Inderjit Singh: Embrace agility and focus on sustainability

To stay ahead, companies should prioritise flexibility in their operations, supply chains, and product offerings while continuing to invest in sustainable innovations, Inderjit Singh Aidhen, business unit head, offset, Toyo Ink India – a member of Artience Group, the Silver Partner of PrintWeek Awards

07 Sep 2024 | By PrintWeek Team

Inderjit Singh: Prioritise flexibility in their operations, supply chains, and product offerings

How does your company and your products embody the spirit of excellence that the Awards aims to celebrate?
Our company has long been driven by a commitment to innovation, delivering high-performance solutions that meet the diverse and evolving needs of the printing and packaging industry. As a trusted partner to over 5,000 printing and packaging companies across India, we embody excellence through our comprehensive product portfolio, sustainable practices, and customer service, ensuring consistency and reliability for all our clients. We provide conventional, UV and LED offset inks that meet the highest industry standards in offset segment along with specialty coatings. Beyond offset, our product offerings span a wide range of flexible packaging Inks, with solutions such as PU-based toluene-free and MEK-Free ink.
 
What can our industry learn from the Award winners and shortlisted companies?
One of the biggest lessons we can learn from them is the importance of staying ahead of industry trends and continuously pushing the boundaries of technology and sustainability. Another valuable takeaway is adaptability. In an industry as dynamic as printing and packaging, the companies recognised by these Awards have demonstrated the ability to navigate challenges, embrace change, and respond to evolving customer demands. Whether it’s by expanding into new markets like packaging or by developing high-quality, specialised products, they are able to identify and seize new opportunities.
 
Which are the products that you showcased at Drupa you are particularly proud of in the context of excellence?

At Drupa, although we didn’t participate in a major way, we were proud to have our presence, and our focus was limited to our solutions in inkjet inks as Artience Group. We showcased some of our most innovative products. The spotlight was on our range of inkjet inks, both solvent and UV-based, which embody the spirit of excellence that Drupa represents.
 
What specific contributions have your products made to driving excellence within the industry?
Our products have significantly contributed to driving excellence within the printing and packaging industry by consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation, sustainability, and performance. Each product is designed to meet the industry's evolving needs, offering cutting-edge solutions that enhance quality and efficiency. 
 
Are we doing enough to fix the perception problem? One thing we should do?
While our industry has made great strides in terms of innovation, sustainability, and product performance, there is still work to be done in addressing the perception problem. One thing we should do is amplify our success stories more effectively. We need to communicate the tangible benefits of our innovations, such as eco-friendly products like water-based inks, direct food contact inks, and sustainable barrier coatings. By engaging more actively in industry forums, social media, and customer education programs, we can reshape how our products and practices are perceived, emphasising our commitment to driving positive change in the industry.
 
A plant-based spread maker has moved into paper-based tubs. One sustainable product or concept that your team is working on?
One sustainable product our team is actively working on is functional coatings specifically designed for food packaging. These coatings provide excellent barrier resistance to water, oil, and grease, making them ideal for direct food contact. What sets these coatings apart is their ability to replace traditional plastic-based layers, offering an eco-friendlier solution without compromising performance. Additionally, they offer superior scuff resistance, ensuring that the packaging remains durable and visually appealing throughout the supply chain.
 
A rollercoaster season. One tip you have for the industry for the rest of 2024?

Embrace agility and focus on sustainability. As we've seen throughout this rollercoaster season, market conditions can shift rapidly. To stay ahead, companies should prioritise flexibility in their operations, supply chains, and product offerings while continuing to invest in sustainable innovations. Whether it's eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient processes, or greener packaging solutions, sustainability will be the key driver of long-term success and resilience in an unpredictable market.

Learn more about Toyo Ink India – a member of Artience Group by clicking here.