Indian innovation occupies centerstage in Beijing

On 30 June, China Print Magazine organised a symposium on the future development of the printing industry, under the theme, how to make printing simpler. It took place at the Arton Art Group in Beijing and was attended by over 150 global industry leaders.

Sudhir Chopra, director, Foil Printers and executive member of Offset Printers Association, represented India, and presented his paper on the development of the Indian Printing Industry.

Chopra outlined India’s dynamic USD 25-billion printing market, which has grown at a CAGR of 5.2% since 2022, driven by a surge in digital printing, now accounting for 35% of the sector’s output. Chopra emphasised India’s leadership in adopting sustainable practices, noting that 20% more printing firms have shifted to recycled paper and eco-friendly inks over the past three years, reducing environmental impact by an estimated 15%. He highlighted how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up 70% of India’s printing sector, are leveraging cost-effective automation to streamline workflows, cutting production times by up to 30%. Chopra also showcased India’s advancements in packaging printing, with biodegradable materials now comprising 25% of the market, aligning with the symposium’s theme of simplifying processes while prioritising sustainability.

In the opening address, Jiying Liu, president of China Print Magazine, presented about the key trends of the Chinese printing industry. Liu noted that China’s USD 180-billion printing market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2030, with 60% of firms adopting energy-efficient technologies to meet environmental standards. 

Hyejeong Ahn, director of Graphics World, discussed the development trend of the Korean printing industry,highlighting Korea’s USD 12-billion market and its 15% increase in automation since 2022, which has reduced turnaround times by 30% through AI-assisted tools and high-speed printers.

Yue Sun, board director and product director at Rex Printing Technology (Beijing), presented on how to make printing easier. In his talk, he introduced cloud-based systems that cut setup times by 40% and energy-efficient equipment that reduces consumption by 25%. Sun’s vision complemented Chopra’s emphasis on accessible, scalable technologies for SMEs.

The delegation toured Beijing Jiexunjia Colour Printing, and observed the Landa S10 Nano graphic Printing Press, which produces 6,500-sheets per hour with 50% less waste than traditional presses. This visit resonated with Chopra’s insights on how advanced machinery can simplify operations for Indian SMEs, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

Additionally, China Print Magazine announced a 2026 summit to build on these ideas, with India poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future. The symposium concluded with discussions on global collaboration, with Chopra’s presentation sparking interest in India’s scalable, sustainable solutions.