The Indian Printing Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (IPAMA) has made two big announcements: a research lab in Noida and the dates for PrintPack India 2021.

At a virtual press conference, IPAMA announced new dates for the PrintPack India show. The five-day show is scheduled to begin on 20 December 2021 at India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida. Meanwhile, IPAMA has also been planning to establish a research and testing facility in Noida.

This time, the governing council of the organisation has decided to establish the Print Research Lab and Quality Testing Centre at Noida’s C-54, Sector-62, Institutional Area.

Dayaker Reddy, president, IPAMA said, “We want to set up a lab with all the basic facilities for the printing and packaging fraternity, so that the industry can avail quality testing services at a highly subsidised rate. I am extremely happy that we have started the work towards setting up the lab.”

According to IPAMA, there is no such lab in India, which can work for the SMEs in printing, packaging and allied industries at a very economical rate. The proposed lab will cover substrates, ink, chemistry and materials for businesses in label, screen printing, flexible packaging, gravure, offset, corrugation, digital and signage segments, with options for more additions of segments in the future.

IPAMA has been taking assistance from different associations and organisations pertaining to the test methods and equipment required for setting up the laboratory.

Additionally, the association has also engaged Kochi-based Future Schoolz for providing technical support on different aspects of the project, including planning and execution. The draft terms and conditions of the proposed agreement between IPAMA and Future Schoolz are also being finalised. Future Schoolz is headed by Kulakkada Pradeep and Jose Thomas.

Future Schoolz will be entrusted with feasibility study of the project to explore the set-up of the R&D facility. Additionally, it has been granted permission to visit leading print and packaging companies, research and testing labs for the study.

The proposed lab will be an autonomous body in the private sector, independent of IPAMA. However, the association will provide infrastructure facilities and financial support in setting up the lab. 

It is also confirmed that the decision making powers will be vested in the organising body.

IPAMA, since inception in the year 1988, has been promoting the Indian graphic arts industry in the form of exhibitions, conferences and seminars.