International conference in Ayodhya focuses on sustainable printing and packaging

The city of Ayodhya hosted the International conference on sustainable printing and packaging from 6-9 September 2024. This event, organised by the Offset Printers Association (OPA) with the support of the Government of India's Ministry of MSME, attracted over 180 delegates from 38 cities across India, along with leaders from four nations, to discuss the future of the printing and packaging industries with a focus on sustainability.

25 Oct 2024 | By Noel D'Cunha

Prof Pratibha Goyal, vice chancellor of Dr Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, inaugurated the conference on 7 September

Prof Pratibha Goyal, vice chancellor of Dr Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, inaugurated the conference on 7 September. She said, "Sustainability is not a choice but a moral obligation. The future of our industries and planet rests on our decisions today."

Parveen Aggarwal, president of OPA, urged delegates to view sustainability as a mission. "This conference is not just about technological innovation. It is about creating a greener future for generations to come,” he said.

Prof (Dr) Goyal and Prof (Dr) Sanjay Srivastava, vice chancellor of M.G. Central University, presented the Presidential Print Awards. Eight regional printer associations, including the Ayodhya (Faizabad) Printers Association and the Delhi Printers' Association, received recognition for their contributions.

Karan Chopra, a youth representative, emphasised the urgency of sustainability. He said, "For us, sustainability is not a choice—it is the only option. We will live with the consequences of today's decisions."

International speakers shared insights. CN Ashok, managing director of Autoprint India, remarked, "There is no Plan B for our planet. There is no time like the present to preserve it." Amit Khurana, CEO of TechNova India, added, "Sustainability is about creating long-term value for the environment and businesses."

Global leaders such as Ahmad Mughira Nurhani, president of PPGI Indonesia, and Anil Kariyawasam, president of the Sri Lanka Association of Printers, offered perspectives on international collaboration for sustainability.

On the final day, Peter Deckker presented the environmental impacts of the printing industry, followed by Vaishali Pandey, who stated, "Sustainability is not a destination but a journey."

Cultural performances by students from Dr Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University showcased the relationship between art and sustainable ideals. As the conference concluded, Prof (Dr) Goyal presented certificates of appreciation. She said, "This conference is a promise to our planet and to future generations that we will work together for a sustainable future."