Across the globe, war is no longer confined to isolated war zones— from Russia to Ukraine, from Israel to Gaza, and now closer to home with Operation Sindoor, it is testing time once again for all industries and printing and packaging is no exception. As India undertakes Operation Sindoor, the ripple effects are already being felt everywhere.
India’s print-pack industry, heavily reliant on imports—be it paper pulp, ink solvents or BOPP films—is facing acute delays and price volatility. This has led to project delays, hoarding of inventory, and shrinking margins. Industries in border states like Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, are going through daily operational hurdles like intermittent power, diesel price surges, curfews, and transport challenges. But, as nation stands together in solidarity, we are also trying our best to operate efficiently.
Amidst all this, a new niche is rising: defense and emergency printing. There is an increased need for secure documentation (manuals, ID cards, top-secret dossiers); tamper-proof, waterproof packaging for rations and field kits; camouflage and thermal-reactive labels for tactical applications, to name a few. Infact, security printing will definitely see a major surge.
Printing units looking for diversification and expansion can now look forward to this opportunity as well. Also, Indian industry leaders are now vouching for domestic pulp and board manufacturing, make-in-India inks and consumables and indigenous R&D for printing and converting machinery. This will give a major boost to the industry.
Besides, it is time to digitize workflows to ensure flexibility, visibility, and resilience. Automation is the key to faster turnaround and labour shortfalls. It’s time that printing industry becomes future-ready to face any hurdles and be ready to serve the nation.
Let us all print with purpose, package with resilience and publish the blueprint of a stronger, self-reliant India!
Sonal Khurana
sonal@smediagroup.in