INDUSTRY NEWS

EVENTS & AWARDS

Pixeljet books three orders at Media Expo

Monotech Systems showcased its Pixeljet UV flatbed printers at the Media Expo Mumbai 2026 held from April 09–11 at Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC)

COMPANY NEWS

Amul crosses INR 1-lakh-crore turnover in FY26

The cooperative giant achieves this by blending a farmer-first model with IT-driven growth

IN MEMORIAM

Bala Bhasker of GIPT, Secunderabad, dies at 67

Dharmavarapu Nagarjuna pays tribute to Bala Bhasker, a retired senior lecturer of GIPT, Secunderabad, who passed away recently

REGULATION & POLICIES

Zero customs duty granted on 40 raw materials

In a significant relief to the printing, flexible packaging and foil conversion sector, the Ministry of Finance has notified nil basic customs duty on 40 essential raw materials used in manufacturing inks, adhesives, lamination films and coatings.

RIPT Kolkata to host AI print workshop in April

The workshop will provide a structured, practice-oriented introduction to integrating machine learning and image processing into modern workflows

PAPER & PULP

TNPL re-appoints auditor; resolves INR 9.8 lakh penalties

TNPL has re-appointed B Thiagarajan & Co as its external internal auditor for FY2026–27, while confirming that it has resolved penalties imposed by stock exchanges over board composition lapses.

ADHESIVES

UPM to begin operations near New Delhi in 2026

The investment enhances UPM Adhesive Materials’ service capability in Northern and Eastern India and reinforces its commitment to the entire Indian market

ACQUISITION & MERGERS

Burda exits Southeast Asia with BurdaLuxury sale

The Germany-headquartered company has sold BurdaLuxury to Jaipur Capital as it sharpens its focus on core European markets

Building credibility in the proof era

Sport’s unique power lies in its ability to create belonging, but that can become a fragile thing to hold in an age where fans ask for receipts.

Wrap2Earn leads the shift as autos become a canvas

In India’s bustling cities, autorickshaws are more than just a mode of transport. They are a constant presence in the urban fabric, moving through traffic, neighbourhoods, and crowded streets every day. Increasingly, brands are recognising their potential as high-impact storytelling platforms.

IN MEMORIAM

Historian Jaisingrao Pawar dead at 84

The popular history of the Maratha Empire, in the hands of political ideologues, often runs aground shortly after the celebrated reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Everything that follows — a period defined by the struggles for survival of the Swarajya — is frequently obscured, if not outright distorted. Dr Jaisingrao Pawar, who passed away on 26 March in Kolhapur at the age of 84, dedicated his life to excavating that overlooked era, presenting facts to society based on truth and reality, and remaining undeterred by criticism.

CORRUGATION

BHS Corrugated opens plant in Pune

BHS Corrugated India inaugurated its corrugating rolls manufacturing plant and global capability centre in Pune on 9 February 2026. The milestone, celebrated as Utkarsh – The Rise, reflects the company’s continued investment in strengthening manufacturing capabilities and customer support in India.

Snap Kosh gets AccurioPress to support demand

Varanasi-based Snap Kosh has recently installed a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C14010s.

ASSOCIATIONS

IPPAMTA was launched at the All-India Symposium

The Integrated Printing, Photography and Multimedia Technologists’ Association (IPPAMTA) was officially launched on 24 March 2026 at the All-India Symposium held at Government Polytechnic, Gulzarbagh in Patna.

PAPER & PULP

Geopolitics driving paper prices up to 7%

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia disrupt recovered paper imports into India, pushing up prices, delaying shipments, and intensifying cost pressures on mills already struggling with weak demand and currency

PUBLISHING

Over 20,000 illegal books seized in crackdown

A joint anti-piracy operation in Delhi led by leading publishers and the Crime Branch results in the seizure of over 20,000 illegal books, exposing an organised distribution network and reinforcing industry-wide enforcement efforts

PrintPack area almost sold out

The Indian Printing Packaging & Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (IPAMA), with over 36 years of expertise in organising international exhibitions, will host the 17th PrintPack India at India Expo Centre and Mart (IEML), Greater Noida, from 30 January to 3 February 2027.

MARKET INSIGHTS

Packaging for eCommerce set for 4.8% growth to 2031

The global eCommerce packaging market is undergoing a significant structural shift. The new research by Smithers Market Intelligence confirms strong growth in 2025 and forecasts expansion at a 4.8% CAGR over the next five years. The market, valued at USD 78.4-billion in 2025, is being shaped by three powerful forces: the accelerating shift from physical to online retail, rising sustainability expectations, and rapidly evolving packaging formats.

SUSTAINABILITY

Flint Group retains EcoVadis Gold Medal

Flint Group has been awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal for 2026, marking its second consecutive year at the Gold level. The company scored 79/100, placing it in the 95th percentile and among the top 4% of companies in the printing industry.

EVENTS & AWARDS

Holostik wins gold at CII Awards

Holostik has been honoured with the Gold Award at the prestigious 12th CII Northern Region Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Awards 2025, under the medium-scale manufacturing category. The award was presented on 13 March 2026, at the CII EHS Summit held in New Delhi, recognising organisations that demonstrate excellence in environmental sustainability, workplace safety, and health management systems.

Drupa launches new online knowledge platform

Drupa has launched a new online knowledge platform to offer continuous market and future analyses for the international print and packaging industry.

EDITORIAL

The rise of books in March issue of PrintWeek

The March issue of PrintWeek explores the rise of books as a powerful growth segment for print, alongside developments shaping the industry — from Manroland Sheetfed’s restructuring and new press installations across India to innovations in packaging, digital print, and materials research. The issue also tracks trends in the paper sector and the launch of the PrintWeek Digital Print Awards, celebrating India’s digital print entrepreneurs.

One arrested for falsely leaking question paper

The authorities have reported that a case involving alleged leak of the Class 10 Mathematics-1 and Mathematics-2 question papers of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) appears to be false. Police investigations have revealed that the papers were, in fact, never leaked; rather, this entire scheme was fabricated solely to extort money from students.

CORRUGATION

Precision folds with Easyfold from Baumer

Advanced water-scoring solutions for packaging production now enable folding and glueing of corrugated and solid cardboard with high bending stiffness while maintaining unmatched process stability.

PAPER & PULP

Paper prices surge in India

Finished paper prices have reportedly surged by INR 2-6 per kg, with mills citing justifications such as LPG shortages, elevated waste paper costs, and global geopolitical disruptions. However, figures on the ground present a contradictory picture. Industry observers point out that the increase in finished paper is highly disproportionate to the rise in the primary raw material— waste paper — whose cost has only risen by an estimated INR 0.70-2 per kg. Since waste paper is the fundamental input for recycled paper mills, this disparity has led to calls for greater transparency in pricing.

GRAVURE

Smithers' report focuses on the flexo-gravure showdown

The global market for flexographic and gravure printing is set to reach UDS 347.6-billion in 2025, according to a new report from Smithers, even as both traditional print processes navigate major challenges from digital technology, sustainability mandates, and a critical shortage of skilled labour.

REGULATION & POLICIES

Henkel promotes workplace safety

Henkel recently hosted senior officials from the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH), including Sudhir Shinde, joint director, and Pravin Patil, deputy director, along with representatives from industries across Kurkumbh MIDC, as part of the National Safety Week observance.

PAPER & PULP

West Asia Crisis to impact India’s paper industry

The ongoing crisis in West Asia is likely to have a significant impact on India’s paper industry, posing a dual challenge of rising energy costs and potential disruption in export markets.

EVENTS & AWARDS

Industry leaders explore packaging at IIP International Summit

Jeevaraj Pillai highlights circular packaging and recyclability at the 6th summit organised by the Indian Institute of Packaging

SUSTAINABILITY INK & COATINGS

Siegwerk moves to the next phase with Formula 2030

Siegwerk has introduced Formula 2030, its strategic agenda for the next five years. Building on the achievements of recent years, it sets new priorities for sustainable and profitable growth while reinforcing the company’s strong customer focus

Middle East remains a fast-growing market: Manoj Mehta

The geopolitical unrest in the Middle East has naturally created a sense of caution among businesses, but according to Manoj Mehta, an industry expert and past-president of AIFMP, the printing and packaging industry in the region has shown remarkable resilience. Talking to PrintWeek, Mehta said that many companies continue to operate normally, though with increased attention to risk management, logistics planning, and supply security.