L to R: Kaushil Shah, Suresh Shah and Naineel Shah of Nulith
L to R: Kaushil Shah, Suresh Shah and Naineel Shah of Nulith

Mumbai-based Nulith has long supplied flexo plates, coating solutions, inks, blankets, and press consumables to the packaging industry. “Due to the essential nature of the packaging business, the industry has been more or less unaffected by the Covid-19 related lockdown in India. Our packaging related business has seen an excellent recovery, and I expect the business to go back to 100% very soon,” says Nulith’s Suresh Shah.

In contrast to both the newspaper and commercial printing sectors, the Indian packaging industry has been relatively unscathed because it plays a role in the supply chain for essential goods such as food and pharma. Although it suffered from various constraints due to the lockdown, especially in April, it has seen a relatively quick recovery in recent months. Shah says his packaging related consumables business has already bounced back to 70-80% of pre-lockdown levels.

Nulith distributes water-based coating solutions from Germany’s Actega and flexo plates from China’s Lucky Graphics. The company is also developing new coating solutions in association with other local players. “The base materials for these coatings will be imported, but all the value addition will happen at our facility in Bhiwandi (near Mumbai). These coatings for flexible and paperboard packaging are expected to hit the Indian market in October,” Shah concludes.

Nulith’s newspaper consumables business at 25% of pre-lockdown

Shah’s newspaper related consumables business is down to 20 to 25% of pre-lockdown levels. The Indian newspaper industry’s recovery will be slow. The industry may not get back to the pre-lockdown levels in the current financial year, he says.

“We have seen a sharp decline in the circulation of newspapers due to the imposition of the lockdown. There is some recovery since June, but the distribution of newspapers remains a challenge. We may see some jump in advertising revenue during the upcoming festival season and recovery in circulation due to more unlocking. However, I feel the industry may not be able to get back to pre-lockdown levels this financial year,” said Shah.

During the early phases of the Covid-19 induced lockdown that came into effect on 25 March, many parts of the metro and non-metro cities did not receive any newspapers. Metro cities with large housing complexes and especially Mumbai and Delhi, which had many active cases, were significantly affected. Since the first phase of unlocking in June, there is an improvement in circulation, but it is still much lower than pre-lockdown levels.

In a survey published in July and reported by us, EY said that only 32% of metro respondents were getting newspapers at home while 65% of non-metro respondents were getting their papers delivered at their doorstep. “Our newspaper related business now is only 20-25% of the pre-lockdown levels. This indicates the damage that the industry has seen due to lower advertising revenue and disruption in circulation. I expect newspaper circulation levels to go back to about 70% in the coming months,” Shah added.

Packaging South Asia — authentic, impactful and influential

An English-language packaging industry B2B platform in print and web, Packaging South Asia is in its 19th year of publication. We do not make any claims about being the best or the most widely read. However, if you are interested in targeting the Indian and South Asian markets to sell equipment, technology, software, and consumables, we can help.

To improve your marketing and grow sales, talk to us. Our research and consulting company IppStar [www.ippstar.org] can assess your potential and addressable markets in light of the competition. We can discuss marketing, communication, and sales strategies for market entry and growth.

Suppliers and service providers with a strategy and budget for targeted marketing can discuss using our hybrid print, web, video, and social media channels to create brand recognition linked to market relevance. Our platform and channels are differentiated by hands-on practice and an understanding of business and financials. Our team, including some of the best technical writers, is ready to meet you and your customers for content.

India and South Asia’s fast-growing packaging industry is continuously expanding capacities with efficiency and appropriate innovative technologies. Get our 2025 media kit and recalibrate your role in this dynamic market. Enhance your visibility and relevance to existing markets and turn potential customers into conversations. Ask for a sample copy of our monthly or two weekly packaging eZines.

For editorial info@ippgroup.in — for advertisement ads1@ippgroup.in and for subscriptions subscription@ippgroup.in

Naresh Khanna – 21 January 2025

Subscribe Now
unnamed 1

NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our Newsletter

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here