Infinite Print seminar discusses the road ahead

Walter Kuhn, vice-president of Print & Visual Communication Association of Australia was the chief guest while P Narendra, chairman of Pragati Group was the guest of honour during the event, which also saw presentations by experts in the Indian print equipment manufacturers and suppliers. This was followed by a panel discussion on empowering the entrepreneur ecosystems. The event was moderated by Prof Madhura Mahajan, head of department, printing and dean IQAC at PVG’s College of Engineering & Technology, Pune.

Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Mehta, chairman of Export Promotion at AIFMP and convenor of the seminar said, “Infinite Print will open up a whole new perspective of possibilities across an array of ideas, media and technologies. The platform will help printers embrace, ponder and discuss about the ever-evolving universe of print and packaging.”

He added that the seminar was envisioned to offer a chance to everyone, whether print and packaging entrepreneurs, start-ups or businessmen, to gain knowledge and know-how from industry veterans as well as network with global technology and printing experts.  

P Chander, president, AIFMP, said the organisation has always stood for the cause of the printers, especially during the pandemic. “We look forward to a better interaction with the printing community in the future,” he said. 

Walter Kuhn, vice-president of Print & Visual Communication Association of Australia said Australia and India can work together to boost strengths and eliminate weaknesses. “Changes, whether technological, political, social, are inevitable, and it is futile to resist it,” he said, “The printing industry, especially, has embraced changes productively over the years, from offset to digital to now, 3D printing. The product may remain, but some of the processes will change.”

Kuhn added that the next challenge will be sustainability in every aspect of printing, from inks and paper to how we process them. “Here, India can lead the way. We have survived the pandemic, and it’s time printers take pride in their work,” he said.

In his presentation, bestselling author and investment expert Anil Lamba explained the basic tenets of investment, and the importance of understanding the balance sheet of the company for everyone involved. “Money is a liability. It has to be returned. So invest your money in such a way that you can return it,” he said. 

Subhasish Roy of Robus explained the importance of finishing in packaging. “You can do a box without printing, but you cannot complete it without die-cutting,” he said. 

Ashok Pawa of HP explained the importance of digital printing to attract the new generation of customers. “Product life cycles are shortening, and brands are under pressure. So, printers/converters will have to find a way to engage with customers. In this, digital printing, with its ability to personalise a product, can help,” he said.

Viraj Damle of Heidelberg talked about the ways to achieve overall equipment effectiveness through Heidelberg’s print shop workflow Prinect. “Our machine can print 540,00,000 impressions a year. Are we close to this number?” he asked. “The idea is to achieve minimum makeready time. Prinect can help do it.”

Amit Khurana of TechNova talked about the changing scenario of Indian print. “The way we consume products is changing. Now, there are more options, more avenues. So, printing and packaging will grow,” he said.

Peter Rego of Manroland Sheetfed said as the trend is shifting from flexible material to paper, there will be a renewed demand for offset presses, especially in larger sizes, which can help reduce the cost of raw material, power, and labour.

TP Jain of Monotech gave an overview of the company's products and services.  

Jose Novo of Toyo Ink talked about sustainability in printing inks, coating and others.