The GenNext series: Sakshi Shetty

Where are you based?

I am based in Nashik and a student of PVG’S COET, Pune.

Describe your course. 

The course I’m studying is BE in printing technology. This is a professional degree programme dedicated to the field of printing engineering. The course incorporates in-depth knowledge about printing machines, inks, papers, graphic design, and software. Also, through various brainstorming events such as Printera, Alumni Katta, webinar, industrial visit, internship, seminar and finally the project, expose the students to prepare for their industrial journey. Last but not the least, competitions help students keep up with a healthy competitive spirit and help to interact with new people and gain knowledge. 

What is print’s USP? 

According to me, print’s USP is its quality, for how long it can sustain the substrate. Also, the materials used are eco-friendly with respect to the environment. 

Where do you see print in the next five years?

The future of print is about embracing the exciting new waves of communication and media innovation. Some of the top printing companies are embracing innovations. Companies that vigorously adopt new technology will thrive and grow. The print will also increasingly team up with digital media, no matter how we evolve our access to online content because it’s such a reliable driver to the web. People like to hold printed objects in their hands. Tactility is important, and its longevity also contributes to its effectiveness in this arena. As technology evolves, marketers will continue to drill down to finely customise pieces for specific customers. The buyer five years from now is going to say, ‘We want to do a variable run, and this is exactly whom we want to target.’ This is a win-win for all. Customers will receive more relevant information, and companies won’t waste money trying to cast larger nets. 

One webinar you attended that you thought was terrific... 

One of the webinars I attended which I thought was terrific was by Meenakshi Sapru, head of sales and marketing at Huhtamaki India. I was fascinated as she gave us insights about Huhtamaki, and how Huhtamaki aims to be the first choice for sustainable packaging solutions, globally through innovative products that ensure hygiene and safety for food on the shelf. 

A print or packaging item you use regularly that impressed you? 

I am impressed with the packaging products manufactured by Paper Boat beverages, not just because it offers delicious fruit juices but also because of the appearance of its pouch, which has a creative graphic design related to the various fruit flavours with vibrant colours which are very attractive. Also, the stand-up pouch is user-friendly, it could be refilled and used later on, and it can easily fit on your shelf as it occupies less space. 

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

Eco-friendly and practical packaging is the future, and we must adapt to it as soon as possible. Reduce-reuse-recycle and adopt a simple sustainable lifestyle. 

Which is your favourite piece of paper? Why so? 

When we were introduced to the concept of sustainable packaging, I read an article with reference to Ecoware, which said it produces eco-friendly products. I was very eager to know more about this company so I visited the official website and found out that Ecoware is India’s largest eco-friendly packaging company. Ecoware products are made from plant biomass. Biomass pulp is produced from plant residue and is defined in such a manner that no chemical or pesticide residue is present.

How many print/packaging firms are there in your city? 

It is difficult to state the exact number of presses located in the city where I’m based. But there are many print/packaging firms in Nashik, right from small firms like Shivkrupa Printech and Sairakesh Printect to well-known firms like Lokmat, Sakal, Nashik Currency Note Press and others. 

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

During my days of internship, I visited Sairakesh Printech located in Nashik, owned by Samrat Bajaj. It is well-known for its offset printing presses which print jobs related to banks. It also has a setup for variable data printing, which is used to manufacture company cards. The one thing I noticed when I walked around in the factory is how well the machines are maintained.

What’s your favourite item of print or packaging? 

The Starbucks cup is my favourite packaging item. Tata Starbucks, a 50/50 joint venture between Tata Beverages and Starbucks operating in India, has introduced numerous green initiatives comprising glass serveware for food and beverages consumed within the stores, compostable wooden cutlery and stirrers, compostable paper cups and straws, compostable CPLA and PLA lids made from cornstarch and compostable splash sticks for takeaway orders. 

Which is the most innovative packaging that you have come across? 

Puma. It introduced what it called the Clever Little Bag, in an attempt to reduce paper consumption in shoe boxes. It uses 65% less cardboard than a standard shoe box by wrapping a heat-woven bag around a sheet of cardboard to give it structure. Also, the heat-woven bag is reusable. 

What is your take on sustainable packaging? 

Sustainable packaging is the need of the hour. Sustainable Packaging is simply packaging that is more sustainable or better for the environment. Sustainable packaging is recyclable which lessens our ecological footprint and environmental impact. 

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

The industry should not only start implementing sustainable measures but also make people aware of how important it is to take up sustainable measures. The industry must start initiatives such as store-returnable and reusable glass bottles, and making use of PET and recycled PET plastics.

One trivia (historical/geographical) about print/packaging which no one knows? 

The Tetra Pak was invented in 1951 by Ruben Rausing, a Swedish graduate of Columbia University. This paperboard-based package revolutionised Europe’s dairy industry; it could store liquids without refrigeration, and the box shape was easy to stack and ship. 

Is there a print or packaging legend in the industry you would like to have 60 seconds with…

There are many such legends in the industry at present but one such personality I wish I could meet is the founder of our institution, PVG’S COET, Dr PB Kulkarni. He introduced generations to the concept of print media. He was the very first source of guidance who educated people about printing. He is the reason why we are here at PVG’S COET and are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study print media. 

Social media has become the newest way of promoting packaging innovations and trends in packaging. One suggestion on how PW or WP? magazines can do something brilliant in this space? 

PW and WP can make use of creative graphic designs that would attract the audience to stop for a moment and read what the author is trying to say about innovation in print/packaging. You can also come up with various innovative printing/packaging/ink-related quizzes to engage the audience. Also, PW and WP can organise a competition that would attract youngsters towards the drive of innovative packaging. And announce the winners in upcoming magazines. This will do mouth publicity and would attract others too.