At Printpack India 2025, Orient, a division of The Printers House, showcased its diverse range of cutting-edge printing solutions. Suprakash Mitra, business head of Orient Digital Division, shared insights into the company’s latest offerings and its vision for the future of the Indian printing and packaging industry.

Orient displayed five machines at the exhibition, highlighting its expertise across multiple printing technologies. Among these, two are digital printing machines – the C series, a water-based publishing machine; and a UV ink-based label printing machine. The company also presented a 1-meter-wide flexographic printing machine designed for packaging applications, including mono cartons and films. Additionally, Orient showcased its web offset machine – though not run it live due to its massive size – and a high-performance folder gluer, which Mitra claimed is on par with market leaders in quality and efficiency.

Unique features and performance capabilities

Discussing the key advantages of Orient’s machines, Mitra emphasized the uniqueness of the publishing digital printer. “Our publishing machine is 540 mm wide and has the capability to print on both coated and uncoated paper – something rare for water-based ink technology. It delivers exceptional print quality at 1200 x 1200 DPI and operates at speeds of up to 200 meters per minute,” he explained.

Similarly, the UV label printer stands out with its ability to print on a wide range of media, including aluminum foil, thanks to its inbuilt pre-coat and post-coat units. The 1-meter-wide flexo machine is another highlight, offering versatility in printing on both paper and films, making it ideal for mono cartons, labels, and other packaging applications.

The future of the Indian printing and packaging industry

Mitra is optimistic about the rapid evolution of the Indian printing and packaging industry. He noted that while the sector faced challenges post-COVID – particularly in newspaper and textbook printing – there has been a strong resurgence in packaging. “The market is experiencing significant growth, and this trend will continue for the next five to seven years. The demand for flexible packaging, labels, and embellishments is rising, driven by the need for more attractive and functional packaging,” he said.

He also highlighted the growing significance of short-run book printing. “As more publications, magazines, and tabloid newspapers shift to digital formats, short-run digital printing is becoming increasingly important,” he added.

Inkjet printing trends and Orient’s R&D focus

Orient has been making strides in inkjet printing since its debut at drupa. Mitra emphasized the company’s commitment to R&D, stating, “Before launching our product at drupa, we invested three years in research and development to ensure our technology meets the highest standards. Unlike many players in the Indian market who merely assemble imported components, we manufacture our machines from raw materials at our Ballabgarh facility.”

He further emphasized Orient’s positioning as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), distinguishing it from companies that import parts from China. “We build our machines in-house, sourcing only the heads and electronics from Japan and the UK. Our products offer European quality at a price slightly above Chinese alternatives, backed by a robust service network that has been supporting the Indian newspaper industry for 78 years,” he stated.

Commitment to sustainability and future roadmap

Sustainability is a core focus for Orient Digital, with the company investing heavily in solutions for water-based ink. “Our R&D team is working on sustainable technologies, and we plan to introduce a flexible packaging machine with water-based ink solutions at the next Labelexpo Barcelona,” Mitra revealed. He emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility, stating that Orient keeps a close watch on sustainability trends in both the Indian and global markets.

Looking ahead, the company’s next major step will be the development of a wider-width flexible packaging machine, further cementing its commitment to innovation in sustainable printing solutions.