Sicon Packs scales new heights with Orthotec

Sicon Packs, one of the leading names in India's self-adhesive label sector, purchased an Orthotec FLX3028 8-color intermittent flexo press at Labelexpo Europe 2025. The deal, inked during the show, marks a major technological leap for the company as it seeks to bridge the gap between high-volume production and the increasingly complex demands of short- to medium-run premium labels.

The strategic choice
For Sicon Packs, the decision to invest in the Orthotec FLX3028 was not merely about adding capacity; it was about precision and versatility. The FLX3028 is a semi-rotary flexo press designed to handle the ‘sweet spot’ of the modern market: jobs that are too long for digital, but too complex and
short for traditional full-rotary flexo.

The 8-color configuration provides Sicon with the expanded color gamut necessary for the high-end cosmetic and wine-label segments, areas where consistency is nonnegotiable. The press features a 330mm web width and is engineered for rapid job changeovers, significantly reducing substrate waste and setup time.

‘In an era where brand owners are demanding shorter lead times and more SKUs, the FLX3028 gives us digital-like adaptability with the economics of flexo,’ says Devendra Solanki, director of Sicon Packs. ‘We have a long-standing relationship with Orthotec, and its reputation for reliability and the machine’s ability to deliver consistent high-speed performance on varied substrates made it the clear choice for our next phase of growth.’

From Lagos to Navi Mumbai

The story of Sicon Packs is one of entrepreneurial grit and global vision. The company’s roots trace back to the early 2000s when founder Yudhviram Solanki ventured to Nigeria.

What began as a trading operation in carbon paper evolved into a manufacturing powerhouse with the establishment of
Perfect Packaging in Lagos, one of the first roll-form label manufacturing companies in the region.

“In an era where brand owners are demanding shorter lead times and more SKUs, the FLX3028
gives us digital-like adaptability with the economics of flexo.”

After successfully scaling the Nigerian operations, Solanki returned to India to replicate that success in his home market.
In 2007, Sicon Packs was born in Navi Mumbai. Today, the company operates out of a 30,000sqft facility in the MIDC
Kopar Khairne area, complemented by its continued 40,000sqft presence in Nigeria.

The transition of leadership to Devendra Solanki, a computer engineer by training, has brought a data-driven and process-oriented approach to the business. Under his guidance, Sicon has achieved Graphic Measures International certification,
aligning its operations with the stringent color-compliance standards required by global FMCG and pharmaceutical giants.

Precision engineering
The Orthotec FLX3028 is expected to be a game-changer for Sicon’s premium portfolio. The intermittent drive system
allows for any repeat length without changing cylinders, a feature that drastically lowers costs for the diverse label sizes common in the personal care and pharmaceutical sectors.

‘Sicon Packs is a company that understands the value of process control,’ notes Amit Sheth, managing director of Label Planet, the exclusive partner of Orthotec in India for over 30 years. ‘The FLX3028 is designed for converters who refuse to compromise on quality. With its high-precision registration and the ability to add value-added finishes in-line, it is the perfect tool for Sicon to serve the top tier of the Indian and international label markets.’

Solanki highlights the press’s tension control and LED-UV curing capabilities (an optional but favored upgrade for
sustainability) as key factors in choosing the machines. These features ensure that even thin, heat-sensitive films can be processed at high speeds without distortion, catering to the growing demand for sustainable, lower-micron labelstocks.

Sustainable labels

The installation of the FLX3028 also aligns with Sicon’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The company has set an ambitious target to ensure that at least 20 percent of its total production utilizes eco-friendly and sustainable labelstocks by the end of the decade. By reducing setup waste, a hallmark of the Orthotec intermittent system, Sicon is taking a tangible step toward minimizing its environmental footprint.

The Navi Mumbai plant, already ISO 9001 and 14001 certified, is preparing for a site expansion to accommodate the
new machinery. This investment follows a period of robust growth; Sicon Packs generated a revenue of approximately 3.6 million USD in the 2023-24 financial year, maintaining a steady upward trajectory despite global supply chain pressures.

The addition of the 8-color Orthotec FLX3028 reinforces the company’s position as a preferred partner for brands looking
for more than just a printer. ‘We aren’t just selling labels; we are providing shelf appeal and security,’ Solanki concluded. ‘This new press is a testament to our belief in the future of the Indian label industry. We are ready to take on the most challenging jobs the market can throw at us.’