UK-based anilox specialist Sandon Global is set to highlight its sustainability-driven innovations and technical expertise at the 12th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit 2025 in Mumbai in September. The company will showcase its latest hybrid anilox technologies and flexo solutions as it looks to deepen its presence in the Indian flexible packaging market.
Speaking to Packaging South Asia, Tinku Sharma, regional sales manager – India, called the ElitePlus-organised conference a “fantastic platform” for knowledge exchange across the global packaging value chain. “We are looking forward to hearing fresh ideas from technology partners, learning about the latest industry developments, and gaining valuable insights into emerging trends in India and beyond. It’s a great opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the value chain, from policymakers and raw material suppliers to machinery manufacturers and other technical experts,” he said.
Sustainability, he noted, will remain a central theme. “At Sandon Global, we have seen great success helping converters transition from gravure to flexo, unlocking real benefits in terms of VOC reduction, waste minimisation and the use of alternative inks. We’ll be discussing how we can help in establishing an efficient flexo workflow to support these goals,” Sharma said.
The company will have a dedicated exhibition stall at the summit, where it will showcase its flagship High Volume Process (HVP) hybrid engravings, widely adopted by flexible packaging printers. Known for its precision-engineered anilox solutions, Sandon Global will also highlight its ongoing investments in research and development, including collaborations with the University of Manchester through the UK government’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
“We’ll be highlighting our ongoing investment in R&D, including our collaborations with institutions like the University of Manchester through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. From our patented sleeve and end ring design to our in-house metallurgical lab and 100% in-house manufacturing processes, everything we do is geared towards advancing anilox science, print quality and performance. Our hybrid engravings are a direct response to real-world technical printing challenges, and they continue to set the standard in anilox engineering,” Sharma added.
With flexographic printing gaining ground globally, Sharma said Indian converters are increasingly seeking smart, high-performance solutions that deliver quality, efficiency, and environmental gains. “Flexo is gaining serious traction thanks to its agility – ideal for short runs, packaging gauge reduction, faster turnaround in platemaking, and a lower carbon footprint,” he said.
He pointed to Sandon Global’s adoption of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 strategies to drive digital transformation. “This focus on productivity and innovation ensures we stay ahead of evolving market needs,” he said.
Since the last edition of the summit, Sandon Global has seen growing traction in India, with Sharma reporting that the company now supplies 30-35% of the country’s flexible packaging manufacturers. He believes the upcoming UK-India Free Trade Agreement will further boost competitiveness by reducing tariffs on UK-made products.
“With the UK–India Free Trade Agreement coming into place, UK-made products will be more cost-competitive thanks to reduced tariffs and streamlined processes. That opens even more opportunity for growth in what is a strategically important market for us,” Sharma concluded.
