India: Convergence and agility redefine label market

The year 2025 has cemented India’s position as a global powerhouse in the label and packaging sector. Driven by a surge in consumption and a maturation of domestic manufacturing, the industry is navigating a high-growth phase. According to Mordor Intelligence, the Indian print label market reached a valuation of 2.46 billion USD in 2025, maintaining a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.29 percent. Grand View Research estimates the broader packaging labels segment at 2.87 billion USD, while the flexible packaging market is expanding at 12.7 percent annually.

Blurring boundaries

The most significant trend in 2025 is the convergence of narrow-web and mid-web technologies, blurring the traditional boundaries between label converting and flexible packaging. Amit Ahuja, managing director of Multitec, notes: ‘2025 was the year of “transition”, as the industry moved from long-run dominance to a clear short-run, multi-SKU mindset.’ This shift has seen label converters stepping confidently into mid-web formats to produce short-run pouches and shrink sleeves.

Patrick Graber, marketing director, PL Label, Bobst, echoes the same sentiment, noting: ‘In-line flexographic solutions will complement digital capabilities as small-quantity brands scale up.’ This convergence is driven by brand owners who increasingly require shorter lead times and the flexibility to manage a growing number of SKUs.

Growth drivers

The explosion of the start-up ecosystem has been a major catalyst for technological adoption. Pawan Chauhan, country business manager, industrial and inkjet business solutions, HP India, highlights: ‘Digital printing has become the most practical option for start-ups due to its low upfront investment and cash-and-carry business model. We have observed a significant increase in digitally-printed pages, particularly as millennial-led consumption drives demand for customization and faster turnaround times.’

“2025 was the year of ‘transition’, as the industry moved from long-run dominance to a clear short-run, multi-SKU mindset”

The desire for instant gratification among consumers has pushed established brands to innovate continuously to stand out on crowded retail shelves. Prabagaran S, senior general manager, Epson India, observes: ‘Brand owners are looking for shorter runs, quicker product refresh cycles and the flexibility to manage a growing number of SKUs, leading converters to re-evaluate traditional production setups in favor of agile workflows.’

‘India Rising’

In 2025, the Indian label printing industry expanded beyond major metropolitan hubs. There was a marked increase in hardware investment in tier-two and tier-three cities. Harveer Sahni, chairman of Weldon Celloplast, describes 2025 as the year of ‘India Rising,’ noting that the middle-level converters have seen the most activity, moving from the smaller used machines, flatbed converting machines, to the modular flexo presses. ‘This progress is largely attributed to the increased availability and improved quality of Indian-made flexo presses, which are both affordable and offer opportunities to advance to a higher league. We have witnessed continued high and robust double-digit growth. This is attributed to the initiation of a young workforce opting to start their maiden start-ups; many of these are now growing and providing the much-needed boost to demand for labels and packaging.’ 

He also points to an inspiring social trend: ‘more and more young women are emerging as leaders in the label and packaging sector.’

Strategic challenges

Despite the optimism, 2025 has not been without its hurdles. Manish Kapoor, sales manager, Nilpeter India, characterizes the year as one of ‘uncertainty,’ citing mid-year tariff issues and the ongoing narrow-margin challenge that continues to plague the pressure-sensitive label segment.

Kapoor observes a movement toward consolidation: ‘This trend has continued in 2025. It is a healthy sign for the industry where the established and financially-disciplined converters are clearly getting ahead of the crowd.’ He warns against ‘short-term disrupters’ and emphasizes the importance of stable, long-term partnerships in a market that remains highly price-sensitive.

The Loupe transition

The Indian industry views the transition as positive and a necessary evolution as it prepares to welcome Loupe India (formerly Labelexpo India) in October 2026. Multitec’s Ahuja comments that the market has outgrown the traditional ‘label-only’ identity. Today’s converters handle labels, flexible packaging, cartons, shrink and hybrid workflows. Chauhan of HP India shares that the new identity reflects a fresh and modern direction aligned with the evolving trends in the industry.

However, there is a lingering caution. Sahni expresses a desire for the show to maintain its focus: ‘As label industry constituents, it will be a wish that we would not like to get lost in a crowd.’ Bobst’s Graber adds that the true measure of success for Loupe India will be its ability to ‘encourage participation and foster growth’ through sustainable pricing models in the Indian market.

Future outlook

As we move into 2026, the Indian label and flexible packaging market is no longer just following global trends; it is setting them. The combination of high-tech automation, a move toward mid-web flexibility and a more diverse leadership base suggests an industry that is both resilient and forward‑thinking.

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