RIPTAA’s vision for a smarter future for Bengal printers

For the past several years, the Regional Institute of Printing Technology Alumni Association (RIPTAA) has been the anchor of Bengal’s printing community. Its flagship Annual Summit on 15 August 2025 has become an industry institution, drawing printers, suppliers, and educators under one roof. The last edition saw 425 delegates taking part in the event, including several international delegates.

“The response of printers from West Bengal has been reasonably good over the years, if not outstanding,” says Surendra Dhote, president of RIPTAA. “The support we get from the industry for organising the Annual Summit is what keeps it alive. Without them, it would be impossible to meet the massive expenditure of hosting such an event in a prestigious venue.”

RIPTAA keeps participation accessible by charging a nominal fee, ensuring that everyone, from students to senior professionals, can attend. The association also runs PrintOut, a quarterly 24-page magazine with technical articles, industry news, alumni activities, and profiles of achievers. “The fact that PrintOut attracts good sponsorships shows the trust the industry places in us. It allows us to maintain top-notch production quality,” explains Dhote.

The events and publications, he says, are about more than networking. They help printers stay competitive, adopt new technologies, and improve efficiency. RIPTAA also organises free health camps, panel discussions, and technical seminars for members and collaborates with printing houses to help fill technical positions.

“Our aim is to break the myth that traditional printing is incompatible with new technologies,” Dhote notes. “We want to empower printers of West Bengal and neighbouring states to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.”

AI awareness and adoption

Artificial Intelligence may be the buzzword of the moment, but for many printers in eastern India, it still feels unfamiliar. Dhote admits that apprehension persists. “Like other printers in our country, those in West Bengal are scared to introduce AI-powered technology alongside conventional printing,” he says. “That’s why holding workshops and seminars through RIPTAA is so important — to demystify AI.”

He points to tools such as Midjourney and Dall·E for design creation, and AI-driven quality control, workflow optimisation, and predictive maintenance systems that are already transforming pressrooms elsewhere. ERP software, now widely used across the region, has become a gateway to digital efficiency.

“Heading towards AI-driven technology is inevitable,” Dhote insists. “The cost of production and ROI will weigh favourably in the long run. Yes, some jobs will change or disappear, but with proper planning and training, we can bridge the gap. A few Bengal printers have already begun adopting AI tools.”

Emerging trends in printing

The Summit’s panel on emerging trends revealed how printers are embracing eco-friendly and personalised applications. “Intelligent or smart package printing brings together everything — sustainability, digital personalisation, and brand storytelling,” says Dhote.

Eco-friendly printing is becoming central to the new business model. Printers are using recycled or biodegradable materials, non-toxic inks, and energy-efficient methods such as waterless printing and LED UV curing. “These practices not only reduce environmental impact but also lower costs through less waste and energy use,” Dhote explains.

Variable Data Printing (VDP) has opened the door to personalisation, allowing print runs to include custom text and images. For small and medium-sized printers, Dhote believes the benefits are tangible. “Eco-friendly and digital printing enhance customer connection, improve marketing impact, and give SMEs a competitive edge,” he says.

Addressing industry challenges

Like the rest of India, West Bengal’s printing sector faces headwinds from rising raw material costs, a shortage of skilled labour, and the relentless pace of technological change. “The biggest challenges are cost management, environmental sustainability, and keeping up with technology,” Dhote explains.

Finding technicians, designers, and sales professionals who understand digital workflows and AI tools is becoming increasingly difficult.

RIPTAA is tackling this through continuous engagement between academia and industry. “We arrange seminars, workshops, training programmes, and sponsor students to visit major exhibitions. These efforts strengthen the bond between the Regional Institute of Printing Technology and the industry,” he says.

Green printing opportunities

Sustainability is no longer a side project; it’s a business imperative. Inspired by companies like TechNova and Hubergroup, RIPTAA is nudging printers toward greener processes. “West Bengal printers are embracing biodegradable and soy-based inks to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly products,” says Dhote. “They are seeking sustainability certifications, reducing ink usage and waste, and minimising their ecological footprint.”

He points to large-format printing and packaging as areas where these practices are gaining ground. “By adopting green printing, printers can differentiate themselves and appeal to environmentally conscious customers. It’s about reputation and responsibility, but also profitability,” he adds.

Shaping the next generation

For Dhote, nurturing young talent is non-negotiable. “RIPTAA exists by, for, and of the past and present students,” he says. “Our mission is to uplift the next generation.”

The association helps fresh graduates secure apprenticeships in reputed printing houses and shares job openings among alumni. Factory visits and participation in national-level tech fairs keep students close to industry developments. “All these initiatives aim to attract the next generation of printers to capture opportunities in West Bengal and neighbouring states,” Dhote explains.

He sums up RIPTAA’s philosophy with a simple truth: “Change is inevitable. Our mission is to gather the latest information and communicate it to our members and the printing community.”