The decision was made by the global awards panel of judges comprising Lori Campbell, chairman of TLMI, Linnea Keen, president of TLMI, Philippe Voet, Finat president, Greg Hrinya, editor of Label & Narrow Web, James Quirk, content director at Labels & Labeling, and Jean Poncet, editor-in-chief at Etiq+Pack.

Sponsored by Avery Dennison, this award reflects the values and vision of Stan Avery and his innovative breakthroughs that founded the label industry.

Andy Thomas-Emans, Labelexpo global series strategic director and chair of the judging panel, commented: "The judges felt Harveer Sahni met all the criteria for excellence demanded by the industry’s most prestigious award for an individual’s global contribution to the growth and development of the labels industry. His history in building a company to manufacture self-adhesive labels in India, through to his central role in building the Indian label association and then acting as an influential ambassador on the world stage, all helped the judging panel to come to their decision amongst a field of excellent candidates."

An elated Sahni, while speaking to PrintWeek, said, “I am exhilarated and overwhelmed. More so because I am the first Indian ever to get this prestigious award. I did feel that I do have a chance though it looked difficult. The positive feeling was also because of my global connection. The final decision was so satisfying that I feel that all the time I spent trying to give back to the industry that I am passionate about, is justified.”

A chemistry graduate, Sahni began his career in 1971, working in your father’s stationery company, Weldon Sales Corporation. From being a company making just fountain pen inks, office adhesive and hair fixers (used by Sikhs), Sahni added different varieties of inks, industrial adhesives, injection molding, blow molding, plastic scales, artist materials, ball pens, and  adhesive tapes, to the company’s portfolio. “Weldon in stationery was a household brand built by my father. I only kept adding items to the range. I later transformed Weldon into a brand recognised widely in the labels industry.”

Sahni’s blog in which he writes about the self-adhesive labels industry in India and world has over 200 articles on success stories, technology, market size and events, among other topics. The blog has close to 5-lakh page views this year. Besides, Sahni also sits on the board of directors of Label Manufacturers Association of India, supporting and has been mentoring the association. “As a director, I try to curate, organise events that drive value for label printers.”

Sahni’s journey has been long – over 45 years. “Initially it was transforming manufacturing processes conforming to technology changes happening in the western world. Then it was my networking capabilities to grow my friendship worldwide with global leaders in the label industry,” said Sahni. He added, “I live labels, I dream labels, I continue to learn labels and network with label industry peers.”

PrintWeek and WhatPackaging? magazines congratulate Harveer Sahni for winning the award and applauds the role he has played in furthering the interest of the Indian label industry.