PrintWeek Awards 2025: Kumar Printers wins Innovative Printer of the Year (Paper / Paperboard / Corrugated)

Producing a box that takes ten seconds to open may not sound revolutionary, but Kumar Printers, turned that pause into theatre. Its Pedal Box Packaging for Vmaz Autotech was designed to create suspense and drama in the unboxing moment, transforming a functional container into a memorable luxury experience.

The construction involved a three-shell sliding design with layered inserts, engineered for structural stability and tactile richness. Materials included two-mm Kappa board, 220 and 300-gsm FBB, black EVA foam, and velvet cloth, chosen to balance rigidity with refinement. Pre-press was handled on Esko workflow tools including ArtiosCAD and ArtPro+, while printing ran on a Heidelberg CX-104 seven-colour press with UV coater. Finishing combined metPET lamination, scratch-proof matte lamination, raised UV, and textured UV, with manual assembly ensuring flawless alignment and clean velvet pasting.

Precision grooving, foam finishing, and careful weight distribution were critical to achieving the controlled slow-opening effect. Every detail, from the metallic sheen of the metPET to the soft touch of the velvet, was intended to enhance the unboxing journey. The jury described the result as “a triumph of engineering and craft,” applauding Kumar Printers for elevating automotive packaging into a premium brand experience.

Sponsor’s Statement

Driven by cutting-edge innovations and dynamic market shifts, the printing industry continues to evolve at an impressive pace. As a trailblazer in the field, Canon India remains dedicated to advancing this growth by offering a comprehensive portfolio of digital printing solutions spanning from commercial to book printing. Our mission is to empower customers with state-of-the-art technology and exceptional experiences. We consistently strive to meet the diverse needs of industry. With digital printing gaining widespread traction across sectors, soon Canon will be introducing the new digital inkjet commercial and label printing presses and will expand our presence nationwide, setting new benchmarks along the way.