PrintPack 2025: Pidilite Industries expands into coatings

Pidilite is using PrintPack 2025 as a platform to venture into the coatings market, with a range of products designed for paper-based applications.

K Ashok Narayan, chief of sales and marketing for industrial adhesives at Pidilite Industries said, “We are launching a range of coatings for paper, focusing on water repellence, oil and grease resistance, and cold seal coatings, which are particularly useful for packaging such as envelopes and chocolate wrappers,” said Narayan. This marks the company’s expansion, leveraging its existing expertise in adhesives and polymer technology.

The coatings range consists of five or six products, with some already in the market. “The trials have been encouraging, and we have already started selling certain products. It’s in the early phase, but we’re moving forward with it,” Narayan explained.

Narayan emphasised the importance of eco-friendly solutions in the packaging sector. “We’re developing products for sustainable applications, such as coatings for paper cups and eco-friendly packaging. On the flip side, we are also ensuring that our products are packaged sustainably,” he said. This two-pronged approach is in line with Pidilite’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact while contributing to the rise of sustainable packaging solutions.

Looking ahead, Narayan highlighted Pidilite’s focus on expanding both geographically and in terms of product offerings. “We are doing a lot of exports now, with around 20-25% of our products being sold internationally. This is a conscious effort to diversify and reduce our reliance on the Indian market,” he added.

When asked about the impact of the recently announced Union Budget, particularly the tax incentives for packaging, Narayan noted, “The packaging industry stands to benefit from these incentives, which will likely drive consumption. We are already noticing trends where pack sizes are shrinking, especially in food and beverage products.”

Narayan also talked about the shift towards short-run printing, which is becoming popular across sectors. “Short-run printing is irreversible. While long runs still drive volume, digital printing and short runs are playing a bigger role, particularly in educational publishing,” he explained.

As the industry adapts to these changes, Pidilite’s innovative approach to product development and sustainability positions it well for continued growth.