At Labelexpo India 2024, Ranesh Bajaj, director of Vinsak, spoke about the company’s latest advancements and innovative solutions, showcasing products designed to address the evolving demands of the label and packaging industry.
One of the highlights of Vinsak’s exhibit was AB Graphic International’s Digicon Lite, an entry-level finishing machine tailored specifically for digital labels. The machine comes equipped with features such as flexo varnishing capabilities, semi-rotary die cutting, slitting, sheeting, and a rewind unit. It will be moved to the Technova demo center in Mumbai following the event, where it will be available for demonstrations for up to six months. This machine, paired with HP printing devices, will provide a comprehensive solution for label finishing in the Indian market.
Another innovation showcased was the Label-Decore, a label embellishment and finishing machine. This technology enables advanced embellishments, including variable data printing, high-build varnishes, cast-and-cure effects, and gold foiling. It also supports precise slitting and rewinding, offering flexibility for labels printed on offset, flexo, or digital. Bajaj revealed that the Label-Decore has already gained significant traction in the Indian market, with over ten installations to date and strong interest generated during the show, resulting in several promising leads.
Vinsak also introduced the Toyobo Cosmolight water-washable flexo plate 1.14, a solution aimed at helping flexo printers transition from solvent-based to water-based plates. This move aligns with global trends emphasizing sustainability and reduced environmental impact. Bajaj highlighted the importance of offering technical support to ensure seamless adoption of this eco-friendly technology.
In addition to these products, Bajaj spoke about Vinsak’s ongoing collaborations with international partners. Its partnership with Rotatek in Spain has resulted in innovations such as an 850 mm wide two-color press for pharmaceutical packaging, which will be showcased at an open house later this year. Looking ahead, the company plans to install a 9-color press for flexible packaging and IML labels in 2025. Vinsak is also working with Lombardi to address price-sensitive markets by introducing the Smartline press, an entry-level model. The first installation of this press is scheduled for early next year in Delhi, marking a new chapter in its growth strategy.
Discussing trends in digital packaging and labeling, Bajaj observed that while digital printing is gaining popularity, challenges persist. He noted that the quality of digital printing remains a concern, with HP and Xeikon setting the benchmark. Additionally, the high cost per square meter of digital printing limits its adoption, with most companies using it as a complementary solution rather than a mainstream technology. Bajaj expressed optimism about the future, suggesting that digital solutions would stabilize and find broader acceptance over time.
Addressing broader market dynamics, Bajaj pointed to the dual challenges of price pressures and the need for constant innovation. He emphasized that companies must strike a balance between maintaining profitability and meeting the market’s growing demand for advanced and cost-effective solutions.
