At a time when packaging converters are navigating rising input costs, currency volatility and growing demands for efficiency, printing cylinder technology is evolving beyond conventional applications. For UFlex, the focus is increasingly on specialized, value-added cylinders that can deliver precision, lower material consumption, advanced finishes and security features across industries.

Parwez Izhar, executive vice president, Printing Cylinders Business, UFlex, discussed these developments with The Packman on the sidelines of the 10th India International Footwear Fair 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. While the exhibition provided an opportunity for UFlex to demonstrate its expertise in leather and leatherette applications, Izhar’s comments highlighted the wider capabilities of the company’s cylinder business.

One area seeing significant demand is coating cylinders, particularly those used for PVDC coating to enhance barrier properties in films. UFlex supplies such cylinders to customers across India and international markets. The company also manufactures anilox and other coating cylinders for applications ranging from lacquer, wax and UV coating to hot-melt coating.

Izhar points to the growing importance of precision in these applications. Electromechanically engraved cylinders can deliver up to around 4 GSM, while higher-volume applications may require laser engraving. “In case you need 50, 100, 150 GSM cylinders, then there’s no other option except people go for the laser engraved cylinders,” he said, adding that UFlex has this capability in India.

The company’s technology portfolio also extends into specialized embossing, including cylinders capable of replicating effects traditionally produced through manual engraving. Metal embossing, textured embossing, glitter printing and 3D effects are among the applications being developed for industries including footwear, fashion, textiles, metal, FMCG, home décor, construction and many more.

Another emerging application is security printing. UFlex is incorporating hidden text, graphics and micro and nano text into cylinder designs to support anti-counterfeiting requirements. Such features can remain invisible to the naked eye but become identifiable through specialized viewing techniques.

However, the broader printing industry is operating in a dynamic cost environment. Izhar says fluctuations in input costs and ongoing geopolitical developments are influencing cost management. “The market remains uncertain,” he said.

Higher raw material and consumables prices, have pushed up manufacturing costs. “In the competitive product where almost every cylinder manufacturing company has electromechanical engraving, the competition is very high.” However, similar situation is not with specialized cylinders and premium products. There is a high entry barrier for these products, Izhar said.

Sustainability and efficiency are meanwhile becoming increasingly important. UFlex is working on optimizing cylinder cell structures to reduce ink consumption while maintaining printing precision. Lower ink GSM can translate into substantial savings in ink, solvents and energy, particularly because lower ink volumes reduce the load on the drying and heating systems.

For customers, speed is another critical requirement. Izhar says turnaround times are under increasing pressure, with customers expecting cylinders to be delivered at the lowest turnaround time.

The footwear and fashion segments bring an additional challenge: rapidly changing designs. “The customers always demand that we want something new,” Izhar said. Customization is becoming increasingly important, with brands looking for exclusive textures, leather grains, logos and surface finishes tailored to specific collections.

UFlex is also working on achieving high-gloss and high-matte effects, an area Izhar describes as still being in the trial stage. At the same time, the company is exploring ways of making cylinder technology compatible with more sustainable substrates and inks.

Izhar points to a broader evolution in cylinder technology – cylinder technology is no longer simply about transferring ink or creating an embossing effect. Precision, efficiency, customization, security and compatibility with evolving substrates are increasingly shaping the value of the cylinder and, ultimately, the performance of the printing process.