JuryWeek Day Three: Packaging shines through

The packaging industry leaders and aficionados came together to celebrate and evaluate the packaging and label innovations of the year for five categories. Packaging connoisseurs judged over 90 entries with clear emphasis on labels, pouches, rigid boxes, cartons, and packaging across industries such as FMCG, F&B, and pharma.

The jury noticed developments in the conversion techniques, premiumisation, and stories being told through packaging samples. Sheetal Dandekar of JB Chemicals shared with the PrintWeek team about the transition in printing over the last 10 years. She said, “Over the last decade, printing has experienced new heights in terms of innovation and sustainability.” One sample that stood out for Dandekar was a label with gold foiling and a 3D effect on the logo.

Chinmaya Dandekar of Godrej Consumers highlighted that speciality printing is being increasingly made and celebrated in India, he noted, “Smaller homegrown brands are increasingly not only adopting, but are mastering the art of speciality printing — an art that was previously only explored by premium brands.” Dandekar highlighted that homegrown whiskey brands are paving the way forward by experimenting with impressive tactile touches and finishes.

Nitin Nair of Zydus Wellness emphasised the importance of technological innovation that supports consumer benefit. He noted that labels not only contain necessary and relevant information, they tell a story — this trend stood out in the 90 entries.

Ruma Ghatak of Nestle noted the industry's progress in F&B and eCommerce packaging. Ghatak highlighted how structural designs and material selections can impact consumer benefit, prioritising consumer benefit. She remarked that themes including screen-printing and the use of Braille in F&B packaging must be discussed in the industry, spotlighting the need for open dialogue within the industry.

Raju Kalgutkar of Piramal Consumer Healthcare noted that over the years, there have been significant advancements in sustainability, craftsmanship, intricate detailing, and post-press jobs in the industry. Kalgutkar highlighted that manufacturer-converter collaboration plays an important role in working toward sustainable packaging. A specific trend in the pharma space caught his eye — the use of holographic and letter-lens effects, highlighting innovation in the space. Other trends he observed include wash-off-ink labels, and an increased emphasis on personalisation and customisation, citing a special limited edition Halloween product packaging featuring glow-in-the-dark elements.

Koel Bhadra of L’Oreal observed that Indian printing has moved beyond imagination. What caught her eye was a 100% paperboard rigid box, emphasising sustainability’s role at the forefront. Bhadra noted several trends including minimalist and simple designs, and the prioritisation of unboxing experiences. She remarked that packaging as an experience must go hand-in-hand with functionality, sustainability, and innovation.

Sanjay Ghoshal: “Progress must be holistic among all stakeholders within the industry such as converters and manufacturers”

Shedding light on trendshifting in packaging, Sanjay Ghoshal of Diageo India said, “There’s been a massive shift in packaging in the last 25 years through sustainability. The award samples have tried to inculcate sustainability in their packaging without any increase in cost.” Ghoshal’s observation was that uncommon shapes disrupt shelves which catch the eye of the consumer. He termed such package designing as a “delight”. He emphasised more on packaging that tries to differentiate itself through different shapes, colours, and finish. Inclination towards producing packages from sustainable materials like paper was observed. But Ghoshal pointed out the importance of balancing sustainability with design philosophy and premium packaging. His message was clear: “Progress must be holistic among all stakeholders within the industry such as converters and manufacturers.”

As a man of FMCG from Marico, Amit Saurkar rooted for functionalities in various products. He spoke about perforations in airline packs.

Riddhi Patil of Glenmark Pharma was impressed with the exhibition of packaging samples in terms of design, innovation and sustainability. She said, “Packaging is always a silent salesman.” One of the key innovations in the labels category was The Skin Story's label peels off to reveal a calendar with scratch-off ink which can be used to keep track of the serum usage. A simple yet functional purpose of how a label can do more than just provide information.

The Skin Story's label

Dr Geetal Mahajan of Kenvue spotted how brands and converters focus on bringing in packages focused on delivering consumer experience and making a conscious effort in choosing materials which are beyond plastic. She said, “One such packaging sample I found interesting was a rigid box where the box was lined with 100% organic cotton. This had minimal print to make it look classy but also make the packaging convenient.” Mahajan added that this packaging features the effort on use of conscious packaging materials and the reusability of it.

The PrintWeek Awards are co-presented by: Bindwel, Canon, Heidelberg, NBG, Pidilite Industrial Adhesives, Sigloch. The associate partners are Bobst, Siegwerk, Super Bond Adhesives. Ink partner: DIC. ERP partner: Indas Analytics. Print partner: Kala Jyothi. Automation partner: Pratham Technologies. Embellishment partner: Kurz. Paper partner: Sona Signature Papers. Citation partner: TechNova. Security print partners: Rotatek, Vinsak.