Are we moving too slowly as compared to the other industries?
I don’t think that we are moving slowly as compared to the other industries. As per the current scenario, the supply is more than the demand and hence there is a disparity. But if we take the positive out of this situation then the industry would be ready when the demand increases.

What should a modern press look like? ... In this sense, how do you benchmark your units?
A label press has reached a stage wherein few industries like pharma and food it is considered as a primary package. So a modern press should have HVAC equipment with positive pressure to avoid dust entering the shopfloor; epoxy flooring; a range of modern flexo presses; a range of post-press equipment; in-house pre-press set up; a digital press and a screen printing unit for value additions.

Do you have to be much more innovative than your counterparts of a similar scale? How do you cope with that, constantly learning new innovations?
Innovation is the only constant to be ahead of your game. Unfortunately, every innovation has an expiry and you need to understand that and hence keep innovating.

What is the most important skillset you’ve had to develop then?
A bit of both but more of business and management.

In terms of creating innovation, is it the R&D in your organisation or you follow industry trends?
Frankly speaking, we were following the industry trends and the customer needs for innovations but has changed that mindset. Now we are investing in R&D. We are trying to create innovations and convert that into demands.

What drives innovation? Is it a necessity or technology?
Creating a necessity with the help of technology.

Almost all print companies have diversified into new markets or applications – what is the key to that?
We already have four verticals in our organisation: cartons; labels; leaflets and recently we have forayed into aluminium foils. It gives an entry point with one of the products and then spread our wings with the other products.

What about automation?
Automation need not be in totality but certain small cost-effective changes in your workflow could make a lot of difference.

What are the key challenges facing your vertical in the industry?
As mentioned above the supply is more than the demand resulting in a price war.

The culture of print businesses 20 years ago is very different from what it is now. How do we make print more attractive?
By adding value-additions to complement the print.

One innovation you hope to see in 2030?
Interactive or intelligent labels.