Bindwel masterclass discusses the future of bookbinding

Bindwel, in association with PrintWeek, hosted a webinar titled, Future of Bookbinding: From Custom Runs to Mass Production, on 28 January. The one-hour session covered various topics, including the challenges and trends in bookbinding, and was moderated by Sriraam Selvam of PrintWeek.

Sajith began by reflecting on the industry’s journey, noting that bookbinding was once thought to be in decline due to the rise of digital media. However, the resilience of physical books has proven otherwise. “Books have stood the test of time,” he emphasised, highlighting that the industry is currently experiencing an evolution rather than facing an uncertain future.

One key trend discussed was the resurgence of printed textbooks in education. Countries like Sweden and Denmark, which initially embraced digital education, are now reinvesting in printed books. Studies have shown that students perform better when using physical books, as they are less distracted and more engaged in the classroom. This shift has led to a significant increase in demand for textbooks, particularly in markets like the United States, India, and China.

Sajith also addressed the changing dynamics of print runs. Traditionally, the industry categorised runs as long, medium, or short. However, the lines between these categories are now blurring. Medium runs, which once involved 10,000 to 20,000 copies, are shrinking to 1,000 to 2,000 copies. This shift is driven by the growing popularity of hybrid printing, which combines digital and offset methods to cater to smaller, more customised orders.

Digital printing plays a pivotal role in this transformation. Although the initial investment in digital printing technology is high, costs are gradually decreasing, making it more accessible for printers. Digital printing offers several advantages, including reduced waste, faster turnaround times, and the ability to produce smaller runs economically. Sajith noted that digital printing is particularly well-suited for short runs, with 1,000 copies often being the threshold where digital becomes more cost-effective than offset.

The rise of self-publishing and niche markets is another significant trend. Self-publishing has created opportunities for authors and publishers to test the market with smaller print runs before committing to larger volumes. This trend is especially evident in India, where self-publishing is growing rapidly, driven by the availability of affordable digital printing solutions.

Sustainability was another key focus of the masterclass. Sajith emphasised the importance of adopting eco-friendly practices, from using sustainable materials to reducing waste in the production process. He highlighted how digital printing contributes to sustainability by enabling print-on-demand, which minimises excess inventory and reduces the need for pulping unsold books.

Looking ahead, Sajith outlined Bindwel’s plans for Printpack 2025, where the company will showcase its latest innovations in bookbinding technology. The exhibition will feature three zones: Sprint, Relay, and Marathon, each designed to cater to different production needs. Sprint focuses on short-run, smart printing and binding; Marathon is tailored for high-speed, long-run production; and Relay, positioned between the two, emphasises the importance of seamless integration between different stages of the production process.

The masterclass concluded with a Q&A session, where Sajith addressed technical questions about bookbinding processes, including challenges related to creasing, embossing, and working with fine art papers. He also discussed the potential of polyurethane reactive (PUR) binding, noting that while it offers excellent results, its adoption in India has been limited due to the high cost of equipment and adhesives.

In closing, Sajith reiterated the importance of fostering a culture of reading, particularly among children. He highlighted Bindwel’s “Gift a Book to a Child” initiative, which aims to promote reading by distributing books to young readers. “Reading is a habit that needs to be cultivated early,” he emphasised, underscoring the role of the publishing industry in nurturing future generations of readers.

Printpack 2025, taking place from February 1 to 5 at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, promises to be a must-attend event for those keen to explore these developments further. Bindwel’s stall in Hall 9A will offer a firsthand look at the latest technologies driving the evolution of bookbinding.