PackPlus 2016 in New Delhi brought newer novelties on A bigger show floor

Subsequent to the success of its previous edition, PackPlus 2016 returned to New Delhi, with 30 percent bigger show floor, featuring array of new innovations stages by 325 exhibitors, comprising manufacturers and machine distributors, technology companies and an allied lot. Print & Publishing brings a brief report of the total packaging and supply chain expo, organised from July 27-30, 2016 at Pragati Maidan, NewDelhi, showing more than 200 live running machines and several fresh technological attractions. In a gross show floor of 14,000 sq m area, PackPlus 2016 was concurrently organised with SupplyPlus and CartonTech. Visitors at the expo got an opportunity to experience the showcases by leading Indian packaging and supply chain leaders as well as many from offshore countries, such as China, South Korea, Taiwan, among others. “This year, PackPlus is totally sold out! We are all set for a record-breaking edition,” shared Neetu Arora, president, Print-Packaging.com (P) Ltd, the organisers of PackPlus 2016.

Launch Platform

PackPlus 2016 was designed as a strategic launch pad for a range of new products and technologies. Several exhibitors unpacked their new products during the four-day expo, among which a spectrum of packaging displays, a line of high-speed solvent-less machines, slitting high-speed servo packing machines, range of shrink and stretch wrapping systems, got major attention. Also the expo revealed innovations in inkjet applications as well as concepts comprising innovative plastic fitments for flexible, bag-in-box, spout sealing machines, among others.

Jayesh PathareShowing its versatile range of solutions that boost productivity and profit of flexible print and converting processes, A.T.E. Enterprises Private Limited introduced its ViewAXIS MEGA web video system, designed for image rotation, horizontal and vertical flips, in four X and Y directions memory positions for easy and quick access. “This new web video system is featured with a viewing area of 128 (w) and 96 (h) mm; it has matrix camera with 8x zoom and LED strobe with variable intensity,” remarked Jayesh Pathare, vice president, Print and Packaging Equipment, A.T.E. Enterprises Private Limited.

On other side of the show floor, Mehta Cad Cam unpacked its range of competent inkjet, laser marking and coding machines designed for printing and finishing in packaging production. “In the earlier editions of the expo, we presented only our CNC routing machines for cut-processes in packaging; but this year, we introduce our marking and coding systems to which a number of packaging firms from all over the country react positively,” said Shailesh Mehta, director, Mehta Cad Cam Systems Pvt Ltd.

AutoPrint introduced its new print inspection system, CHECKMATE 50, a new revolution in imaging technology for defect free print products with 100 percent accuracy.

“CHECKMATE 50 can inspect print defects and foil errors as the machine can segregate good and defective sheets neatly into different shacks,” detailed KG Suresh, joint managing director, AutoPrint. CHECKMATE 50 accepts maximum carton size of 400×500 mm.

Key Showcases

Amar Supena, a Delhi-based supplier of machines, such as water-cooled inter deck UV systems on offset machines for online UV printing on MET PET materials, showed an array of innovative solutions that comprised laminated sheet separator (3600 sheets/hr) as well as metal halide lamps, UV lamps, belts for curing systems, among others.

Naph Graphics pulled crowd with its high-speed slitter rewinder, SLITLINE-35, designed to slit plastic films, flexible packaging laminates, paper and aluminum foil-based laminates, etc. “SLITLINE-35 is compatible with almost every material; the machine is designed suitably for various industrial segments,” told Harish Bansal, MD, Naph Graphics. The maximum web width of the slitter rewinder is 1300 mm maximum unwind diameter of 1000 mm.

At the show, Vijaya Grafiks redefined carton making. Prashanth Kumar of Vijaya Grafiks Inc said, “With continuous upgradation in technology and quality, our machines are capable to run PET/PVC carton, duplex carton and tri-ply cartons as well. Specially designed unit for crash lock bottom cartons ensure production at very high speed. Vijaya Grafiks recently installed its Window Patcher with Liner Carton Attachment running successfully at SG Enterprises, Ahmedabad.

Provider of wide and comprehensive range of printing and packaging services, with automation advancements in production process, Rave Packaging, a packaging unit of Rave Scans Pvt Ltd, showcased a spectrum of innovations in UV coating, laminations, metallised effects, among many other ground-breaking applications for a number of corporate customers in different market segments.

ISHIDA India announced the upgraded DAC-GN with improved performance for any production line in any manufacturing environment. While, QuadTech presented the new ink control software, ColorTrack with InkControl, which facilitates fast, accurate, press-side correction of ink formulation—defined to be a complete ‘colour expert in a box’. In a unique offer, SAIF ZONE (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone), a centrepiece of the Government of Sharjah’s commitment to free trade, announced ideal business platform to launch local and global operations for a number of international companies in Sharjah.

Providing a range of adhesive tapes designed for various industrial segments, such as automobile, food packaging and others, PANAMAX with its sister concern SUNWAYS, showcased a wide range of products. Quite a crowd-puller on the show floor, Bakshi Mark demonstrated Markcon (Kawasaki) automated conveying solution with integrated turnkey systems. The live demo of the automated conveying system pulled crowd. The system is custom designed, engineered and integrated to optimise operations from unloading of raw materials, loading of finishing goods, storage of finished items and more.

Zhongke, one of the leading manufacturers of rigid box making machines of different sizes, marked a significant presence at the expo with on-site demonstration of its ZK-660AN fully automatic rigid box making machine. The machine is capable to handle 250g/sq m paper in maximum. Rohit Rajpal of Zhongke India expressed his delight of being at the expo.

Finished Packaging Solutions

Under the finished packaging solutions, a line of machines for high visible blister packaging systems from leading companies were showcased. In addition, premium tin box packaging, 100 percent recyclable honeycomb packaging solutions, specialty zipper bags, PE/PP zipper profiles, shrink and wrap around labels and many others were attractively displayed.

HP, showing innovations and best-in-class technologies, presented the capability of its new family of HP Indigo presses in label and packaging productions. Samples being printed on a wide portfolio of HP Indigo presses of varied configurations were shown at the company’s stall, signifying competencies of HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press, which is designed for medium to long-run heavy production, HP Indigo WS6800 Digital Press for short to medium-run jobs, and most of all, most productive in the family, HP 8000 Digital Press is capable to handle the longest and most demanding jobs in narrow web label printing.

From automatic water soluble laminating machine, UV varnishing machines, poker-matching machine, die-cutters up to rigid box maker, gluers thin blade rotary slitter to stripping machines, Ample Graphics demonstrated a complete range of packaging solutions.

Naveen Goel with his sonGlobal award-winning packaging company Any Graphics showcased its proficiency in key innovations in a wide range of products comprising mono-cartons, dome logos, panel overlays, tags, manuals, warranty seals, promotional POPs, etc in a way that the products stand unique among competitors. “Among the latest innovations we introduce to the market include hologram effects, Fresnel lens packaging and customised raised feel effects,” mentioned Naveen Goel, director, Any Graphics Pvt Ltd.

Other showcases…

Among the other key showcases are embossing, crystal UV coating and velvet coating machines with related products. Various supply chain and automation companies also showcased their remote access and gateways solutions for packaging. They presented activated roller belt technology, collapsible doors, dock levelers, door automation solutions as well. The list doesn’t end here; there are loads of attractions with plentiful of showcases at PackPlus 2016.

Machines Sold

During the expo a number of machines were sold, see pics on right, among which Mumbai-based Summit Mod-Styles invested in Longxingsheng Machinery’s fully automatic rigid box making line, which Ample Graphics had put up on display at its stall. Among the other machines sold at the show included three of Naph SLITLINE 35, a high-speed slitter rewinder, designed for slitting varied range of materials, such as plastic films, flexible packaging laminates as well as paper and aluminium-based laminates in accurate precisions.

On the other side of the show floor, Kody Equipments had also sold its versatile S-737 slitter rewinder to Orient Press Ltd, a Mumbai-headquarter packaging major with branch office in Noida. At the stall of ACE, Excelpack shrink packaging machines were purchased by customers from north India and one from Kolkata. Avtar Mechanical Works was elated for selling its flexographic machine to New Delhi-based Surbhi Impex.

Bisleri had invested in JP Engineers’ automatic rinsing, filling and capping machine—RFC (30x30x10) 150 BPM—designed for counter pressure filling carbonated soft drinks and sodas. RITOMATE International sold automatic grooving machine. Salimar Offset, one of the leading packaging majors in New Delhi, purchased XUHAI KZ1200 Automatic Grooving Machine, of which RITOMATE International is a sole Indian distributor. The machine is featured with 1.5 KW/380V motor power and capable to run at 40m/min to produce maximum 800x600mm.

Team of Print-Packaging.com – organisers of Pack Plus 2016

International Packaging Conclave

On the sidelines of PackPlus 2016, International Packaging Conclave 2016 was organised in Phoolwari Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan. The conclave focused on print optimisation and colour management for flexible packaging, exploring how the finally converted package in every instance should be able to preserve brand equity and deliver a consistent brand experience across printing processes, substrates, inks, colour rotation and myriad other inputs.

These days, consumers are becoming cautious and choosy. Converters have issues with maintaining all colours within the approved range whilst maintaining balance between print elements and their shades. “In such an environment, colour management and packaging design becomes crucial for brand managers to maintain integrity across a brand family,” says Debabrata Deb of Future Formats, a packaging consultancy firm that has been involved in putting together the conclave.

Investors would like to know how colour management increases sales, profits and ROI. In this respect, the conclave examined and provided suitable viewpoints and solutions as more than 25 experts from the industry would unite for the day-long sessions where more than 200 delegates including brand owners, package converters, packaging technologists, procurement professionals, print specialists, managers, pre-press experts, designers, material & equipment suppliers and consultants were attended.

In three different sessions, keynote speakers at the International Packaging Conclave 2016 narrated how colour science and workflow discipline unlock the door to the wonder of colours, driving exciting first moment of truth for awestruck consumers.

The Keynote Session on Brand Management of the Future and Evolution of Flexible Packaging and Printing was given by Amitava Ray, Uflex Ltd.

The first session focused on Pre-Press, Colour Management, and Workflow. The session chairman was Hiro Fukui San (Itochu), Unicharm India Limited (Mamy Poko Pants), while the panelists included Ajay Rajvanshi, Nestle India Ltd; Jason Zhao, DuPont Advanced Printing; Pranav Bhalara, Balaji Multiflex (P) Ltd; HS Arun, Esko Graphics India (P) Ltd; and Vidhu Gautam, Kodak Singapore Pte Ltd.

The second session focused on Implementation of Colour Management in Print. The session chairman was Anil Namgude, Trigon Digital while the panelists included Tristan Zesiger, Windmöller & Hölscher; Dr Gary Mort, Seigwerk India Ltd; Felix Pinto, X-rite Pantone; Vinay Nalawade, Parakh Agro Industries Limited; and Jignesh Hirpara, Jayshri Propack.

The third session focused on Design, Colour and Print Innovation. The session was chaired by Naresh Khanna, Packaging South Asia while the panelists included Shyam Sunder BK, Tata Elxsi Ltd; Prof Dr Akshay Joshi, PVG’s College of Engineering and Technology, Pune; Aditya Pangikal, Schawk India (P) Ltd; Manoj Bisht, Paharpur – 3P; and Kiran Prayagi, Graphic Arts Technology & Educations.

The theme of the closing session was Brand Owners Expectations from Packaging Designers and Converters by Ankur Malhotra, Abbott India (P) Ltd while Suhas Kulkarni, Windmöller & Hölscher India (P) Ltd spoke about Implementation of Colour—The Way Forward.

The Big Book of Packaging launched

The most awaited book The Big Book of Packaging, written by Sandeep Kumar Goyal of Packaging Connection was released during the expo. The book is on ‘Packaging Education’ and its content is based on valuable discussions and surveys on the packaging industry and professionals. Sandeep Kumar says that the book is a great effort by hands on packaging professionals to simplify packaging. “The content is simple, usable and systematic. I am sure this will raise the standards of packaging to a next level,” he said.

‘Packaging 4.0—India Perspective’ @ AIA Pavilion

Packaging machines are a vital part of production process in the consumer goods industry. They often work in multi-shift operations, so that malfunctions in them have to be met with swift response. In this regard, Packaging 4.0 is an open forum for the Indian packaging machinery suppliers and end users. At the pavilion of Automation Industry Association (AIA) during the expo, ‘Packaging 4.0—India Perspective’ represented the shift towards new wave automation technologies that provide clear diagnostic and remedial strategies. A host of automation leaders spoke about the concerns related to the Indian machine manufacturers and buyers of integrated lines.

Founded in 2004, AIA is India’s apex automation industry body of nearly 40 high-tech automation companies.