At least 87 products (our estimate) of all shapes and sizes and hues have been launched at the show. Interesting new kit, which can print on plastics and fabrics and special materials seem to prosper. 3D printing and QR apps are the buzz as printers seek newer areas of revenue. Plus, finishing kit.

 

Highlight # 2

Hats off to the IPAMA team who ensured that all print stakeholders were present at the formal inauguration. Among those present were the top brass from AIFMP and INS, and heads of Canon, Komori and Ryobi, plus international print associations. United, we shall overcome.

 

Highlight # 3

One thing is clear. Savvy small format solutions for packaging has a significant opportunity. This is more than evident at the stalls of Daya, Excel, Five Star, Guru Nanak, Pratham, Redlands and Sujata.As one of them said, “Only big retailers are pathologically obsessed with volume. There are players who are rapidly growing their market share in c-tier towns. These firms need packaging that sits well in smaller kirana stores, at competitive price points.”

 

Highlight # 4

One common ice-breaker at PrintPack was Arvind Kejriwal and his 67 MLAs. As a result, the catch-phrase (other than all the jokes on sms and Facebook) was “Pehle AAP, Pehle AAP.”

 

Highlight # 5

Paper prices were discussed at length.Someone asked the indefatigable Monica Rohra, national ad sales manager at PrintWeek India, as to why the PrintPack Daily was produced on uncoated 70 gsm paper from ITC. She replied, “Made in India, Zindabad.”