At the upcoming 13th Elite Plus Specialty Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit on 26 and 27 August 2026 at the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai, Sandon Global is set to showcase its latest anilox engraving technologies. The UK-based anilox manufacturer sees the event as a strategic opportunity to strengthen its engagement with India’s rapidly evolving packaging sector while helping converters overcome key production challenges.
“India remains a key market for Sandon Global, and the summit provides an excellent platform to engage with flexible packaging producers, brand owners, and industry stakeholders from across the region,” says Tinku Sharma, sales manager – India/Middle East/Africa, Sandon Global. “We want to share practical expertise in flexographic printing and anilox technology while helping visitors solve challenges relating to print quality, opacity, ink transfer, waste reduction, and process consistency.”
A major focus area this year will be supporting converters considering the shift from rotogravure to CI flexographic printing. Drawing on its global experience, Sandon Global intends to demonstrate how the right combination of anilox technology and process control can ensure a smooth and successful transition.
“Many organizations are evaluating opportunities to move away from rotogravure to CI flexo. Having supported numerous successful transitions, we can provide valuable insight into the technologies and process controls needed to achieve reliable, repeatable results,” Sharma explains.
Sandon Global will present its portfolio of advanced anilox engraving technologies designed to improve print consistency and production efficiency across a wide range of flexible packaging applications.
The company will showcase engraving solutions, including XPRO, HVP, Fluid FP, and GMX Anilox, each developed to address specific printing and coating requirements. These technologies support applications ranging from ultra-HD process work and high-opacity white ink printing to specialist coatings and the combination of solid and tonal work on a single printing plate.
According to Sharma, selecting the appropriate anilox specification is becoming increasingly critical as converters pursue higher-quality flexographic printing.
“For businesses transitioning from gravure to flexo, achieving predictable ink transfer is critical to maintaining print quality while realising the productivity and efficiency benefits of flexographic production. The right anilox engraving specification plays a vital role in supporting that objective,” he says.
Sustainability driving technology adoption
Sustainability continues to influence packaging decisions across the value chain, prompting converters to adopt recyclable and mono-material packaging structures while maintaining demanding print quality standards.
Sandon Global believes these evolving packaging formats require greater emphasis on process control and efficient ink transfer. At the same time, advances in flexographic presses, plates, inks, and anilox technology are enabling converters to reduce waste, minimize ink consumption, and shorten press setup times.
“As brands increasingly adopt recyclable and mono-material packaging structures, converters are being challenged to deliver the same visual performance on substrates that behave differently during printing. Our strategy is to help manufacturers maximize efficiency through precise and repeatable ink delivery while supporting their sustainability objectives,” Sharma notes.
Preparing for the future
Looking ahead, Sandon Global sees sustainability regulations, operational efficiency, and technological advancement as the key forces shaping India’s flexible packaging industry.
The company points to growing implementation of EPR requirements, continued investment in recyclable packaging formats, and increasing pressure to improve overall equipment effectiveness as major drivers of change.
Sharma believes that the recently concluded UK-India Free Trade Agreement will create fresh opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
“The agreement strengthens economic ties and opens new opportunities for investment, collaboration, and technology exchange across manufacturing and packaging supply chains. Combined with the continued advancement of flexographic printing technologies, we see tremendous opportunities for the Indian packaging industry,” he says.
Strengthening partnerships in India
Beyond showcasing technology, Sandon Global expects the Elite Plus Summit to serve as a platform for strengthening existing customer relationships and building new partnerships across the Indian flexible packaging sector.
The company values the opportunity to better understand the evolving priorities of converters and brand owners, ensuring its future technology developments remain aligned with market needs.
“Visitors looking to improve print consistency, optimize ink performance, reduce waste, enhance process control, or evaluate opportunities in flexographic printing are encouraged to visit our stand and speak with our technical team. We look forward to discussing the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of flexible packaging production in India,” Sharma concludes.
