We expect double-digit growth in inkjet publishing in 2025: Amit Khurana of TechNova

PrintWeek (PW): How has your company and your customers fared throughout 2024? What is your outlook for 2025?

Amit Khurana (AK): The year 2024 saw steady growth across print segments, with demand surging post-Drupa. The first half was driven by India’s general elections, while the latter saw strong hardware investments, reflecting industry confidence in new technologies.

Despite global economic pressures, the Indian print industry remained resilient, embracing digital transformation and sustainability. Packaging led the way, with major expansions in flexible and mono carton segments, backed by global investments. Publishing saw continued growth, fueled by the National Education Policy (NEP) and rising exports, with high-speed inkjet adoption gaining momentum. We expect double-digit growth in inkjet publishing in 2025 as publishers seek faster, cost-effective and sustainable alternatives.

Newspapers remained stable, with profitability improving due to a favorable newsprint cycle. Commercial printing is evolving, integrating hybrid solutions that combine packaging and digital technologies. Increased investments in packaging machinery highlight the growing demand for advanced solutions.

Looking ahead, 2025 will be a year of accelerated innovation and investment, with digital, sustainable and hybrid solutions shaping the future.

PW: Which has been your most popular press (most sold/ordered in the last 12 months) and why is it popular?

AK: As you are aware, TechNova is not in the business of selling printing presses but providing total imaging solutions, spanning consumables, hardware, software and advisory services across offset, digital and flexo technologies for the packaging, publishing, commercial and newspaper printing industries.

At TechNova, we maintain a strategic balance between conventional and digital solutions, ensuring that our offerings align with evolving customer needs.

In the offset segment, thermal CTP plates continue to dominate, with a significant industry-wide shift toward thermal technology. With over 2,000 CTP installations, TechNova holds the largest installed base in the industry, reaffirming our leadership.

In digital printing, each segment has witnessed strong growth over the past 12 months.

In commercial printing, Konica Minolta digital solutions remain the preferred choice for their reliability and cost-effectiveness.

In publication printing, founder inkjet solutions have gained traction, driven by the demand for high-speed, cost-efficient book and magazine production. We also offer the revolutionary HP PageWide inkjet web presses, which provide exceptional speed, efficiency, and scalability for digital publishing.

In packaging, HP Indigo solutions continue to lead, enabling premium short-run and customised packaging applications.

Beyond hardware, we have seen substantial growth in software solutions, as businesses increasingly adopt workflow automation to enhance productivity and efficiency. Our mission remains to provide future-ready solutions that empower printers to adapt, evolve, and thrive in an ever-changing print landscape.

PW: Are volumes up? How do you see the overall demand for print?

AK: Print volumes are on the rise, driven by evolving market dynamics and shifting consumer behaviours. Key growth drivers include rapid urbanisation, rising middle-class incomes, the expansion of eCommerce and increasing demand from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. While offset printing remains stable, digital printing is experiencing significant momentum, fuelled by shorter run-lengths, personalisation and quicker turnaround needs.

India’s per capita print consumption is still below global benchmarks, but this gap is narrowing as businesses and consumers increasingly recognise the value of print. Rising disposable incomes, improved education levels and growing demand for localized content are further propelling industry expansion. With print playing a crucial role in branding, packaging and information dissemination, we anticipate sustained growth across all major segments in the coming years.

PW: The printing industry is witnessing a significant shift towards digital printing technologies. How is your company adapting to this trend and what steps are being taken to ensure the continued relevance of offset printing? 

AK: The shift towards digital printing is undeniable, but offset remains the backbone of the industry, holding 90% of the Indian print market. While digital is growing rapidly, its adoption varies across segments. There is a strong digital adoption in commercial and publishing, driven by demand for short-runs, personalisation, and faster turnaround times. In packaging, digital has grown in select segments, such as labels and short-run packaging, but mainstream packaging remains predominantly conventional. In newspapers, digital adoption is limited, with offset continuing to dominate due to cost efficiencies and high-volume requirements.

At TechNova, we ensure offset remains competitive while embracing digital transformation. We continuously innovate our offset portfolio with next-gen digital offset plates, designed for superior print quality, efficiency and productivity; a sustainable product lineup, including processless and chem-free plates, green chemicals and low-energy CTPs; a digital supply chain to improve efficiencies and reduce turnaround times; and value-added services such as automation, energy conservation, and workflow optimisation.

While digital printing is gaining traction, we advocate a hybrid approach that allows printers to leverage the strengths of both technologies. Our portfolio includes cutting-edge digital solutions for commercial, publishing and packaging, while our offset innovations enhance efficiency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

By integrating workflow automation, digital finishing and hybrid printing technologies, TechNova is helping businesses stay competitive, adaptable, and future-ready in an evolving print landscape.

PW: According to research, the global offset printing press market is projected to reach approximately USD 2.94-billion by 2030, growing at a modest rate of 1.8%. Meanwhile, the digital print industry is expected to see a 65% growth, reaching USD 230-billion by 2029. Is the growth rate similar in the Indian market? Is there scope for improvement?

AK: India’s print market follows a unique trajectory, where offset and digital will continue to coexist. Unlike smaller, developed markets that adopt digital faster, India’s scale, cost sensitivity and diverse print applications keep offset dominant in commercial, newspaper and packaging segments.

However, digital is steadily growing in short-run, personalised and on-demand applications. Adoption will accelerate with advancements in inkjet technology, lower costs and rising demand for customisation. The future lies in hybrid models, integrating digital and offset for efficiency, reduced waste and expanded service offerings. As technology evolves, digital print growth in India will gain momentum.

PW: As demand grows for shorter print runs and personalisation, digital printing offers distinct advantages. How is your company innovating to meet these changing demands while maintaining the strengths of offset technology?

AK: Offset printing remains strong, especially in packaging, with over 100 new presses installed in the last two years. Meanwhile, digital printing is gaining momentum, driven by e-commerce, short-run production, personalization, anti-counterfeiting and fintech applications.

At TechNova, we bridge both worlds – enhancing offset through automation, sustainability and cost optimization, while driving digital innovation with advanced inkjet and toner-based solutions. The future lies in hybrid workflows, where offset’s efficiency meets digital’s flexibility, enabling greater adaptability and profitability.

As new segments emerge, offset will remain dominant in mass production, while digital unlocks opportunities for customisation. Our mission is to equip printers with the right technology mix to stay ahead in an evolving industry.

PW: Sustainability is increasingly important across industries. How is your company integrating sustainable practices into manufacturing and what steps are being taken to minimize the environmental impact of offset printing?

AK: Sustainability is no longer a choice – it’s an urgent global priority. Consumers and businesses demand greener solutions, and TechNova is committed to driving sustainable innovation in print.

Sustainability is embedded in our manufacturing, product development and operations. We have pioneered eco-friendly plates like Kratos and Vista, along with environmentally responsible pressroom chemicals, reducing waste and carbon footprint. Our digital solutions come from world-class partners who prioritise sustainability, ensuring compliance with global environmental standards.

The industry must embrace green practices not just as an obligation, but as a responsibility toward future generations. At TechNova, we believe every step – from manufacturing to process optimization – must contribute to a sustainable planet. The time to act is now.

PW: The decline in traditional print media, such as newspapers and magazines, has impacted the industry. How has this shift impacted your business and what strategies have you adopted to navigate these changes?

AK: Despite global shifts, India’s newspaper industry remains resilient, printing 5-6 crore copies daily for a population of 140 crore – the highest in the world. Newspapers continue to be the most credible source of news, with print ads delivering stronger reach and response than digital. Since Covid-19, the sector has rebounded, driven by rising incomes, growing literacy and expanding regional readership.

At TechNova, we support this evolution with innovative, cost-effective solutions that enhance quality, efficiency and sustainability. While digital media grows, print remains irreplaceable in India’s media landscape. By embracing automation, hybrid publishing and optimized production, newspapers can stay competitive. Our goal is to equip publishers with the right mix of technologies, ensuring they remain future-ready.

PW: Collaboration and partnerships often drive innovation. Can you share any recent collaborations or initiatives your company has undertaken to enhance your product offerings or explore new markets?

AK: TechNova brings the best global technologies to Indian printers through a combination of in-house innovation and strategic alliances. We have curated partnerships with world-leading companies across offset, digital and flexo to offer cutting-edge consumables, hardware and software for packaging, publishing, commercial and newspaper printing.

Alongside our alliances, our in-house R&D continues to drive innovation, with next-generation plates and chemicals that are highly valued for their performance and sustainability. We also work closely with customers to integrate pre-press, press and post-press solutions, ensuring seamless workflows, enhanced efficiency and superior print quality.

Through this dual approach, best-in-class global partnerships and homegrown innovations, TechNova empowers Indian printers with the right mix of technology to stay ahead in an evolving industry.

PW: How is your company leveraging emerging technologies, such as automation and AI, to improve efficiency and product quality?

AK: AI is transforming the print industry, optimising turnaround times, data integrity and workflow automation at every level – from suppliers to printers to end customers. Innovations like Deepseek have disrupted the landscape, accelerating the adoption of AI-driven solutions across the sector.

At TechNova, we are leveraging AI-driven data analytics to enhance customer service, logistics and factory operations, ensuring faster response times, improved efficiency and seamless workflows. As AI continues to evolve, its integration across the entire value chain will be crucial in driving productivity and innovation in print.

PW: Have you observed an increase in certifications such as ISO 9001, BRC, FSSC, and SEDEX among third- and fourth-generation CEOs? What has driven this change?

AK: The demand for global certifications is rising as India cements its position as a key manufacturing hub. The China +1 strategy has accelerated this shift, pushing Indian businesses to adopt ISO 9001, BRC, FSSC, SEDEX and other international standards to stay competitive.

Customers now seek world-class technologies that meet stringent compliance and sustainability goals. At TechNova, we go beyond products – offering consultative support and training to help businesses achieve certification compliance, operational excellence and global market readiness.

PW: What are the latest advancements in offset technology shaping the packaging segment?

AK: Offset printing in packaging is evolving rapidly, driven by the need for faster turnaround times, superior print quality and optimized finishing solutions.

Key advancements include seven-colour coaters that expand the colour gamut, enabling richer and more vibrant packaging designs. UV overprint varnishes (OPVs) enhance durability and finish, ensuring premium aesthetics and protection.

Manufacturers are also adopting higher-speed presses with reduced makeready times, improving efficiency without compromising quality. Additionally, advanced ink roller train designs are delivering greater consistency, minimising waste and enhancing overall print stability. These innovations are shaping the future of offset packaging, making it more adaptable to evolving brand and consumer demands.

PW: The print industry has seen increased mergers and acquisitions. What is your view on this trend?

AK: The surge in mergers and acquisitions reflects growing investor confidence in the print and packaging sector. Global private equity players view packaging as a stable, high-growth opportunity, driving industry consolidation.

India’s vast market potential is attracting increased PE investments, a trend we expect to accelerate. Beyond capital infusion, these investments bring expertise in process optimization, global partnerships and industry best practices, fostering innovation and long-term growth. This consolidation is a positive development, strengthening the industry’s competitiveness on a global scale.

PW: Leading paper packaging players are diversifying into new segments. What are your thoughts?

AK: Diversification is a natural progression as companies seek new growth engines and opportunities. Leading paper packaging players are expanding both forward into B2C markets and backwards to streamline supply chains, reshaping the industry landscape.

At TechNova, we actively collaborate with global partners to develop solutions that cater to these emerging segments. This shift is driving innovation, efficiency and new possibilities for collaboration, ensuring the industry stays agile and future-ready.

PW: What are the key challenges and opportunities for the offset/digital printing industry over the next five years?

AK: The next five years will be defined by the industry’s ability to balance digital and offset printing while leveraging technology and automation for greater efficiency. While digital awareness is growing, the key challenge remains ensuring the right products reach the right markets at the right time.

For digital printing, the focus will be on optimising OPEX, reducing running costs, integrating processes and enhancing finishing solutions to meet evolving customer demands. Meanwhile, offset printing will face pressures from regulatory changes, shorter-run requirements and cost constraints, pushing the need for leaner, more efficient operations.

The future belongs to printers who can seamlessly integrate digital and conventional workflows, adopt automation and embrace process optimisation. Those who innovate and adapt will be best positioned for sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving print landscape.