At Labelexpo India 2024 in Greater Noida, Packaging South Asia met Parwez Izhar, senior vice president, printing cylinders business at UFlex. He said India has reached a significant milestone where the number with the number of overseas visitors to the trade show continues to grow. This edition of Labelexpo, he said, had international delegates and quality visitors with serious inquiries.
Izhar further emphasized that UFlex is committed to sustainable and innovative solutions, particularly in tackling the growing issue of counterfeit goods. “We are witnessing a surge in smart packaging, that features technologies such as track-and-trace systems integrated into labels and packaging including RFID, NFC, QR codes, holograms, and more. Such advancements enhance product authenticity, streamline inventory management, and enrich consumer experiences through interactive smartphone engagement,” he said.
On industry trends, Izhar explained that approximately 20% of the gravure market share has shifted to flexo, primarily due to its cost-effectiveness and faster turnaround time. “In the label industry, flexo is gaining ground, and with the increasing demand for short-run jobs, converters are increasingly turning to digital,” he said.
While digital printing serves many purposes, it also has a few limitations. According to Izhar, digital printing cannot accommodate a variety of sustainable inks or substrates as effectively as flexo.
“Converters are not focusing on just one approach, they are thinking about growth. Many are opting for both technologies—if they have flexo, they are adding digital. Converters recognize the demand for a premium look and feel, so the future lies in hybrid technologies that can meet all volume requirements”, he adds.
“Sustainability is about meeting the needs of today without compromising the well-being of future generations,” he said. “If plastic products are used but not recycled, it adversely affects the environment. For Indian industries and markets to be truly sustainable, recycling practices must be adopted by all stakeholders— OEMs, converters, and consumers alike”, he concludes.
