Started in 1962, in the Nariana Industrial area of New Delhi, Kwality Labels is a leading label printer for the liquor, FMCG, and pharma industries. “Our focus on quality, innovation, and customer service has driven growth. We started as a manufacturer of paper cups, installing one letterpress machine and a small hand fabrication unit – later diversifying into offset printing in 1971 by installing one of the first single-color offset machines in New Delhi,” Krish Chhatwal of Kwality Labels said.
Installing additional machines each year, Kwality Labels imported its first 4-color press in 1986. During this period, the company gradually started producing labels and other packaging materials, Chhatwal said. Today, Kwality Labels is an industry leader, “We have worked hard to provide the best products and have been able to establish a good rapport with customers,” Chhatwal said, adding the company’s USPs include cutting-edge technology, premium quality, and customized solutions. Specializing in labels for spirits, food, pharma, and other segments, its clients include Pernod Ricard, Bacardi, Diageo, Nestle, Dabur, Perfetti, and Hamdard.
“We have no MOQ constraints. We specialize in premium labels featuring effects such as 3D hot-foil, tactile effects, variable data, and anti-counterfeiting. We offer various finishes to enhance label appeal, including hot-foil, embossing, and spot UV. We are pioneers in these effects and have been providing them to leading MNCs for over 60 years. We work with CMYK and match Pantone colors for brand consistency, using specialized spectrophotometers and ink-matching systems to match Pantones and create new colors,” Chhatwal told Packaging South Asia.
According to Chhatwal, a label manufacturer should focus on quality and consistency, changing market needs, customer relationships, innovation in design and technology, and compliance with regulations to stay in the race. The company uses digital, offset, and flexographic printing technologies from Gallus, Mark Andy, ABG, Xeikon, and Roland. “We manufacture our own plates and use online and offline camera inspection systems and scanners to provide the right products,” he said.
High-quality, application-specific adhesives and inks, such as LED, UV, water-based, and food-grade dry toner inks, are used for printing, along with acrylic, wash-off, and hotmelt adhesives. Its local and international suppliers include Avery Dennison, UPM, Flint, Kurz, and Siegwerk.
Minimum runs for digital and flexographic orders are about 500 meters and 2000 meters, respectively. Chhatwal said the company is compliant to the latest FSSAI regulations, including statutory warnings for alcoholic beverages. “We have a dedicated prepress team that is well aware of FSSAI and excise rules,” he added. The label manufacturer has an ISO 9001 certification.
Conception to printing
The journey of a label, from idea and conceptualization to actual printing, involves client consultation and concept development, design and approval, plate-making or digital file preparation, printing and finishing, and quality checks and delivery. According to Chhatwal, maintaining quality in label printing involves regular calibration of machines, skilled operators, quality checks, and the use of high-quality materials, as well as high-end online and offline camera inspections and scanners to verify PDF-to-print and PDF-to-PDF.
Kwality’s labels can withstand specific conditions, including refrigeration and UV exposure. “We use high-lightfastness inks, specialized substrates, and adhesives for each application. Nowadays, we produce wash-off and wet-strength labels for the beverage market, allowing label removal in one piece using automatic washers. This helps brands increase savings and reuse the bottles,” Chhatwal said.
Kwality Labels offers serialization and unique codes for tracking and security. “We can even include variable images and patterns on labels along with scratch-off effects and invisible inks.” It offers doorstep delivery in Delhi, packaging labels carefully to prevent damage. Core plugs, permissible recyclable plastic, and straps are used to ensure the right protection.
Chhatwal says the Indian labels industry is growing, driven by eCommerce and brand awareness, with innovation and sustainability being key trends. Major challenges include the absorption of technological advancements, sustainability, and diverse client demands. Smart labels, eco-friendly materials, and customization and personalization are trending in India. “Expect more digitalization, sustainable materials, and innovative designs in the near future,” he adds.
Kwality Labels’ upcoming 40,000-square-foot plant in Manesar recently became operational. Apart from its strategic location, the new plant in Manesar has space for growth, and some of the new equipment for it is already on order.
“The facility will enhance capacity and capabilities, serving clients better with advanced technology. It is a world-class, modern, green factory built to serve MNCs across the globe. We are creating an immersive experience room where customers can see, touch, and feel their final labels before finalizing them for commercial runs,” Chhatwal said.
