Q&A: Avery Dennison's Pankaj Bhardwaj

Labels & Labeling (L&L): What is the growth rate of the label industry in India?

Pankaj Bhardwaj (PB): We see that the Indian label industry is growing in double digits. Per capita consumption is also fast improving although there is still significant headroom for further growth. India is unquestionably the fastest-growing economy and it augurs well for label industry.

L&L: What expansion is on the horizon for Avery Dennison in India?

PB: We will continue to evaluate the investments required to support our growth plans and customer needs. This year, we have invested in slitting and sheeting capacities, adding three slitting units and a state-of-the-art sheeting machine across our facilities in India. After the installation of the emulsion coating line in 2014, we have been manufacturing the majority of our products within India, which led to our improved service capabilities and also to the flexibility to offer customized products to our customers.

L&L: What is your opinion on reverse auctioning in India?

PB: To me, reverse auctioning is a process by which a buyer discovers and confirms that he is getting the best available price. At this stage, the process is tempting many sellers to get impulsive and less rational in their approach, rendering them as well as the buyer vulnerable. I believe reverse auctioning is here to stay. The process however will mature: sellers reflecting sustainable pricing and buyers getting the true benefits of this approach.

L&L: Which technologies do you foresee entering the Indian label industry in the next five years?

PB: We are still a young industry and would not essentially go through all the phases of evolution that other markets have seen, given the globally connected and informed printer base. While the world is talking about digital, our customers expect it to come with some time lag. Our industry is focused on increasing efficiency and productivity. Any technology that helps printers in this quest will evolve in the market. For now, faster and more efficient presses and consumables are making in-roads in the country and seem like a trend.

We are investing in developing and promoting intelligent labeling solutions and firmly believe in the latent potential that anti-counterfeiting and brand engagement related products possess.

Furthermore, brand owners’ unquenching need to improvise on shelf appeal will invite the development of better on-press decoration technologies.

Read the full article in L&L issue 5, 2016, and here