Flint Group’s new manufacturing plant in Salvi is the cover of July PrintWeek issue

The July edition of PrintWeek highlights the growing dominance of short-run jobs, increased automation, and a sharp focus on smart, sustainable labelling. This month’s issue brings together a robust mix of technology updates, factory profiles, industry partnerships, and an in-depth review of the LMAI Conference 2025.

This month’s editorial by Dibyajyoti Sarma, associate editor at PrintWeek, reflects on how Urdu dailies made their mark on India’s freedom struggle. He discusses the book Pratap: A Defiant Newspaper, penned by Chander Mohan and Jyotsna Mohan, which provides insights into print journalism’s integral role in the fight for independence.

Key installations featured in this edition include Maa Gayatri Offset’s bespoke Haotian system for digital embellishment; Gopsons Printers in Noida adding a Bindwel Trimit 30C and a six-clamp perfect binder; SK Offset in Meerut installing North India’s first Bindwel V24; Singhvi Prints in Rajasthan expanding their post-press capability; and Orange Printers in Kerala boosting offset capacity with a Komori Lithrone GL37.

There is a special focus on Bihar’s print sector, in an extensive report by Prabhat Prakash, which explores the region’s evolving landscape, with firms investing in flexo and CTP infrastructure.

The profile by Noel D’Cunha spotlights Puducherry-based Sivalayam, whose journey blends tradition with technology. The article traces its evolution from heritage printing to a future-ready model, highlighting its deep commitment to detail and design.

A factory visit to Magic International reveals how the team balances export excellence with local agility. The feature delves into their setup, which supports global standards and quick delivery cycles.

In the Digital section, Honeycomb Creative discusses scaling up through automation, AI-assisted workflows, and integrated systems. Their digital-first mindset is redefining visual communication.

Two articles by Rahul Kumar focus on Chinese technology and their entry into India — Xeikon’s hybrid approach combining toner and inkjet, and Dayuan’s high-speed finishing lines that are boosting productivity for Indian converters.

On the manufacturing front, Bobst’s Pirangut site showcases Swiss precision built in India. The facility supports faster delivery timelines and provides local service for advanced packaging equipment.

The cover story focuses on Flint Group, which has boosted production at its Salvi plant and is promoting LED dual-cure inks. Experts explain how the curing upgrades reduce costs and improve press efficiency.

There is also a feature on the Telangana Offset Printers Association (TOPA), with a focus on how its president, C Ravinder Reddy, is championing skill-building in the folding carton sector. The story explores their efforts in training, offset quality, and workplace safety.

One of the highlights of the issue is the extensive coverage of the Label Manufacturers Association of India (LMAI) Conference held in Udaipur. Celebrating its silver jubilee, the three-day event brought together the who’s who of the label ecosystem. From Avery Dennison’s call to “create demand” to HP’s assertion that “digital is now plug-and-profit”, the conference spotlighted a collective shift towards smarter presses, flexible embellishment, and sustainable substrates.

In a design-focused feature, Sai Deepthi explores the intricacies of currency design after attending a French currency note exhibition curated by Rukmini Dahanukar.

These stories and more await you in the July issue of PrintWeek magazine.