Industry Report: The investment driver for Forty Under Forty leaders in 2026
The consensus among the 'Forty Under Forty' young leaders points to a singular, overriding priority for their 2026 capital expenditure: advanced, large-scale production technology to unlock new market segments and improve operational efficiency.
27 Jan 2026 | 90 Views | By Dibyajyoti Sarma
PrintWeek's Forty Under 40 is an annual event that will recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of young professionals in the print and packaging industry in India. The winners are the people who have inspirational print/packaging stories. People who have contributed to the business and have success stories. Individuals who are passionate about helping to drive the industry forward — not just in terms of business success but also in terms of the welfare of the people working in the industry, in terms of making the industry welcoming to people currently excluded from it, and in terms of making their communities and the world better places.
For the next-generation industry movers, investment is less about maintenance and more about a strategic push for speed, quality, and market diversification.
The message on the eve of Pamex from Forty Under Forty leaders is capacity and scale-up. A significant portion of planned investment is earmarked for major expansion projects. This includes multi-crore initiatives aimed at dramatically increasing manufacturing capacity to meet growing domestic and international demand. For instance, some companies have confirmed executing large expansion plans, such as a Rs 21-crore investment to expand their production footprint.
Noel D'Cunha, managing editor of PrintWeek, and the brain behind the Forty Under 40 project, said, "The primary desire is for state-of-the-art production machinery that offers superior automation and print quality. D'cunha added, "This includes investing in the latest generation of printing presses, such as the Heidelberg XL 75, which provides the speed and efficiency required to stay competitive."
The strategic investment is heavily tilted towards future-proofing their businesses by moving beyond traditional commercial printing. D'cunha pointed out, "A core goal is to acquire the specialised equipment needed to service high-growth areas like labels and specialised packaging for retail and FMCG brands."
The consensus is that to meet the future demands of a rapidly evolving industry, leaders must “Build for where the market is going, not for comfort.” The planned investment in scale and technology is the vehicle they intend to use to adapt to changing times and seize new opportunities for growth.
Forty Under 40 highlights the rising stars who have transformed the industry through innovative ideas, technical expertise, and a commitment to excellence. By showcasing the accomplishments of these individuals, PrintWeek aims to inspire and motivate others while providing a platform for young talents to shine. Look out for the complete list of winners in the February issue of PrintWeek.
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