In 2024, Zhongke India witnessed a significant shift toward environmentally conscious production practices. Factories prioritized sustainable solutions to promote a circular economy, focusing on reducing waste and conserving energy. The demand for ease of processes, along with embellishments and additional features, also gained momentum.
The Indian technology supplier has announced its participation to highlight its latest technology at the 16th edition of PrintPack India to be held from 1-5 February 2025, at the India Expo Mart and Centre, Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR.
“Packaging trends emphasized compliance with stringent food safety norms, advanced coatings and varnishes, and plastic-free production,” explained Rohit Rajpal, director of the company. “At Zhongke India, we responded to these evolving market demands by expanding our product portfolio and enhancing existing equipment to align with these trends. We implemented digitalization and smart technologies, introducing high-speed, versatile machines that offer eco-friendly packaging solutions.”
“Additionally, we adopted Smart Factory 4.0 practices to enhance operational efficiency and integrated digital applications to reduce waste and ensure compliance with sustainable product standards. This strategic alignment positions us at the forefront of innovation in the printing and packaging industry,” he adds.
The year 2024 has been a very encouraging year for Zhongke India as it achieved remarkable growth in equipment installations, both domestically and globally. In India, it strengthened its presence through numerous successful installations of high-speed machines and packaging solutions, empowering clients to enhance their production efficiency and capabilities.
Globally, the company achieved significant milestones, including strategic partnerships with leading packaging manufacturers and expanding its footprint in key international markets.
Rajpal says, “A notable highlight was our participation in drupa24, where we unveiled our new initiative, Machnika, dedicated to Industry 4.0 implementation. This vertical actively helps factories adopt Industry 4.0 standards, enabling seamless integration of smart technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. It has been a valuable learning curve, allowing us to collaborate with leading companies in India and abroad. These partnerships provide us with insights into the industry’s evolving requirements and help us continuously refine our machines to meet diverse needs.”
Zhongke India introduced a fiber molding production line in 2024. This equipment, which was demonstrated live at the drupa24, is designed to replace plastic fitments with eco-friendly pulp-molded trays. To further enhance efficiency and precision, it also launched advanced digital mold-making technology, streamlining the production process and reducing lead times.
The biggest challenge the company faced in 2024 was the rising freight costs, which triggered supply chain disruptions and impacted production expenses. This volatility in raw material and equipment costs required swift and effective countermeasures.
“We addressed these challenges by reducing lead times and streamlining logistics processes. Our overseas offices played a crucial role in supporting these efforts. Additionally, we leveraged local stocking strategies to ensure timely deliveries and maintain competitive pricing for our customers. These initiatives allowed us to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions and continue delivering value to our clients,” Rajpal said.
In 2025, the company anticipates key trends such as increased digitalization, a continued shift toward sustainable packaging, and the widespread adoption of AI-driven automation in the printing and packaging equipment market. Zhongke India is set to capitalize on these trends through its Smart Factory 4.0 solutions, eco-friendly packaging technologies, and a strong focus on developing high-speed, versatile machinery.
“By staying ahead of technological advancements and innovations, we are committed to empowering our clients to thrive in this dynamic market. We believe in ethical data operations, which is why we have partnered with an IT giant to develop a platform for industrial automation software. This promising collaboration will enable us to offer cutting-edge, AI-driven automation solutions, enhancing productivity and sustainability for our clients,” he concludes.