The next big thing in packaging

Customer demands

Our customers need the packaging to include anti-counterfeit features that are difficult to replicate, and yet, easy for the consumer to spot. At the same time, they are also looking for brand distinction on the store shelf. This means an unique design, combined with accurate colour matching, and value added enhancements.

 

Almost everywhere, companies have begun to realise that packaging is one of their most important tools in attracting new consumers. This can be witnessed in the growing requirement for value addition in packaging- something that makes their product unique.

 

Every company approaches packaging development differently. Some of our clients send us a design file for a new product, and give us free rein; we send them samples with different options and value added features, and they select the design that most suits their product. Other companies sometimes have a set idea of how they want the new packaging developed. In that case, we show them samples of developments made by our company in order to keep them updated on new additions that can be made to their packaging.

 

Innovation: the need of the hour

As with everything else, innovation is essential in our industry. Companies are always seeking innovation in their packaging: new security features, new visual effects, etc. The idea of innovation is not limited to these things however. One of the most important areas of innovation required in India is in pricing. In our highly competitive market, clients are not satisfied with a good quality product. They also need it at a competitive price. A good example of this is Cast and Cure technology. C&C process provides holographic /3D effect at a fraction of the cost of using holographic film/ hot/ cold foil stamping.

 

Challenges

The biggest need and challenge that has arrived due to the marketing drive is that initial quantities for new products have become very small. In order to increase market share, companies are required to constantly provide new products (or old products in new sizes). This has caused initial packaging requirements to be very small. This is challenging because even today, conventional printing machines are not truly made for short runs since a master (plate or cylider) is usually required.  

 

Digital printing is the most important technology made to meet this specific need. As digital printing does not require a plate or cylinder, it is more cost effective to print small runs. Further developments in digital printing such as high speed inkjet printing has helped bridge the gap.

The regulatory guidelines have also spurred innovation in the packaging industry. Guidelines such as how big the text needs to be for the ingredients or how much the leading/ kerning has made it necessary to opt for booklet printing, back side printing, and other such developments are now required to meet the needs.

 

Sustainability: the next big thing

Over the next decade, we will begin seeing environmental and sustainability regulations being mandated in India. India is far behind most developed countries in regulating factors that harm the environment. With time, these regulations are sure to make their way across to India. This will be a major change for our industry, as everything from the paper to the inks and even our ISO certifications will have to be brought up to sustainability standards.

JK Fine Prints