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GSE appoints Weldon Celloplast as new India agent

Adyasha Sinha — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:14:50 +0000

GSE, a Netherland-based ink dispensing systems and ink management software provider, has appointed Weldon Celloplast as its exclusive India agent. The agreement covers support for GSE’s Colorsat range of ink dispensers and the company’s GSE ink manager software suite, which automates ink handling for Indian label and packaging converters.

GSE’s Colorsat dispensing systems for flexo, gravure, and screen inks automatically prepare accurate spot colors by blending base colors with precise weights according to ink formulations. Using the company’s ink manager software programs, the dispensers also reuse the press-return inks left over in the press after production runs in new print jobs by recalculating ink recipes.

Weldon Celloplast notes that India’s label market is showing healthy growth. However, label converters face raw material cost pressure. They also need to meet tighter color accuracy targets while conforming to more stringent environmental legislation.

Kanwardeep Sahni, managing director of Weldon Cellopast, said: 'GSE’s Colorsat ink dispensing systems are key to enhancing the competitiveness of India’s label printing market. They provide the key to achieving repeatable, consistent color quality while significantly reducing ink consumption and waste, which are essential requirements for gaining business with global brands.'

Onno Deen, GSE's area sales manager, said: 'Weldon Celloplast are perfect agency partners, thanks to their longstanding roll-fed labeling expertise and proven record of providing premium, responsive service on behalf of many leading industry manufacturers.

'As a local contact for installation support and technical advice, Weldon’s support will drive the adoption of best-in-class ink dispensing systems to help India meet global consumer brands’ quality expectations.'

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GSE appoints Weldon Celloplast as new India agent

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The agreement covers support for GSE’s Colorsat range of ink dispensers.

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The agreement covers support for GSE’s Colorsat range of ink dispensers.

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Flint Group expands in India

Adyasha Sinha — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 11:51:29 +0000

Flint Group has planned a new manufacturing facility in Salvi, Vadodara, in Gujarat. The plant will produce water-based inks and coatings for the paper and board market and energy-curable inks for the label and narrow web sector.

The new 9,000 sqm facility is part of the company's expansion plan in India, tailored to meet the rising demand in the region’s paper and board packaging and narrow web label industries. Located within 10 km of Flint's existing flexible packaging manufacturing site in Lamdapura that produces solvent-based inks and operates a separate unit dedicated to non-toluene inks.

This development further strengthens Flint Group's robust presence in India, which includes an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturing plant in Hosur specializing in inks for narrow web labels and a blending site in Noida. Additionally, the company operates warehouses in Kolkata, Mumbai and Hyderabad, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service across the country.

The Salvi plant will use standardized manufacturing process to supply paper and board converters with Flint's optimized AquaCode range of water-based inks and coatings. These inks have been uniquely designed to support printers' sustainability goals while maintaining high performance and consistency standards. The facility will take a phased approach to producing these products, with full operational capability including in-house base manufacturing expected by early Q2 2025.

The new site will also manufacture its award-winning EkoCure Dual Cure range to serve the growing Indian label and narrow web market. This series is designed to cure with traditional Hg UV lamps and low-energy UV LED lamps, simplifying ink inventory for printers transitioning to UV LED curing by enabling them to use one product across all presses.

Flint Group celebrated this milestone on November 26th, 2024. Key Flint Group leaders were present to address customer questions and officially inaugurate the new site.

Upal Roy, managing director of Flint Group India, South Africa and Middle East, said: 'Our new state-of-the-art facility demonstrates Flint Group's commitment to the rapidly growing Indian corrugated packaging and label printing market. By significantly enhancing our local manufacturing capabilities, we're ensuring we can meet our customers’ evolving requirements and strategically position Flint Group to capitalize on future growth opportunities in this dynamic region.'

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2 weeks 5 days ago

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Flint Group expands in India

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The company plans a new manufacturing plant close to its existing flexible packaging manufacturing site in Lamdapura, Gujarat.

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The company plans a new manufacturing plant close to its existing flexible packaging manufacturing site in Lamdapura, Gujarat.

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Recoup updates Recyclability by Design guidelines

Akanksha Meena — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 13:06:16 +0000

Following its original release in 2006, Recoup, the UK’s independent authority and trusted voice on plastics resource efficiency and recycling has regularly updated its flagship publication, Recyclability by Design (RBD).

The latest update comes at a critical time for packaging recyclability with the impending increase of compliance costs associated with Extended Producer Responsibility. There is now a positive financial driver to make packaging fully recyclable and to progress circular economy ambitions. The financial implications of not adhering to recyclability standards, such as those set out by Recoup, will significantly increase compliance costs and lowers organizations' sustainability credentials.

Recoup’s head of packaging recycling and design, Paul East, commented: ‘RBD is a reminder of the importance of designing for recycling, when making decisions, as well as for marketing and brand recognition. By using the recommendations within RBD, you will be ensuring that your plastic packaging is given the best chance to be recycled in line with upcoming legislation.’

Recoup has worked tirelessly to promote the core principles and good practice in pack design that give plastics packaging a greater chance of being recycled within the existing UK infrastructure, with RBD offering guidelines to help Packaging Technologists and Buyers ensure that their plastic is presented in the best way possible to the recycling chain.

There are continuous changes to recycling processes technology, and innovation continues in the packaging industry to help alleviate some of the challenges faced by recyclers. With valuable contributions from Recoup members and colleagues from across the industry, RBD is agile and is continuously reviewed and updated to reflect these changes, including updated polymer-specific recyclability tables.

The updated Recyclability by Design guidance is available to view on the Recoup website.

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Recoup updates Recyclability by Design guidelines

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The latest update comes at a critical time for packaging recyclability with the impending increase of compliance costs associated with Extended Producer Responsibility.

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The latest update comes at a critical time for packaging recyclability with the impending increase of compliance costs associated with Extended Producer Responsibility.

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Labelexpo India 2024 marks emerging powerhouse

Akanksha Meena — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:51:32 +0000

Labelexpo India 2024 has concluded on a high note, with Indian label and package printing machinery suppliers dominating the show floor, marking the industry’s emergence as a key player on the world stage. Over 90 percent of exhibitors were Indian companies, with most international suppliers exhibiting through their Indian partners.

At the same time, Labelexpo India 2024 was the biggest and most vibrant show in the event’s history, drawing 13,752 visitors – up 14 percent on the 2022 edition and with one third more exhibition space than the last show.

Labelexpo India 2024 also attracted a record number of first-time exhibitors, 70 in total. Over half of show exhibitors rebooked for Labelexpo India 2026, a major vote of confidence in the future of this key event.

Multiple flexo press sales were reported at the show from suppliers including Multitec, UV Graphic, RK Label, NBG and Webtech.

Notable press technology trends included wider presses targeted at flexible packaging and folding carton applications as well as high volume PS labels, integration of inline gravure units for metallics and whites, and a wholesale move towards LED-UV, with multiple suppliers integrating GEW’s air- and water-cooled systems.

On the digital side, both Monotech and Vinsak demonstrated digital embellishment systems and there were a range of new UV inkjet presses.

Indian materials suppliers including Jindal SMI focused on sustainable PS materials and reported high levels of interest from converters.

International suppliers took the opportunity to showcase their technologies to the Indian market. Avery Dennison majored on its sustainable materials solutions, Durst and Konica Minolta showcased digital press technology and Domino launched its new N610i-H integration unit in partnership with UV Graphic Technologies.

HP Indigo demonstrated a 6k press and associated workflows with its partner Technova.

Chinese suppliers had a more limited presence at this show, with Weigang and Hontec displaying flexo presses on their India partners’ stands, along with finishing and inspection specialists, Brotech and Luster.

Labelexpo India 2024 also showcased the LMAI Label Awards ceremony sponsored by Gallus-Heidelberg on the evening of day two.

Jade Grace, managing director, Labelexpo Global Series commented: ''I am delighted to report that Labelexpo India 2024 was a great success. The Indian supplier industry is really thriving due to rapid advances in technology as well as innovation coming from homegrown talent. India reflects similar trends with other regions in seeing label converters moving into flexible packaging and folding cartons. We very much look forward to the 2026 edition after seeing what the past two years have brought onto the show floor this year.'

Pradeep Saroha, event director, Labelexpo India said: 'Labelexpo India 2024 was a major milestone in the continuing advancement of the Indian label industry. I would like to thank the record number of visitors who came to the show, which was absolutely buzzing over the four days. I would like to thank all our association partners especially the LMAI, and our suppliers who brought their best products to the show.'

Labelexpo India 2026 will take place once again at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, between October 29 and November 1.

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3 weeks 4 days ago

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Labelexpo India 2024 marks emerging powerhouse

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The Indian label and package printing industry stepped forward to showcase new conventional and digital press technologies in this show.

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The Indian label and package printing industry stepped forward to showcase new conventional and digital press technologies in this record-breaking show.

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Esko publishes 2025 Packaging Trends study

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:53:42 +0000

Esko has published its new Packaging Trends study, which examines significant packaging trends that will shape the industry in the coming year, including sustainability, cybersecurity and the integration of AI.

The annual report, which will form the basis of the latest Packaging Trends Talk early in 2025, includes insights gathered from nearly 500 experts worldwide and across the industry. It details thoughts and opinions on expected packaging trends, challenges and opportunities for reflection.

‘In Packaging Trends 2025, we explore how the most successful packaging companies will be those that recognize it is no longer an option simply to be a part of the modern packaging market – but instead are fully prepared to thrive within it,’ said Matthew Haws, chief marketing officer at Esko. ‘Through our interviews and research, we have been able to determine the continued consumer demand for packaging sustainability, the ongoing adoption of enhanced cybersecurity protocols, and further integration of the latest iterations of AI, automation, and digitalization in day-to-day packaging operations as being among the key factors most likely to affect those comprising the packaging supply chain in 2025.

‘Shaped by new technology, shifting consumer preferences, and a growing focus on sustainability, the packaging industry is always changing. It is incumbent on packaging professionals to seize all opportunities to boost sustainability, to leverage the latest technological advancements, to refine supply chain processes and ultimately to improve their operational efficiency. Through this new report and our latest online event, we offer an in-depth look at the key packaging trends that are set to have the largest impact on the market in the year ahead.’

From examining the driving forces behind sustainable packaging and navigating the regulatory landscape to a close look at the integration of AI in packaging processes and overcoming challenges in the implementation of automation, the 2025 Packaging Trends report explores how the sector must adopt more streamlined, robust, and sustainable methodologies to overcome the numerous obstacles faced both now and in the future.

‘Each year, the Esko Packaging Trends ebook delivers practical solutions that assist brands and suppliers as they adapt to changing market conditions, trends and challenges,” said Haws. ‘With a clear focus on meeting the growing demand for sustainability, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and adopting the latest innovations, we’re excited that 2025 is filled with limitless potential just waiting to be realized.’

The 2025 Packaging Trends ebook is now available on the Esko website. The latest Packaging Trends Talk from Esko will take place in early 2025, with details to be announced soon.

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Esko publishes 2025 Packaging Trends study

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The new ebook and Trends Talk webinar examine 2025 packaging trends, challenges and opportunities.

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The new ebook and Trends Talk webinar examine 2025 packaging trends, challenges and opportunities.

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Esko annual report highlights key industry trends

Akanksha Meena — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:31:37 +0000

Esko has released its annual report which will form the basis of the latest ‘Packaging Trends Talk’ early in 2025. It is packed full of insights gathered from nearly 500 experts from around the world and across the industry, detailing thoughts and opinions on expected packaging trends, challenges, and opportunities for reflection.

Matthew Haws, chief marketing officer with Esko, said: ‘In Packaging Trends 2025, we explore how the most successful packaging companies will be those that recognize it is no longer an option simply to be a part of the modern packaging market – but instead are fully prepared to thrive within it. Through our interviews and research, we have been able to determine the continued consumer demand for packaging sustainability, the ongoing adoption of enhanced cybersecurity protocols, and further integration of the latest iterations of AI, automation, and digitalization in day-to-day packaging operations as being among the key factors most likely to affect those comprising the packaging supply chain in 2025.’

Matthew added: ‘Shaped by new technology, shifting consumer preferences, and a growing focus on sustainability, the packaging industry is always changing. It is incumbent on packaging professionals to seize all opportunities to boost sustainability, to leverage the latest technological advancements, to refine supply chain processes and ultimately to improve their operational efficiency. Through this new report and our latest online event, we offer an in-depth look at the key packaging trends that are set to have the largest impact on the market in the year ahead.’

From examining the driving forces behind sustainable packaging and navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape, through to a close look at the integration of AI in packaging processes and overcoming challenges in the implementation of automation, the 2025 Packaging Trends report explores how the sector must adopt more streamlined, robust, and sustainable methodologies to overcome the numerous obstacles faced both now and in the future.

‘Each year, the Esko Packaging Trends ebook delivers practical solutions that assist brands and suppliers as they adapt to changing market conditions, trends and challenges,’ said Matthew. ‘With a clear focus on meeting the growing demand for sustainability, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and adopting the latest innovations, we’re excited that 2025 is filled with limitless potential just waiting to be realized.’

The latest Packaging Trends Talk from Esko will take place in early 2025, with details to be announced soon.

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1 month ago

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Esko annual report highlights key industry trends

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New Esko research finds sustainability, cybersecurity and integration of AI amongst key industry concerns for year ahead.

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New Esko research finds sustainability, cybersecurity and integration of AI amongst key industry concerns for year ahead.

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RRD releases 2024 Packaging & Labels Insight Report

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 01:52:51 +0000

RRD's 2024 Packaging and Labels Insight Report has highlighted that most companies facing inflation-related pressures prioritize packaging, label functionality and product safety. They are also investing in sustainability initiatives and expanding their e-commerce operations to meet customer demand better.

The company’s third-annual survey of 300 packaging and label decision-makers shows that, with increased in-store and online competition, inflation, and rising material costs, many are paying specific attention to the core fundamentals of production protection and material composition.

‘As consumers demand higher accountability from the brands they choose to support, building functional design and safety features into packaging remains essential to ensuring product integrity and a great user experience,’ said Lisa Pruett, president of the RRD packaging and labels segment. ‘Meeting this increasing demand will require a balance between three competing priorities: protection, convenience, and brand appeal. Brands that strike this balance with their packaging will have an opportunity to deliver a product experience customers can trust, boosting loyalty and reducing damage concerns.’

As e-commerce demand increases, functionality and product safety remain top priorities, and brands are willing to invest in the right materials. RRD’s latest report shows three quarters (75 percent) of packaging and over half (60 percent) of label respondents expect to make functional design-related changes (strength, size, opening) in the next two years, while 73 percent and 70 percent, respectively, plan to make material composition changes. Additionally, most packaging (86 percent) and label (79 percent) respondents agree that inflation and rising costs of raw materials have caused changes in how their organization sources packaging and labels over the past year.

When asked to assess factors motivating their expected packaging changes, respondents rated consumer or end-user appeal (48 percent), efficiencies in storage/distribution (47 percent), and increased product protection (46 percent) as the top three major priorities. Top motivations for label respondents include pressure to lower costs (45 percent), meeting new regulations (41 percent), and new products or product changes (40 percent).

Along with a focus on materials, companies continue to prioritize, track, and make adjustments that impact overall company sustainability performance. With a heightened emphasis on brand sustainability performance and increasing customer demand for eco-friendly products, companies strive to meet internal and external stakeholder expectations. Fifty-seven percent of packaging respondents indicate they are taking sustainable and eco-friendly aesthetic direction over the next two years to appeal to buyers.

Most packaging (83 percent) and label (80 percent) respondents say their companies have moved closer to their sustainability goals, with 81 and 79 percent, respectively, indicating their packaging and label operations specifically have moved them closer to their sustainability goals. For packaging respondents, the reduction of material waste (69 percent) remains a top sustainability consideration when making packaging design decisions, followed by material recyclability (68 percent) and material removal/light-weighting (54 percent).

Following a year of tremendous e-commerce growth shown in RRD’s 2023 report, most packaging (78 percent) and label (79 percent) respondents reported a rise in their e-commerce business over the past year. From customer preferences for convenience to brand agility and cost-saving considerations, e-commerce continues to evolve, and companies are investing in ways to attract customer attention online.

Of those trying to meet growing demand, over half (55 percent) of respondents have designed packaging specifically for e-commerce, up 18 percent from RRD’s 2023 report. Of those who have seen an increase in e-commerce activity, product protection and customer satisfaction were top considerations for companies. When asked how companies are ensuring products are packaged safely and arrive without issue, packaging (64 percent) and label (67 percent) respondents say they are using specialized materials for added protection, and 58 and 66 percent, respectively, are focusing on end-user feedback and reviews to impact packaging decisions.

Read the full report at www.rrd.com/packaging-labels-report-2024.

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RRD releases 2024 Packaging & Labels Insight Report

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Packaging and label decision-makers consider new appeals and materials as e-commerce grows.

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Packaging and label decision-makers consider new appeals and materials as e-commerce grows.

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Brotech expands presence in France

Adyasha Sinha — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:33:14 +0000

Brotech Digital Graphics (Brotech) has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Techpack, to expand its presence in France and enhance its reach across Western Europe.

Techpack was formed after the merger between Odimap and Flexowash France. It represents several leading manufacturers in graphic arts, flexible packaging, labels and material processing industries throughout France. It offers customized extrusion, printing, laminating, coating and label manufacturing options.

Brotech, headquartered in Shenzhen, has production bases, offices and showrooms throughout China, Thailand, Italy, Mexico and the USA. With machine installations in more than 80 countries worldwide, it provides a range of label converting and finishing equipment, digital embellishment machines and hybrid printers. Brotech delivers sales and service support to customers around the world.

Ramon Lee, managing director of Brotech, commented: ‘Finding a reliable and skilled partner in France has long been a priority. We are thrilled to bring this vision to fruition with Techpack. We are confident that this collaboration will soon provide our French customers with the best machines and services.’

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Brotech expands presence in France

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The company appoints Techpack as its new distributor in the region.

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The company appoints Techpack as its new distributor in the region.

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DG press hosts open house

Adyasha Sinha — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:58:30 +0000

DG press has scheduled an open house on November 26 at its facility in Hallseweg 21, to present a live demo of its hybrid web offset press, DG-Auxo.

In addition to flexible packaging and paper applications, the press is also suitable for high-end security printing and pharmaceutical printing.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet DG press experts as they discuss topics like waste reduction, the B1 format for pharmaceutical printing and control upgrades for extending machine lifespan in dedicated break-out sessions.

'We're excited to offer an event where industry professionals can see our innovative hybrid web offset solutions in action. Our goal is to be a true partner to the industry, providing realistic and sustainable solutions that drive their success, so every visitor gets valuable insights to help move their business forward,' said Remko Koolbergen, director, DG press.

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DG press hosts open house

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The event, happening on November 26, will focus on topics such as waste reduction, B1 format for pharmaceutical printing and control upgrades.

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The event, happening on November 26, will focus on topics such as waste reduction, B1 format for pharmaceutical printing and control upgrades.

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Encouraging industrial change in northwest China

Piotr Wnuk — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 22:56:57 +0000

Market trends 25 October 2024

Encouraging industrial change in northwest China

Li Xiaoling, party secretary, executive director and general manager of SAPT discusses developments in label industry trends in Shaanxi province.

Li Xiaoling, party secretary, executive director and general manager of SAPT discusses developments in label industry trends in Shaanxi province, China.

Founded in November 1978, Shaanxi Academy of Printing Technology (SAPT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shaanxi Science and Technology Holding Group, the only scientific and technological enterprise engaged in the research and development of printing technology in Northwest China.

SAPT occupies over 10,000sqm and has assets worth 19.5 million RMB (USD 2.68m). SAPT employs 46 staff, including 32 with college and advanced degrees, and 17 with senior professional titles. Since its establishment, SAPT has completed more than 90 scientific research projects and 41 of those projects have won provincial and ministerial science and technology progress awards.

‘This year is the 46th year of the establishment of SAPT,’ Xiaoling says. ‘We have always been deeply engaged in the printing industry, providing scientific research and printing technology services for the whole industry. In the early years, we developed and sold offset printing plates and inks. At its high point, we employed more than 200 people.’

“Enterprises need to break the circle of competing on price with their immediate competitors, and should look to actively expand into more diversified markets”

As the growth of the entire Chinese label industry slowed, SAPT restructured its business. In 2010 SAPT stopped selling plates and inks and looked to diversify into consultancy for print industry startups, acting as an enterprise incubator, leasing equipment and plant services and providing research and exhibition services.

‘Through the expansion of these new business areas, we better understand the pain points in the development of the printing and packaging industry, especially when the entire industry is moving from a period of rapid growth to the “new normal”,’ Li Xiaoling says.

The growth of enterprises no longer relies simply on investment in new equipment and increasing production volume but on innovation in technology, applications and management.

Converters are now thinking: how can we improve quality and efficiency, as well as reduce the cost and challenges of introducing new technologies?’

This thinking led SAPT to focus on research and development services for the printing industry, carrying out extensive cooperation with suppliers, converters and universities in this industry sector. They also take advantage of being a state-owned enterprise, which helps accelerate the appointment of professional and technical personnel to promote the transformation of the printing industry. Today SAPT is focused on being a print industry incubator, offering consultancy services and promotion of industry-university-research projects.

Slow transformation

The 2022 annual review of the 1,425 printing enterprises in Shaanxi Province showed there were 259 publication printers, 68 digital printing companies, 538 packaging and decoration printing enterprises and 525 undefined, along with 42 platemaking companies, with a total employment of 30,100.

‘After communicating with label converters, we found that although the industry accounts for only a small proportion of the entire packaging printing sector, its current growth and future potential are very good,’ Li Xiaoling says. ‘At present, the label converters in Shaanxi Province are concentrated in the capital city Xi ‘an, and the overall number of enterprises is about 50. The main applications include pharma labels, food labels, electronic labels, household chemical labels and supermarket, retail, wine and beverage labels. The proportion of paper labels is about 60 percent.’

The low degree of concentration common in the printing industry is also obvious in Shaanxi, and the scale of most enterprises in this region is not very large. However, competition is becoming increasingly fierce. So how do converters transform themselves in order not to be swept away?

‘On the one hand, I think that enterprises need to keep up with automation and intelligence manufacturing trends to reduce costs and improve production efficiency, to enhance their whole market competitiveness,’ says Li Xiaoling. ‘Official government policy aims at promoting the application of intelligent manufacturing and accelerating the construction of smart factories.

‘During our visits, we found that at present, many local label converters are aware of the need to automate and they have indeed invested in label printing equipment with higher levels of automation. According to, admittedly incomplete statistics, there are only 10 in-line flexo presses installed in Xi’an, of which seven presses were installed after the epidemic, including machines from Taiyo, Weigang, Hongsheng, Dowell, Label Source and JMD.

‘Enterprises need to break the circle of competing on price with their immediate competitors and should look to expand into more diversified markets. For example, expansion into higher value-added smart labels, anti-counterfeiting labels and others.’

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Yolanda Wang

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Market trends

GSE appoints Weldon Celloplast as new India agent

Flint Group expands in India

Recoup updates Recyclability by Design guidelines

Labelexpo India 2024 marks emerging powerhouse

Esko publishes 2025 Packaging Trends study

Esko annual report highlights key industry trends

RRD releases 2024 Packaging & Labels Insight Report

Brotech expands presence in France

DG press hosts open house

Encouraging industrial change in northwest China

Slow transformation

Yolanda Wang

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