SUNDAY COLUMN

MARKET INSIGHTS

The secret to India's remarkably resilient print, packaging, and publishing fraternity — The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

A survey by PrintWeek which evaluated responses from 141 industry icons shows what a majority of the industry aims to do in their factories. Noel D'Cunha and Rahul Kumar report

DIGITAL

Digital Print Awards: Celebrate the unsung print superstars — The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

PrintWeek’s Digital Print Awards, introduced this year, aim to bring boutique digital print firms from Tier-2 and Tier-3 businesses into the national spotlight, focusing on execution, innovation and real-world impact. Are you ready to showcase your achievements and join the leaders of the print industry?

PACKAGING

Specialisation is not a choice — The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

Why Pulkit Chhaparia believes niche focus is the only defence in a de-globalising packaging world

Distance, risk and the reinvention of Indian print — The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

Speaking at Print and Beyond 2025 in Kochi, P Sajith reframes print as a geography business. With 2.5 billion textbooks printed annually, smartphone exports crossing 30-billion dollars, and digital enabling hyper localisation, the industry must choose its distance with care

Five lessons that are reshaping Holosafe Security Labels

Speaking at the Print and Beyond 2026 seminar in Kochi on 28 February, Preeti Mishra of Holosafe Security Labels decodes operational rigour, brand protection, variability and why systems will define the next decade of print in India

When the pack carries the brand — The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

At Heidelberg’s Networking Summit in Mumbai on 29 January, brand owners and packaging service providers debate how print packaging now anchors identity, trust and value across retail, eCommerce and quick commerce, and why the pack has moved from a support act to a brand instrument

The future of the industry is in safe hands — The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

PrintWeek’s Forty Under 40 list recognises and celebrates the exceptional achievements of young professionals in the print and packaging industry in India. These rising stars have transformed the industry through innovative ideas, technical expertise, and a commitment to excellence

GEOPOLITICS

The India-EU FTA: A strategic tipping point for India’s paper industry — The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is poised to be less of a celebratory moment and more of a strategic confrontation for the Indian paper and pulp sector. Read on...

REGULATION & POLICIES

The India-EU FTA: A strategic tipping point for India’s paper industry — The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is poised to be less of a celebratory moment and more of a strategic confrontation for the Indian paper and pulp sector. Read on...

Packaging and labelling at the PrintWeek Awards — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

Discover how past winners pushed boundaries in packaging and labelling. Ready to showcase your groundbreaking work and join the ranks of these industry leaders? Read on…

Colours, green tech, and bright ideas — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

The wide-format printing industry is at a crossroads, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer expectations, and a push for sustainability. At Media Expo 2025, the INR 4,150-crore sector revealed a vibrant landscape. Prabhat Prakash and Noel D’Cunha uncover the tech-trends India’s wide-format printing scene is powered by a USD four-trillion economy, the world’s fifth-largest.

Edelmann: Specialists in pharma and premium packaging — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

Dr Frank Hornung, global CEO of the Edelmann Group, delivered the keynote at the ninth edition of Print & Beyond in Kochi. In an exclusive conversation with PrintWeek, he shared the highlights about the family-owned business with a 112-year legacy. He said, "Our strategy is based on financial stability, with a focus on growth outside Europe, especially in India."

How Unidos is redefining point-of-sale displays — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

At Media Expo Mumbai 2025, organised by Messe Frankfurt, Soham Gujral, partner at Unidos, introduced the New Delhi-based company that is a force to reckon with in the point-of-sale (POS) display space

Bhatia Graphica: Pioneering excellence in packaging pre-press — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

As the packaging and printing industry grapples with rising costs, relentless deadlines, and a growing demand for sustainability, pre-media companies are emerging as vital allies. Bhatia Graphica, a trailblazer with over 25 years of expertise, stands tall as a trusted partner for converters worldwide. PrintWeek dives into how the Mumbai-based firm tackles industry challenges, harnesses innovation, and sets ambitious goals for a transformative 2025

India's printing and packaging MSMEs ask the big question — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

India's printing and packaging MSMEs, a USD 35.5-billion industry growing at a steady clip, face a pivotal moment. With global markets expanding and sustainability demands rising, these small firms drive innovation and jobs but grapple with regulatory hurdles, skill shortages, and capital constraints. As new factories rise and quick commerce booms, can bold reforms unlock their potential to lead Asia's packaging revolution? Read more

RS Graphics emerges as a winner in the era of packaging — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

From a father’s simple machine to a massive 1,20,000-sqft factory, Chennai-based RS Graphics thrives with a mix of hard work and heart. Its leader, VB Sridharan, shaped by loss and duty, drives his company’s packaging business, rooted in family values and a steady push for quality, as Noel D’Cunha finds out

HPM paper-cutting kit is transforming print in India — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

Hyderabad-based Sai Enterprises represents the HPM brand in India (along with Sodhisons in the last few years). The features and benefits make HPM paper-cutting machines the go-to choice for printers across the country, says Dayaker Reddy, managing partner of Sai Enterprises, in this conversation with PrintWeek.

Print’s 2024 gains set the stage for 2025’s PrintWeek Power players — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

As the printing and packaging industry navigates a transformative era, the 2025 edition of PrintWeek's Power 100 promises to spotlight the leaders driving innovation, sustainability, and resilience. Drawing on exclusive insights from industry titans, this year’s survey will celebrate those redefining the sector amidst evolving challenges and opportunities. Here’s a taste of what’s to come, straight from the voices that shaped 2024 and who are poised to shape the industry in 2025

TCPL forays into South India with a high growth strategy — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

During the opening a new packaging plant in Vengal, Chennai on 7 March 2025, Saket Kanoria, managing director of TCPL, says the expansion will boost economic growth. The approach is more like a marathon than a sprint, focused on making the country’s economic framework more durable and resilient. Read on...

Pin Mark: And the search for perfect screening — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

With a legacy spanning three generations, Pin Mark has evolved into a leading flexo pre-press solutions provider, redefining industry benchmarks. Founded on the principles of precision and innovation, the company has been instrumental in transforming flexographic printing in India. What began as a traditional block-making business under the leadership of Minesh Zaveri, a pioneer in pre-press, has today become a hub of technological advancement, driven by Rutul, Shrutul and Urjit Zaveri, directors at Pin Mark Block.

Fresh perspectives: Women leaders driving change — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

In honour of International Women’s Day, we feature excerpts from interviews with four trailblazing women leaders in print and packaging — Manjusha Singh, Mehzabin Nair, Somya Mittal and Kalyani Roy — showcasing their inspiring journeys. Read more in this Sunday Column

Strategic shifts in 2024 to guide innovation and sustainability in 2025 (Part III) — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

The graphic arts industry is thriving. Industry leaders share insights about the animal spirits - and how they are boosting India's print and packaging sector. In this final part of three-part Sunday Column, Noel D’Cunha and Rahul Kumar analyse capex forecasts for the next 12 months despite margin concerns

Strategic shifts in 2024 guide innovations through sustainability in 2025 (Part II) — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

Print thrives against the odds. As the year begins, industry leaders share insights on the driving forces behind India's print and packaging sector. In this second part of three-part Sunday column, Noel D’Cunha and Rahul Kumar analyse capex forecasts for the next 12 months despite margin concerns

Strategic shifts in 2024 guide innovations through sustainability in 2025 (Part I) — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

Print thrives against the odds. As the year begins, industry leaders share insights on the driving forces behind India's print and packaging sector. In this two-part Sunday column, Noel D’Cunha and Rahul Kumar analyse capex forecasts for the next 12 months despite margin concerns

PrintPack 2025: Business momentum builds as major deals are signed — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

PrintPack India 2025 delivered a wave of business activity, with exhibitors securing high-value deals and committing to next-generation technology investments. This Sunday Column breaks down the key moments, as witnessed by Team PrintWeek/WhatPackaging? from ground zero, focusing on the deals signed, and technology upgrades, while touching upon sustainability trends and expert insights that will define the industry’s trajectory in the years to come. Read on...

How Pragati and Silverpoint won big at Asian Print Awards — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

Pragati Group and Silverpoint Press were recognised with multiple awards for quality and wow-factor at the Asian Print Awards 2024. In this Sunday Column, Narendra Paruchuri, chairman of Pragati, and Shabbir Muchhala, managing director of Silverpoint, share how their tech-teams crafted the award-winning jobs. Read on...

Be Unstoppable: Lessons, innovations, and sustainability from Print Summit 2025 — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

Print Summit 2025 was held on 16 January at the Tata Theatre, NCPA in Mumbai drawing an impressive gathering of 1,000 delegates. The event brought together leaders and innovators. From leveraging AI to transforming rural communities, the Print Summit underscored that being unstoppable requires ambition and a commitment to shared prosperity and environmental stewardship. A PrintWeek report

Closing one chapter, opening another: The year in review (Part III) — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

In a year defined by significant challenges and remarkable achievements, five print companies in the Indian printing and packaging sector reflect on a year of challenges and achievements in 2024 while charting a forward-looking strategy for 2025. Read more in the last part of this three-part series.

Closing one chapter, opening another: The year in review (Part II) — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

In a year defined by significant challenges and remarkable achievements, six print companies in the Indian printing and packaging sector reflect on a year of challenges and achievements in 2024 while charting a forward-looking strategy for 2025. Read more in part two of this three-part series.

Closing one chapter, opening another: The year in review (Part I) — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

In a year defined by significant challenges and remarkable achievements, eleven print companies in the Indian printing and packaging sector reflect on a year of challenges and achievements in 2024 while charting a forward-looking strategy for 2025. Read more in part one of this two-part series.

The most popular Sunday Columns of 2024 - Part I

Noel D’Cunha’s Sunday Column is a popular read for the Indian print industry. He penned 52 columns in 2024. In this two-part series, we select those which were the most discussed and debated

DCGpac: How packaging got a stylish update and became more competitive — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

DCGpac is a B2B packaging solutions provider, and its CEO, Suresh Bansal, says it is committed to customer-centric innovation. On 21 November, the company celebrated its twentieth anniversary. Bansal reveals the success recipe and how his company aims to meet the packaging needs of businesses across sectors while expanding its warehousing capabilities to enhance supply chain efficiency. Read on....

Top Job: Dot Printers' Flipkart ad campaign — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

Vasai-based Dot Printers, a creative print subsidiary of Arihant Enterprise and The Times of India (TOI) used hydro-reactive ink technology in a campaign for Flipkart Minutes, showing how print can create interactive and engaging experiences for audiences. In this Sunday Column, we tell you how Deep Shah and his team created this Top Job. Read on…

Ten trends at Labelexpo which make for label success — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

Labelexpo India 2024 took place from 14 to 17 November. ​With things picking up, the show's timings were favourable for the mood of the industry. Team PrintWeek highlights ten trends. Read on…

Will inkjet redefine the future of book printing? — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

As the publishing industry evolves, inkjet printing is touted as a leading technology, driving innovation and efficiency. With advancements in print capabilities and the growing demand for shorter print runs, is inkjet printing poised to play a crucial role in the future of the book printing sector? In this Sunday Column, we speak to industry inkjet print equipment specialists to find out. Read on…

Making of the modern label: Innovations at Labelexpo India 2024 — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

Jade Grace, managing director of the Labelexpo Global Series, speaks about how the event will showcase new technologies and live demos. The event will transpire from 14 to 17 November at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, Delhi NCR. In conversation with Noel D'Cuhna. Read more in this Sunday Column

Packaging innovation and customer-centricity - The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

The ongoing evolution of packaging is increasingly shaped by innovations that align with environmental concerns and consumer expectations. At Drink Technology India's panel discussion, the theme "First impression, last impression – Packaging innovation in the age of customer care" brought together industry experts to share their perspectives on packaging's pivotal role in brand perception, sustainability, and its future in India’s market. Read more in this Sunday Column

Automation allows packaging to be more creative on the shopfloor - The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

How automation can help converters plan jobs and predict outcomes. How new tools are boosting technical prowess. Some clear-headed thinking about zero-defect solutions at the Bobst open house in Pirangut. Read on...

The evolving landscape of the print and packaging industry in Rajkot - The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

On 1 August 2024, the Rajkot Printing & Packaging Association (RPPA) convened an meeting to discuss the changes in the print industry and its role. Team PrintWeek reports

In awe of innovative vision and immaculate execution - The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

2024 was the best year yet for the Indian printing and packaging industry, based on the samples submitted for the PrintWeek Awards. Our esteemed Jury members were awestruck with the variety and artistry the samples achieved. Anhata Rooprai reports on the Jury Week that took place from 2 to 4 September 2024

PrintWeek Awards 2024 shortlist revealed - The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

PrintWeek Jury Week was hosted on 2-4 September. The Jury Week celebrated the best of print and packaging from all over India. 22 jury members deliberated and selected the most innovative and stunning entries over the span of three days. The Sunday Column reveals the shortlist. These companies should be proud of their achievement, as they are in the running to win one of the 35 coveted awards on 23 September 2024 at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake. Read on...

Four industry presidents eye efficiency and growth: The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

The Indian printing industry has over 80 regional associations throughout the country. These associations play the role of catalysts for development. PrintWeek spoke to four presidents — Raanu Bisht of Devbhoomi Printers and Publishers Association, Dehradun; Ashish Agarwal of Ayodhya (Faizabad) Printers Association (AFPA); Rahul Marulkar of Poona Press Owners Association (PPOA); and Navin Kotadia of Rajkot Printing and Packaging Association (RPPA) — to find out what the current state of the print industry in their respective cities is and their future plans. Read on...

How Pranav Bhalara is transforming Balaji Multiflex's packaging business

Balaji Multiflex, India's leading flexible packaging manufacturer, is embarking on a strategic digital journey. It has also completed the installation of a solvent recovery plant to improve its sustainability efforts while generating additional revenue. Pranav Bhalara, director at Balaji Multiflex, discusses how the company plans to establish a strong presence in the USD 25-billion market with Anhata Rooprai, Charmiane Alexander, and Noel D’Cunha. Read more in this Sunday Column

Looking back: Innovative winners at PrintWeek Awards - The Noel DCunha Sunday Column

Innovation is what differentiates you from the competition. Innovation is how you stay ahead of the market. And, it can happen at any level, be it product design, substrate, process or utility. What’s needed is creativity and vision. As we await the entries for PrintWeek Awards 2024, this special Sunday column looks at the previous winners of the Innovative Printer of the Year Award categories who impressed the Jury with some out-of-the-box ideas. Read on…

Looking back: Packaging winners at PrintWeek Awards - The Noel DCunha Sunday Column

Packaging is the trend right now, and rightly so. The market is growing and there is a sustained demand. But what does it take to be a successful packaging converter? As we await the entries for PrintWeek Awards 2024, this special Sunday Column looks at the previous winners in the packaging categories who went beyond technology and process to create packaging that is functional, innovative and environment-friendly.

Digital printing in the spotlight at PrintWeek Awards - The Noel DCunha Sunday Column

PrintWeek Awards is back. As we await the entries for PrintWeek Awards 2024, this special Sunday Column takes a look at the previous winners in different categories, all of whom employed digital technology to create award-winning products

HP’s bullish case for large-format segment - The Noel DCunha Sunday Column

In an exclusive interaction with Noel D’Cunha during Drupa 2024, HP's global director of product and strategy for large-format print, Oscar Vidal, shares insights into the potential growth opportunities in the large-format printing industry, highlighting India's importance and the versatility of HP's latex technology for innovative applications like thermoforming. Read more in this Sunday Column

Kumar Labels positioned to reach heights in label production - The Noel DCunha Sunday Column

Anuj Bhargava, the founder of Kumar Labels, talks about how the print industry will grow beyond 2030 with a mix of tech-savviness and common sense. Excerpts from Bhargava’s tech talk during the eighth edition of the Print & Beyond seminar which was organised by the Kerala Master Printers Association (KMPA).

Kolkata’s Arihant Printers gives a good account of itself - The Noel DCunha Sunday Column

Print finishing and service matter most to Arihant’s customers, says Sunny Jain, managing director of the company, who relies on skill and technology to deliver perfect prints. Noel D’Cunha finds out how this hidden gem in Kolkata does it. Read more in this Sunday Column

Koenig & Bauer: Simplify print and packaging - The Noel DCunha Sunday Column

Dr Andreas Plesske, CEO of Koenig & Bauer and Sandra Wagner, vice president of digitalisation, Koenig & Bauer, in conversation with Noel D'Cunha of PrintWeek, discuss trends, technology and the future of print and packaging at the company’s stand during Drupa 2024