Omet India, driving packaging in India with customised solutions

Omet India, under the adept leadership of managing director Pawandeep Saini, has firmly established itself as a prominent player in the Indian packaging industry. The company's dedication to delivering high-quality, customised solutions has garnered the trust of market leaders across various segments, including labels, cartons, and shrink sleeves. In a recent discussion at the Omet stand (Hall 7/Stand D7) during PrintPack 2025, Saini reflected on the company’s achievements in 2024 and offered insights into the evolving landscape of the packaging industry.

Since establishing its direct presence in India in 2019, Omet has made remarkable strides despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. “The first two years were arduous, but since 2021, we’ve been on a robust growth trajectory,” Saini noted.

The company now boasts nearly 50 installations across the country, with many customers expanding their fleets to include multiple Omet presses. “Our customers are among the most awarded in the industry, and we take pride in being part of their success,” he added.

Significant milestones in 2024

The past year has been particularly notable for Omet India, marked by the successful installation of several high-profile projects. One standout achievement was the installation of a state-of-the-art inline carton printing and converting line for Parksons Packaging, one of the largest packaging manufacturers in the country. “For us, success is not measured by the number of machines we install, but by the quality and complexity of the projects we undertake,” remarked Saini. He emphasised that the trust placed in Omet by industry leaders is a testament to the company’s capabilities and commitment to innovation.

The packaging industry is undergoing a transformation steered by three key pillars: cost, embellishments, and sustainability. Saini explained that traditional sheet-fed processes often fall short in addressing these demands due to their start-stop nature, which inhibits innovation and increases waste. “Inline processes, like those offered by Omet, allow for greater flexibility and efficiency. Customers can switch between configurations to achieve cost savings, add embellishments, or enhance sustainability—all on a single press,” he stated. This capability enables customers to create proprietary paper structures, seamlessly combining printing, priming, varnishing, and die-cutting.

Emergence of combination presses

The shift from gravure and CI flexo to combination presses is a significant trend shaping the industry. Although gravure and CI flexo are well-suited for high-volume production, they often lack the versatility required for innovative packaging solutions.

“As printers transition from revenue-driven models to profitability-driven ones, there’s a pressing need for presses capable of handling complex combinations and smaller web widths. This is precisely where Omet’s combination presses excel,” Saini noted. The ability to integrate technologies such as screen printing, digital embellishments, and holography on a single press has opened new avenues for creative packaging.

Harveer Sahni of Weldon Celloplast echoed this sentiment, underscoring the growing demand for flexible packaging solutions. “The industry is evolving rapidly, with a strong focus on sustainability. We’re witnessing a shift towards paper-based packaging, even in traditionally flexible segments like e-commerce,” he remarked. Saini added that Omet’s target customers prioritise operational efficiency and innovation. “Our customers are acutely aware that every transaction on the press matters. They seek not just to print, but to innovate,” he stated.

Optimism for the future

Looking ahead to 2025, Saini expressed optimism about the company’s prospects. “The results of our 2024 installations are already generating substantial interest in the market. We’re seeing increased demand from customers desiring similar solutions,” he said. While the company may not sell a vast number of machines, each installation is expected to be a “workhorse,” meticulously tailored to the unique vision of the entrepreneur.

Saini also highlighted the bifurcation within the industry. “Approximately 70-80% of the market is focused on cost efficiency and operational excellence, while the remaining 20-30% is propelled by innovation and the evolving demands of the new consumer,” he explained. This latter segment, with its emphasis on creative packaging and sustainability, represents a significant growth opportunity for Omet.