From the evening of 18th November 2018 until 25th November; it was celebrations, learning, networking and partying for the global label fraternity congregated in India at Greater NOIDA. Label manufacturers association of India was hosting “L9” world label associations, for four days followed by Tarsus organised Labelexpo India. The L9 meet was held at Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort spread across 9 acres, a super luxury designer resort in Greater Noida. The property is strategically nestled at the lush green premises of Greater Noida, this magical creation is enclosed by the abundant sweep of greenery and is a Golfers delight. L9 is the confederation of nine leading international label associations. The alliance consists of LMAI (India), JFLP (Japan), FINAT (Europe), TLMI (North America), LATMA (Australia), PEIAC (China), AMETIQ (Mexico), ABIEA (Brazil) and SALMA (New Zealand).
L9 meet
International delegates started to arrive at the Jaypee resort from 18th afternoon until late night.
On 19th November morning after breakfast the delegation was taken for a factory visit to Any Graphics, NOIDA.
The delegation on arrival were accorded a traditional welcome after being received at factory gates by LMAI President and owner of Any Graphics Kuldip Goel.
Thomas Hagmaier L9 President |
After application of teeka or an auspicious mark on forehead, guests were served refreshing welcome drinks while colourful folk dancers entertained the guests. Professional Turban tying persons tied colourful turbans on all visitors providing a celebratory aura to their welcome.
At this time factory staff, LMAI Board members and foreign visitors danced with the folk dancers, enjoying their welcome.
Jules Lejeune, Chris Elliso, Susan Ellison and Harveer Sahni |
Once the welcome was done the guests were led to their huge conference room where Naveen Goel Director Any Graphics made an impressive presentation on the vast capabilities of his company and showcased the global as well as domestic awards won by them.
Naveen Goel |
LMA |
After a visit to their factory shop floor spread over 100000 square feet, guests were taken for lunch in the company’s cafeteria with shehnai music players playing live while the visitors enjoyed a lavish lunch.
Before departing all guests were presented gifts and photographs of their visit to Any Graphics.
The guests were then taken to Raj Ghat Delhi the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, father of nation.
This was followed by a visit to a sound and light program on the history of rulers of Delhi at Purana Qila (Old Fort).
After this the entourage returned to Noida for dinner and cocktails.
Keren(Mexico) and Ajay Mehta |
The delegates were enjoying their visit and danced in joy, they were having fun.
The next morning on the 20th the visitors were taken to Agra to visit Taj Mahal and returned same evening to attend a dinner hosted by Labelexpo Managing Director Lisa Milburn at Hotel Crowne Plaza also in NOIDA.
21st November was the official business meet of L9. It started with board meeting of all visiting international associations with board of Directors of LMAI. They deliberated over ways of collaborating and agreed to meet in Mexico in 2020.
The afternoon session was opened to Indian converters and sponsors followed by dinner and cocktails.
Carrie Duan-China |
Presentations were made by all visiting international associations highlighting activities in their respective countries.
The event was sponsored by SMI Coated
Products and Pulisi. Ajay Mehta MD SMI and the Pulisi representatives also addressed the gathering. The guests visited Labelexpo India next day on 22nd November 2018 and the LMAI Avery Dennison Awards night before returning home the following morning.
On completing his journey Chris Ellison President FINAT said, “Like India’s warm generous people, India’s label industry is colourful, vibrant and passionate to grow.” Commenting on his experience in India, the L9 President Thomas Hagmaier said, “Family you cannot choose but friends you can. We bring nothing to this world but take out friendship. You are great people, Thank you for a wonderful event”. Jules Lejeune MD FINAT saw it as an interesting ride and thanked LMAI and the L9 team for their great work. Ms. Carrie Duan from China was happy to have attended and said, “we will miss you”. Keren from Mexico said, “There are moments that remain in the heart. These are moments shared with you that will remain in my heart. Thank you for being wonderful hosts. See you in Mexico in 2020”.
Labelexpo-India 2018
On 22nd November 2018, the largest Label event in South Asia “Labelexpo-India” opened its door at India Expo and Mart Greater Noida India. Visitors started pouring in right from the word go to witness the products and equipment showcased by over 250 exhibitors, a 25% increase from the number at last show. The show was spread over four halls, continuous flow of very high-quality focussed visitors made it the best Labelexpo India ever. Speaking at the inauguration Lisa Milburn Managing Director Labelexpo Group reiterated the commitment they have towards India and mentioned that this year the focus will also be towards package printing besides just labels. Besides providing knowledge, Labelexpo is a platform for bringing together peers in the industry for networking and increasing their vision in the field.
Lisa Milburn Managing Director Labelexpo |
Labelexpo India 2018 hosted “Brand Innovation Day” took place on the afternoon of Thursday 22 November (Day 1 of the show). It included a series of presentations followed by a short tour of key suppliers, highlighting the latest technologies and showing how brands can achieve stand-out product presence.
About 50 brand owners and packaging designers in India attended. The purpose of the program was to equip delegates with expert insight into making the most out of their brand, how they can overcome key challenges on the path to future growth and staying ahead of competition in a fast-paced industry.
Sukhdev Saini-General Mills |
Speaking at the event Sukhdev Singh Saini, packaging lead AMEA, General Mills said, “Creating environmental awareness in the branding of a product including how to handle recycling of both raw materials and end-use product is imperative now”. Noel D’Cunha editor Printweek in his presentation focused on the use of digital and label and packaging.
Kuldip Goel LMAI President |
LMAI Avery Dennison Awards night was organised by the LMAI on their own. In the previous years it was organised by Tarsus the organisers of Labelexpo. The show was well managed, despite entry being restricted to one ticket per member and rest on payment basis only, over 700 people attended the gala event. A global audience consisting of international and Indian exhibitors, L9 Delegates, Printers, suppliers and visitors thronged the event.
LMAI President Kuldip Goel welcomed the guests and gave a passionate speech comparing the various constituents of the label industry to the four pillars of a temple.
Interspaced with entertainment programs the awards for excellence were given away to winners and runners up in 23 categories.
Kumar labels, Any Graphics, Huhtamaki-PPL and Update Prints were amongst the prominent winners in multiple categories.
The awards ceremony was followed up by cocktails and dinner. Sponsors for the event included Avery Dennison, SMI, Nilpeter, Vinsak, Omet, Dupont, Intergraphic Pulisi, Gallus/Heidelberg and J N Arora And Co.
The show was busy throughout with a continuous stream of visitors not only from India but also from many other countries.
Raj K Dua with Weldon team with the press he bought |
Sales were reported by leading International press manufacturers like Omet, Nilpeter, Lombardy, Weigang, etc.
Domestic Label press manufacturer Multitec announced multiple sales and signed a cooperation agreement with Domino to build hybrid presses. There was an increased exhibitor presence in the digital label printing segment. Companies who were prominently displaying their digital label printing equipment included HP, Konica Minolta, Domino, Monotech and Dillli.
Gallery
John-Orthotec |
Raul Silvestre-Lartec Spain |
The article is written and compiled by Harveer Sahni Chairman Weldon Celloplast Limited New Delhi November 2018.