The GenNext series: Haritha Iyer

Where are you based?

I reside in Dombivli.

Describe your course.

I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in the field of printing and packaging technology from SIES Graduate School of Technology. In this course, we get to know about the different types of day-to-day products we deal with.
What is print’s USP?

The unique selling proposition of every product depends on its uniqueness. Print’s USP depends on how eye-catching the product is at the first glance.

Where do you see the print in the next five years?

Printing currently is one of the most progressing industries. Be it experimenting with shades or coming up with eco-friendly ones or UV inks, the printing industry is broadening its boundaries, and with this approach, I see the industry at greater heights in the coming years.

One webinar you attended that you thought was terrific…

Being a student, I haven’t attended many seminars, but I have for sure attended the alumni interactions in our college. Among them, the session with Mustafa Mubarakh was informative, as we got a clear picture of the industry.
A print or packaging item you use regularly that impressed you?

Colgate never fails with its packaging. For example, if you take close look at the Colgate Visible White package, you will realise that the package signifies the message. The package has an actual shine which makes the consumer want to buy the product.

A recent comment about print/packaging which is your mantra?

The print and packaging industry today is focusing on the optimum usage of even the smallest of things. This is what fascinates me about this industry because it teaches the importance of even the tiniest thing in our life.

Which is your favourite piece of paper? Why so?

The non-tearable paper.
How many print/packaging firms are in your city?

As I live near the MIDC area, there are a good amount of printing and packaging companies, including firms that are in textile printing.

One factory you have visited? What is the first thing you noticed when you walked around in the factory?

Shreeji Textiles was the first company I visited during the lockdown. The first thing I noticed was the printing machines the company uses for printing on textiles. Although the factory did not look much from the outside, on the inside, maintenance, and the structured workflow were truly impressive.
What’s your favourite item of print or packaging?

Real Guava Juice. The appearance of the product is appealing as it has a fresh fruit image onto it with juice on its background.

Which is the most innovative packaging that you have come across?
Earphones by Boult, especially, the way the earbuds are placed in a 3D trapezoidal structure by placing the earbuds and giving the proper look it needs.
What is your take on sustainable packaging? 
I believe we are upgrading towards the sustainability of the packaging products but we have to do it on a large scale because that’s the need of the hour. When we talk about sustainability, cost estimation plays an important role. If India can send a rocket to Mars, then for sustainability, every Indian can take one step at a time.

One thing the print/packaging industry should do to convey a solid sustainability message?

The industry must spread awareness about the causes and the measures that can be taken to overcome these causes in the form of campaigns or by placing hoardings regarding sustainability.
Is there a print or packaging legend in the industry you would like to have 60 seconds with?

The one person I admire the most is my teacher, Prasad B Iyer. He has always guided us. He is my legend. Also, during the SOP Star Awards held in our college, we met AK Chakravarthy, who is the representative of the World Packaging Organization. I would really like to have 60 seconds with him.