At Printpack India 2025, Omet aimed to reposition itself beyond just a label press provider. “Omet is often perceived in India as a company focused solely on label machines, but that is not the case,” said Pawandeep Sahni, managing director, India and Subcontinent, Omet India. He explained that the company serves the labels, cartons, and flexible packaging markets. Their presence at Printpack was to establish themselves as a comprehensive solutions provider.
A major highlight at the exhibition was Omet’s expertise in combination printing. “We are a global leader in combination printing, allowing customers to choose the technologies and line-up they need,” Sahni said. “This flexibility helps printers create unique propositions and stay ahead of the competition.”
Omet’s diverse product portfolio
Omet highlighted six key product platforms at the show. The iFlex press is designed for label printing, while the kFlex caters to labels and labeling applications. The xFlex X6 marks Omet’s first step into combination printing, integrating offset, flexo, and gravure printing. The XFlex X7 is focused on decorative shrink sleeves and flexible packaging. The XJet is a hybrid flexo and digital inkjet machine, the first and only solution on the market capable of printing shrink labels using combined technology. Meanwhile, the Varyflex machine offers a highly customizable solution for cartons and flexible packaging, handling substrates ranging from as thin as 1 micron to as thick as 600 microns.
Sahni highlighted the benefits of Omet’s combination presses, explaining that allowing customers to customize their printing structure creates a unique selling proposition (USP). “Beyond price and quality, which are now standard requirements, the structure itself becomes a USP and adds value to customers’ offerings,” he noted.
Global trends influencing Indian packaging
Discussing industry trends, Sahni pointed out that Indian consumers are evolving rapidly. “India has the world’s youngest consumer base, which values novelty over loyalty. They seek premium experiences and are driving shifts in packaging demand,” he said. He also highlighted the growing role of startups in shaping the industry.
Another key shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is the increasing use of packaged food. “Earlier, food was not commonly packed in India. Now, with higher demand for packaged food, the need for quality packaging has surged,” he observed, emphasizing that the market is expanding on its own.
Sahni identified three major global trends impacting the future of packaging in India. The first is cost efficiency. “Products need to be cheaper, faster, and better,” he said. Omet has developed printing presses capable of running at speeds of 300-315 meters per minute to meet this demand. The second trend is embellishments. The company offers more than 100 customization options, partnering with ecosystem players to provide advanced embellishment technologies. The third is sustainability. “Printers will soon be responsible for the entire packaging structure, not just the print,” he explained. Omet provides the necessary printing and drying technologies to help create sustainable packaging structures.
Omet’s approach to Indian market
With over 50 installations in India, Omet has been closely working with market leaders in labels, cartons, and flexible packaging. “Our duty is to keep innovating based on customer demands so that both we and our customers stay ahead,” Sahni remarked. He shared examples of their advanced solutions, including a 14-color line supplied to an Indian customer, featuring three gravure stations that can be moved to create various combinations. “Some customers have requested customized web paths to enhance print quality, while others have needed third-party attachments for security applications. We are already providing such tailored solutions,” he added.
Printpack India 2025 – a resounding success
Sahni was optimistic about Omet’s participation at Printpack India 2025. “It is a great show and is well on its way to becoming a premier platform for the printing and packaging industry. We have met some fantastic people here and will definitely return,” he said.
Encouraging the printing and packaging fraternity, Sahni urged industry players to embrace innovation. “The market is becoming increasingly competitive. Sitting back and worrying is not how Indians move forward. We must continuously innovate, recreate, and reimagine our offerings. With a population of 1.5 billion, the market will keep growing, and we must be ready to evolve with it,” he said.
India’s market potential from a global perspective
Adding a global perspective, Matteo Frigerio of Omet emphasized the opportunities in India’s fast-growing market. “Many customers are not just looking for a printing press; they seek complete solutions that integrate printing, embellishment, and converting – all in one machine,” he said.
