Light Publications elevates printing capabilities with Rapida buy

Light Publications, part of the Alembic Group and a leader in paperboard and carton packaging since 1965, has taken a significant technological leap with the installation of the state-of-the-art Koenig & Bauer Rapida 105, a six-colour, full UV press. This investment underscores the company’s continued commitment to innovation, customer responsiveness, and scalable growth in India’s rapidly evolving packaging landscape.

30 May 2025 | By Rahul Kumar

(l-r) Susanta Bhattacharyya and Reshma Patel of Light Publications with Shashank Surana of Indo Polygraph

The new press, installed by Indo Polygraph Machinery, Koenig & Bauer’s Indian partner, enhances Light Publications’ ability to serve a diverse set of packaging segments, including FMCG, food service, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, personal care, beverages, and luxury products.

Speaking on the strategic significance of this move, Reshma Patel, director of Light Publications, said: “India’s packaging industry is evolving rapidly; driven by innovation, sustainability, and changing consumer expectations. With the Rapida 105, we’re enhancing our ability to deliver refined, responsive, and globally aligned packaging solutions. This investment reflects our long-term vision to support brands in creating elevated, design-led experiences that resonate with the modern consumer.”

Over the years, Light Publications has grown from an in-house printing unit into a fully integrated, certified (BRC, ISO, FSC) packaging powerhouse. With the addition of the Rapida 105—equipped for fast changeovers and hybrid substrate capabilities—the company strengthens its ability to serve both short- and mid-run demands across SBS, FBB, metalised boards, and synthetic materials.

Susanta Bhattacharyya, vice-president of operations, noted that this upgrade opens new avenues for specialised printing applications, ranging from Braille-enabled pharmaceutical cartons and security-enhanced packaging to high-impact designs for premium consumer goods.

This latest investment positions Light Publications as a future-ready partner to brands

The company’s robust infrastructure now includes Mitsubishi and RMGT presses, Esko-powered pre-press, Bobst die-cutters and folder-gluers with Accubraille, and a separate corrugation unit with investments, including B, C, E flute corrugation lines, automatic flute laminator and die cutters to further enhance production versatility.

With a sharp focus on operational efficiency and future readiness, Light Publications continues to serve its legacy clients from the Alembic Group while actively expanding its footprint among forward-thinking brands seeking innovative, value-added packaging that elevates shelf presence and protects brand integrity.

Bhattacharyya explained, “The rapid expansion of India’s startup ecosystem, coupled with increasingly sophisticated consumer demands and multilayered regulatory frameworks, has elevated packaging from a functional necessity to a strategic asset. Our integrated infrastructure and precision-driven processes are engineered to support brand differentiation, compliance assurance, and scalable production across diverse industry verticals.”

This latest investment positions Light Publications as a future-ready partner to brands seeking precision, quality, and innovation in a competitive and increasingly global marketplace.

Shashank Surana, director, Indo Polygraph Machinery, said, “Koenig & Bauer, due to its technical superiority and several unique features, continues to dominate the Indian packaging market. We are delighted with this valuable installation at Light Publications, and we are sure that this will pave the way for many more Koenig & Bauer Presses in the future.”