Collaboration is central to our success: Shivnandan Singh

State of the industry in 2024 and outlook for 2025  
Throughout 2024, Webtech International Machineries has achieved robust growth, with over 160 installations globally, including a strong presence in the domestic Indian market. Our customers have adeptly navigated the evolving demands of the printing industry, particularly in flexible packaging and label printing. Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate an upward trajectory driven by increasing demand for high-quality, sustainable, and versatile printing solutions. Innovations such as our Fully Servo Flexo Press will play a pivotal role in meeting market needs for precision, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.  

Most popular press in the last 12 months  
Our Fully Servo Flexo Press, available in both single and dual servo configurations, has been the most sought-after product in 2024. Its popularity is attributed to unmatched precision, rapid setup times, and the ability to handle substrates as thin as 8 microns. The dual servo technology ensures exceptional print quality and consistency, making it the preferred choice for converters specialising in flexible packaging and labels.  

Are volumes up? Overall demand for print?
Volumes have seen a significant uptick, particularly in the flexible packaging and label segments. The demand for high-quality, short-run prints, driven by trends in personalised and eco-friendly packaging, continues to grow. We expect this trend to accelerate in 2025 as more converters adopt advanced printing technologies to meet evolving consumer preferences.  

Adapting to digital printing trends  
While digital printing continues to gain traction, offset and flexo printing remain indispensable for high-volume, cost-effective applications. At Webtech, we are integrating advanced automation, including servo-driven mechanisms and auto-registration systems, into our offset and flexo machines. These innovations bridge the gap between the efficiency of offset and the adaptability of digital, ensuring our customers remain competitive across both markets.  

Growth rates in the Indian market  
India’s growth rate in printing technologies aligns with global trends, with digital printing gaining momentum and offset maintaining steady growth. However, there is considerable scope for improvement in the adoption of advanced offset and flexo technologies. The Indian market, driven by packaging demand, offers immense potential for innovations like our Fully Servo Flexo Press, which addresses cost-efficiency and sustainability concerns.  

Innovating for changing demands  
To cater to the demand for shorter runs and personalisation, our machines are equipped with quick-changeover capabilities, precise tension control, and minimal material wastage. These features provide converters with digital-like flexibility while retaining the strengths of traditional offset and flexo technologies.  

Sustainability in manufacturing  
Sustainability is integral to our manufacturing philosophy. Our fully servo flexo press incorporates energy-efficient drying systems, waste reduction features, and compatibility with eco-friendly substrates. Additionally, our honeycomb paper die-cutting machine promotes sustainable packaging by replacing non-biodegradable materials such as bubble sheets.  

Impact of decline in traditional print media  
The decline in traditional print media has shifted industry focus towards packaging and label printing. At Webtech, we have adapted by expanding our portfolio to include cutting-edge flexo and offset solutions tailored to the growing packaging segment. Our machines are designed to handle a wide range of substrates, ensuring versatility and relevance in a rapidly changing market.  

Collaborations and partnerships  
Collaboration is central to our success. For instance, our partnerships with converters during the R&D phase of the fully servo flexo press enabled us to address critical industry pain points effectively. We also collaborate with sustainability-focused organisations to integrate eco-friendly solutions into our product designs.  

Leveraging emerging technologies  
We actively incorporate automation, servo technologies, and IoT-based diagnostics into our machines. These advancements enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure superior product quality, enabling our customers to achieve operational excellence.  

Evolving customer expectations  
We have observed that second-generation CEOs bring a heightened focus on efficiency and compliance. Standards such as ISO 9001, BRC, and SEDEX are now commonplace. To meet these expectations, we emphasise precision engineering, waste minimisation, and compliance-ready solutions. Our machines are designed to align with these evolving demands, ensuring customer satisfaction.  

Advancements in packaging  
Offset packaging is evolving rapidly, with innovations such as tactile varnish finishes and precise ink applications gaining traction. Our fully servo flexo press incorporates auto-registration and quick-changeover capabilities to meet these advanced requirements. Furthermore, our R&D team is exploring new techniques to help converters stay ahead in the competitive packaging market.  

Mergers and acquisitions in the industry  
Acquisitions, such as Canpac’s acquisition of Saptagiri, underscore the growing consolidation in the printing industry. We anticipate more such developments as companies seek to expand their capabilities and geographic reach. This trend highlights the need for innovation and differentiation, which remain central to our strategy.  

Diversification into new packaging areas  
Diversification by major players into new packaging areas is a natural response to market demands. At Webtech, we support this trend by offering versatile machines that cater to a wide range of packaging requirements, from flexible packaging to eco-friendly solutions.  

Key challenges and opportunities for the next five years  
The industry faces challenges such as rising raw material costs, increasing competition from digital technologies, and mounting sustainability pressures. However, opportunities abound in leveraging automation, expanding into untapped markets, and developing eco-friendly solutions. We are investing heavily in R&D to address these challenges and capitalise on opportunities by delivering innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable printing solutions.