Print & Beyond 2025 explores leading the way to sustainable business

KMPA President Louis Francis welcomed the attendees and Raju N Kutty, chairman of Print & Beyond 2025, opened the day's knowledge-sharing sessions.

The event honoured the late Jose Joseph, founder of Printers Castle, whose contributions continue to inspire the print community. Joseph believed in working for a cause greater than oneself and that industry growth thrives when printers unite.

Last year’s theme, Print at 2030, explored the industry's future. This year, the theme, Build an organisation that outlasts you, emphasised long-term business sustainability, drawing inspiration from Ratan Tata’s legacy.

The inaugural address was delivered by Satish Malhotra, president of AIFMP, who highlighted the industry’s evolution from letterpress to digital.

Malhotra urged pride in the industry and constant innovation to stay relevant. Emphasising the boom in digital printing, the need for sustainable practices, and the role of automation and Industry 4.0, Malhotra encouraged attendees to embrace trends and reinvent their businesses.

Dr Frank Hornung, global CEO of Edelmann Group, delivered the keynote speech, urging leaders to dream big and take decisive action for long-term success. He presented best tips on running today’s factory emphasising the need to evolve beyond traditional business models.

Peter Anil Rego, managing director of the company highlighted the company's success through adaptation and expansion. He shared his personal experience of growing up with the company and contributing to its operations

Anil Namugade, founder of Trigon Digipack, spoke about his venture into one of Asia’s largest digital green packaging companies by leveraging technology, strategic marketing, and customer-centric innovation.

Ayush Jain, director of Vijayshri Packaging, shared the evolution of his family business, emphasising a strong workplace culture and employee engagement. He highlighted initiatives like financial assistance and plantation drives that foster loyalty and ownership.

At a panel moderated by Ramu Ramanathan of PrintWeek, industry leaders discussed key innovations and sustainability efforts.

Amit Khurana (TechNova) highlighted inkjet’s growing dominance in digital printing due to its versatility and ease of engineering. Ashok Narayan (Pidilite Industries) outlined efforts to collect and reuse 70% of drums, reduce plastic use, and shift to paper-based packaging. Murali Krishnan (Avery Dennison) emphasised sustainability initiatives, including responsible sourcing, recycling, and a goal to achieve net-zero emissions in India by 2050.

Jaiveer Singh, president of  Indian Printing Packaging & Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (IPAMA) announced the PrintPack show from 30 January to 3 February 2027.

Concluding the event, D Manmohan Shenoy, general secretary, KMPA delivered, expressed gratitude through the vote of thanks, acknowledging all participants, sponsors, and attendees for their valuable contributions and unwavering support.