Packaging South Asia

Increasing volumes of shorter run jobs with smaller repeat lengths now drive the fast-growing global flexible packaging market. At the same time, brand owners...

Succession planning and smooth handovers of power were on the agenda at a recent meeting of young managers preparing for the day when they...

Rotoflex has recently launched Security Series at Barcom Industries, bolstering the Mumbai-based label printer’s strength in stringent label inspection and finishing. The Security Series module is integrated with a Rotoflex VSI 330 slitter-rewinder, high-end Nikka inspection system and multilane inkjet printing system combining end-to-end servo technology for ultimate control and automation, and advanced bi-directional inspection capability for pharmaceutical and other labels with strict compliance regulations. Flexo Image Graphics, the local Rotoflex distributor in India, led the sale and installation along with Manohar Dhugga, Rotoflex director of engineering and service.

The dizzying rounds of press conferences starting the day before drupa and going on for the first few days have begun. The press centre is full of the old time heavies who seem to always come back for more. Frank Romano is here, Laurel Brunner, Paul Lindstrom, Nessan Cleary our contributors from Digital Dots are here. South African, Aussies and of course the Indian trade media teams are here in full force.

The book binding specialist Kolbus will host one of the biggest exhibits at this show, with a 1,400 square metre stand packed with innovations. The Kolbus book manufacturing division will present 3D Format Variation of books on a running machine without stopping for makeready. The key elements of this presentation are the KM 200 zero-make-ready perfect binder with newly enhanced 3D Format Variation capabilities and the brand-new HD-HD 143 three-knife-trimmer. This new zero-make-ready trimmer can trim books of different thickness, different heights and different widths without stopping for format adjustment.

Established in 1973, Baroda-based Resource Engimech is one of the market leaders for expanding shafts and reel holders. The company uses state-of-the-art technology and the latest methodologies. Moreover, it has a machine shop with latest CNC turning centres and high-end VMCs, an in-house rubber plant and an induction hardening facility.

Kohli Industries’ along with its marketing partner Multigraph Machinery organized a four-day Open House at the former’s Ambernath plant from 11 to 14 March demonstrating Thea, the new electronic line shaft (ELS) drive technology to visiting converters. Launched in November 2015, Thea, the latest ELS gravure printing press from Kohli, has seen a good response from perspective customers.

Xaar has launched the Xaar 1002 GS40 for UV applications. Already proven in the ceramics tile decoration industry, the launch of this printhead into the UV market makes possible a range of high-build varnish and textured effects for labels, packaging, graphics and wood laminate.

Flexible packaging major Uflex proudly associates itself with the government’s ‘Make in India’ ethos given its strong manufacturing presence in India. It was therefore natural for the company to mark its presence during the ‘Make in India Week’ being held in Mumbai from 13 to 18 February. At the company stand the star attraction was a miniature model of its under construction aseptic packaging plant for liquid packaging at Sanand in Gujarat. Another important solution being promoted was Equilibrium Modified Atmospheric Packaging (E-MAP) that is the most comprehensive shelf-life extension solution for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. 

Starlinger’s recently launched ADSTAR carry sack comes with handles and makes it easy to carry products like cement, ready-mix concrete or fertilizer packaged in it. Made of polypropylene tape fabric and designed in the typical ADSTAR block bottom shape, the sack is equipped with a pair of punched handles on the bag top that lie flat but open easily to provide a comfortable grip for easy carrying.