The GenNext series: Sudarshan Bhamre

Where are you based?

I am from D&NH, Silvassa, currently staying at Nerul, Navi Mumbai.

Describe your course.

A unique and professional course at SIES Graduate School of Technology, Nerul, it teaches printing as well as packaging from scratch. From the importance of printing/packaging to the development of new product design is covered in the course. We get to learn different printing methods and technologies.

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

In the past decade, we have seen massive innovations in print technology, whether it is the speed of printing machines or quality printing. Technology has never disappointed the world. Trusting the innovation of printing and holding the vision to be better in this field, I believe we are going to see printing on unbelievable substrates with unique printing methods.

One webinar you attended that you thought was terrific…

I attended a webinar on 3D printing and got to learn a lot about 3D printing machines.

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

There are many such products that have impressed me, but the product that I actually like is the Pears Shower Gel Bottle, a simple design that attracts people, and the hook concept is so useful. And maintaining the shape of the Pears soap on the design of the bottle. bottle with a premium adhesive label adds to the attraction of the product.

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

A quote by Steve Jobs, “Packaging can be theatre, it can create a story”, forces me to think out of the box ideas for packaging that can attract people. This is a mantra I always keep in mind.

How many print/packaging firms are in your city?

As D&NH is a UT, there are a large number of companies. It will be difficult for me to share the exact number but there are large-scale and even small-scale printing and packaging companies in Silvassa, including companies such as TCPL and PPL.

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

Montage Global has its production plant in Silvassa. I got a chance to work with them. The first thing I noticed was the section that the company had, a properly managed and disciplined workflow — the raw material in one place and the final output in a warehouse. The inking department has all the ink used for printing, stored on racks.

What’s your favourite item of print or packaging?

My current favourite item is the Park Avenue Signature Collection Voyage. It has an awesome carton design and a bottle with a unique shape. The white colour gives it a premium and classic look to complete the package and product.

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

Recently, I saw a glass bottle of Bisleri. The shape of the bottle is so smooth that it gives it a premium look. And the simple label enhances the look of the bottle. This is the first time I saw a glass bottle of water in the market. There are two types of glass bottles the company has come up with, one with a regular colour label and the other with a yellowish colour.

What is your take on sustainable packaging?

It is an important factor in terms of packaging. Many industries nowadays are heading towards sustainability, using single materials for packaging and using minimum plastic. Even industries use biodegradable plastic nowadays. Big companies like Amazon and Flipkart have taken the initiative by using paper bags for packaging their products. I feel we should use those types of materials that can be recycled or reused. By doing this, we are saving nature. 

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

We can’t disagree that plastic is a useful material in the printing and packaging industries, so we can't completely ban it or stop using it but companies should try to use mono plastic films for packaging or try to use less plastic products as much as possible. I feel industries should go for paper product packaging. It also reduces carbon footprint. McDonald’s has announced that its packaging will be 100% renewable and recycled by 2025. There are many such industries that are heading towards sustainability.

One trivia about print/packaging no one knows? 

3D printing was invented in 1984, which used UV laser to solidify photopolymer to create 3D part layer by layer.

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

I would like to talk to Vidur Kanoria of TCPL Packaging if I get a chance.