The resurgence of the printed book: How India is revolutionising production with binding technology

A key trend witnessed in the Indian print landscape is the move towards bringing bookbinding services in-house. Traditionally, printers would often outsource binding or direct their customers to specialist binding houses for print finishing. However, for the past few years, there has been a noticeable shift as print firms recognise the advantages of integrating binding into their own operations. This allows for speedier service, greater control over the entire production process, and makes managing complex publishing projects significantly more manageable.

Numerous examples highlight the dramatic impact of this technological adoption. Vidya Bharati Press, a specialist in religious publications, has seen its production skyrocket from less than 1,000 books daily to an impressive 2,000-2,500 books per hour, thanks to the implementation of the Bindwel 2500 V24. This machine has also been crucial in their ability to produce 20,000 softcover books daily and optimise adhesive consumption, demonstrating a significant leap in both speed and efficiency.

Similarly, New Delhi-based G Scan is leveraging Bindwel’s Trimit 30C in conjunction with its Komori printing machine and binding unit. This strategic investment has been instrumental in helping the company achieve its ambitious goal of printing 40,000 softcover books in just 20 hours. G Scan's diverse clientele, spanning local businesses, educational institutions, and publishers across the National Capital Region (NCR), Assam, and Punjab, underscores the broad impact of enhanced binding capabilities.

Further south, Jaipur-based Pancholi Binding House, known for its unwavering commitment to "quality and timely delivery," has also reaped substantial benefits from the Bindwel@2500. The machine has led to significant improvements in efficiency and cost savings, empowering Pancholi to take on a greater number of projects, including a major quality book publication for Vidhi Pustak Prakashan and a large-volume government tender project.

Even digital print specialists like Singhvi Prints in Jodhpur are recognising the critical role of post-press technology. They emphasise the importance of spine preparation in achieving superior binding quality. By utilising the Blue Plus, Singhvi Prints successfully tackled the challenging print production of Glimpses of Anaesthesia History, a magazine with laminated art card pages, and managed to deliver the entire job within a tight 24-hour deadline, showcasing the effectiveness of their binding solutions in demanding scenarios.

In Meerut, Shree Balaji Bindings has elevated its book-binding process with the installation of the Bindwel 2500. Specialising in educational books and targeting Meerut-based publications, the company focuses on short-run binding for private institutions, including children's books. Operating a two-shift system and boasting a turnover of Rs 10-crore, Balaji Bindings is lauded for its quality and on-time service, having successfully delivered NCERT textbooks under stringent deadlines, a testament to their reliable binding capabilities.

Also in Meerut, SK Offset has bolstered its post-press division with new investments aimed at serving book publishers and print firms. A prominent name in educational book printing and binding, SK Offset converts approximately 30 metric tonnes of paper daily, ensuring timely delivery for its clients. With a sprawling 120,000-sq/ft factory, a dedicated team of 350 members, and an annual turnover of INR 50-crore, the company's expertise extends to packaging and labels, further demonstrating the versatility of their post-press investments, including a Gallus narrow-web flexo press.

Beyond these individual success stories, the broader impact of binding technology is evident in firms like Delhi-based Inkfinity Prints. Led by Akshat and Kartik Gupta, following in the footsteps of their father, Deepak Gupta, Inkfinity has become a pace-setter in high-volume bookbinding. Their strategic decision to invest in a Bindwel six-clamp perfect binder was driven by a vision for speed and efficiency, enabling them to produce an astounding 15,000 books in 20 hours, covering a wide range of SKUs. The deep trust and confidence the Gupta family places in the Bindwel brand, operating "more than eight to 10 Bindwel six-clamp binders" within their broader family operations, underscores the long-standing and successful partnership between Indian print firms and binding technology providers. Inkfinity's dedication to a select clientele, who expect nothing but the best, further highlights the critical role of reliable and high-performing binding solutions in meeting stringent quality and turnaround demands.

Another compelling narrative comes from Diamond Agencies, based in Delhi NCR, which has focused on book binding excellence for over two decades, working exclusively on school and college books. Led by Ankit Arya, the company recently installed the Bindwel BW2500 V24 to meet growing production needs. Their 25,000-sq.ft plant, running double shifts and housing seven presses, relies heavily on post-press operations for delivering book-binding excellence. Arya's decision to purchase from Bindwel was rooted in a long-standing relationship and the proven performance of their existing machines. The BW2500 V24 allowed them to increase output without requiring additional floor space, and the consistent and responsive technical support from Bindwel has contributed to uninterrupted production, making the BW2500 V24 well-suited for their book production needs.

Even firms expanding into new areas are recognising the importance of robust binding capabilities. Parshvi Graphics, established in 2016 with a focus on packaging and speciality print, has strategically expanded into book work and publishing, marking a new stage in its print transformation journey. Operating from a 5,000-sq ft facility and equipped with advanced digital and offset presses, Parshvi Graphics selected a Bindwel perfect binder to enable in-house book production and meet the specific requirements of the publishing sector. Director Anuj Jain's decision was based on consistent industry feedback and the company's own observations of machine performance. The installed perfect binder, an updated V2 model with features like adhesive consumption control and paper handling systems, was in use within days of installation, with initial runs meeting expectations and requiring no technical service intervention. By adding perfect binding capability, Parshvi Graphics is now well-positioned to supply to the publishing sector alongside its existing business.

In conclusion, the Indian print industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the growing demand for printed books and the strategic adoption of advanced binding technology. The examples of Vidya Bharati Press, G Scan, Pancholi Binding House, Singhvi Prints, Shree Balaji Bindings, SK Offset, Inkfinity Prints, Diamond Agencies, and Parshvi Graphics collectively illustrate how these investments are boosting production, enhancing efficiency, and enabling print firms to deliver high-quality products on time. The trend of bringing binding services in-house, coupled with the reliability and performance of modern binding machines, is not only reshaping the operational landscape of Indian print firms but also solidifying India's position as a key player in the global print and publishing market. As the rally in printed books continues, the role of advanced binding technology will undoubtedly remain central to the success and growth of the Indian print industry.