Flint invests in a new factory in Vadodara

Upal Roy, managing director – India, Africa & Middle East at Flint Group told PrintWeek, the decision to invest in a manufacturing facility in India was an easy one. Despite already operating at multiple local sites – including the company’s solvent-based manufacturing plant in Lamdapura  – opening this new manufacturing plant enables Flint Group to better serve a thriving customer base.

Packaging printing in India is experiencing robust growth. The paper packaging segment alone is valued at USD 12.87-billion in 2025, and is forecast to maintain a CAGR of 6.63% through 2033. This boom is fuelled by a convergence of trends: rising consumption of processed foods and beverages, the explosion of eCommerce, and a growing preference for more sustainable packaging solutions.

Corrugated packaging, in particular, is rising in prominence, propelled by the need for durable, protective packaging. This is a direct response to the demands of online retail and the expanding food and beverage sector. Flint Group’s new facility, located just 10-kilometres away from the Lamdapura facility, positions the company as a strong alternative for customers seeking high-performance, more sustainable inks for corrugated applications. Aseptic packaging represents a significant share of this growth, as demand increases for safe, tamper-evident food and beverage packaging. This, in turn, has translated into rising demand for water-based inks, including for film applications.

Roy says, “We’re seeing significant expansions across multiple key market segments.” He adds, “This growth is already having a noticeable impact, with the surge in eCommerce and the growing prominence of quick service restaurants driving unprecedented demand for high quality, more sustainable packaging solutions.” He notes that the investment in Vadodara is a testament to the group’s commitment to supporting this growth, while bringing innovative products closer to their customers.

Market expectations and Flint
Flint Group’s new plant in Savli, Vadodara, is a strategic response to evolving market dynamics. Spanning 9,000-square metres, the facility has significantly increased the company’s manufacturing capacity. According to Roy, the factory will focus on producing Flint Group’s optimised AquaCode range of water-based inks and coatings – specifically its Aquaflex water-based inks and the award-winning EkoCure dual-curing range for the label and narrow-web market.

The plant has significant capacity of Flint Group’s water-based and UV inks to serve the growing Indian market. Additionally, the facility is equipped with advanced technology that mirrors Flint Group’s global standards, and is supported by the global raw material laboratory in Lamdapura, which services the company’s operations worldwide. This advanced facility is dedicated to testing, development, and qualifying raw materials in all its packaging ink formulations, exemplifying Flint’s commitment to quality, innovation, and supply security.

“The Vadodara plant represents a leap in our capability,” shares Roy. “With this investment, we are now able to offer a comprehensive range of water-based and UV inks tailored to the needs of India’s rapidly evolving packaging sector. In addition, this new facility is located just 10 kilometres away from our solvent-based manufacturing site in Lamdapura.”

Roy adds, “Due to evolving regulatory requirements across India, there is a marked shift away from toluene-basedproducts. In response, we have doubled our non-toluene ink production capacity in Lamdapura, enabling us to meet emerging compliance and sustainability standards while continuing to deliver high-performance solutions that meet our customers’ needs.”

Sustainability champion
In addition to meeting the Indian market’s growing demand for water-based print applications, and supporting the industry’s shift toward UV LED for labels and non-toluene technology for solvent-based flexible packaging, Flint Group is taking decisive steps to advance sustainability. The Lamdapura facility operates as a zero-discharge site and is actively exploring strategies to reduce manufacturing waste and enhance operational efficiency. The company is also piloting rainwater harvesting and evaluating the installation of solar panels – further actions aimed at minimising its environmental footprint.

The flexo printing mission
While gravure has traditionally dominated India’s print market, flexographic printing is quickly gaining ground as average job lengths decrease. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2025 to 2030, with flexible packaging being its largest revenue-generating application.

Flint Group is capitalising on this trend by expanding its flexo-focused offerings and recruiting industry experts to drive technical service and application support. The company is investing in people with flexo expertise, including plant managers and technical service professionals, to ensure that customers receive the support they need as they make this transition.

A blueprint for the future
Flint Group’s priorities for the coming years are clear: continue to support and expand its water-based and UV ink offerings, capitalise on opportunities in the flexible packaging sector with its proven non-toluene products, and further strengthen its position in the flexo market. The company is also launching new service initiatives, including the rollout of its 360°ServiceCode platform in local markets, to differentiate itself through tailored value creation programmes.

“Service is going to become a key differentiator for us,” says Roy. “We are launching our 360°ServiceCode platform this year, ensuring our customers have access to the expertise and support they need to succeed in a rapidly changing market.”

Growth potential with eco-ambitions
Heiner Klokkers, CEO & president of Packaging Inks Europe, for Flint Group says, “Our facilities in India are dedicated to supporting customers across the region, with an impact that extends far beyond.” Klokkers adds, “As a vital part of Flint Group’s global network, our teams in India play a critical role in delivering innovative, regulatory-compliant solutions with a strong focus on sustainability - serving international key accounts every day.”

India’s packaging printing market is set for sustained growth, driven by innovation, regulatory change, and an unwavering focus on sustainability. Flint Group’s investment in Vadodara and Lamdapura is a strategic move that positions the company at the forefront of this transformation. With expanded capacity, a focus on regulatory and sustainable solutions, and a commitment to customer service, Flint Group is well-placed to support India’s print industry as it navigates its next chapter.