Maiden edition of IntraPac India achieves resounding success amid overwhelming responses

With new product launches, live demonstrations of machines, showcases of innovative products and solutions… IntraPac India 2024 has set a new paradigm as a first ever complete and premier packaging show in India. The show gathers quality and focused crowds pouring in from all over India and overseas. The show increasingly pulled more than 12,000 focused and valued trade visitors.

Grand opening

Amid a host of dignitaries comprising the India packaging industry’s leaders, veterans, and experts, the grand opening of IntraPac India 2024 marked in an auspicious and cheerful way. The industry leaders and guests from India and overseas who graced the opening ceremony of the premier and compete show on the packaging industry included Chandrasekhar Rajagopalan, President, Indian Flexible Packaging & Folding Cartons Manufacturers Association; Sameer Chaturvedi, Supply Chain Head, Haldiram Ltd; Manoj Kochar, President, ASPA; Devinder Pal Singh, President, All India Plastic Industries Association; Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, India Exposition and Mart Ltd; Artem Ukolov, Lead Trade Specialist, Trade Representation of the Russian Federation; Jaiveer Singh, President, IPAMA; Vinay Kumar Gupta, General Secretary, IPAMA; Suresh Kumar, Treasurer, IPAMA; and Alpesh Thakar, Chairman, IntraPac India Committee–IPAMA.

“It’s a great pleasure to unveil the first edition of IntraPac India which is graced by 175 prominent exhibitors from India and overseas. My heartfelt gratitude is towards all exhibitors, stakeholders, and industry veterans who gather together to make IntraPac India 2024 successful,” announced Jaiveer Singh, adding that the show is a new testament to the vibrant and ever growing Indian packaging industry.

Jaiveer further adds that IntraPac India 2024 is such a complete packaging show ever organised by IPAMA to ENGAGE, LEARN and CONNECT among all the industry people together to garner prosperity and new level of growth and expansion. “Thank you very much for your valuable presence,” he concluded.

All the dignitaries at the inaugural event of IntraPac India 2024 had shown their goodwill gestures and overall enthusiasm about the first edition of IPAMA’s exclusive show on the packaging industry. In the vote of thanks delivered by Suresh Kumar, Treasurer, IPAMA, he expressed the deepest gratitude to IPAMA President Jaiveer Singh for the overall effort and accomplishment of IntraPac India 2024.

Conclusively, Suresh Kumar conveyed, “My gratitude is for all the dignitaries comprising the industry leaders and experts. Your presence at the show is really important. And the last, not the least, I appreciate the collective efforts and dedication of IPAMA members without you the show wouldn’t have happened in the way what it is today.”

ASPA conference on ‘Authentication, Traceability and Secure Sustainable Packaging’

Organised by ASPA (Authentication Solution Providers’ Association) in collaboration with IPAMA, conference on ‘Authentication, Traceability and Secure Sustainable Packaging’ was held on the sidelines of IntraPac India 2024 on March 15. A panel of keynote speakers discussed and discoursed about the importance of authentication and related activities in the packaging industry.

Jaiveer Singh, President of IPAMA, appreciated the industry for taking up such steps towards securing and safeguarding in the packaging industry. In the similar tone, Manoj Kochar, President, ASPA (Authentication Solution Providers’ Association) shared the fact that forging partnership and collaboration for sustainable packaging using the best and advanced technologies and solutions is the need of the hour.

Moderated by Somnath Dutta, a panel of keynote speakers at the conference comprised Ajai Srivastava, Former Director, SPMCIL (Security Printing & Minting Corporation of India Limited); Manoj Kochar, President, ASPA; Honey Bhardwaj, Deputy General Manager–Brand Protection, Dhanuka Agritech Ltd; and Pratibha Malakar, AVP–Chem Analyst (Sister Concern of Tech Sci Research Consulting).

On the need of authentication, Ajai Srivastava pointed out the fact that integration of authentication and traceability are the need of the hour in the industry which everyone is looking ahead to make it sustainable in terms of technologies and solutions. Recalling the journey of ASPA, Manoj Kochar shared that every manufacturer in the packaging sector and its members must gear up to implement and integrate high-end solutions for authentication and traceability for future sustainability.

In her word of concern, Pratibha Malakar said that they have built a digital platform for product authentication and traceability. “We have followed around 450 commodity trends, with which we make sure the sustainability and traceability from the manufacturers and suppliers’ point of view,” she mentioned. In the similar tone, Honey Bhardwaj shared that Dhanuka Agritech has built some authentication solutions for crops and farmers with an aim to end the counterfeiting menace in the sector.

Key takeaways from the conference were the need of authentication for everyone involving in manufacturing and supply chains, not only to protect products or machines, but also nurturing a sustainable future of the ever growing packaging industry.

Key showcases

Among the exhibitors showcasing key products during the IntraPac India 2024, Apsom Infotex unveiled a line of groundbreaking OKI Pro 9000 packaging & production printers alongside the Pro 1050 label printers. “OKI Pro 9000 Series caters to the exacting demands of the packaging and commercial printing market through meticulous craftsmanship,” says Gulshan Kumar Alwadhi, Business Head – OKI, Apsom Infotex Ltd. Jain Paper Conversions rolled out revolutionary ‘Honeycomb Wrapping Roll’ under the brand ‘Green Edge’, a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic bubble wrap. “Engineered to provide superior protection, our eco-friendly solution offers a lightweight yet robust design, ensuring secure packaging for your valuables while minimising environmental impact,” announced Ananya Jain, CEO of Jain Paper Conversions.

Amritsar-based Pioneer Electrical at the expo revealed a line of highly innovative heating elements and electric resistance wire round, lat ribbons and related products.

Raja Virdee of Pioneer Electrical Mgf Co said the show had quality visitors and they look forward to further accomplishments in the upcoming editions. Mehta Hitech, formerly Mehta Cad Cam Systems, exhibited the groundbreaking PRESTO PR-A1-2608 direct-to-packaging printer. Capable to take up both pigment inks and dye inks, the new PRESTO packaging printing system delivers high-end packaging graphic prints in 1200x1200dpi,” said Arif Kamal, Sr Product Manager, Mehta Hitech Industries Limited.

Airex, a pioneer in industrial heating elements, temperature sensors and controllers, pulled crowd to its stand exhibiting new solution for innovative heating solutions for various industries with unique specifications. Anish Soni, Business Development Manager, Airex Overseas said they customised heating solutions for every industry need. Niswa Engineering unveiled a new line of packaging converting machines engaging in packaging as well as packaging printing. Praveen Gupta Kumar, MD, Niswa Engineering India Pvt Ltd, said the show poised as a good platform for introducing the company’s key and innovative products.

Sharda containers combine more than 40 years of packaging technological experience with a deep grasp of individual market requirements, specialising in the construction of drums and containers. “Our products are the transformation of the plastic industry, making them more tuned for the better tomorrow,” mentioned Nishant Mittal, Director of Sharda. Zenith Rollers announced a new range of products which consist of a range of printing rollers and roller manufacturing machines. “Our products are designed at par with international quality standards,” said Chiranjeev Sharma, Sales & Marketing Manager of Zenith Rollers (Worldwide).

Monotech Systems has been committing to innovation and technological excellence persistently evident in the company’s constant launches of new machines and equipment. The company showcased its cutting-edge TRACESCI track & trace solution— a SaaS platform offering brand owners the comprehensive insights into their products, including real-time GPS location, scanning patterns, and alerts for suspicious activities.

Hilda Automation introduced best solutions and excellence in beverage packaging. Joyson Robinsondas, Sales & Marketing Head, Hilda Automation said they manufacture, supply & export high-quality machinery for container feeding, rinsing/sterilizing, filling, capping, cooling tunnels, vision automation, etc. Innovative Flexotech announced highly versatile solvent recovery machine with advanced features. Alpesh Thakar, Director, Innovative Flexotech Pvt Ltd, said the new machine’s processing tank is constructed of 304 stainless steel and air cooled condenser in copper.

Conference on ‘AI and Automation for Sustainable Packaging and Printing Industry’

On the sidelines of IntraPac India 2024, Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP)—an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India—had organised the conference on ‘AI and Automation for Sustainable Packaging and Printing Industry’. Dignitaries present at the conference were Prof (Dr) Tanweer Alam, Addl Director & RO, IIP- Delhi and In-Charge IIP-Lucknow; Jaiveer Singh, President, Vinay Kumar Gupta, General Secy, Suresh Kumar, Treasurer, IPAMA; Arprit Agarwal, MD, Epacflexi; Rachit Mittal, MD, Bagmann; Sudhir Kumar, Advisor, NITI Aayog; Mayank Shekhar, Founder, Shekharson Technologies; Mukhesh Goel, Director, Gopsons Paper Limited; Nagesh Bakshi, CMD, Bakshi Mark Pvt Ltd; and Ashok Marwah, Associate VP, Mark Emballage Pvt Ltd.

At the onset of the conference, Prof (Dr) Tanweer Alam appreciates the timely conference on the sustainability in the packaging and printing industry. He mentioned, “AI automation into packaging processes offers innovative solutions to address environmental challenges. Automation in packaging machines enables for efficient resources utilisation. Sustainable packaging materials selection facilitates the adoption of biodegradable, recyclable and renewable materials to minimize environmental footprint. AI technology has the ability to optimize packaging design for recyclability and ease of disposal, reducing packaging waste.”

In the follow-up sessions, Arprit Agarwal and Rachit Mittal took on the importance of sustainability in the packaging industry. The conference was attended by audiences from all over India and overseas delegates from Bhutan.

New launches

IntraPac India 2024 was swarmed with new launches as exhibitors took the show as a prolific platform to introduce their new as well as key products. Multi Hitech Inc, a leading manufacturer of rollers for narrow webs like Gallus, BOBST, Mark Andy, Lombardy, etc, introduced a new aluminum magnetic roller.

“We design this new aluminum magnetic roller as more operational friendly,” told DK Garg, Proprietor of Multi Hitech Inc. Tanya Machinery introduced an upgraded JET PRINT screen printing system. Gagan Singh, MD, Tanya Machinery Pvt Ltd, said the new and upgraded screen printer is of 24×36 in size. “After all we are grateful to see good response from the trade visitors to our newly introduced JET PRINT,” he added.

Yet another company which used IntraPac India 2024 as launch pad was Raj Shree Printing Machinery, which introduced its new Hybrid Programmable Foiler. “Our newly launched foiler offers better gloss, better finishing and more detaining even in micro foiling,” mentions Dinesh Raj of Raj Shree Printing Machinery. Mark VI Track Systems introduced Integra PP 108, a highly compact and robust printing system with SEIKO piezo printhead. Heamat Malavai, Director, Mark VI Track Systems, remarked, “This newly introduced printing system can print heights up to 108mm in resolution of 360dpi at the speed of 150m/min.

On other side of the show floor, KGR Machines introduced a new Multipurpose Die-Cutting Machine. Raj Kamal Singh Bhullar of KGR Machines said the new multipurpose die-cutting system is certainly a ‘multipurpose’ machine that can die-punch, crease, cut, emboss, and half-cut (for stickers).

Machines sold

Amid all buzzes and excitement, exhibitors at IntraPac India 2024 celebrated numerous sealing of deals of their packaging machines and solutions. Avtar Mechanical Works sold four machines during the show.

“The machines we sold are Eyelet Punching Machine, Creasing Machine, Gluing Machine and Paper-bag Making Machine,” informed Jaspreet Singh of Avtar Mechanical Works.

Millennium Packaging was yet another exhibitor which celebrated multiple orders during the show. “We have sold three strapping machines during the show,” mentioned Devender Singh of Millennium Packaging.

Foiling machine manufacturer Ajata Industrial Corporation was another elated exhibitor. “We are excited to announce one of our Programmable UV Foilers has been booked during the show,” informed Kanwarjeet Singh of Ajanta Industrial Corporation.

Senior Packaging Machinery was yet another exhibitor which receives two orders of the company’s Bagmac machines. S Kawaljit Singh of Senior Paper Packaging Machinery said they look forward to participating in such show in future.

Divyanshi Creations introduced a set of new products including new colours comprising ‘Neon’ as well as applications that can be pulled off flawlessly amid competitors. Nitish Gupta of Divyanshi Creations said the films are offered in diverse lengths, colours, thicknesses, and specifications. Greencore shows its prowess of paper packaging.

Greencore Packaging exhibited innovative and advancement in paper packaging. “Our hexagonal honeycomb structure of honeycomb packaging allows it to be used as a packaging material while also allowing it to be mechanically recycled similar to corrugate materials,” said Rajesh Yadav, Marketing & Sales, Greencore.

Joy Pack India unpacked some new and innovative packaging solutions. Harvinder Singh of Joy Pack India Pvt Ltd said the company’s products are well recognized for zero maintenance as the machines are used in many industries for various applications like sealing, filling and forming of pouches.

AGI Greenpac redefined glass containers packaging during the show. “Today we are one of the leading manufacturers of glass containers in India, with the capability of using diverse fuel options and product applications across downstream sectors,” informed Gokul Raju, Senior Officer, AGI Greenpac Limited – AGI Glaspac.