At Labelexpo India 2024, BST India presented its state-of-the-art inspection and monitoring solutions, showcasing their commitment to advancing quality assurance in the label and packaging industry. During the event, Khushal Patel, director of sales and marketing, BST India, shared insights into the company’s innovative offerings and perspectives on industry trends.
BST India’s exhibit featured an in-house-developed rewinding machine, used as a demonstration platform to showcase the brand’s flagship systems. Among the highlights was the Web Guide, a system critical for maintaining precise material alignment in converting processes. Another notable system, the PowerScope 5000, provided real-time video web monitoring for operators during print runs, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
Patel also emphasized the capabilities of the TubeScan, a 100% defect detection system now equipped with 8K resolution. This upgrade allows it to identify even the smallest defects, measuring as little as 0.05 mm. Over the past seven years, the TubeScan has become synonymous with reliability, with more than 4,000 units deployed globally across narrow, mid, and wide web applications. Patel highlighted its efficiency in digital printing, where it eliminates downtime by recognizing job changes automatically and adjusting inspection parameters accordingly. The system also integrates advanced features such as color monitoring, barcode verification, and the inspection of variable data, making it adaptable to a range of substrates and lighting conditions.
Exhibition footfall and industry trends
Reflecting on the exhibition, Patel described the footfall as strong during the middle days of the event and expressed optimism about the business prospects, estimating sales of five to six systems in the coming week.
Addressing industry trends, Patel pointed to the growing demand for digital labels, driven by customization needs. While traditional flexographic printing remains dominant, he noted that digital and hybrid solutions are expanding rapidly. “These technologies will grow together rather than cannibalizing one another,” he remarked, emphasizing their complementary roles in the market.
New developments and market challenges
BST India has introduced Smart Data, a connectivity solution that consolidates and stores production data from various stages – printing, pre-printing, and post-printing – into a unified database. This innovation aims to provide greater visibility and control to customers across their production processes.
However, Patel acknowledged the challenges posed by increasing competition and price sensitivity in the market. “More entrants are making the industry highly price-conscious, and delivery timelines are becoming critical,” he noted.