Mumbai-based carton specialist Integrity Packaging has strengthened its pharmaceutical carton capabilities with the installation of a Bobst Novafold folder-gluer equipped with AccuBraille technology, the first installation of this Novafold series with integrated Braille embossing in India. For founding partners Vaibhav and Vishal Kothari, the investment reflects both immediate customer requirements and a longer-term view of where the Indian packaging industry is headed.
“Packaging is not only about price,” the Kotharis say. “Our relationships with customers are symbiotic. We solve their packaging problems. Service, response time, reliability and respect matter as much as cost.”
Sachin Patil, technology sales manager, BU-PC at Bobst India, says Bobst invented in-line rotary braille embossing on folder gluers in 2007. “It is the most proven and reliable system in the market over the last 19 years, with more than 400 machines installed worldwide. At 72 systems, India happens to be the second largest installation footprint of AccuBraille in the world.”
“Braille embossing is mandatory for every pharma carton exported to regulated markets such as Europe, and markets like Brazil in South America and a few of the African countries. Thus, quality, consistency and flexibility are very important when supplying to Europe and no pharma converter would like to take any chance. Bobst Accubraille is now recognized by almost every pharmaceutical company worldwide, and has become a benchmark when it comes to quality and consistency,” says Venugopal Menon, zone business director, BU PC, at Bobst India.
Braille is no longer optional for pharma cartons
“Braille is no longer optional,” the Kotharis say. “If you want to be taken seriously as a pharmaceutical carton supplier, you must offer accurate, readable and consistent Braille. And when it comes to Braille, AccuBraille is the only proven technology.”
Unlike traditional die-cut Braille embossing, where pressure variations across multiple dies can lead to inconsistency, AccuBraille integrates embossing into the folder-gluer itself. Every carton passes through a single, calibrated embossing station, delivering uniform dot height and spacing across long production runs.
“The whole purpose of Braille is readability,” they say. “If the dots are inconsistent, the function is lost. Bobst AccuBraille eliminates that uncertainty.”
Integrity’s preference for Bobst is rooted in a long-standing converting-first philosophy. While many converters prioritize presses, Integrity invested early in high-quality folder-gluers, recognizing that printing alone does not generate revenue until cartons are folded, glued and packed.
“Our first major investment was a Bobst pasting machine, even before we had automated die-cutters,” the Kotharis say. “It may sound backward, but whatever is lying on your shopfloor is money blocked. That money moves only after converting.”
This thinking shaped the company’s growth trajectory, helping eliminate bottlenecks, improve turnaround times and maintain stable cash flow. Over time, Integrity expanded its finishing capabilities with automated die-cutters, UV and coating systems, foiling and lamination, gradually upgrading to newer-generation Bobst platforms as volumes increased.
“When you talk about post-press, that is the point of no return,” they say. “Once the carton is glued and packed, you cannot see inside. At high speeds and high volumes, reliability is non-negotiable. Bobst still sets the benchmark there.”
Today, Integrity operates a Komori 6-color press supported by another 2-color offset line, two die-cutters and multiple folder-gluers, converting around 250–300 tons of board per month, with pharmaceuticals accounting for the bulk of production.
Bullish about Indian packaging industry
The Kotharis view their investment strategy as closely aligned with broader trends in the Indian packaging industry, which they believe is entering a structurally strong growth phase. “India is a consumption-driven economy,” they say. “Even small increases in organized retail and packaging penetration translate into very large volumes.”
They point to the gradual formalisation of supply chains, rising regulatory oversight in pharmaceuticals and food, and a generational shift among brand owners as key drivers shaping the market.
“Second- and third-generation promoters are far more quality-conscious,” they say. “They understand branding, consistency and compliance. That changes expectations from packaging suppliers.”
This shift, they add, is also transforming capital investment behavior. “India is no longer a second-hand machinery market,” the Kotharis say. “Serious converters are investing in brand-new, world-class equipment because they see long-term opportunity, not short-term gains.”
While competition remains intense, Integrity believes sustainable advantage lies in productivity and process control rather than price wars. “If someone cuts prices by one percent, we aim to reduce our internal costs by two percent,” they say. “That advantage only comes from technology and efficiency.”
Packaging, they note, typically accounts for around 4% of a product’s total value, making extreme price pressure economically irrational. “Even if a client pays slightly more, it barely affects their product cost,” the Kotharis say. “Price is only an entry barrier. What matters is consistency, response time and trust.”
With the Bobst Novafold and AccuBraille now operational, Integrity sees itself well-positioned to support the evolving requirements of India’s pharmaceutical and regulated packaging sectors. “We are not chasing volume for the sake of it,” the Kotharis conclude. “We are building a future-ready operation. And in Indian packaging today, that means investing ahead of demand, not reacting to it.”
