PrintPack 2025: APL inks deals for 25 machines

APL Machinery has announced the sale of 25 machines in the first three days of PrintPack 2025. These include 10 LED machines; five semi-automatic foiler machines; three fully automatic cast and cure machines; three UV dryers; two screen printing machines; one fully automatic foiler and one roll-to-roll machine.

APL Machinery has launched multiple new machines at PrintPack India 2025, including cast-and-cure screen printing solutions designed for embellishments that were previously only achievable through offset processes. The system has already been installed at a customer site, marking its commercial debut ahead of the trade show.

The company has also introduced a roll-to-roll foiling machine, which enables embellishments after flexo, gravure, or digital printing. The system has been developed to support the shift towards recyclable materials, aligning with global sustainability trends.

At the show, the company has signed multiple deals so far at the show.

Chairman of APL, CP Paul, said the company has invested significantly in software to develop these technologies. “Manufacturing high-quality equipment requires sophisticated engineering software, which is costly. Indian manufacturers need better access to local alternatives to remain competitive. At the same time, we must focus on quality if we want to compete with China and expand into Europe and other global markets,” he said.

Paul noted that evolving trade policies present an opportunity for Indian manufacturers. “With the US imposing higher tariffs on Chinese imports, India has a window to capture more global business. But this will only happen if we consistently produce world-class products,” he said.

APL Machinery has expanded its manufacturing operations, now running three facilities with a combined area of 100,000 square feet. The company is also strengthening its international footprint, having opened an office in Greece to cater to the European market.

Paul said traditional printing technologies, including offset and screen printing, will continue to have a place alongside digital. “Offset remains essential for high-volume production. Digital is growing rapidly in short-run applications, but in packaging, where volumes are high, offset will remain dominant for at least another decade. Screen printing, which had seen a decline, has rebounded in the last five years, particularly in industrial applications such as automotive and electronics,” he said.

APL Machinery has supplied industrial screen printing equipment to customers in sectors such as automotive, appliances, and electronics, with clients including Asahi Glass, Saint-Gobain, Maruti, Minda, Samsung, and Godrej. The growth in industrial screen printing has been driven in part by regulatory changes that encourage local manufacturing. “The BIS certification requirement has reduced dependence on imports and created more demand for Indian-made products,” Paul said.

The company’s LED curing systems remain its most in-demand product. “We initially worked with international suppliers but moved to in-house manufacturing. Today, our LED systems are produced in India, except for the diodes, which are sourced from Korea. Many European OEMs now use our LED systems under private labels,” Paul said.

APL Machinery’s business in Europe has grown to the point that 90% of its LED products are now exported. To meet regulatory requirements, the company conducts some assembly work in Europe, allowing products to be sold under a European manufacturing label.

Paul described 2024 as a strong year for the company, with participation in Drupa and a doubling of turnover from 2023. “Our participation at Drupa and the development of new technologies were key drivers of this growth,” Paul said. Looking ahead, APL aims to go public by 2030 and expand its presence in the European market. “We’ve already established an office in Greece and are supplying LED systems to several European OEMs,” he revealed.

On sustainability, Paul acknowledged the historical challenges associated with screen printing but said the industry is changing. “Traditional screen printing involved solvent-based inks, but the shift to LED inks has eliminated fumes and improved workplace safety. Companies are investing in better ventilation and filtration systems to comply with environmental standards,” he said.

APL Machinery is also working with OEM partners on a new system for the gravure industry, which will eliminate solvent-based ducting and fumes. “The goal is to achieve the same production speeds as traditional gravure but with LED curing. This will make gravure printing cleaner and more sustainable,” he said.

Paul said India’s print and packaging industry needs government support to capitalise on its growth potential. The industry must focus on quality, automation, and global expansion. Government policies promoting manufacturing and exports will be key to making India a global hub for print and packaging. "