This fiscal year, we expect to sell over 40 presses: Abhay Datta

Let’s start with a quick update on the state of the industry.  How has your company (installation numbers) and your customers fared throughout 2024? What is your outlook for 2025?  

2024 has been a busy and exciting year for UV Graphics, with sales exceeding 40% of the previous year’s figures. With several new launches, we now hold over 60% of the Indian market share for flexographic film and label printing machines, as well as ancillary equipment for finishing and embellishment.  

Which has been your most popular press (most sold/ordered in the last 12 months), and why is it popular?  
Our most popular press is the Ultraflex UFO and UFO AI film and label printing presses, available in sizes ranging from 370 mm to 720 mm with multiple features. In this fiscal year, we expect to sell over 40 presses.  

Are volumes up? How do you see the overall demand for print?  
Volumes are increasing significantly due to the growing acceptance of flexographic printing in the flexible packaging segment. More converters are transitioning from rotogravure to mid-web flexographic printing due to shorter turnaround times, faster make-ready processes, and reduced waste.  

The printing industry is witnessing a significant shift towards digital printing technologies.  How is your company adapting to this trend, and what steps are being taken to ensure the continued relevance of offset printing?  
At UV Graphics Technologies, we fully understand the importance of digital printing and have invested in bringing this technology to the Indian market. Our collaboration with global leader Domino has seen tremendous success at PrintPack 2023 and Label Expo 2024, where we demonstrated the latest digital printing technologies combined with digital embellishment and finishing. UV Graphics is also the only manufacturer in India capable of producing digital and hybrid combination presses that integrate almost every known printing process.  

According to one research report, the global offset printing press market is projected to reach approximately USD 2.94 billion by 2030, with a modest growth rate of 1.8%.  
On the other hand, the digital print industry is projected to experience significant growth, with output expected to increase by 65% over the next decade, reaching $230 billion by 2029.  Is the growth rate similar in the Indian market? Is that growth rate a good number, or is there scope for improvement?  
India is experiencing substantial growth in the digital segment, though not as rapidly as in the Western world. With an increasing number of digital press manufacturers, the technology is becoming more economical and accessible, which will further drive growth in this segment.  

As demand grows for shorter print runs and personalisation, digital printing offers distinct advantages.  How is your company innovating to meet these changing demands while maintaining the strengths of flexo technology?  
We have consistently demonstrated that even short runs can be printed economically on flexo presses manufactured by us. Our flexo presses outperform digital presses in terms of setup time and waste reduction, even for short runs.  

Sustainability is increasingly important across industries. How is your company integrating sustainable practices into manufacturing, and what steps are being taken to minimise the environmental impact of offset printing?  
Our company designs presses with the lowest power consumption in the market, utilising advanced electronics, LED UV curing systems, and zero-waste setups. The fastest make-ready times in the industry also contribute to sustainability.  

The decline in traditional print media, such as newspapers and magazines, has impacted the industry.  How has this shift impacted your business, and what strategies have you adopted to navigate these changes?  
This shift does not significantly affect our business, as we primarily focus on label and flexible packaging.  

Collaboration and partnerships often drive innovation.  Can you share any recent collaborations or initiatives your company has undertaken to enhance your product offerings or explore new markets?  
Our collaborations with leading international players like Domino, Kurz, Fujifilm, Siegwerk, Uflex, Creative Graphics, and HPE-Italy have helped modernise our equipment and showcase the latest capabilities of our presses.  

Advancements in technology are transforming manufacturing processes.  How is your company leveraging emerging technologies, such as automation and AI, to improve efficiency and product quality?  
We were the first to launch AI technology at Label Expo India in November 2024, demonstrating significant advantages of the AI platform. UV Graphics has also integrated the latest automation technologies into our manufacturing facility, including robotic assembly of print units to enhance speed and consistency.  

Customer expectations are evolving, particularly regarding faster turnaround times and higher-quality outputs. Nowadays, when one talks to third or fourth-generation CEOs, they know how to optimise the production cycle and improve plant efficiency. Most are certified for the latest ISO 9001, BRC, FSSC, PS9000, SEDEX, and others as per client demand.  What are your views? Have you observed this trend? What has brought about this change? And how is your company responding to these demands, and what measures are in place to ensure customer satisfaction?  
UV Graphics has designed equipment with the fastest make-ready times in the flexographic printing industry, along with zero-waste setups. Our customers can process nearly 20 different jobs daily with minimal waste and rapid turnaround times.  

Offset packaging has presented a steep learning curve, especially in areas like tobacco and food packaging.  Specialised printing techniques, such as tactile varnish finishes achieved through innovative ink applications, are increasingly being adopted.  What are some of the latest advancements in flexo technology that are shaping the packaging segment? Additionally, what developments is your company spearheading that flexo printers should consider adopting to stay ahead?  
UV Graphics has already supplied several machines for food and tobacco packaging, featuring in-line hot/cold foil stamping, special effect coatings, and in-line rotogravure and silk screen printing combined with flexo.  

In the last three years or so, we have seen a number of acquisitions and mergers. The recent one being Canpac’s acquisition of Saptagiri.  Are we going to see more acquisitions and mergers? What is your view?  
India is one of the largest grey economies, and many international companies are eager to invest and benefit from existing players in the market. We foresee significant investment and acquisition opportunities in the coming years.  

We are also seeing leading paper packaging players diversify into new areas of packaging business. What are your views on big companies diversifying into new areas and expanding their portfolios?  
Diversification allows companies to explore new growth avenues and mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations. It is a strategic move that can enhance competitiveness and market reach.  

Looking to the future, what do you see as the key challenges and opportunities for the flexo/digital printing industry in the next five years?  How is your company preparing to address these challenges and seize these opportunities?  
We do not foresee major challenges but rather a market full of opportunities in the coming years. UV Graphics is fully prepared to meet the demands and expectations of both Indian and international converters.