The future is digital!

At every print show, packaging is becoming the star attraction. The recent Printpack India showcased a host of players in the packaging segment. From machineries to equipments to pre-press and consumables…there were a plethora of options to choose from. A detailed report on the show can be found in this issue.

Besides, other technologies for packaging, digital printing is also much sought after. This is because digital printing has changed the entire packaging landscape. It offers an experience rather than just printing. It saves costs and reduces complexity, it is speedy (time-to-market) and it engages with the customers.

Special edition packages, marking a special occasion or festival, are printed effectively with digital printing to engage with the customers. For example, Piramal Healthcare wanted to release a special edition pack for Polycrol antacid for Durga Puja in West India. Almost 2,00,000 unique shrink sleeves with picture of Goddess Durga were printed using HP Indigo presses.

Another personalised digital printing package was ‘Share a Coke’ campaign.

A total of 12 crore labels were printed digitally using HP Indigo 20000 digital press on PET bottles. There are so many more!

With the changing consumer market, packaging is more than just a package.

It is an interactive piece in the brand engagement. Demand for large runs has broken down into more versions and digital is the solution to it. Innovative features like AI, Augmented reality, variable data printing, personalization etc. are adding a lot of value to it, which is possible only through digital printing. Readers can

read more about the prowess of digital printing for packaging in this issue.

Packed with all the regular features, we have tried to reinvent ourselves with a new look this year. Hope you enjoy reading it.

Happy reading!

Sonal Khurana
sonal@smediagroup.in