Self Adhesive Labels Industry In India and The World
The pressure sensitive adhesive labels and packaging industry is growing at a steady and rapid pace in India. It is now time that the contribution of those who have achieved success is chronicled so that those who wish to move ahead have a platform to look for information, news and interaction. This Website intends to provide all that along with inspiration and reference.
Brotech, Established in 2004, with headquarter in Shenzhen, China is a provider of a diverse range of converting, finishing solutions and hybrid digital & finishing solutions for the label and flexible packaging industry, especially digital printed label section. Their offerings of machines cover products such as pressure sensitive label, IML label, shrink sleeve, cut & stack label, EAS, RFID, tickets and tags, booklet labels etc. and flexible packaging.
Brotech will be present at Labelexpo India along with their exclusive distributors in India, Weldon Celloplast Limited on their stand E8, Hall-10 in India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida – Delhi NCR. From November 14th to 17th 2024. “Our partners Weldon will showcase our products to our large expanding customer base in India” says Ramon Lee, Managing Director of Brotech Graphics Co. Ltd. He further adds, “Brotech is dedicated to providing flexible automation solutions to converters and manufacturers worldwide”.
KD Sahni, Managing Director Weldon Celloplast says, “Brotech has been consistently supplied performing equipment to convertors in India, the reliability of their equipment is proven by the repetitive acquisitions by loyal customers” He added, Brotech’s special machine for IML with auto stacker is a hot seller preferred by convertors”
WeldonCelloplast Limited
304, 3rd Floor,9/2 East Patel Nagar,New Delhi-110008,India
eluvio s.r.o. established in 2001 and headquartered in Czech Republic is a supplier of flexible dies for the printing industry. They offer high-quality, precise and variable tools, which are produced using the latest technologies. In a short time frame, they have acquired a substantial market share because of consistent good quality and service.
Eluvio will be present at Labelexpo India with their exclusive distributor Weldon Celloplast Limited. Tono Sánchez Reig sales manager of eluvio says, “We will look forward to meeting the Indian label fraternity at Labelexpo India where we will be present along with our Indian partner Weldon.”
“In a short time eluvio has gained the trust of leading label companies in India, and continues to expand their footprint” Says K D Sahni managing Director, Weldon Celloplast Limited.
We are thrilled to be exhibiting our corona technology at Labelexpo India 2024. The event, which takes place in New Delhi on 14th-17th November, is expected to attract visitors from more than 50 countries across Asia to see more than 250 stands at the Expo Centre & Mart in Great Noida.
Vetaphone, which is represented in India by Weldon Celloplast (Hall 10 Stand E8), will have corona treaters in working demonstration on the UV Graphic Technologies stand (A18), and on the Domino stand (A22) where it is mounted on a digital press fitted with a UV Graphics flexo unit.
Speaking for Vetaphone, Area Sales Manager for Asia Pacific Holger Selenka commented: “The Indian sub-continent, with its annual growth rate in label printing of around 10%, is a key area for Vetaphone in strategic terms and we are looking forward welcoming our existing users and meeting new customers along with our friends and colleagues on the Weldon Celloplast stand.”
Kroger will use RFID sensors to enable item-level digital identification for greater inventory accuracy to maximize freshness, reduce waste and optimize associates’ time
Avery Dennison (NYSE: AVY) announced it will begin working with The Kroger Co. to build a better associate and customer experience through RFID inventory automation technology. This collaboration makes item-level digital identification possible, enabling more frequent and more accurate inventory information to maximize freshness, reduce waste and improve the associate experience.
“Kroger’s customers and associates are at the heart of everything we do,” said Jordan Poff, vice president of retail operations at Kroger. “Our work with Avery Dennison will improve inventory visibility, which means products will be on the shelves when our customers want them, while enabling our associates to spend more time with our customers.”
This strategic collaboration will begin in the bakery department, implementing RFID-embedded labels on each item, providing significant time savings and valuable data to automate inventory management and freshness optimization. It is a foundational step in delivering a more seamless customer and associate experience across all fresh categories long term.
Julie Vargas, vice president and general manager of identification solutions affirms, “For decades, Avery Dennison has been the driving force behind connecting physical products with a digital identity to unlock data accuracy and efficiency in retail and supply chain operations. With this collaboration, we are committed to Kroger’s initiatives to optimize associate time, reduce waste from overproduction and ultimately deliver a uniquely valuable customer experience.”
Flint Group, a leading provider of ink and coating solutions for the global print and packaging sectors, has announced its participation in Labelexpo India 2024. The prominent event for label converters and printers across India will take place on 14-17 November 2024 at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Noida, Delhi.
Flint Group’s team will showcase a range of innovations designed to support performance and sustainability in the Narrow Web sector. Attendees will discover the company’s state-of-the-art EkoCure® Dual Cure inks, formulated to cure under both traditional UV Hg and UV LED lamps. This technology enables printers to use one ink on all presses while transitioning to UV LED curing, significantly reducing their need for excess ink inventory.
Upal Roy, Managing Director India/South Africa/Middle East at Flint Group, said: “With sustainability and efficiency becoming increasingly important, technologies like EkoCure provide converters with an invaluable asset. This range supports them in simplifying their ink inventory management while investing in UV LED curing stations, granting the flexibility to transition at their own pace without added complexity. As a result, converters can start benefiting from the lower energy consumption and waste associated with UV LED curing faster than ever. We can’t wait to demonstrate its benefits at Labelexpo India this year alongside Flexocure® ANCORA and our industry-leading support services.”
Attendees seeking solutions for printing indirect food contact materials can learn about Flexocure ANCORA – UV flexo ink designed to meet the stringent demands of food packaging printing. This range delivers superb press performance and adhesion, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including self-adhesive labels, wrap-around labels, in-mould labels, unsupported films, sleeves, and more.
Flint Group’s team will also demonstrate VIVO Colour Solutions, an end-to-end web-based colour management process designed to ensure colour recipes are tailored to customers’ unique ink chemistries, substrate selections, and anilox choices. This digital colour management platform provides the flexibility and accuracy converters need to ensure accurate ink formulations every time.
Alongside VIVO Colour Solutions, attendees can learn more about FlintLink – Flint Group’s digital customer portal that provides customers with real-time access to the critical information they need. FlintLink provides 24/7 access to order details, delivery notes, invoices, safety data sheets, certificates of analysis, the Flint Group webshop, and other important documents and data points.
Dr. Sreenivas Goud, Director for Sales Narrow Web, India, & Exports at Flint Group, said: “Labelexpo India serves as a hub for innovation, showcasing the products and technologies shaping the future of the Narrow Web printing industry. Our team is looking forward to connecting with printers at this year’s event to present our revolutionary ink ranges that are driving efficiency and sustainability across the industry. We are eager to engage with visitors and encourage anyone interested in learning more to book a meeting with our team today.”
High-resolution 1200 x 1200 dpi and color image processing for realistic photographic image quality
QL-300 is the world’s firstCMYK+White toner-based tabletop label printer that enables Label converters and brand owners to create high-quality labels with the utmost durability, ensure a competitive cost of ownership, and set brand apart with vibrant, impactful product labels.
Designed to print on a wide variety of uncoated paper and films for a broad spectrum of labeling applications.
The ultra-white toner option used in the QL-300 allows colors (CMYK) to be accurately printed and visualized by the human eye. White allows printing onto transparent and colored substrates. Additionally, advanced label designs can be achieved, including gradations of colors and white, as well as spot UV sheen or varnished appearance when printing black dark-colored materials.
Labels are produced at speeds up to 9 meters/minute and in widths of up 126 mm, allowing a wide variety of shapes and colors.
With over 18,000sqm exhibition space booked this year’s show is 35 percent larger than the 2022 edition.
Labelexpo India 2024 has been confirmed to be the largest yet, with over 18,000sqm exhibition space booked, accounting for 35 percent more than the 2022 edition. There are already over 250 exhibitors confirmed.
Over 250 exhibitors will be participating in Labelexpo India 2024, including HP and TechNova Imaging Systems, Avery Dennison, GEW, UV Graphic Technologies, Multitec, Monotech Systems, RK Label Printing Machinery, Jindal SMI, Vinsak, Weldon Celloplast, Domino Printech, Konica Minolta India and Maxcess India.
Suppliers exhibiting for the first-time include Cosmo Films, Siegwerk, The Printers House, Rational Business Corporation and Xsys.
TechNova Imaging Systems partners with HP to showcase live demonstrations of the HP Indigo 6K digital press. Visitors will experience a digital supermarket, featuring real-life labeling and packaging applications.
Avery Dennison will present its Sustainable ADvantage portfolio, which features labels designed to minimize material use and promote recycling and reuse.
GEW will highlight two new high-performance LED products at Labelexpo India, the latest air-cooled AeroLED2 and water-cooled LeoLED2.
Other highlights include the Label Manufacturers Association of India (LMAI) awards at the end of day two, an evening to celebrate the outstanding achievements of companies and printers in the label industry.
Jade Grace, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, commented: ‘We are excited to welcome all visitors and exhibitors to Labelexpo India 2024 next month. The four-day show will be filled with the technologies that are revolutionizing the label and packaging industry. Since the last Labelexpo India in 2022, we have seen huge progress in areas like flexo, automation, digital printing and embellishment technologies. Visitors will also learn about the technologies which will help meet the growing sustainability requirements of brands in India.’
Pradeep Saroha, event director for Labelexpo India, added: ‘We are excited about the return of Labelexpo India. This is a unique opportunity for the South Asian print and package printing industry to reconnect and experience the future of print technology firsthand. The industry is undergoing significant evolution, with exciting trends such as the shift to digital technology, automation, and enhanced workflow capabilities. As one of India’s fastest-growing sectors, packaging is driven by expanding markets for processed foods, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals, spurring technological innovation across various fields, including e-commerce and FMCG.’
Amit Khurana, CEO of TechNova Imaging Systems, commented: ‘At Labelexpo India, visitors can expect to see groundbreaking advancements that are shaping the future of the labeling and packaging industry. The focus will be on sustainable solutions, with an emphasis on eco-friendly materials and processes. Digital transformation will be another key trend, as companies continue to adopt cutting-edge digital printing technologies to enhance efficiency and customization. Additionally, there will be significant innovations in flexographic printing, highlighting the latest in solvent-wash and water-wash flexo plates. We are excited to showcase these trends and demonstrate how TechNova’s comprehensive range of products can help businesses stay ahead in this rapidly evolving market.’
‘Labelexpo India provides an unparalleled opportunity for label businesses to explore futureproof solutions, with live demonstrations featuring the latest presses, finishing units, inks, dies, and substrates from industry-leading manufacturers. The event is a vital meeting point, connecting key technology providers with a broad audience of print buyers,’ concluded Rajesh Chadha, president of the Label Manufacturers Association of India (LMAI).
This year’s edition of Labelexpo India takes place in India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, Delhi NCR on November 14-17. To register for a press pass, please visit: https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/1w21tbxwb1suc
LMAI, Label Manufacturers Association of India has been holding the biennial prestigious Label awards evening on the sidelines of Labelexpo India. This year’s event titled “LMAI Gallus – Heidelberg Label Awards” will be held on November 15th, 2024, at Hall 7, India Expo Mart, Noida. The event has been growing in stature with increased participation from converter members, supplier members and label fraternity at large. At the last event in 2022, 700 delegates from India and around the world, networked, attended and celebrated the winners of India’s best known and recognized label awards. This year’s event is expected to be bigger and better.
LMAI, having its administrative office in Navi Mumbai, is the representative body of the Indian self-adhesive labels industry. It was founded to promote the interests of labels fraternity, by the initiatives of Amit Sheth, a prominent industry supplier with active participation of a few prominent label entrepreneurs. The membership strength has steadily grown. An experienced professional team on the board keeps on organising technical Seminars / Workshops from time to time. LMAI organizes their highly acclaimed biennial Conference on alternate years. It also organises “LMAI Label Awards and Competition” a widely acclaimed international quality event where winners are not only recognized nationally but further supported to compete in World Label Competitions.
The awards ceremony Chairman and past president Kuldip Goel says, “this year’s event will deliver enhanced value to its members, and we are sure that the LMAI family will keep on growing.” The event promises to become a platform for not just networking but also knowledge sharing.
LMAI president Rajesh Chadha has sent out a message as reproduced below; assuring a memorable event!
LMAI members can book their exclusive tables for themselves and their guests as per terms and conditions in the flyer.
Note: Non-members can contact and join LMAI as members to avail member benefits!
Kuldip Goel led Noida headquartered Any Graphics an ISO 9001 & ISO1400 certified unit, has always been in the forefront of delivering innovations and creativity in self-adhesive labels. They have been winning awards for their labels at various prestigious platforms which include World Label Awards, Printweek India awards, LMAI awards, Fespa and more.
Reaching a pinnacle earlier this year in September 2024, they were the only label printer from Asia to have been shortlisted amongst the top three in the world for the highest award, the “Converter of the year award” at the Label Industry Global awards.
Any Graphics has expanded their capabilities, moving to a state-of-the-art new factory spread over 15000 square meters with a 250,000 square feet shopfloor with a focus on environment and sustainability. Their capabilities include diverse printing and converting technologies like offset printing, narrow web flexographic and letterpress label printing, digital printing, screen printing, doming and much more.
In my article titled Faridabad, a hub for label presses, I had mentioned that most of the successful brands of Indian flexo presses that have been developed, come from Faridabad, the neighboring industrial suburb of New Delhi. Faridabad is a part of NCR Delhi and a major industrial hub of the state of Haryana. These presses include Alliance, Multitec, Webtech, NBG, Orient from The Printers House, Label Flex and many other smaller ones. Even UV Graphic technologies now headquartered in NOIDA, started their manufacturing in partnership with Faridabad based Multitec. Three companies are already covered wide the following articles:
Alliance Printech Pvt.Ltd. also in Faridabad is led by Jatinder Julka who started his maiden startup venture in 2007, manufacturing web offset machines for continuous computer stationery and business forms. He faced numerous challenges initially. Despite the economic slowdown of economies in 2008, evolution of market from fanfold computer stationary to sheeted media for laser and inkjet printers, with support from his partner, family and friends, Jatinder remained determined to move on until 2012 when he launched his first flexo label press and displayed it at Labelexpo India. That was the start of his journey into the world of labels.
The large extended Julka family has lived in Qadian for over 300 years, a Village in Batala Tehsil in Gurdaspur District north-east of Amritsar, situated 18 kilometers (11 miles) north-east of Batala city in the state of Punjab. Jatinder Julka comes from a family of traders working as commission agents, trading in commodities like Sugar, Jaggery and Pulses. Nine-year-old Jatinder’s father passed away in 1979 while he was still a school going child studying in DAV school in their village Qadian. His mother was a strong woman who took upon the manter to support the family. She raised her three school going children, two sons and a daughter while pursuing a profession of imparting Skill training and as a Money Lender.
Jatinder Julka’s childhood was mostly spent in his native hometown. After finishing school,he pursued his engineering diploma from Government Polytechnic College Batala, passing out in 1989. The mid-1980s for the next decade, was a time when Punjab was in turmoil due to terrorism, peace returned much later. The mother protective about her children impressed upon her younger generation in moving to neighbouring states where peace prevailed. In compliance with his mother’s wish, in 1989 Jatinder took up a trainee engineers’ job in an automobile parts manufacturing in Delhi’s Wazirpur Industrial Area. The youth in him was restless so he kept switching jobs a couple of time after which the Punjabi trait to do own business surfaced and he moved to Hyderabad and started a transport business attaching a truck acquired in partnership with his cousin to Jaipur Golden Transport.
Unfortunately, this did not last more than 3 months. Jatinder moved briefly to Himachal in 1991 as it was closer to his home, to work as maintenance engineer in a pharma company Fermenta Biotech Limited (Earlier known as DIL Limited) in their Kullu facility. Later in the same year1991, he landed a job that shaped his future in a company called Sud & Warren in Faridabad where he joined as a sales engineer slowly working his way up.
Jatinder Julka worked in Sud and Warren for the next 9 years. The company led by Baldev Sud and KL Arora was manufacturing Business Forms Presses and Slitting machines. This was his grooming ground, and he gives all credit to his family values and to those who mentored him, they included Director in the company K L Arora. He stays indebted to them for mentoring him so that he can now build state-of-the-art machines for the world. “K L Arora’s guidance shaped my career” says Julka. He further adds “He brought me to work in in sales while designing the perfect training schedule, spending 15 days in each department to understand the intricacies.” In 2001, moving on, Jatinder joined Multitec owned by Shanti Pal Ahuja.
Jatinder Julka came from a middle-class family where most relatives were running their own successful industry or business, in his heart he too aspired to have his own business one day. Having worked for different employers for almost 18 years, in 2007 he initiated his startup venture Alliance Printech Pvt. Ltd. He decided to pursue the business of building business forms presses and offset machinery, an industry in which he had acquired substantial knowledge and experience. Since the foundation of printing industry was established with vendors and other suppliers located within the city by his predecessors in the business, The Printers House, Sud and Warren and Multitec, Alliance was also set up in Faridabad which eventually became a hub for Printing and packaging Machinery – Web Offset Machines, Forms Presses, Sheet fed Offset Machines etc. It was thus easy for such companies or their people to try recent technologies like Flexo Label Presses or other converting machinery.
The global economic slowdown of 2007-2008 impacted countries including India. Coupled with the normal issues of a startup, the first couple of years were challenging for Alliance but with sheer hard work, support from family, partner, team and collective indulgence they were able to sustain and overcome the initial market resistance to their equipment. Persistent development enabled them to produce their first flexo label press in 2012 launching it at Labelexpo 2012. It was difficult and took time but with concentrated efforts, they managed to achieve acceptance for the Alliance brand. Thereafter it was no looking back and their participation in exhibitions enabled them to maintain a steady flow of orders to keep growing and upgrading their equipment to global standards.
Jatinder married in 1997 to Rajni Julka who supported him during initial days of his business by working in a school. They are blessed with two children, a son Aryaman born in2001, and a daughter Simar born in 1998. Both are unmarried, Aryaman joined father’s business in 2022 after completing his B-tech (Mechanical) from Manipal University, Jaipur. He is a very ambitious young man and passionate about taking the business forward at a rapid pace. He has been working in various departments and projects in the company, sharpening his skills and capabilities. Jatinder had set up the factory with all departments including design, tool Room, assembly line, stores, electricals and sales to become a perfect training ground to groom his son. The father-son duo now proudly state, “Our presses are comparable with any other European or American presses.”
Alliance Printech operates out of a 25000 sq.ft. factory situated in the industrial area, IMT- Faridabad developed by the State Govt., their shop floors and offices are fully air-conditioned and provide conducive environment to build state of art printing machines. In a short span of 12years, they state that they have sold over 125 presses with exports to 21 countries! They have ambitious plans to grow multifold in the next couple of years, build a strong, capable team and set up sales and service centers at multiple locations. Commenting on the smart and robust growth of label presses made in India and their acceptance in India and abroad, the Julkas state, “The next 10-15 years belongs to Indian machinery manufacturing companies and the whole world has great expectations from this industry.” They are already working on the digital label segment with a leading digital press manufacturing company, supplying them with Web Transport Systems.
Ambitious as they are, they aspire and endeavour with vigour to grow 20 times in 5 years!
Written by Harveer Sahni, Chairman Weldon Celloplast Limited New Delhi September 2024
