V Vaidyalingam: Suba values appropriate automation and labour optimisation

What are the latest advancements in your post-press and packaging technology that you're showcasing at Pamex 2024?
I'm interested in any new technologies, processes, or features you've developed recently.

We are proud to present the Blankwiser-106 universal blanking machine. Our machine is equipped with an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) technology that provides valuable data on waste generated and cartons produced at regular intervals.

We have also launched Suba's quick makeready kit for our carton erection machine, which is a pioneering innovation. Suba has also launched Lamify Advanced, a high-speed, high-automation 5-ply flute laminator.

In addition, we've launched a high-speed, precision creasing and die-cutting solution for corrugated boxes of 3-ply and 5-ply.

Furthermore, we offer inline quality inspection on offset printing machines from Focusight.

What specific post-press and packaging areas does your product range cover?
I'd like to know the different types of packaging your machines can produce, such as boxes, cartons, labels, or pouches, and the materials used.

We specialise in paper and corrugated board packaging solutions for various types of cartons, such as offset and flexo-printed cartons and flexo-printed 3-ply boxes. We also offer tags, garment accessories, and other paper and corrugated board products.

We prioritise environment-friendly practices, so we have been using paper packaging materials exclusively.

Precision and quality control are critical when producing packaging. Can you explain how your machines ensure precision and high-quality finishing in the products?
This is a statement about our company's approach to achieving quality and perfection at an affordable price. We partner with companies that produce high-quality machines and adhere to good standards. We represent the best companies in China for various product categories, such as die-cutters and folder-gluers from Shanghai Eterna, a Bobst Group company, and Quality inspection systems from Focusight.

At Suba, we manufacture machines like the Blankwiser and UV systems. We strive to produce the best possible machines in their respective categories and set high benchmarks for performance. Our goal is to add value while keeping costs under control. We believe that luxury is not essential, and essentials are not a luxury.

What measures do you have in place to ensure quality control?
Any specific quality control procedures you follow, such as testing, inspections, or certifications, and how your machines are designed to meet these requirements.

The manufacturing process, as described, is underpinned by a commitment to quality control. Senthil, our director of manufacturing, is best suited to provide a response to any inquiries regarding this process. However, to answer your question, the process begins at the design stage, where the team is meticulous in ensuring the highest quality standards are met. The vendor drawings, which are key to ensuring consistency, are subjected to rigorous scrutiny. Additionally, the product undergoes extensive testing at each stage until the final product is produced. The ultimate objective is to deliver a zero-breakdown machine.

In today's market, packagers must be versatile to produce customised packaging. How do your machines assist with this? For example, what customisation options do your machines offer, and how can they help packagers meet the needs of their customers?
Our specialty precision V-Cut window patchers and quality inspection machines allow for customisation options. With the inline inkjet station, variable data printing is possible. Our V-Cut window patcher is capable of adding customised and variable-data windows to cartons, making it a unique feature.

How do your machines incorporate automation to optimise workflow and enhance efficiency? What automation features do they have, such as robotics, sensors, or software, and how can they help improve productivity and reduce labour costs?
Suba values appropriate automation and labour optimisation. Our flute laminators, with an end-of-the-line stacker, are among the fastest and most automated in the market. With just two people, producing 1-lakh sheets in a 12-hour shift is possible, even with four to five changeovers.

Similarly, our film laminators are primarily servo-controlled, significantly benefiting our customers. We also have corrugation rotary die-cutting solutions with a revolutionary productivity of up to 12,000 sheets per hour.

Our quality inspection system includes inline stackers, and we have inspection solutions that can be directly linked to folder gluers.

Our folder gluers have motorised carrier movement for faster makeready and packers at delivery for reduced labour and increased output.

We also have robotic pick-up arms and window hole removers on the Blankwiser. These are just a few examples of the many innovative solutions we offer to help our customers achieve their goals.

Are there any particular features designed to reduce turnaround times in packaging operations – things to help speed up the packaging process, such as quick-change tooling, high-speed printing, or inline finishing?
We are constantly working on improving our production process. For instance, Suba has designed a kit that reduces the changeover time in our carton erection machine from 120 minutes to just 20 minutes. This improvement allows us to cater to the short-run tray markets and offer better services to our customers. 

We have similar examples of such improvements for our other machines, too.

How does your equipment contribute to sustainable practices regarding post-press machinery? Does your equipment align with sustainable and eco-friendly packaging practices such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, or recycling materials?
Our lamination machine uses electromagnet heating and heat recirculation, which are examples of our efforts to optimize resources and reduce power consumption.

However, it's ironic that the lamination process itself is not environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, we are working on developing coating transfer systems for these machines to make packaging more sustainable.

In all such cases, the key role is played by the materials, and it is essential for various companies and brand owners to work together to achieve sustainable results.

How does your equipment contribute to sustainable practices regarding post-press machinery? Does your equipment align with sustainable and eco-friendly packaging practices such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, or recycling materials?
Our lamination machine uses electromagnet heating and heat recirculation, which are examples of our efforts to optimise resources and reduce power consumption.

However, it's ironic that the lamination process is not environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, we are working on developing coating transfer systems for these machines to make packaging more sustainable.

In all such cases, the key role is played by the materials, and it is essential for various companies and brand owners to work together to achieve sustainable results.

How does your equipment accommodate dairy and juice products, considering the increasing usage of carton packs?
We do not currently offer Tetra Pak or related products as they are outside our business.

What are the current trends shaping the post-press and packaging industry - any emerging technologies, materials, or consumer behaviours that you see impacting the industry?
The game's theme is sustainability, which is becoming increasingly important as we race against time to combat pollution.

People are more aware of their carbon footprint and recognise that packaging, in any form, is a significant source of pollution. We have witnessed the trend of decarbonisation and destabilisation. However, we are committed to using recyclable packaging materials such as paperboard and corrugated board packaging.

Meanwhile, we are closely monitoring emerging technologies that support the sustainability goals of companies and countries.

How do these trends influence the development of new equipment or features to meet the industry's changing needs?
As the need for alternatives to plastics has become imperative, companies are facing a daunting challenge to find sustainable solutions. There are companies trying to find alternatives to plastics, but such companies are few.

With Drupa 2024 on the horizon, can you tell me about any upcoming product releases or innovations your company is excited to share with the market?What products or technologies do your company have in the pipeline and when they might be released?
Suba is excited to announce that our products will be displayed at Drupa for the first time. Our focus product at the event will be Blankwiser, manufactured in our Coimbatore factory. We warmly welcome everyone to visit our stall at Drupa  2024

Although we don't have any specific technological advancements to mention, we will be showcasing our flute laminators and quality inspection system at the stall of our principals.

How does your company stay ahead of the curve in anticipating and addressing industry needs?
Any research and development initiatives and any partnerships or collaborations with other companies or organisations that help keep you at the forefront of the industry.

We constantly listen to our customers' needs, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and search for products and solutions that meet emerging needs. Our customers are our teachers, and we constantly attend conferences and training programs to improve ourselves.

And finally, brands are asking for customisation, sustainability, quality assurances, consistency in colour and finish, and technically-fit machinery. Packagers are under tremendous pressure – to deliver what brands want but at a price fixed by the brands. What will be your advice to the packagers in India?
Our suggestion is to prioritise the needs of our customers and actively listen to their requirements. To do this successfully, we need to be discerning, especially in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world (VUCA). This can be quite challenging, which is where spirituality can help. We can navigate these challenges with grace by doing our best, staying calm, and maintaining a sense of joy.