Printers are moving from denial to adaptation: Brijesh Puri of Packnology Graphics

Let’s start with a quick update on the state of the industry. How has your company fared in 2024, and what’s your outlook for 2025?  
We’ve been consistently completing 3-4 installations per month in 2024, focusing on our iEcho and ERP solutions. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re expanding our portfolio to include digital label presses and label finishing equipment. We expect this to triple our business.

Which press has been your most popular in the last 12 months, and why?  
The Haotian digital label press and embellishment engine have been our top sellers. They’re unique because they offer digital foil and digital spot UV in a single pass. Even our print engine can be combined with these features, giving us a technical edge in the market.

Are volumes up? How do you see the overall demand for print?  
Yes, volumes are up. Our focus is on digital printing, which is clearly on the rise.

The industry is shifting towards digital printing. How is your company adapting, and what steps are you taking to keep offset printing relevant?  
While our focus is on digital, we believe it will never fully replace offset printing. Instead, it will complement it. Both technologies have their place in the market.

According to research, the global offset printing market is projected to grow modestly, while digital printing is expected to surge. Is this trend reflected in the Indian market? Is there room for improvement?  
The growth rate in India is catching up. Printers are moving from denial to adaptation, which is a positive sign. There’s definitely scope for further growth.

With demand for shorter print runs and personalisation rising, how is your company innovating to meet these needs while maintaining the strengths of offset technology?  
We’re working across digital printing, embellishment, and finishing. Soon, we’ll also be manufacturing personalisation and variable data printing (VDP) engines in-house.

The decline in traditional print media, like newspapers and magazines, has impacted the industry. How has this shift affected your business, and what strategies have you adopted?  
It hasn’t impacted us. Our focus areas remain strong.

Collaboration often drives innovation. Can you share any recent partnerships or initiatives your company has undertaken to enhance your offerings or explore new markets?  
We’ll have some exciting developments to share soon. A lot is happening behind the scenes.

Customer expectations are evolving, particularly around faster turnaround times and higher-quality outputs. Have you observed this trend? How is your company responding?  
Absolutely. Many third- and fourth-generation CEOs now understand production cycles and plant efficiency. They’re also certified to standards like ISO 9001, BRC, and FSSC. For sustainable growth, a system-driven approach is crucial. Companies must move away from being personality-driven to system-driven if they want to survive the next 15-20 years.

We’ve seen a number of acquisitions and mergers recently. Do you think this trend will continue?  
Yes, mergers and acquisitions will continue. It’s a good sign—it shows market potential and investor confidence.

Many paper packaging players are diversifying into new areas. What’s your view on this trend?  
Post-Covid, printers have realised the importance of diversification. The old saying holds true: don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the key challenges and opportunities for the offset and digital printing industry in the next five years? How is your company preparing?  
The biggest challenge is skilled manpower. The technology is there, but we need skilled people to operate it effectively. Companies can’t excel with mediocre talent. At Packnology, we focus heavily on training and culture. Culture is the magnet that retains talent—not just money.