Founded by Rahul Gupta, Mumbai-based Globe Print N Pack has emerged as an innovative supplier to diverse sectors such as FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and retail. It is a niche player in that it supplies not merely paper board cartons but also transparent PET, and PP for primary and promotional packaging and POPs all under one roof. Gupta’s son Abhinav who joined the business about eight yea rs ago, now actively manages the operations of Globe’s state-of-the-art plant in Vasai – a northern suburb of Mumbai that has emerged as a printing and converting hub.
Abhinav Gupta at the experience center at Globe Print N Pack’s plant in VasaiPackaging South Asia met Rahul Gupta at the company’s corporate office in Goregaon and subsequently visited the 50,000-square-foot plant in Vasai. Abhinav Gupta gave us a detailed tour of the plant including its very well-equipped experience center. He explained various technical aspects of how the plant operates and the company’s vision.
A new Komori press is on the way
Globe has all the modern hardware and software pieces required by a modern packaging printer at the Vasai plant. In its pre-press section, it has Esko’s Artios CAD, Deskpack, Plato Software, Art Pro Plus, and the Esko Automation Engine.
In addition to its Komori GL640 6-color UV interdeck plus coater press, the company has ordered a new Komori GL729 7-color UV interdeck plus coater offset press that is expected to be installed soon. “As you already know, we already have a Komori 28 x 40-inch format press. Running small-quantity pharma cartons on a 28 x 40 size machine was not viable. The same applies to cosmetic cartons, which are quite small in size. With this in mind, we decided to go for a Komori GL729 with a coater of 29 x 22-inch format.
“The primary difference from our previous Komori machine is the size and its coating technology. Earlier, we used blankets for coating. Now, on the new press we will have dedicated plastic-back blankets, which function like a coater plate. Other than that, the configuration remains the same. Additionally, we have integrated KP Connect into this machine and plan to install and integrate our older machines into this technology as well,” says Abhinav Gupta.
At drupa 2016, Globe bought a Bobst Novacut 106E diecutter that was commissioned in 2017 and this was followed by the brand-new Komori GL640 interdeck UV press with inline coater. In November 2021, the company added a new Bobst Ambition 106 A2 folder gluer with the capability to process 4- and 6-corner cartons, and microflute corrugated cartons – the company’s second Bobst Ambition folder gluer. The first, an Ambition 76 A1, was commissioned in 2016. The company also has a Suba Solutions window patching machine and an MK Easymatrix diecutter, amongst its battery of postpress and converting equipment.
Rahul Gupta explains the company’s approach to the market, “We are focusing on packaging for the new generation of businesses, which often require shorter runs. Startups, particularly in cosmetics and other niche sectors, need high-quality but low-quantity manufacturing. They procure their materials and products and focus on design and marketing, so our investment and expertise meet their needs.”
Abhinav Gupta believes in optimizing the performance of existing machines perform to their peak efficiencies, rather than continuously buying new printing or die-cutting machines. “The focus should be on making existing machines more efficient through technology and AI. We are investing in upgrading our printing machines and also our consumables such as inks and coatings. While cost-saving is important, saving time is even more critical.”
A well-equipped and customer-centric experience center
Samples displayed at the experience centerApart from its state-of-the-art machinery, Globe’s Vasai plant contains a very well-equipped customer experience center. Abhinav Gupta says that the idea to establish this center came from his father.
“The experience center was my father’s idea. Customers visiting our factory would see machines and technology, but they wanted to see the final product. The center showcases our developments and manufactured products. We’ve installed a Kongsberg digital cutting machine with production tools and an HP inkjet printer, allowing us to produce short-run paperboard samples.” Abhinav Gupta says.
Rahul Gupta believes the experience center has had a very positive impact and expects it to play a bigger role in developing new ideas. “The experience center, equipped with a Kongsberg sample-making table and an HP digital printer, allows us to refine designs before committing to mass production. Customers visiting the experience center have been highly impressed. Many packaging converters do not have such facilities, making this a unique offering that strengthens our sales efforts,” he says, adding, “The idea is to provide customers with a real-time prototype. A printed sheet gives only a partial idea, but a finished prototype gives a clearer picture, especially for those from non-technical backgrounds.”
Abhinav Gupta says that the plan is to make the experience center even more interesting by adding more equipment. “This center is very new – just about a couple of months old. We will continue to make it even more interesting. The immediate plan is to install a 3D printer,” he says.
Solar power
At Globe, efficiency is not only about printing and converting operations but also how the plant is run. As part of this approach, the company has begun generating in-house solar energy to power the plant. About 50% of the company’s overall energy demand is currently met by its solar panels. “This is another way to bring in efficiency in the way we operate our plant. Plus, this project also helps us make our operations more sustainable,” Abhinav Gupta says.
The road ahead for Globe – food packaging and exports
Both Rahul Gupta and Abhinav Gupta believe that the food packaging sector in India is set for substantial growth, and Globe will increase its focus on this space. “Food packaging has seen exponential growth post-Covid19. Earlier, food parcel deliveries were occasional, but today, even the most budget-conscious households daily receive one or two deliveries. Quick-commerce platforms have accelerated the trend, increasing demand for paper-based and sustainable packaging,” Rahul Gupta argues.
Exports are another focus for the company. “We have always believed exports are essential. Pre-Covid19, exports accounted for 12-15% of our business, but we lost a major customer during the pandemic. Now, we expect exports to increase and surpass 15% again,” Rahul Gupta said.
