Rapid growth for narrow-web in India

Mike Fairley reports from Dehli
 
Record numbers of label and packaging converters – up 27% on 2008 – flocked to Labelexpo India which took place at the Pragati Maidan exhibition center from the 8 – 11 December.
 
The largest ever label show held in India attracted over 6,000 visitors and created packed stands for the working narrow-web press demonstrations presented by leading international press manufacturers such as Gallus, Nilpeter, Mark Andy, Omet and Rotatek. All achieved successful press sales during the four days of the show, as did many of the Indian and Asian press exhibitors.
 
With around 15 digital presses already installed in Indian converting plants – particularly in those providing a one-stop service of labels, cartons and leaflets to pharmaceutical manufacturers – it was not surprising to see HP Indigo and Xeikon machines also creating a lot of interest and sales enquiries.
 
Brand protection and security printing materials and technology solutions also attracted much interest at the show, with many hologram and other specialized exhibitors participating in the event – from materials to inks, foils and presses.
 
Estimates now put annual sales of narrow-to-mid-web press sales in India in excess of 130 machines – fuelled by an increasing demand for high quality short run production for national and international packaging buyers. This figure is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years.
 
Such is the potential for new conventional and digital narrow-web presses in India that all the leading exhibitors have already re-booked with larger stands for the next show in 2012.
 
To meet the expected continued growth interest in digital printing technologies in India show organizers, Tarsus Group, are creating a new digital printing zone for 2012. Digital press manufacturers interested in exhibiting are advised to book early to ensure that space is available for them.