Top Today’s Magic Photo Lab, based in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, has made significant strides in photo album business, both in productivity and quality, since it invested in Konica Minolta Bizhub C71hc in March 2016.

Uflex value-engineers variants of extrusion lamination machine

In the absence of quality manufacturers of extrusion coating/ lamination machines in India, responding to an ever-increasing demand from convertors, Uflex had launched the extrusion lamination machine EL-1300 in July last year. After the machine received great feedback from Indian convertors, the engineers at Uflex have now come up with something more evolved and endearing for convertors to address their needs towards various types of applications continued.

Tetra Pak opens innovation centre to help brands develop solutions

Tetra Pak, the world’s leading food processing and packaging solutions company, launched its first Customer Innovation Centre (CIC) in Asia in Singapore recently to address the evolving needs of the fast-growing Asian markets. This Centre will help the region’s food and beverage manufacturers uncover growth opportunities, accelerate and enhance product innovation to create winning solutions for their brands.

Now a comic book on brand management

If you thought there cannot be any connection between comics and brand management, think again. Recently, Neil George created and produced the world’s first brand management comic book, Building the Perfect Beast – What Really Happens in Brand Management . Published by Power Publishers and Omnikarma Productions and released on 16 April, the 150+-page book with more than 400 anime-based illustrations captures the triumphs and the challenges of interns in the marketing and communications in

Esko gets two EDP awards for technological innovations

Esko’s industry leading technology and its positive impact on today’s demanding print production environment has been recognised with two EDP awards. Both were presented to Bruno Vermeulen, EMEA marketing director at Esko, at the EDP Award Ceremony held at Fespa, Hamburg.

Mimaki’s new 3DUJ-P to be available by end of 2017

During Fespa 2017 last week, Mimaki announced the first details of its new 3D inkjet machine, due to be commercially available by the end of this year. The machine, which was announced at the show, is still in prototype stage and is being called the 3DUJ-P for the moment.

Jumpstart 2017 to focus on innovation and learning

Education sector in India is recognised as the ‘sunrise sector’ due to the accelerating growth and investment it has been attracting both from government and the private pool. In publishing, it translates into accelerating demand of textbooks and educational material for supplementary reading.

Bollywoodbhaskar.com dons a refreshed look

DB Corp, India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, on 16 May announced that Bollywoodbhaskar.com, one of its proprietary portals within its digital business, has launched a new, refreshed look with a new vision.

Sopa announces 2017 Journalism Awards finalists

The Society of Publishers in Asia (Sopa), a Hong Kong-based not-for-profit organisation, on 17 May announced the finalists for the SOPA 2017 Awards for Editorial Excellence following a record entry for the third consecutive year. The finalists were shortlisted from more than 750 English or Chinese-language entries submitted by international, regional and local media across the region.

Esko introduces new, integrated platform for brands

Esko and MediaBeacon are releasing a fully integrated packaging and marketing process and digital asset management solution. It enables brands and marketers to deliver consistent content across digital, social and packaging consumer touchpoints. The new platform helps brand owners streamline complex creation, approval and deployment processes across multiple teams and locations.

Fespa 2018 Global print expo in Berlin from 15-18 May

Fespa has announced that Fespa 2018 global print expo, will take place over four days from Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 May 2018 at Messe Berlin, Germany. The next global print expo is expected to cover nine halls of the Berlin Messe, showcasing screen, digital and textile printing solutions. Fespa 2018 will again be co-located with European Sign Expo for non-printed visual communication solutions.

Konica Minolta rolls out Accurio Press series C2070, C2060

Konica Minolta, a leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies, has unveiled the new Accurio Press series which sets new standards for superior value combining digital print quality that rivals offset prints with advanced workflow and colour management. It also helps increase the customer profitability by creating smooth and streamlined workflows to expand the print services.

Workshop on industry 4.0 at GJUS&T, Hisar

The Department of Printing Technology, Guru Jambhashwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, organised a one day national workshop on ‘Printing and packaging industry in the context of industry 4.0’ on 24 May 2017. Tankeshwar Kumar, vice-chancellor of the university presided over the inaugural function while Anil Kumar Pundir, registrar of the university was the guest of honour. RK Anayath, director, TITS, Bhiwani, was present as keynote speaker.

Ravpreet Ganesh named Publicis Worldwide executive director

Publicis Worldwide has announced Ravpreet Ganesh as executive director. Ravpreet comes with a 20 year testimony of working alongside top brands from across a number of categories that range from media-dark industries to FMCG, consumer durables to telecom, automobiles to travel and fashion, e-commerce to public sector. Ravpreet will report in to Srija Chatterjee, managing director, Publicis Worldwide.

Bengaluru’s PrintXpert invests in Ricoh Pro C5100s

Bengaluru-based PrintXpert, a unit of Uday Digital Tech, recently invested in Ricoh Pro C5100s production printer with Fiery Controller E-22B, to meet the company’s short-run print demands.

FINAT, Labelexpo Europe driving label industry agenda

The flag bearers of the European label industry — the international label association FINAT and Labelexpo Europe founders Tarsus Ltd — are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their partnership this year at the biggest-ever Labelexpo show, taking place at the Brussels Expo, 25-28 September 2017.

Bookaroo paints Delhi walls to promote children’s literature

Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival, which won the International Excellence Award 2017 at London Book Fair, has started a wall art initiative titled ‘Bookscapes in the City’ in Delhi. The initiative is to celebrate illustrations from children’s books on 10 walls in the city.

Arpita Das to speak at ‘The Markets’ during FBF 2017

According to some estimates, women make up the majority of the publishing workforce. Women buy more books than men do, and more female authors are making it onto the bestseller lists than ever before. So why is publishers’ executive offices still dominated by men, and why is there a perceived glass ceiling when it comes to female career advancement in the publishing industry?

Digital Textile Symposium on 16 November 2017

As the digital textile printing industry grows with renewed vigour in India, in its seventh year, the Inkjet India conference, organised by Catalysing New Technologies Expositions and Services (CNT; formerly Inkjet Forum India) will re-launch itself as the Digital Textile Symposium.

Messe Frankfurt acquires Screen Print India

In another defining acquisition to strengthen its presence in the country, Messe Frankfurt India Trade Fair, the Indian subsidiary of one of the world's leading trade show organisers, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, announced that it has acquired the rights of Screen Print India.

GST blues continue for print

There are two schools of thought about GST. One says GST rollout has been extremely smooth without any disruption and there have been a record number of registrations. The other bemoans about the lack of clarity; especially about the post-GST rate structure and how to pass on the benefits.

AIFMP delegation meets officials on GST

To seek the clarification on certain points on the newly introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST), an AIFMP delegation met Alok Shukla, joint secretary, TRU-I, Amitabh Kumar, joint secretary, TRU-II and Reyaz Ahmed, director, TRU-I in the ministry of Finance recently.

Sona to host breakfast meet on 5 August

Design demands blood, sweat, tears, and daring. Design demands training. But design also needs inspiration. In this, Sona Papers has always gone above and beyond the business of selling papers in its mission is to encourage creativity through a rich dissemination of knowledge, art, design sense and inspiration.

Print news from round the world

This edition of the weekly update includes Madras HC stays CBSE bar on private publishers’ books; At 1 million-plus, PM’s book for young set for highest print record; 18-year-old launches India's first print newspaper and magazine aggregator, Paperboy; Will Booksellers, publishers pass on the GST burden to the reader?

Dainik Bhaskar wins two medals at OAC Awards

DB Corp Limited (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Dainik Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar won two awards in the 13th edition of the coveted Outdoor Asia Convention (OAC) Awards event held on 29 July in Mumbai.

Mathrubhumi campaign on integrated media solutions

With Onam, Kerala’s biggest festival season coming around, advertisers begin to turn their attention towards media channels in Kerala. Mathrubhumi, Kerala’s formidable media group, has launched an innovative and unique campaign on integrated media solutions. This campaign aims to demonstrate various combinations of media that can effectively drive response across target groups. The campaign is unique combining print and digital and disrupts the traditional approach of claiming leadership.

26 companies honoured at OAA 2017 Awards

Total 26 different companies in the field of OOH too home the Outdoor Advertising Awards (OAA). The Award ceremony was held at the Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, Mumbai on July 29 2017. Overall, Madison OOH won 10 metals, while DDB Mudra Group won 6. Among them, Madison won three golds, while DDB Mudra Group won two golds. Posterscope, Rapport Outdoor Advertising, Atin Promotions & Advertising, and Tribes Communication won three each. Total 52 metals were awarded.

GBO's Jumpstart to host GST roundtable on 4 August

Understanding GST is no child’s play; far from it. At the same time, since its implementation on 1 July, the confusion over the new tax regime has pervaded all sections. Thus, rising to the occasion, the ninth edition of Jumpstart, the annual conference of children’s content, organised by German Book Office, New Delhi, will host a special roundtable on GST on the first day of the two-day event on 4 August 2016.

New horizons at Finat European Label Forum

The international labelling association Finat convened its European Label Forum in Berlin in June, since Germany hosts well over 400 label printing companies today, including Hagmaier Etiketten, whose managing director, Thomas Hagmaier, had served as FINAT president for the last two years. He handed over the presidency to Chris Ellison of OPM Labels, UK, at the event.

Print News from Round the World

This edition of the weekly update includes RBI to introduce new Re 1 currency note; Is Modi govt lying about its dealings with blacklisted British firm De La Rue?; Paper shortage delays printing of textbooks in Karnataka; The Times (of London) is expanding from digital to print (in Ireland); and in awe of newspaper printing techniques.

ISBN International Agency writes to govt over delay of allotting numbers

Keeping with the government’s vision of a digital India, last year, the HRD ministry, in charge of the allotting International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN) for Indian publishers, digitalised the allotment process. Since then, publishers have complained that the process has slowed down publishing in India. The publishers have also raised fears of censorship, as the new online application system seeks details of the each book before issuing ISBNs. Publishers, for instance, have to provide the book

HP, KPMG launch ‘GST Solution’ for MSMEs

HP India, in collaboration with KPMG, on 29 May, launched an invoicing platform — GST Solution — to help traders and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) file their tax returns under the new goods and services tax (GST) regime.

Terms for OAA 2017 entries in sub-categories amended

The organisers of Outdoor Advertising Awards (OAA) 2017 have amended the eligibility criteria for sub-categories ‘Real Estate & Construction’ and ‘Retail Brands’ under brand categories whereby campaigns entered under either of these two sub-categories should have been executed in at least one city, as opposed to the earlier criterion of execution in a minimum of three cities. Also, the minimum number of media units used should be 25, as opposed to the earlier criterion of a minimum number of 50

QuarkXPress 2017 is now available

Quark Software on 24 May announced the official availability of QuarkXPress 2017, the newest version of Quark’s fully-integrated graphic design and desktop publishing software for professional print and digital production.

LMAI conference in Agra from 20-23 July 2017

The fourth biennial conference of the Label Manufacturers Association of India (LMAI), titled Innovation Simplified, will be held at Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra, from 20 to 23 July 2017.

Barcode printers market to be worth USD 4.51bn by 2022

The global barcode printers market size is expected to reach USD 4.51 billion by 2022, as per a new research report by Global Market Insights. According to the report, thermal technology will continue to dominate revenue prospects in the coming years. Direct thermal barcode printers market share is set to grow with 9.7% CAGR estimations from 2015 to 2022. Lower number of moving parts, high speed, and more durable images are forecast to positively impact demand across the sector. Thermal transfer

DB Corp reports 8% ad revenue growth in FY 2016-17

DB Corp (DBCL), the country’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Dainik Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, on 18 May announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2017.

Cosmo Films upgrades its anti-fog film for wider applications

Cosmo Films, a leading manufacturer of specialty BOPP films, has come up with an improvised anti-fog film with excellent cold and hot anti-fog properties and high hot tack and low coefficient of friction which can deliver high speed overwrapping performance. This means that the film would now be suitable for packaging of even unpolished fruits in trays on high-speed HFFS machines.

Konica Minolta joins hands with Reprographics India

Konica Minolta has joined hands with Reprographics India to sell KIP brand products and its services. Under the partnership, Konica Minolta will leverage its vast network in India in copy shop segments where Reprographics India is not present to offer a host of KIP products, including plotters (both monochrome and colour), folding machines, digitising software, etc.

Cosmo Films to showcase PSA films at Labelexpo Europe

Cosmo Films, a global leader in films for packaging, labelling and lamination applications, would showcase its speciality PSA labelling products at the four-day Labelexpo Europe, beginning 25 September 2017 at Brussels, Belgium.

NBT completes 60 years of existence

The National Book Trust, India will continue to work towards promotion of book culture with more vigour, Baldeo Bhai Sharma, chairman, NBT, reiterated during a press meet to mark 60 years of the formation of National Book Trust, India (NBT) held at Constitution Club, New Delhi on 27 July 2017.

Delhi Printers’ Association hosts seminar on GST

Considering the confusion prevailing over the newly implemented GST regime among the printers, the Delhi Printers’ Association (DPA) on 6 July organised a seminar on GST in the capital. More than hundred people attended the seminar. The speakers at the event were Uday Dhote, chairman, finance & taxation, All-India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP), who especially flew in from Mumbai and Arvind Mardikar, treasurer, AIFMP, and editor, Printing Times, who flew in from Nagpur. Also present on th

Pune’s A Control P buys Ricoh Pro C9100

Last year, Pune-based A Control P invested in a Ricoh Pro C9100. According to Sachin Gandhi of A Control P, the real reason the company went for Ricoh, rather than other brand, was the company’s customer relationship and a belief in Ricoh technology and support from the Ricoh team.

Truepress Jet 520HD wins InterTech Award

The Truepress Jet 520HD with SC ink recently received the InterTech Award for Innovative Excellence in the digital press classification.

FICCI to host children’s publishing conclave Scrapbook

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) will organise a children’s publishing conclave, titled Scrapbook, on 19 August 2017.

Jumpstart 2017 scheduled for 4 and 5 August

Jumpstart, the annual event for children’s content, organised by German Book Office, New Delhi is all set to return on 4-5 August 2017. This year, the event, to be held at India International Centre, New Delhi, will focus on ‘Learning and innovation.’

Dainik Bhaskar reports 5% ad revenue growth

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Dainik Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, has announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30 June 2017.

Delhi’s Concepts installs KM’s Accurio Press C2070

Okhla, New Delhi-based Concepts Digital has installed Konica Minolta’s Accurio Press C2070 to meet its requirements of quality digital printing with accurate colour gamut reproduction. The press has been on the shopfloor since March 2017.

KM, Screen collaborate on seamless hybrid workflows

Konica Minolta and Screen Graphic Solutions have enhanced collaboration in the digital commercial printing area to achieve seamless hybrid workflows and increase user-friendliness in offset printing and digital printing. The two companies will further improve efficiency, expand business opportunities, and deliver new value in the commercial printing industry.

Print News from Round the World

This edition of the weekly update includes Post-GST Delhi’s Nehru Place footfall down by 60%; Print media grew 61% in 10 years: ABC; Nita Bhalla of Thomson Reuters Foundation named Journalist of the Year at SOPA 2017; EC comic on poll process draws out lone voter in Gir forest.

Konica Minolta India named best subsidiary of 2016

Konica Minolta India has attained yet another benchmark to its portfolio of achievements by receiving the Best Konica Minolta Subsidiary Company of the Year 2016 Award at a conference held recently in Manila, Philippines.

Book history symposium on 14-15 July

If you are a bibliophile and especially interested in early printed books, this one is a must-attend event for you. The Jadavpur University, Kolkata, has organised academic symposium on South Asian Book History, titled, The Book Unbound: Two Centuries of Indian Print on 14-15 July 2017.

QuadTech’s new system promises perfect packaging print

There is no room for compromise in today’s packaging market. Printed output must be of the highest quality across and throughout the roll, or converters will bear the costs of reworks or potentially even lose business. Web inspection has, therefore, become a vitally important aspect of their operation, helping to identify defects during the print run, and also helping with aspects of colour management. Here an old adage rings true: if something is worth doing, then it’s worth doing properly.

Registration opens for Labelexpo Europe 2017

Online visitor registration is now open as Labelexpo Europe 2017 gears up for its biggest edition to date. The four-day trade show returns to Brussels Expo during 25 – 28 September, with over 650 exhibitors lining-up to showcase the latest in cutting-edge developments for the label printing market.

Labelexpo Europe 2017 introducing the Automation Arena

The organisers of Labelexpo Europe have announced full details of a ground-breaking new feature for 2017. The Automation Arena will debut at this year’s exhibition as Labelexpo Europe returns to Brussels Expo from 25 to 28 September.

Labelexpo 2017 ready for a colossal edition

With just three months to go before opening its door, Labelexpo Europe is set to be a ‘sell out’ event with 95% of its increased exhibition stand space sold for 2017. Already its largest edition to date since first being held in 1980, 2017’s show will occupy a record nine halls – a total of over 35,000 sq/mts when it returns to Brussels, Belgium from 25 to 28 September.

Notion Press launches open access academic publishing platform

Chennai-based self-publishing service provider Notion Press has launched Scholarink.com, which the company says, will be India’s first open access academic publishing platform for authors to publish their work and make it available in over 100 countries.

Digital growing, but traditional media still resilient: PwC report

According to the Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2017-2021, released by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), India is one of the fastest growing markets in the world despite the fact that it is the least digitised of the 54 markets the professional services network covered. The report confirmed that Indian consumers are investing more in traditional media since internet access is still lower than many other markets. This has resulted in print and broadcast media, including television and radio,

Cosmo Films expands its range of DTP products

Cosmo Films, a global leader in films for packaging, labelling and lamination applications would now offer an extended range of direct thermal printable (DTP) products. This would include standard DTP films, top coated DTP films, high temperatures DTP films and DTP paper.

DainikBhaskar.com honours visionaries of Uttar Pradesh

DainikBhaskar.com, the flagship portal of the digital division of DB Corp Limited (DBCL), India’s largest print media company, in a unique initiative, honoured visionaries of Uttar Pradesh at a glittering ceremony on 27 May, 2017 in Lucknow. Deputy chief ministers Dinesh Sharma and Keshav Prasad Maurya graced the event with their presence.

QIPC installs 25 colour register systems in last six months

In a strong signal that newspapers in India are not just doing well, they are also increasingly becoming quality conscious and are opting for automation, QI Press Controls (QIPC), the Dutch specialist in measurement and control systems for the printing industry, has announced 25 installations in the first six months of 2017.

Ricoh launches two new A4 colour multifunction printers

Ricoh India has announced the launch of two new models of colour multifunction printers (MFPs) — MP C307SP and MP C407SP. These models leverage advanced Workstyle Innovation Technology to offer businesses the opportunity to improve efficiency and raise productivity whilst effectively managing printing and energy costs.

A history of consumer goods packaging in 2000 objects

These days we use the word innovation as shorthand for doing something new, interesting and useful. In doing so, we usually tend to forget that objects, ideas, systems, which we today consider outdated and old-fashioned, were innovative in the beginning. Take packaging, for example. When packaging arrived in India during the British Raj, the package itself was an object of desire as much as the product. Remember those tin cookie boxes where our grandmothers used to store their jewelleries or los

Mumbai’s A9 Digital Prints invests in Ricoh Pro C7100X

Andheri (West), Mumbai-based digital print firm A9 Digital Prints has invested in a new Ricoh Pro C7100X with white & clear.

Canvera launches consumer photo solution #Yougraphy

Bengaluru-based service provider for professional photography, Canvera Digital Technologies, has introduced a range of products and services for consumer photography available through its website. Targeted at Generation Y, the smartphone-carrying, technology-savvy, selfie-obsessed young demographic with disposable income, the range under the brand name ‘#Yougraphy’ offers services like photo prints, posters, canvases, youbooks (personalised photobooks), sharebooks (photobooks with perforated pag

Registered publications grew 3.58% in 2016-2017: RNI Report

Press in India 2016-17, an Annual Publication of the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) was presented by principal director general Shri Ganeshan to minister for textiles and information and broadcasting Smriti Zubin Irani in the presence of NK Sinha, secretary, along with other senior officials of the ministry of information and Broadcasting on 15 December 2017.

Printmann invests in AGS sample maker, Autoprint

During Pamex 2017, Mumbai-based pharma packaging expert Printmann made two interesting investments, each suited to specific needs — a sample maker from Advanced Graphic Systems (AGS), and a stripping and blanking machine from Autoprint.

Puro Wellness aligns its food business with The Womb

Puro Wellness, a new age food company that promises to bring holistic health to 125 crore Indians through its all-natural products, has aligned its branding and communications responsibilities with The Womb. As a contemporary food sector start-up, Puro Wellness has health at its very core. In fact, it is India’s first ever ‘clean label’ company, that takes it beyond fads like ‘organic’, ‘natural’, and ‘low-fat’. Puro is all set to launch its first product — Salt.

Colorjet wins Indian Brand Excellence Award 2017

Colorjet India was awarded the Indian Brand Excellence Award 2017 for being the largest manufacturer of digital inkjet printers in India contributing aggressively towards the Make in India initiative at the My Brand Better Indian Excellence Awards gala ceremony held on 3 December 2017 at Vivanta by Taj, Dwarka, New Delhi. The award was presented by Devi Prasad Tripathi, member of parliament and general secretary of the National Indian Congress.

GBO, New Delhi to represent Germany in NDWBF 2017

With European Union as the Guest of Honour at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2018 to be held from 6-14 January 2016, the German Book Office New Delhi will be representing Germany as a part of the European Union pavilion. The German participation at the NDWBF will focus on promoting Indo-German translations, the contemporary book collection from Germany, and the Books on Tour initiative.

Konica Minolta to showcase its latest Bizhub, Accurio Press series at Pamex 2017

Konica Minolta Business Solutions, a global leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies, is all set to showcase the new editions in its industry leading Bizhub and Accurio Press series at Pamex 2017, to be held from 18 to 21 December at Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.

Dainik Bhaskar continues to be India’s largest circulated multi-edition daily

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, has announced that it continues to be the nation’s largest circulated multi-edition daily. This was declared by union information and broadcasting minister Smriti Zubin Irani during the launch of the latest Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) annual report ‘Print In India 2016-17’, on 15 December 2017.

Ricoh India launches RicohDocs Community Version

Ricoh India Ltd., a leader in the field of Imaging Solutions and IT Services, on 20 September announced the launch of RicohDocs Community Version (RCV), which is based on the latest version of RicohDocs 3.0.

PrintPack 2017: Grover to highlight Hohner Exact Plus

During PrintPack 2017, Grover Industries will demonstrate the Hohner Exact Plus machine. The Hohner Exact Plus is a semi-automatic saddle stitching machine which can produce close to 30,000 books per shift in a most cost-effective way. “We already have an installation of 15 such machines in India and are hoping to get orders for at least 3-5 machines at the show,” Uday Grover of Grover Industries said.

Label printers’ meet in Agra from 20-23 July 2017

The fourth biennial conference of the Label Manufacturers Association of India (LMAI), titled Innovation Simplified, will be held at Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra, from 20 to 23 July 2017. On 17 January, in a meeting to plan for the mega event, LMAI appointed Kuldip Goel, managing director of Noida-based Any Graphics as the conference chairman. The previous two LMAI conferences were held in Goa and Jaipur.

GBO promotes translations during NDWBF 2017

At the recently concluded New Delhi World Book Fair 2017, the German Book Office New Delhi, acted as the advisory for German Literature promotion, participation in Frankfurt Book Fair and a resource for translators of German. It also brought the readers of German books a chance to own them for the first time by showcasing a range of German books from the past years.

Sharjah's publishing free zone invites Indian investors

Indian publishers and printers keen to expand their businesses to global markets are being offered the chance to set shop in the world’s first-of-its-kind publishing free zone which will open in Sharjah this year, offering top class built-up infrastructure, a slew of tax incentives and hassle-free relocation.

Konica Minolta’s AccurioPro offers end-to-end workflow automation

With print service providers aggressively engaged in upgrading as well as adding new services and applications to cater to the next generation demands of customers, workflow automation has become pivotal for seamless and streamlined business operations. To meet this demand, Konica Minolta has unveiled the AccurioPro software platform, offering end-to-end production automation.

PrintFair gears up for 2017 edition in Bengaluru

Following its success at Hyderabad during PackPlus South, with visits from industry veterans, the 2017 edition of PrintFair is all set to woo the industry. The exhibition will be held alongside PackPlus South and SupplyPlus South from 7 to 10 April 2017 at BIEC, Bengaluru.

PrintPack 2017: TechNova to highlight SmartJet Inkjet CTP

At PrintPack 2017, the highlight of the TechNova Imaging Systems stall at Hall 10/ F32 will be the SmartJet Inkjet CTP solution, which the company claims to be the world's lowest cost-in-use, chemistry-free CTP solution. According to Deepak Chawla of TechNova, the solution provides conventional offset printers with a never-before competitive advantage, by combining high-resolution digital workflow and low-cost of inkjet imaging and finest print quality, high-speed and long run-lengths of offset

Lucknow Printers Association introduces Unsung Heroes Awards during its Fourth Mega Event in December 2016

The Fourth Mega Event 2016: Printers Conclave, held in Lucknow on 16 December 2016, once again witnessed the high-spirited teamwork among the printers’ community, felicitations of exemplary contributions, and knowledge sharing. This year, Lucknow Printers Association (LPA), the organiser of the event, raised the bar even higher by including two innovative additions. The first was the introduction of Unsung Heroes Awards for ‘the selfless contributors to society’ and the second was the bringing t

New Delhi World Book Fair begins from 7 January

Like all segments of the industry, the effects of demonetisation are likely to dominate the proceedings at the annual New Delhi World Book Fair 2017. For one thing, book industry was hit hardest after the 8 November decision. This is because, books, especially trade books, are not essential commodities. Yet, optimism prevails ahead of the 44th edition of the largest book exhibition in the country, to be held from seven to 15 January 2015 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

ePUB-Hub to promote ‘inclusive publishing’ at NDWBF 2017

ePUB-Hub, a prominent 360 degree digital publishing platform, powered by Cygnet Infotech, is set to make its presence felt pan-India with its participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair 2017.

HarperCollins celebrates 25 years in India with short film

Recently, the major publisher of trade books HarperCollins celebrated 25 years in India through a film that celebrates books. The campaign consists of a film that shows the journey of a novel. The novel titled, 'Journeys Never End' exchanges hands through the film.

Cosmo Films introduces new ultra high barrier films

Cosmo Films, a leading manufacturer of speciality BOPP films, has introduced several additions to its range of barrier films and now has a significant portfolio of transparent as well as metalised varieties. These solvent-free coated films, used for a wide range of FMCG packaging applications not only help extend the shelf life of the contents inside, but also help pack structure rationalisation.

Pamex 2017 set to grow by 50%; 5,500 sq/m space already booked

The next edition of Pamex, organised by the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP), in association with Print-Packaging.Com (P), to be held at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai from 18 to 21 December 2017 has already generated positive buzz among the exhibitors. According to the organisers, 5,500 sq/m of space have already been booked a year ahead the show.

Konica Minolta aligns with Skill India initiative

As part of its CSR initiatives, Konica Minolta Business Solutions has launched a youth skill development programme (YSDP), for which the company has joined hands with Care Skills Academy in Noida. This academy is an authorised training partner of ESSCI (Electronic Sector Skills Council of India) working under the aegis of NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation).

QuadTech opens new office space with 24/7 help desk

QuadTech India recently relocated to a larger, modern facility in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. According to company sources, the steady growth of the print market in India and Southeast Asia, and the increasing interest in QuadTech’s control technology solutions prompted the need for expanded and more functional facilities.

Lucknow printer helps Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana prepare for his role

It’s not every day that we see a movie star visit a printer. So it was a predictable roadblock when the up and coming Bollywood heartthrob Ayushmann Khurrana dropped by at the premises of Printart Offset in Lucknow from 7 to 15 November. The actor was, of course, shooting for his new flick Bareily Ki Barfi . In the film, we have heard, Khurrana’s character owns a printing press. More powers to printers!

Ayushmann Khurrana dons printer’s hat; Lucknow printer shares the limelight

It’s not every day that we see a movie star visit a printer. So it was a predictable roadblock when the up and coming Bollywood heartthrob Ayushmann Khurrana dropped by at the premises of Printart Offset in Lucknow on 7 and 15 November.

Publishing professionals learn about product development

At the initiative of the Frankfurt Book Fair and the foreign ministry of the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Book Office (GBO) organised a training workshop on content/product development for professionals from the publishing, media and content industry. The workshop was a third in the series of training events conducted by the GBO as part of its annual Young Professionals Programme (YPP).

Posterscope named OOH agency of the year at Global Marketing Excellence Awards

Posterscope India, the out-of-home agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, bagged the Outdoor Agency of the Year title at the Global Marketing Excellence Awards. The award event was organised as part of the third World Marketing Congress held at Taj Lands End in Mumbai on 24 and 25 November.

RBI to issue new notes of Rs 50, Rs 20 denomination

These are perhaps the good days to sing along the popular and much derided Abba song, ‘Money, money, money/ Must be funny/ In the rich man's world...” When the bigger currency notes of 500s and 1000s disappear from the market, lower denomination currencies like Rs 50 and Rs 20 become prized possession, and any development on them is newsworthy.

Renoir rough gloss papers help create award-winning jobs

What’s common among Silverpoint Press, Pragati Offset and Avantika Printers, besides all of them being winners at the PrintWeek India Awards 2016? Short answer: All three trust Renoir, the premium rough gloss paper, to print quality jobs.

OOH hurt as brands tighten purse strings post demonetisation

Almost two months after the 8 November demonetisation announcement, the impact of the decision is finally showing its results, and as the industry had braced itself for, they reveal a decline in expectations.

Neenah offers specialty papers for digital printing

2016 was perhaps the year when we established that digital printing is a reality; it’s not a competition to offset, but a whole new set of technology which will create its own market, complementing offset. After the initial trial and error, as converters start using digital printing in right earnest, to maximise the potential of the technology, they are faced a whole new of other technology demands. For, digital printing is a specialised area of operation, requiring skilled manpower as well as s

Hunkeler Innovationdays 2017 at Lucerne from 20 to 23 February

More than 80 leading suppliers in the areas of pre-press, digital printing and finishing, print media, software, consumables and finishing materials will present their latest products at the 12th edition of Hunkeler Innovationdays, to be held in Lucerne, Switzerland on 20-23 February 2017.

Dainik Bhaskar is now ISO 9001:2015 certified

India’s largest and the world’s fourth largest circulated daily, Dainik Bhaskar, has received ISO-9001:2015 certification for the Quality Management Systems in its newspaper distribution function. This distinction has been achieved for the quality policy of its sales and market development (SMD) function.

Konica Minolta unveils cloud-based web DMS solution

Konica Minolta, a global leader in home and enterprise multifunctional printing segment, has added one more jewel to its crown with the launch of e-bizVAULT, a cloud-based web DMS (document management system) solution which furnishes all the benefits of a DMS in a cloud environment for enterprises.

K-12 book market to grow at CAGR of 19.6% by 2019-20

K-12 education system in India is one of the largest in the world, with more than 1.5 million schools and 259 million students enrolled. According to recent statistics, schools have grown at a CAGR of 2.7%, from 1.36 million in 2010-11 to 1.52 million in 2014-15, while enrolment has grown from 24.7 million in 2010-11 to reach 259 million students in 2014-15, a CAGR of 1.1%.

Divya Bhaskar celebrates its 14th anniversary

DB Corp Limited (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Dainik Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar organised the Divya Bhaskar Utsav to celebrate its 14th anniversary in Gujarat.

Divya Marathi organises Marathi lit fest in Nashik

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Dainik Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar has announced the successful completion of the second edition of its signature annual Marathi Literature Festival presented by Divya Marathi in Nashik.

Chuk de! It is time for compostable tableware

If you were worried about single-use plastics adding to environmental hazards, worry no more, as Yash Papers has found an alternative, Chuk, a brand of compostable tableware made from sugarcane bagasse. Dibyajyoti Sarma gets the details from Ved Krishna, head of strategy, Yash Papers

Cosmo Films products win SIES SOP, IFCA Star Awards

Cosmo Films, a global leader in films for packaging, labeling and lamination applications, was one of the winners at the SIES SOP and IFCA Star Awards for excellence in its innovation and product development in flexible packaging.

Xaar eyes packaging, textile markets in India with new products

Xaar, the UK-based leader in the development of inkjet technology and the leading independent manufacturer of industrial inkjet printheads, has its eyes set on the burgeoning packaging market in India. The company also sees textile printing as another important market in India. Doug Edwards, CEO, Xaar, has confirmed that the company is strengthening its business in India with its wide portfolio of inkjet printheads and new technology for a variety of print applications. Attending a press confere

Demonetisation, GST now on NCERT syllabus

After 10 years of publishing textbooks without any changes, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is all set to update all 182 of its textbooks in April next year. According to a newspaper report, the chapters will be brought up to date and new developments like Goods and Services Tax will be included. Altogether, NCERT has made 1,334 changes at an average rate of seven changes per book.

Sunil Kataria elected chairman of the Indian Society of Advertisers

The newly elected executive council of the Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) met on 15 September 2017, were Sunil Kataria, business head, India and SAARC, Godrej Consumer Products, was elected as the chairman. Kataria has led the Society in the past year to newer heights, drawing support from his colleagues in the executive council, members and all fraternity entities.

Media Expo Delhi 2017 begins

The Delhi edition of Media Expo, India’s largest exhibition for advertising and signage solutions, opened its gates on 22 September 2017. The show on the innovations in Indian advertising, printing and signage technologies, being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, is on until 24 September.

133% jump in cost of printing currency notes

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) spent a whopping Rs 7,965 crore to print new currency notes from July 2016 to June 2017, a jump of 133% against Rs 3,421 crore in the same period of the previous year, in the wake of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. According to the RBI, published in its Annual Report, the surge in expenditure during the year was on account of change in the production plan of printing presses due to the introduction of new design notes in higher denominations as well a

The push on going paperless not a good idea: AIFMP

In a press conference organised as a part of the first road to promote Pamex 2017 in Amritsar, Punjab, the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) highlighted the demand that the government should shift the status of the printing industry from service industry (with 18% GST) to product industry (with 12% GST).

Domino eying the Asia market for its digital label presses

Domino Digital Printing Solutions is investing in the Asia-Pacific region to drive sales and meet increased labelling demands. The company has appointed Mario Fanton as the digital printing solutions director for the region to lead sales and set up the service and support teams in Asia, as the company expands its existing portfolio of K-Series digital printers, with the addition of its N-Series digital colour label press into Asia.

Wan-Ifra India 2017: Next phase of the growth story

When it comes to trends, we have the tendency to look towards the proverbial West to prepare for things to come.So when the rise of digital media hit hard on printed newspapers in America and Europe, the general consensus was that the trend will replicate itself in India sooner or later.Years went by and this did not happen.

Konica Minolta woos visitors at Print Expo 2017

Konica Minolta, the leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies, showcased its comprehensive line up of printing solutions at Print Expo 2017 held at Chennai recently. The company showcased its KIP range, MGI line-up, web2print solutions and Accurio Pro series during the exhibition. According to the company, the response has been overwhelming, including several bookings from the recently showcased wide-format printing solution, KIP 7170.

Experts suggest ways to make the most of FBF 2017

German Book Office, New Delhi organised the Frankfurt Book Fair Pre-Departure Meet on 15 September 2017 to share ideas and strategies to help exhibitors and business visitors stand out at the Frankfurt Book Fair this year. The show is on from 11 to 15 October 2017.

Labelexpo Europe 2017: Show to focus on learning and skills

Labelexpo Europe 2017 will be hosting two educational master classes and a workshop in conjunction with the Label Academy, the labeling industry’s training and certification programme. Focusing on MIS and workflow automation, shrink sleeve technology and inks, coatings and varnishes, the three training programmes are aimed at print professionals and brand owners looking to enhance and further their technical printing knowledge.

Mathrubhumi wins three gongs at Wan-Ifra digital awards

Mathrubhumi Group was conferred with three metals at the South Asian Digital Media Awards 2017, jointly presented by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (Wan-Ifra) and Google, during the Wan-Ifra India Conference held at Chennai on 13-14 September.

Bookings open for the PrintWeek India Awards Night at The St Regis

The coveted PrintWeek India Awards is here for the ninth year in a row and this time, it’s going to be bigger than ever. While this edition of the Awards has seen the inclusion of a new category — Packaging Company of the Year, to highlight the works being done in this growing and exciting segment — the Award ceremony itself has found a new venue.

RIPTAA organises its 31st annual conference and general meeting

Echoing the ‘go green’ spirit practised the world over, the Alumni Association of Regional Institute of Printing Technology (RIPTAA), Kolkata, organised its 31st annual conference and annual general meeting on 15 August 2017. The topic of the summit was ‘Save the earth by responsible use of consumables.’

Bharti Digital Prints installs Ricoh Pro C7100

Raipur-based Bharti Digital Prints has installed Ricoh Pro C7100 series. The series is packed with advanced capabilities that simplify everyday print tasks complementing offset in terms of image quality and offer high productivity, broad paper support and hassle-free operation in a small footprint.

PRH Penguin Fever from 26 to 31 October

Penguin Random House India, the country's leading English language trade publisher, is hosting Penguin Fever 2017 from 26 to 31 October at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

Frankfurt Book Fair 2017 remains political, as visitor footfall increases

The 2017 Frankfurter Buchmesse ended on 15 October 2017 with 6.5% more visitors at the weekend and a slight decrease of 0.2% during the trade visitor days.Total 286,425 visitors attended the Fair, 3% more than in 2016. 7,300 exhibitors from 102 countries participated in this year’s fair, and a total of 4,000 events took place over the course of the week. With 500 tables sold, the Literary Agents and Scouts Centre (LitAg) has set a new record.

Mathrubhumi’s ‘I Am Kalam’ initiative wins silver at Applause Awards 2017

Kerala-based Mathrubhumi media group wins a silver medal at the e4m Business World Applause Awards 2017 held at The Lalit Hotel, Mumbai.

Markus Dohle of PRH to give keynote speech at FBF

Markus Dohle, CEO of Penguin Random House, will give the keynote speech at the opening press conference of the Frankfurter Buchmesse on 10 October 2017. Also speaking at the press conference will be Juergen Boos, director of the Frankfurter Buchmesse, and Heinrich Riethmüller, president of the German Publishers & Booksellers Association. The book fair is on from 11 to 15 October.

Sona brings new Gruppo Cordenons paper ‘Leatherlike’ to India

Taking a cognisant of the industry need, especially in the growing need for premium packaging, Italy-based Gruppo Cordenons has come up with its latest range of premium fine paper — Leatherlike. The paper was launched recently at #LuxePack in Montecarlo. Leatherlike is available in India through New Delhi-based Sona Papers.

Mathrubhumi Group wins Swachhata Award

Kerala’s Mathrubhumi group has bagged the Union Government’s Swachhata award in media category. The awards were given at a function held at VigyanBhavan, New Delhi. The award was conferred to the group for its recognition of contribution towards the Clean India objective in urban areas. Mathrubhumi became the only institution to win the award in the media category.

Trip 360˚ campaign to collect 10,000 plastic bottles

To preserve the environment and create awareness among people about the harmful effects of plastic, Trip 360˚, an adventure sports service provider powered by Cox & Kings, has launched its second sustainability campaign called Drop the Bottle. The campaign, which ran until 27 September 2017 through the different franchisees and stores of Cox & Kings at 12 locations, hoped to collect 10,000 plastic bottles across the Mumbai-Thane region.

Uflex entries win total 10 Indiastar 2017 and SIES SOP Star 2017 awards

Seven packaging entries from Uflex were recently awarded the Indiastar Award 2017 and the SIES SOP Star Award 2017 for their excellence in packaging innovation and development.

12 Indian manufactures win Pacmachine Awards 2017

Twelve Indian machine manufacturers were honoured during the Pacmachine Awards 2017. The award presentation ceremony was held on 28 October 2017 at Hotel Eros, New Delhi in concurrence with ‘Indiapack 2017’ and ‘International Summit for Packaging Industry (ISPI 2017)’.

Red Bull launches limited edition festival cans, virtual reality pack

With the aim of capturing the jubilant festive spirit that plays out on the streets on India, Red Bull India is gearing up to launch a Limited Edition Concept Can along with a Virtual Reality pack to elevate the whole experience.For this, Red Bull has roped in renowned visual artist Sameer Kulavoor to design the Celebration Can with a series of graphic art illustrations.

Agartala’s New Manikya Press installs six digital finishing kit from Monotech

Agartala, Tripura-based New Manikya Press recently invested in six machines of digital finishing systems from Chennai-based Monotech Systems. These include Dumor 331SCC Gemini Cut; DumorBooklet Maker EB215; GMP Excelam Plus 355R Laminator; Sysform 480EP Paper Cutter; SysformD60C automatic slitting and Dumor600 corner rounder. Located in the capital of the remote northeastern state, New Manikya Press is owned by Namita Debbarma and is currently managed by her son Tanmoy Roy Chowdhury and his wife

Dainik Bhaskar initiative in Golden Book of World Records

DB Corp (DBCL), India’s largest print media company and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Dainik Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar has announced that on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of India’s Independence, Dainik Bhaskar organised a unique initiative, ‘52 seconds Desh ke Naam’ in Kota, Rajasthan. The initiative saw participation of 25,000 students from 29 states and 7 Union Territories singing the Indian National anthem together. More than 5,000 residents of

A digital experience for a printed book

It’s no surprise that Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy’s second novel in 20 years, ‘The Ministry of Utmost Happiness’ is a runaway success. The book has been reviewed extensively and is now even in the longlist for this year’s Booker Prize. What’s surprising, however, how the book has inspired other artists in other mediums. Recently, artist Lisa Rath and her team at Itu Chaudhuri Design (ICD) launched ‘Re:Reader’, a digital experience inspired by ‘The Ministry of Utmost Happiness’, at ICD Stud

Monotech installs Jetsci VSRI system in Philippines

India’s leading equipment manufacturer Monotech Systems shipped its flagship Jetsci VSRI solution, integrated with YUV inkjet system, to Philippines recently. The system has been installed at DTM Print and Labels Specialist, Inc, one of the leading label printers of Philippines.

Max Speciality Films appoints Ramneek Jain as CEO

Max Speciality Films Limited (MSFL) has announced the appointment of Ramneek Jain as the chief executive officer (CEO) of MSFL with effect from 11 July 2017. Ramneek is a seasoned business leader with over 23 years of experience across manufacturing organisations in India and the US.

Raipur’s Digital Technology finds its niche with Ricoh kits

For Digital Technology, a digital print service provider based in Raipur, Chattisgarh, its real foray into digital printed started after it invested in two Ricoh kits — Ricoh Pro C9100 and Pro 8110. Both the machines were installed at the same time on 31 March 2017. Firoz Khan, who runs the firm with his partner Feroz Hussain, is especially gung ho about the Ricoh Pro C9100.

Signage sector escalates above entry levels at Media Expo 2017

The Indian signage market is coming alive with ultra-modern technology that have found a place alongside the entry-level and traditional processes.It’s time for the segment to find new avenues to explore.The Media Expo in Delhi from 22 to 24 September 2017 showed the way. Dibyajyoti Sarma reports

Frankfurter Buchmesse Bookfest to celebrate literature

Building on last year, this year the Frankfurter Buchmesse (11-15 October 2017) is expanding its activities beyond the exhibition grounds. “Bookfest is an open platform in the city of Frankfurt for events around literature and other content from the creative industries.

Publishing industry must find new ways to engage readers: Markus Dohle

A few hours before German chancellor Angela Merkel and French president Emmanuel Macron were to be joined by other dignitaries from Germany and abroad and – in the presence of numerous authors, artists, actors and publishers – transform the opening ceremony of the 69th Frankfurter Buchmesse into a summit bringing together creativity from around the globe, Juergen Boos, director of the Frankfurter Buchmesse, on 10 October 2017, presented a dynamic portrait of both the traditional book market and

Delhi’s Directions Retail Projects installs HP Latex 1500

Directions Retail Projects, based in Patparganj Industrial Area in Delhi, has installed a HP Latex 1500. Speaking to PrintWeek India during Media Expo Delhi in September, Amit Gupta of Directions Retail Projects said the main reason behind investing in the machine was its eco-friendly nature. The machine uses water-based HP Latex inks and all prints are odour-free. “Overall, it’s the best green wide format machine available in the market,” Gupta said.

Kazuo Ishiguro wins the Nobel Prize in literature 2017

A year after the decision to honour American singer Bob Dylan, the Swedish Academy took a safe bet and named the British author of Japanese descent Kazuo Ishiguro as the winner of the Nobel Prize in literature 2017 on 5 October 2017. The British author behind books, including Man Booker winner The Remains of the Day takes the award for his ‘novels of great emotional force’.

Colorjet closes 100 deals in three days at Media Expo

It was by far the biggest news of this year’s Media Expo — Colorjet closed 100 deals during the show.

OUP ventures into regional language publishing

Talking to literary agent Kanishka Gupta, in an interview published in Scroll.in, Sugata Ghosh, director of OUP’s Global Academic Publishing, explained the 100-year-old publishing company’s ambitious plan to expand its publishing programme to include Indian languages, starting with Hindi and Bengali translations and original titles.

Information, events, networking at Frankfurt Book Fair

The Frankfurter Buchmesse (11-15 October 2017) brings together the publishing industry from all over the world. The fair offers the next generation of publishing professionals information of interest about training and development opportunities and a chance to connect with HR managers, industry leaders and creative lateral thinkers.

‘World of Learning’ at Frankfurt Book Fair 2017

The international educational sector will be making an innovative, multifaceted and digital appearance at the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2017 under the title “World of Learning”.

Cosmo Films introduces range of overwrap films

Cosmo Films, a global leader in films for packaging, labeling and lamination applications, now offers a comprehensive range of overwrap films which include high shrink tight wrap, medium shrink, general overwrap and cable overwrap films.

Bookwatch: Ashish Pradhan, Siegwerk India

In this series, we investigate what business leaders read and why.

Kolkata Casual Fashions installs HP Latex 1500

With HP Latex, you can think beyond flex and beyond the traditional outdoor market. Kolkata-based Casual Fashions is an example of how it can be done. The company, which was involved in flex printing, purchased a HP Latex 1500 and since then has been experimenting with unusual substrates and products.

Kolkata Casual Fashions installs HP Latex 1500

With HP Latex, you can think beyond flex and beyond the traditional outdoor market. Kolkata-based Casual Fashions is an example of how it can be done. The company, which was involved in flex printing, purchased a HP Latex 1500 and since then has been experimenting with unusual substrates and products.

Dainik Jagran INEXT launches readers-connect campaign #AawazUthao

Marking the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Dainik Jagran INEXT launched 'Aawaz Uthao' - a motivational campaign for its readers. The campaign aims at encouraging the society to not remain a mere spectator of wrong things happening all around them. Instead, raise your voice with Dainik Jagran INEXT as the platform that will help every citizen's voice be heard, everyone's issues addressed and the desired change affected.

Five authors vie for the DSC prize for South Asian Literature 2017

The world’s literati gathered at the renowned London School of Economics & Political Science as the eagerly awaited shortlist for the USD 25,000 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2017 was announced at a prestigious event on 27 September. The much anticipated shortlist of five novels was announced by Ritu Menon, along with the other four jury members – Senath Walter Perera, Steven Bernstein, Valentine Cunningham and Yasmin Alibhai-Brown. The jury had earlier announced a longlist of 13 novels a

Kolkata's Casual Fashions installs HP Latex 1500

With HP Latex, you can think beyond flex and beyond the traditional outdoor market. Kolkata-based Casual Fashions is an example of how it can be done. The company, which was involved in flex printing, purchased a HP Latex 1500 and since then has been experimenting with unusual substrates and products.

Delhi’s Hannu installs India’s first HP Latex 3200

Delhi-based Hannu Marketing, a one-stop, end-to-end OOH, advertising media service provider, recently became the proud owner of India’s first HP Latex 3200. “And why not? It is the best machine out there,” said Vinod Gupta of Hannu.

Konica Minolta showcases future-ready line-up in major cities

Konica Minolta Business Solutions, a global leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies, showcased its state of the art production printing solutions across major urban centres including Cochin, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Colorjet to launch UV LED printer Vulcan at Media Expo Delhi

India’s largest manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers Colorjet India is launching Vulcan, its latest innovation — a high-speed 3.2m UV LED roll-to-roll printer at Media Expo, to be held from 22 to 24 September 2017 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

Family contributes Rs 7 lakh for AIFMP’s Viren Chhabra Award

During the 236th GC meeting of AIFMP held at Udaipur on 24-25 June 2017, Kamal Chopra, president, AIFMP, announced the institution of the Viren Chhabra Print Leadership Award. Named after AIFMP member Viren Chhabra, the Award has been instituted to honour Chhabra’s legacy of a lifetime of support and accomplishments for AIFMP.

Frankfurt Book Fair Pre-Departure Meet on 15 September

In the run-up to the Frankfurt Book Fair 2017, to be held from 11 to 15 October, the German Book Office, New Delhi is hosting the Frankfurt Book Fair Pre-Departure Meet to resolve all FBF-related queries and also to offer some insider tips and tricks before heading out for this year’s Fair. The meet will take place on 15 September at Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi.

Food Processing Technologies introduces automation solutions

Food Processing Technologies introduced its BluePrint Automation (BPA) packaging automation solutions during PackEx 2017, held from 21 to 23 August 2017 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. BPA specialises in secondary packaging and manufactures case and tray packing solutions for flexible and other tough-to-handle packages, such as doypacks, pillow bags and four-sided sealed bags, using different packing technologies including gravity, pick and place and vision guided robotics.

MBD Group wins big at Federation of Indian Publishers’ Awards

Education publisher MBD Group won five awards in excellence in book production conferred by the Federation of Indian Publishers. Monica Malhotra Khandari, MD, MBD Group, received the awards from Mahesh Sharma, union minister of state for tourism & culture, at the award ceremony held on 31 August 2017.

Future of Indian newspapers at Wan-Ifra India 2017

Bucking the global trends, newspapers in India are doing rather well, especially the regional language titles, from Hindi in the north to Telugu and Kannada in the south, surpassing numbers which were reserved for national English dailies.What’s next? The industry players must find a way to maintain this momentum, with the help of technology and in a cost-effective way.In this context, there is perhaps no better show than the annual Wan-Ifra India Conference to be held in Chennai

FICCI Scrapbook Conclave explores possible collaborations among stakeholders in children’s publishing

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has identified publishing as one of its major focus areas, with the organisation’s Publishing Committee bringing together some of the major publishing houses in India. Over the years, FICCI has undertaken several initiatives to showcase the promise and potential of the Indian publishing sector. In a step forward towards this goal, the FICCI has initiated a children’s publishing conclave entitled ‘Scrapbook’. The first edition of

NCERT to correct 1,300 factual errors in its textbooks

NCERT textbooks always have a way of hogging the headlines, usually for the wrong reasons. Now, it has been revealed that over 1,300 factual errors were identified during the ongoing review of school textbooks published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

Roundtable on GST and other new skills at Jumpstart 2017

The ninth edition of Jumpstart, the annual conference for children’s content creators, organised by German Book Office, New Delhi, was held at the India International Centre on 4 and 5 August 2017. The theme of this year’s Jumpstart was ‘Learn + Innovate’, which looked at learning in new ways, and its impact on authoring blended experiences.

Indian printers in dilemma post-GST: AIFMP

Since the implementation of the GST regime on 1 July, more than 250,000 printing companies in India, a considerable number within the country’s business landscape, continue to be clueless as ever, owing to the contradictory notifications on the subject, said the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) in a press statement.

Fespa Eurasia 2017 exhibitors increase space

Fespa Eurasia 2017, the region’s dedicated exhibition for wide-format, screen and textile printing and garment decoration, returns to the CNR Expo in Istanbul, Turkey, from 7-10 December 2017, for its fifth edition.

Fespa launches Fespa Direct membership service

Print service providers (PSPs), who are not located in one of FESPA’s 37 association countries, can now join Fespa as a direct member, with the launch of Fespa Direct.

Madhavrao Ambavale awarded Mudran Maharshi Pratishthan’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Pune-based Mudran Maharshi Dr Pa Bha Kulkarni Pratishthan organised its third Scholarship Distribution Programme on 9 August 2017. The highlight of the event was the Pratishthan’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which was conferred on Madhavrao Ambavale, founder of Maharashtra Book Binding Works. Pune Mayor Mukta Tai Tilak handed over the award to Ambavale.

Print News from Round the World

This edition of the weekly update includes how the Indian paper industry revived itself from a slump; Arun Jaitley puts end to speculations over Rs 2,000 notes; about Rs 5,000 crore spent on printing new 500 notes; and CBSE asks to sell only NCERT books in tuck shops

MBD to launch robotics for education at NDWBF 2018

MBD Group, one of the leading education companies in India with over six decades of experience, will display its bouquet of educational products and services during the New Delhi World Book Fair to be held from 6 to 17 January at Pragati Maidan.

NDWBF 2018 all set to go green

The impact of climate change is real and even the world of books cannot remain immune to this. Thus, the theme of this year’s New Delhi World Book Fair, organised by the National Book Trust, India, to be held at Pragati Maidan from 6 to 14 January 2018 will be ‘Environment and Climate Change.’

The crunchy road to making an Indian brand

It’s hard to believe that at Rs 5,000 crore, the brand value of Haldiram, the makers of the savoury snack called bhujia, is high than McDonald’s and Pizza Hut, especially when it spends very little on promotions. It doesn’t need to, because the brand, started by an impoverished trader from Bikaner, Rajasthan, who tasted the market at the grassroots, it has struck to the first rule of business — know what the customers want and deliver it. In the book, Bhujia Barons: The Untold Story of How Ha

LMAI extending membership to printers in the heartlands

On 9 December, the Label Manufacturers Association of India (LMAI) conducted a ‘Technical workshop and networking session’ at hotel The Lalit, Chandigarh, which saw the attendance of almost 100 delegates, giving credibility to LMAI’s efforts to extend its membership to smaller towns that are now attracting investment in production of labels.

Avery Dennison finalist in 2018 edie Sustainability Leaders Awards

Avery Dennison has been recognised by edie, a leading information resource for sustainability-oriented companies, as a finalist in the 2018 Sustainability Leaders Awards. Avery Dennison was named in the Employee Engagement and Behavioural Change category for Sustainable September, its annual sustainability employee engagement campaign.

The invitation card too gets a spotlight

Two things sell in India, cricket and Bollywood. And when they came together, they catch public imagination unlike anything else. So, the recent wedding between cricketer Virat Kohli and actor Anushka Sharma in Tuscany, Italy, has been the talk of the town.

Newspapers to get bigger ad share in 2018

Some happy news for the printed newspaper. According to a The Economic Times report, 2018 is going to be a big year for the growth of newspapers in India. This is according to multiple forecasts by top media agencies. There are several reasons to be optimistic, including assembly elections in eight states; growth in print industry-friendly sectors such as auto, consumer durables and BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance); and readership survey release after three years.

Publishing takes a leap

Paper, especially book, is here to stay. No arguments there. However, it’s time publishing industry stepped up and took the good old books to the inevitable next level. And looks like the industry is doing just that. Dibyajyoti Sarma reports from PubliCon 2017 and GBO, New Delhi's Publisher's Training Programme

The invitation card too gets a spotlight

Two things sell in India, cricket and Bollywood. And when they came together, they catch public imagination unlike anything else. So, the recent wedding between cricketer Virat Kohli and actor Anushka Sharma in Tuscany, Italy, has been the talk of the town.

Comexi, QuadTech collaborate on closed-loop colour control

Since 2016, Comexi and QuadTech have joined forces in the investigation and development of new colour control management technologies for the flexible packaging industry. After years of research, this close collaboration between the two companies has pursued the adaptation of QuadTech’s Color Control with SpectralCam, and its extension from paper and label printing to the printing of flexible packaging.

Konica Minolta organises demo for Accurio Press C6100

Konica Minolta Business Solutions India organised a demo of its newly launched Accurio Press C6100 for printers and prospective customers at its headquarters in Gurgaon on 29 November. During the demo, the Konica Minolta team explained how the machine can help a printer with consistent quality and productivity.

In-Store Asia 2016 showcases the latest in retail

The 10th edition of In-Store Asia, the country’s largest event for retail experience, design, shopper marketing and solution providers, opened its doors on 4 August 2016 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The show is on until 6 August 2016.

DB Corp Q1 FY 16-17 financial results reflect growth in ad revenue

DB Corp (DBCL), the country’s largest print media company and home to flagship Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Dainik Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, on 21 July 2016 announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30 June 2016.

30% bigger PackPlus 2016 attracts 30% more visitors

While economic surveys could project the future growth of an industry, perhaps the best way to gauge the health of an industry is to observe the visitors at a trade show. Going by this, the market looks optimistic at PackPlus 2016, the four-day packaging show, which concluded on 30 July. When you see visitors throng the Pragati Maidan ground braving the Delhi rain (with expected traffic snarls and delays), you know, they are genuinely interested. A contrast to last year, this year at PackPlus, t

Pudhari chooses QI Press Controls for automation

Kolhapur-based publishers of Marathi daily Pudhari, Pudhari Publications has commissioned ten mRC-3D cameras supplied by QI Press Controls (QIPC), the Dutch specialist in measurement and control systems for the printing industry.

Xerox accelerates focus on photo printing at Photofest 2016

Xerox India showcased Xerox Versant 80 with External Fiery and Colour Profiler Suite and Xerox Color C70 with Single OHCF and Embedded Fiery at the Photofest India 2016 held at Ernakulam, Kerala from July 22 to 24.

Konica Minolta attends photo exhibitions in Goa, Bengaluru

Konica Minolta Business Solutions attended the three-day Photo Today 2016 Expo at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa from 15 July to 17 July, and highlighted its Bizhub Press C71hc. The company also showcased samples of job works produced in MGI machines.

Sona Commercial is now Sona Papers

It seems that rebranding is the flavor of the season. After Bombay became Mumbai, Gurgaon became Gururgam, Bangalore became Bengaluru and many other such cities later, the wave has hit the premium creative paper industry as well.

Protests against media gag in Kashmir

Soon after the news of the government ban on the media in Kashmir, to ‘ensure peace’ in the valley struggling with unrest, a social media user wrote, “The situation in Kashmir must be really out of hand, when the government prefers rumours to real news.”

Host of speakers, case studies at Wan-Ifra India 2016

Over 35 distinguished speakers from prime news media companies from around the globe will converge and share ideas on the future of news business at the upcoming Wan-Ifra India 2016, the 24th Annual Conference, organised by World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (Wan-Ifra) at Swissotel, Kolkata, from 21 to 22 September 2016.

Jumpstart 2016 passes school with flying colours

Jumpstart, the annual congress of children’s content creators, a flagship project led by the German Book Office New Delhi, the South Asia node of the Frankfurt Book Fair was successfully organised in New Delhi and Bengaluru on 2-3 August and 6 August 2016 respectively.

Publishing Next lines up series of events on 15-17 September

Established in 2011, Publishing Next, the industry conference on issues of concern to the book publishing industry, has become an integral part of Goa’s cultural landscape. This is about the change this year, as the event has been scheduled to be held in Kochi, Kerala on 15-17 September 2016.

After fire, Nova’s loss likely to be upwards of Rs 1 billion

A day later, the rubble at the site in Sector 59 in Faridabad, where the multi-storey production plant of Nova Publication and Printers once stood, is still smouldering. We have no doubts the company (A sister concern of Jaladhar-based Evergreen Publications) will recover some of the loss from insurance in time, and will rebuild the company to its former glory. , Business

Subhas Chandra, Shiv Khera inspire printers at Romancing Print

Compared to the last year’s event held at Hisar in the course of two days on 24-25 Feb 2015, the 2016 edition of Romancing Print, the annual ‘knowledge conference’ of the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) was decidedly a low-key affair. As Hindi standup comedian, Arun Gemini, pointed out during his routine, when ‘dream girl’ Hema Malini fails to turn up to light the lamp, the opportunity for romance is already lost. The actor turned MP had to cancel du

GBO’s Jumpstart 2016 going to school on 2-3 August 2016

The 2016 edition of German Book Office’s annual event on children’s content, Jumpstart, will focus on the difference between education in school and children's content., Associations

Snippets from LBF '16: Juggernaut, Indian translations, book app

The London Book Fair, which took place on 12-14 April 2016, ended on a positive note – physical books are selling better while digital publishing is consolidating. There was a greater buzz on the need for more and varied translations, and yes, the event also celebrated the Bard’s 400th anniversary. There were host of other events, including the following:, Associations

Siegwerk India completes 10 years, announces Ashish Pradhan as new CEO

The India arm of the German ink manufacturer Siegwerk, celebrated its 10 years in India with a gathering of its clients at Hotel The Leela Ambience, Gurgaon, on 4 April and at Hotel Trident, Mumbai, on 6 April., Business

Konica Minolta launches Bizhub Pro 1100 production printer, others

In a press meet in Delhi on 21 April 2016, Konica Minolta Business Solutions India announced the launch of 11 new models of its Bizhub range of presses, from A4 to production printers, which the company said would replace the existing similar models in the category., Digital

After investment in new BOPP line, Cosmo Films looks to Drupa success

When PrintWeek India visited the Cosmo Films headquarters on 22 April 2016, its share price closed at Rs 373.60, up Rs 4.50, or 1.22%. Other than sweating the assets better, the big growth story stems from the company with a manufacturing site in Karjan near Vadodara boosting its capacity power and cutting costs on ops., Business

Team Innocean/Hyundai wins the 2nd Galgo Cricket League trophy

For the second year in a row, Delhi-based paper company Galgo Fine Papers brought together the cricket enthusiasts of the industry for the second edition of Galgo Cricket League (GCL) in February-March 2016. Following a splendid display of sportsmanship and cricketing action by all teams, team Innocean/Hyundai took home the GCL Cup for the consecutive year., Associations

Countdown to Drupa: Boettcher to highlight its new solutions

Boettcher, a provider of rubber rollers, rubber covering, printing blankets and chemicals, and a well-known name among the country’s offset printers, will display some of its new developments at Drupa 2016, including its new compound series for mixed mode printing and low-energy UV., Business

Another study proves that printed books are not dead

Remember a few years ago, when we would have a news story every other week saying how eBooks are going replace printed book forever, now, the tables have turned. Now, every once in a while we are getting stories reiterating the fact that printed books have trumped all the emerging digital media.

Publishing Next ’16 draws up power-packed itinerary of events

Publishing Next ’16, the annual event for book lovers, which travels to Kochi, Kerala from its usual destination Goa, has announced three days of power-packed schedule comprising masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities. The conference will be held from 15-17 September, in Kochi, Kerala, at the Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort.

Frankfurt Book Fair Rights Directors Meeting to discuss ‘surprising successes in challenging times’ on 18 October 2016

Strategically themed ‘Surprising successes in challenging times,’ the Rights Directors Meeting at this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair will feature high profile speakers talking about this intriguing topic from an array of different angles, providing market knowledge, inspiration and network.

4th Eastern Print Pack 2016 begins on 1 September

Come September, and Kolkata will open its doors to the 4th Eastern Print Pack 2016. The most notable trade show for the printer/converters from the East of India, organised by the West Bengal Master Printers’ Association (WBMPA), the event will be held at Milan Mela Ground, Kolkata, from 1 to 4 September.

'Strong brand organisations have higher market share'

Delivering the keynote address on the subject, ‘Brand management of the future and evolution of flexible packaging and printing,’ during the International Packaging Conclave 2016, Amitava Ray, executive director, Uflex, highlighted on the important of brands and underlined the brand owners’ expectations from the flexible packaging industry.

Finat benchmarks Europe’s narrow-web label market

Finat, the international association for the label industry, has published the fifth edition of its half-yearly Finat Radar – a wide-ranging, professionally conducted industry trends report and analysis covering the European narrow-web market. With a core focus on label converters, and produced exclusively for Finat members, Finat Radar delivers a unique, in-depth profile of the current marketplace.

Cosmo Films launches BOPP film for cement bag protection

Cosmo Films, a leading manufacturer of speciality BOPP films, on 16 August 2016, announced the launch of a special BOPP film that enhances moisture resistance of cement bags. This film is used for laminating block bottom cement bags which are made of woven PP material. The product is already in commercial use and finding traction with major cement brands.

Rekha Ratnam appointed managing director of Primir

The Print Industries Market Information and Research Organization, the research unit of NPES, announced the leadership appointment of Rekha Ratnam as Primir managing director. This key research management appointment is made as NPES embarks on new strategic business planning and begins to realign the organisation’s internal staff resources.

Labelexpo India 2016 set to usher in the future

As the largest label and packaging printing event in South Asia, Labelexpo India 2016 has more of the latest printing and finishing technology than any other show in the region. It’s where you can see the latest innovations from hundreds of leading international manufacturers. Following the technology talk at Drupa this year, Labelexpo India too returns to focus on the latest technology innovation. This year, the show will be held at India Expo Centre, Greater Noida from 17 to 20 November 2016.

SHARP rolls out next generation CR4 series of MFPs

Sharp Business Systems India has launched its next generation new series of mid-to-high-volume colour document systems. These MFPs are offered in two distinct variants, Advanced and Essentials Series. Built on a single-engine design, this new family of colour MFPs empower businesses of every size to choose the performance and features they need, while taking advantage of the learning curve of a common interface.

International print symposium at Istanbul University on 4-5 Nov

Research papers and participations have been invited for the fifth International Printing Technologies Symposium, organised by Istanbul University Vocational School of Technical Sciences in Istanbul, Turkey on 4-5 November 2016.

Ulfex’s low SIT high seal strength matt film a game-changer

Big bags, as the name suggests, are rather heavy duty packages used for bulk-packing items like building materials, flour, rice and pet food, among several others. Uflex Limited, apart from possessing superior capabilities of providing end-to-end flexible packaging solutions for semi-solids, viscous fluids, pastes and gels is an undisputed industry leader offering packaging solutions for solids, granular materials and powders as well. Right from as little as five grams to as much as 40 kg, Uflex

AIFMP receives Rs 5,00,000 reimbursement for Drupa delegates

As per the communication received from the ministry of MSME, Government of India, the President of India has released a sum of Rs 5,00,000 as reimbursement to All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) for organising a business delegation of MSMEs to visit Drupa 2016 held at Dusseldorf, Germany, from 4 to 7 June 2016 (excluding the duration of the journey) under IC Scheme.

Pressline India - buying trend continues

Satish Bajwa, chairman and managing director of Pressline India said, “We have been extremely busy with the converting trend of publishers shifting from conventional sheetfed to web offset. This is because the end user seeks to take advantage of improved tolerances and speed as well taking advantage of pre-folded signatures.

Manugraph India - bets on new print sites

Sanjay Shah, the vice chairman and managing director of Manugraph India, says the post-Drupa sentiment is better. He said, “The response to Manugraph’s Ecoline at Drupa was more than we anticipated. Being a press which requires minimum floorspace and prints at 25,000 cph, it has its own demand in the market among the small to medium size newspapers.” He said, “Enquiries are underway for the product which we expect will translate into orders soon.”

The rise and rise of Dainik Bhaskar

Total 62 print editions and 52 print locations across north and central India is itself a huge number for a newspaper company. For DB Corp, however, this is just the beginning. Dibyajyoti Sarma finds out.

Trade publishing is like Bollywood

With clear divide between commercial and literary. If you are connected to trade publishing in some capacity, chances are you have heard of Kanishka Gupta. He is the founder of South Asia’s largest agency and literary consultancy, Writer’s Side, and the person who popularised literary ‘agenting’ in India. Gupta talks to Dibyajyoti Sarma about the state of Indian trade publishing in transition.

Another study proves printed books are not dead

Remember a few years ago, when we would have a news story every other week saying how eBooks are going replace printed book forever, now, the tables have turned. Now, every once in a while we are getting stories reiterating the fact that printed books have trumped all the emerging digital media.

David Hockney to attend Frankfurt Book Fair on 18 Oct

Painter, photographer and multimedia artist David Hockney will appear as a keynote speaker at the opening press conference of the Frankfurt Book Fair on 18 October 2016. The annual event, considered to be the world’s largest book market, will be held from 19 to 23 October 2016 at Frankfurt, Germany.

The future of books and more at Publishing Next 2016

The seventh edition of the annual Publishing Next conference was held on 15-17 September 2016 at the Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort, Kochi. Unlike the earlier editions of the conference held in Goa, this year, the three-day Publishing Next was a bigger and better affair, and featured new formats such as masterclasses and specially curated networking sessions.

PackPlus is now a part of global packaging network

PackPlus, the homegrown trade show for packaging and supply chain solutions, has added another feather to its cap as it has become a part of ‘The Network’, a worldwide grouping of 11 partner trade shows in the packaging and intralogistics industry across seven countries.

Cosmo to showcase range of barrier films at FachPack 2016

Cosmo Films, a leading manufacturer of speciality BOPP films, will be highlighting its range of speciality packaging films, especially barrier films, at the upcoming FachPack 2016, scheduled to be held from 27 to 29 September 2016 at Nuremberg, Germany.

Bigger is the keyword for Labelexpo India 2016

With less than two months to go, anticipation for Labelexpo India 2016 is at its zenith. And why not? Everything point towards the fact that this edition of the show, to be held from 17 to 20 November 2016 at India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, is going to be bigger, including a bigger location.

Roland to unveil TrueVIS VG-640/540 at Media Expo 2016

As with previous years, Roland DG, supported by its distributor for India, Apsom Infotex, will organise live demos and showcase applications for businesses of all sizes and requirements at Media Expo Delhi, which begins on 29 September 2016.

Newly appointed Ghent Workgroup executive committee gears up for exciting digital and packaging challenges

The Ghent Workgroup (GWG) appointed the executive committee at its yearly annual meeting in June. David Zwang continues as chairman with David van Driessche as executive officer and Elli Cloots as Vice Chair. Andrew-Bailes Collins remains technical officer and Jason Lisi documentation officer. Peter Claes resigns as marketing officer, continuing as active GWG member and treasurer.

Konica Minolta MFPs win BLI Pick Award 2016

Buyer’s Laboratory LLC (BLI) recently declared the winners of its BLI awards for the summer 2016. Konica Minolta continued its winning streak as its A3 multifunctional printers (MFP) Bizhub C308 and Bizhub 227/287 were awarded BLI Pick Award 2016. These products were appreciated for fast printing, high quality output, reliability and outstanding value proposition.

KM to introduce web-to-print at Media Expo 2016

At Media Expo 2016, which begins on 29 September 2016 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Konica Minolta Business Solutions India will introduce its web-to-print business to the visitors.

China institute to honour Kamal Chopra

In appreciation of his services towards global printing and packaging, especially print education, the Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication (BIGC), China, will award a certificate of appreciation and Honorary Professorship to Ludhiana-based printer and vice-president (North), AIFMP, Kamal Chopra. The award ceremony will be held at the BIGC campus in Beijing, China on 17 October 2016.

Wan-Ifra India 2016 Conference begins today in Kolkata

The wait is over. As you read this, the who’s who of the Indian newspaper industry is in Kolkata deliberating on the future course of action, as the Wan-Ifra India 2016 Conference, the 24th annual conference in South Asia, begins in Kolkata.

Dainik Bhaskar wins Wan-Ifra Young Reader prize

DB Corp, the country’s largest print media company and home to the flagship Dainik Bhaskar, has won the Wan-Ifra World Young Reader Prize, Special Mention award for 2016 in the Public Service category for ‘Ek Ped Ek Zindagi’ (One Tree, One Life) initiative.

Art of printing blank sheets at Delhi Book Fair

Delhi Book Fair 2016 was a regular affair, nothing to write home about. At the concurrent Stationery Fair, on the other hand, Dibyajyoti Sarma notices a surge in the old-fashioned notebooks, from design, colour to quality.

Know what to disrupt and how to disrupt

True, disruptive technologies remain the key to success, but before that, we must understand how to disrupt, and what to disrupt. It is about finding your strength, consolidating it and then building upon it. Take DB Corp, for example. The newspaper giant is now in a position to open centres in every Indian city, in every Indian language. One day it will do it, but it is taking it slow, without the worry of a fall.

How to exploit the OOH landscape

In layman terms, the main objective, perhaps the only objective, of OOH is to grab eyeballs. One of the things agencies are doing to achieve this is to mix all the available medias – it’s not just the good old billboards anymore. Now, we have unipole, billboard, back-lit, LED screen and duct panel, and at times even digital interfaces. Posterscope India, the OOH agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, seems to be doing this with aplomb. Dibyajyoti Sarma brings you two case studies from the agency whic

Man Booker Prize in the Frankfurt Book Fair spotlight

The leading literary award in the English-speaking world, The Man Booker Prize, will be in the spotlight at this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair (19-23 October). Ahead of the announcement of this year’s winner on 25 October, the Book Fair will host three key literary events to help celebrate the finest fiction written in English today. Since 1969, the Man Booker Prize has brought recognition, reward and readership to outstanding new novels each year.

Dainik Bhaskar pencils that can grow into trees

About 2.47 million trees are felled every day. Deforestation, land use change and forest management are responsible for loss of over 15 billion trees each year. India has just 28 trees per person as compared to China, which has 102 trees per person, US 716, Brazil 1,494 and Canada 8,953 trees per person. At this alarming rate of deforestation, it will take less than 100 years to destroy all the forests.

Konica Minolta bets big on cloud-based ERP for education

Konica Minolta, a renowned brand for its advanced imaging and printing technology, is showcasing its cloud computing solution Educo ERP at the world DIDAC Summit being held in Bangalore from 28 to 30 September 2016 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).

Konica Minolta’s educo ERP creates a buzz at DIDAC Summit 2016

Konica Minolta made its presence felt during the world DIDAC Summit held in Bengaluru from 28 to 30 September 2016, with its latest education solution educo ERP. The three day event provided a platform to showcase the latest trends and technology used by institutions internationally in the fast changing world of education and network.

68th Frankfurt Book Fair opens today

The international publishing industry’s biggest trade fair, with 7,100 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, around 275,000 visitors, and over 4,000 events, the Frankfurt Book Fair was officially inaugurated with a press conference on 18 October 2016. The Fair is open for visitors from 19 to 23 October 2016.

India Ratings upgrades Cosmo Films to ‘IND A+’

India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra), a Fitch group company, in its recent rating review has upgraded Cosmo Films’ long-term credit rating to ‘IND A+’ from previous rating of ‘IND A’. This is the second rating upgrade that company has received within a year’s time.

Oxford University Press launches Epigeum in India

Oxford University Press recently launched Epigeum, the company’s new online resources for higher education and research, in India in the presence of Tim Barton, managing director, global academic division and Bryan Fletcher, publishing director, Epigeum.

Aiyah, aiyoh! It’s official. You too are English now

In 2012, Marathi director Sachin Kundalkar made a Hindi film called Aiyyaa. It did not work. Some say it’s because of the title, which was too colloquial to register among the public. Kundalkar was ahead of his time. Now, two variants of the exclamation word –‘aiyah’ and ‘aiyoh’ are part of the Oxford English Dictionary. Its official!

Agora, the Frankfurt Book Fair marketplace, ready for readers

This year the Agora will once again present an attractive programme at the geographical heart of the fair. The Open Stage and Lesezelt (Reading Tent), the Frankfurt Book Fair’s two largest event stages, will host prominent figures including Miroslav Nemec, Wolf Biermann, Bosse, DJ BoBo, Ross Anthony, Hella von Sinnen and Pater Anselm Grün. International authors such as Leon de Winter and Connie Palmen, the author duo behind the Iny Lorentz historical novels, and the fantasy-novel writer Markus H

Politics and art at the 68th Frankfurt Book Fair

Brexit, the attempted coup in Turkey, armed conflict in Syria, the refugee crisis and populist tendencies in Europe, the election campaign in the US – this year, the political events of the day are sure to dominate conversations at the Frankfurt Book Fair – and will be taken up in numerous events and panel discussions. After all, ‘Europe!’ is this year’s slogan for the Weltempfang, the Book Fair’s cultural-political platform in Hall 3.1.

FSSAI wants action against unlicensed water packaging units

Food regulator FSSAI has asked state authorities to crack down on mineral water packaging units that are operating without licences from FSSAI. As many as 75% of the packaging units are said to be operating without an FSSAI licence. These units are operating under a BIS certification.

Publishing Next travels to Kochi this year

Established in 2011, Publishing Next, the industry conference on issues of concern to the book publishing industry, has become an integral part of Goa’s cultural landscape.

Publishing Next travels to Kochi this year

Established in 2011, Publishing Next, the industry conference on issues of concern to the book publishing industry, has become an integral part of Goa’s cultural landscape.

Parksons is the PrintWeek India Printing Company of the Year 2016

Parksons Packaging is the PrintWeek India Printing Company of the Year 2016. The Mumbai-based packaging giant clinched the top honour ahead of the past winners like International Print-o-Pac, Manipal Technologies and Quenby Transfers on the strength of its return on capital, the increase in fixed assets as well as net current assets.

Cosmo Films launches lidding films for plastic containers

Cosmo Films, a leading manufacturer of speciality BOPP films, has announced the launch of BOPP-based universal lidding films, which are suitable for heat sealing to any of the rigid thermoformed cups/containers made up of PP/HIPS/PET/PVCor PE. The films are generally used for lidding of unit packs of packaged drinking water, juice, yogurt, jelly, jam, marmalade, butter, etc., as well as trays used for packing salads, meals and fresh fruits, etc.

Frankfurt Book Fair 2016 sees marginal rise in attendance

Amidst the sea of books and its global spread at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2016, which concluded on 23 October 2016, two American names towered over the rest – the reticent Bob Dylan for winning the Nobel Prize for literature and Paul Beatty for being the first American to win the Man Booker Prize in history. There was also the legendary British artist David Hockney, who was here to launch his new book, a humongous 200 cm, 35 kg retrospective, appropriately titled A Bigger Book, which comes comple

PrintWeek India Awards 2016 concludes with unveiling of Book of the Night

The Book of the Night was formally unveiled on the Awards Night on 4 November by Ramesh Kejriwal and the Parksons Packaging team along with the chief guest, Sanjiv Gupta, COO of Penguin Random House and Hormazd Sorabjee, managing director of Haymarket India.

VK Karthika, ‎publisher, HarperCollins, calls it quits

On 25th October, the publishing fraternity in India woke up to the rather unexpected news – VK Karthika, publisher and chief editor of HarperCollins Publishers India has resigned from her position after a decade-long stint with the company. Ananth Padmanabhan, CEO, HarperCollins Publishers India, confirmed the news to an online media outlet.

Hands-on training for young professionals on 2-3 December

The German Book Office (GBO) is organising a training workshop on content/product development for professionals from the publishing, media and content industry on 2 and 3 December 2016, at India International Centre, New Delhi. This is the third workshop in the series of training events conducted by the GBO as part of its annual Young Professionals Programme (YPP).

Cosmo to showcase range of speciality products at PackTech 2016

Cosmo Films, a leading manufacturer of speciality BOPP films, will showcase its comprehensive range of speciality packaging films, especially barrier films, at the upcoming International PackTech India 2016. The ninth edition of the international exhibition for processing, packaging and printing is scheduled to be held from 15 to 17 December 2016 in Mumbai.

80 speakers, 40 events and more at FBF Business Club 2016

With 80 speakers at around 40 events over five days, the Business Club of the 2016 Frankfurt Book Fair is set to be the central meeting place once again for pioneers and key players in the international content and media business. “By combining meetings, events and networking activities, the Club offers our trade visitors extensive business and contact opportunities,” said Juergen Boos, director of the Frankfurt Book Fair “So our guests benefit from a unique, all-round package of added-value.”

Amazon acquiring the publishing business of Westland

This is a development that has the potential to disrupt the existing reality of publishing in India, the third largest English language publisher in the world. In a recently development, online retail giant Amazon has agreed to acquire the remaining 74% stake in Westland, the publishing unit of the Tata group retail company Trent. In February, Amazon bought a 26% stake in Westland for about Rs 9.5 crore. Trent had said at the time that Amazon had the option to acquire the remaining 74% stake lat

Dainik Bhaskar promotes joy for the underprivileged

Diwali, the festival of light and prosperity, is synonymous with clothes, sweets, confectionaries and crackers. However, this always doesn’t hold true for the less fortunate citizens of society. To change this, Dainik Bhaskar, the largest circulated Hindi daily, has been running the ‘Sarthak Deepawali’ campaign for the last five years.

Dainik Bhaskar sees the glass half full to save water

India supports 18% of the world’s population with just 4% of the world’s fresh water resources. Every day, 350 million people in India do not get access to water, and yet privileged Indians overuse water by 1.5 times. Realising its responsibility as a media stalwart, Dainik Bhaskar has partnered with Federation of Hotels and Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI) to serve half-filled glass of water instead of full glass across 4,000 restaurants in India. This initiative is an extension to the n

The Sellout by Paul Beatty wins 2016 Man Booker Prize

After the famous Man Booker Prize for Fiction was opened to any nationality, writing originally in English and published in the UK (earlier, the award was open only to the writers from Commonwealth nations) three years back, it was only a matter of time that an American author would win the award. It happened this year, and no one is complaining. For one, The Sellout by Paul Beatty is a searing satire on race relations in contemporary America and an instant classic. This is also a rare victory f

Konica Minolta enters label printing market with C71cf

Konica Minolta Business Solutions India has announced that the company will be leveraging its proven printing technology by introducing a new digital solution for the label and packaging industry. The Bizhub press C71cf will benefit businesses as they transition from conventional printing to digital technology. This digital press is the first of many new products that supports Konica Minolta’s strategy in the label and packaging industry market. The machine was launched during Labelexpo Europe 2

DB Corp Q2 FY 16-17 financial results reflect growth in ad revenue

DB Corp Limited (DBCL), the country’s largest print media company and home to the flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Dainik Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, on 20 October 2016 announced its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2016.

Cosmo Films launches black velvet lamination films

Cosmo Films, a leading manufacturer of speciality BOPP films, has announced the launch of BOPP based black velvet lamination films. The newly launched films offer an intense black colour along with a velvet touch to the laminated paper/paperboard or package, thereby enhancing its aesthetics. It is also perfect for post-lamination processes like spot UV, foil stamping, printing, etc.

How a rigid box is made

The process of creating a rigid box is simple. It starts with a non-bending chipboard and a simple steel rule die. This, for a rigid box tray, contains knives for cutting out the tray shape from the chipboard, and cut scores that partially penetrate the board, allowing bending (scoring) without tearing. Vat-lined chip (chipboard lined on either one or both sides with a white coating made from newsprint, giving the box a more finished appearance). Please note: This works well during instances whe

Longxingsheng offers affordable solutions

China’s Dongguan Longxingsheng Machinery promises ‘carefree solutions for rigid box making’. The company, based in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China, has its own independent R&D department led by Tsinghua University professors. Delhi-based Ample Graphics represents Longxingsheng Machinery in India.

Zhongke India debuts in 2015, pockets nine orders

China-based Zhongke recently started its India operations Zhongke India with an Indian partner. Delhi-based 3S Graphic Solutions is the Indian sales agent for Zhongke India.

Premium packaging firms thrive with Emmeci

When it comes to Emmeci, Mohit Jain (in the picture) of Anil Agencies, the Indian representative of Emmeci, says the machines are user-friendly. There is some logic. Some of the print packaging firms, which commissioned the machines, did not stop at just one unit. Once, the first unit was up and running, they went for another. Two of the biggest customers of Anil Agencies, Rave Packaging and Label Kingdom both have installed and ordered, three Emmeci, machines each.

15 Zhengruns in India, more on the way

Zhengrun has 15 installations across India, with all leading packagers, the largest installation base for a rigid box machine manufacturer in India.

Customers speak: Rohit Khanna and Naveen Goel

Japan's Fuchu at Pragati, Solar, Pooja and Rave

Fuchu has notched up five automatic rigid box machines installations in India. Two of the machines have been installed at Pragati Pack, and one each at Solar Prints in Delhi and Pooja Packages in Kanpur. Recently, Fuchu completed the installation of a Fuchu automatic machine at Rave Packaging in Manesar.

Italy's Sate boats ‘motion control’ technology

Sate is the new kid on the block. The company started its India operations on 1 January 2016. Mumbai-based Integriti Consulting represents Sate.

KG Subramanyan, pioneer of modern Indian art, dead at 92

Eminent artist KG Subramanyan, a doyen of printmaking, one of the pioneers of modern Indian art, and a Padma Vibhushan passed away in Vadodara on 29 June 2016. He was 92.

Xerxes Desai, former MD of Tata Press and builder of the Titan brand dead at 79

Xerxes Sapur Desai, the man credit with founding the watchmaking division of Tata, Titan, and former managing director of Tata Press, passed away on 27 June 2016. He was 79.

HID Global launches mobility initiative to transform user experience

HID Global, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, has introduced a mobility initiative that includes solutions, services, investments and alliances that expand the capabilities of trusted IDs on mobile devices across a growing range of access control, authentication and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Masterclasses on digital learning design, writing and illustration at Jumpstart 2016

The 2016 edition of the German Book Office New Delhi’s annual event on children’s content, Jumpstart, will focus on the difference between education in school and children’s content.

Daylong conclave on flexible packaging on 29 July as part of PackPlus 2016

As PackPlus, the packaging, processing and supply chain event, returns to Delhi on 27-30 July 2016, the organisers have put together a daylong international packaging conclave on print optimisation and colour management for flexible packaging. The conclave will be held on 29 July, 2016 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi together with PackPlus 2016.

New policy to focus on transparency and equity in release of government ads

The ministry of information & Broadcasting has framed a New Print Media Advertisement Policy for Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP) with the objective to promote transparency and accountability in issuing of advertisements in print media. The policy focuses on streamlining release of government advertisements and to also promote equity and fairness among various categories of newspapers/ periodicals. The key highlights of the policy are as follows:

India Post opens ‘My Stamp’ scheme for individuals, corporate

If you thought physical mails, or snail mail as they are derogatorily called, were so last century, think again. This may be the direct promotional opportunity you have been waiting for.

HID Global launches ultra low-cost, eco-friendly card printers

HID Global, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, recently announced the availability of its latest direct-to-card FARGO DTC5500LMX ID card printer/ encoder designed to meet the high-volume card issuance demands of large government agencies, universities, healthcare facilities and other large enterprises.

Former AIFMP president Vijay Makhija passes away

Former president of All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) and owner of the Mayapuri, Delhi-based India Offset Press, Vijay Kumar Makhija passed away in his Delhi residence on 23 June 2016. The last rites are scheduled for today.

Print fraternity stresses on the importance of safety measures

The print fraternity expressed shock and disbelief after the incident of fire that gutted the entire facility of Faridabad’s Nova Publication and Printers on 10 April., Business

Printed on 240 gsm Glode, Galgo’s calendar features the famous

Following the successful launch of the seventh edition of its financial year calendar in Mumbai, Delhi-based paper company Galgo Fine Papers launched the calendar in Delhi recently., Business

World's most ethical company, Xerox

Xerox has been recognised by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2016., Business

Essel is hopeful of 12-15% growth from India

Essel Propack, a global leader in laminated plastic tubes catering to the FMCG and pharma segments, on 28 April 2016, announced its financial results for the quarter ended 31 March 2016., Packaging

Sanjeev Sondhi explains how Esko solutions helped Zircon grow

In 2010, Dehradun-based label and packaging converter Zircon Technologies invested in flexo pre-press and plate making workflow with an in-house pre-press software workflow and HD CDI Spark 4835 imager with inline UV from Esko., Packaging

Stakeholders come together at OAC 2016 to discuss future of OOH

With everything going digital, and with real-time information, data and personalisation becoming the prime movers of business campaigns, it is time for the humble, static out-of-home (OOH) billboards to go digital. In India, however, there is still time for advertisers to embrace DOOH (digital-out-of-home), as the traditional OOH continues to fight for its share of the ad spend pie. It is a real concern why OOH continues to struggle in a booming market. There are some success stories as well, wi

Nova limping back to normalcy after fire at its 2.5-acre facility

Nearly a month and a half after the devastating fire destroyed the production facility of the Nova Publication and Printers located at Faridabad in its entirety.

Preview to the first lesson at GBO’s Jumpstart 2016

The 2016 edition of the German Book Office’s annual event on children’s content, Jumpstart, will focus on the difference between education in school and children’s content.

Fire at printing press in Amritsar’s Gurdwara Ramasar

A fire broke out in a printing press located in the premises of the Gurdwara Ramasar in Amritsar, Punjab on 19 May 2016.

Seminar on trends and future of printing in North East India

The print and packaging industry in the North East of India remains largely unexplored, with opportunities galore. Even in terms of technology awareness, the region seems to be far behind compared to the rest of the country.

Sanjeev Sondhi explains how Esko solutions helped Zircon grow

In 2010, Dehradun-based label and packaging converter Zircon Technologies invested in flexo pre-press and plate making workflow with an in-house pre-press software workflow and HD CDI Spark 4835 imager with inline UV from Esko.