Harveer Sahni

Total Post: 292

Label Predictions for 2018

Label Predictions for 2018
I have expressed my personal views on how the Indian labels market is likely to move ahead in 2018

From being a country with predominantly rural population and unorganized retail, urbanization in India is steadily transforming the market to a mature one with consumer orientation. Products that were mostly available in loose unpacked format are now increasingly being offered from organized retail food marts in decorative and attractive packaging. 
 
 
A label or pack that had limited need earlier has become the communication tool between the seller and end consumer. Indian label market that has over the years defied recessionary trends at the global level has been growing steadily with double digit growth. Market segmentation has also been a continued process both in terms of producing labels for the commodity products and those for high end with attractive decoration. The former segment forms the bottom of the triangle, accounts for the larger volume of labels and is highly competitive with depleting margins. 
 
 
This segment will stay fiercely combative in the marketplace and will resort to heavy cost cutting to drive in margins with economy of scale. They will resort to buying traditional but low cost presses with faster speeds, lower wastage and lesser downtime. The Upper part of the triangle is which caters to the users for whom a good and unique label is an imperative to boost sales. This is the segment that drives in development with innovative capabilities to help drive in better margins. For this reason we will see growing demand for hybrid presses by leading high end printers. 
 
Digital printing in labels is still a segment where Indian printers are hesitant to step in even
though the journey in this direction has commenced. This is so due to the higher cost of production in this printing technology. Short runs and variable data, drive this segment and in a high population country like India, this market will grow but not at the rate at which it grows in the western world. Lower cost of printing and converting equipment may boost this segment. Digital equipment manufacturers who can address this aspect will surely make this segment to prosper. Imperative need for brand protection, communicative labels, decorative labels and relatively short run labels to aid marketing in different geographical regions in India with different languages and festivals, spells the need for hybrid presses.
 
India witnessed turmoil in business due to aggressive government economic policies that would aid faster growth longtime. Business slowed down a bit, but moved on due to inertia. The settling down of economy will surely create an expanded market. We envisage a better growth rate in 2018. Labels moving into different tangents like Shrink sleeves, IML, wrap around, etc. stem a larger growth rate in the self adhesive labels but as mentioned earlier, due to the sheer market size, all segments will keep growing. 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental concerns are also likely to impact the Indian market scenario, it is becoming increasingly difficult to send the waste to landfills or incinerate it. 2018 will see emphatic moves to conserve the environment. How this evolves, only time will tell.
 

 

 

 

 
 


Written By Harveer Sahni, Chairman Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi January 2018. To email the author; harveersahni@gmail.com  

Labels diversifying into different tangents

Labels diversifying into different tangents
Label is primarily information appended to a product or its packaging giving the brand name, information on the product, its usage, safety instructions, manufacturer’s details, statutory information, prices and now bar codes that provide a system for track & trace, price information, inventory control and logistic support. How the label or the required information has been attached to the product has varied over the ages. The earliest form of labeling was done by etching, embossing or stamping brands and information directly on glass or metal containers. Labels have been in use for hundreds of years but labels as we know today have evolved largely after the 17th century. Printing originated in China in the 11th century and was further developed in Korea in the 12th century but a wooden block printing press for mass printing was invented by a German Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century.  It was only in the earlier part of 18th century that printed paper labels surfaced as a possibility but since adhesives to affix these labels were not available, their usage started later. By then lithography had developed, so directly metal printed containers started being used for packing and canning. Many products are still packed with modern canning processes using metal cans printed with the lithographic printing process. It was only in the 19th century that printed paper based labels started being used for labeling and packaging using natural gum based adhesive to stick the paper labels to glass, metal or paper based containers and packaging. These labels in an evolving label scenario are now referred to as Wet Glue Labels.
 
With increasing levels of literacy, growing population and growth of packaged products, mass production in factories has become an imperative. New glass, paper, metal and plastic based packages are being developed to catch the eye of demanding consumers. The aesthetics are enhanced by affixing colourful and attractive labels. Faster labeling and packaging methods evolved as also the need to have highly decorated labels to service the need of consumers. Driven by this demand labels have evolved into different tangents. Diverse and technical labeling technologies have emerged. Listed below are some of the prominent technologies that labels have presently evolved into;
  1. Pre printed labels on metal container
  2. Wet Glue Labels
  3. Self Adhesive Labels  
  4. Self adhesive Liner less Labels 
  5. Heat Transfer Labels
  6. Direct on product screen printed labels 
  7. Contact printing and stenciling
  8. Laser  engraved labels 
  9. Metal anodized labels 
  10. Shrink Sleeves 
  11. In Mould Label 
  12. Digital: Direct on product Labels 
  13. 3D Printed labels 
Pre printed labels on metal containers: Metal containers or cans are made from tin plate (steel

covered in a thin tin layer) or of Aluminum and steel coated with a lacquer. The labeling is done in any of the three different ways listed below;

 

 

  • Metal tinplate sheets are printed by offset process and then converted into containers.

 

 

  • Preformed round metal containers are printed using a curved surface printing machine. Each color of ink is placed on a different (plastic letterpress) plate, and then transferred to a single rubber blanket which re-transfers the inked image to a can allowing all colors to be printed at a time followed by ink curing and varnishing.
  • Preprinted labels of paper, film or foil are laminated to preformed cans. These labels can be printed by, flexo, offset, gravure, or digital printing processes. These can be highly decorated on high end hybrid narrow web presses having advanced finishing capabilities. These labels can be applied as full wrap around labels or part labels with the balance surface left coated to show a metallic lustrous effect.

Wet Glue Labels: These labels are also referred to as glue applied labels. These formed the mainstay
of product labeling until well into the middle of last century. Labels initially printed on letter press machines and later on offset presses, were gummed manually and applied to the bottles or containers.  In 1880 De La Rue came up with a machine for gumming labels but this had a problem as paper labels would curl as soon as they would come out with gum applied on it making it difficult to handle.  From my personal experience I can cite example of how our company adapted to manual gumming of labels. Our parent company was established in 1939 to produce fountain pen inks and office adhesive that were packed in glass bottles. To achieve optimum level of production we devised an interesting method of applying glue and labeling. Those days the final packing was done in wooden cases, corrugated boxes came much later. We took a wooden crate and turned it upside down, spread a full roll of surgical cotton on it and then covered it with a thick cotton cloth that was tightly fixed by nailing it all around. This was then dipped into water overnight with its face downwards. In the morning we would squeeze out the water and our gumming pad was ready. A thin solution in water of natural gum (Gum Acacia) that grows on trees was applied on the pad and then labels spread on it. We would have the unlabelled bottles on one side of this pad and with a little gum on the finger, which made it a little tacky, lift the evenly gummed label off the pad and place it on the bottle without any curl and put on the other side for further packaging.  Subsequently with development of high solid faster drying Dextrin based adhesive automatic machines to apply gum and dispense labels to the bottles were developed. This made large scale production on automated production lines possible.
 
 
 Direct on product screen printed labels: Screen printing saw growth in the Indian label scenario in the middle of last century. A lot of consumer product that shifted from glass to plastic packaging also opted for screen printed containers. However this did not last for many years as self adhesive labels with the high end decoration they offered soon became the preferred option. However screen printing on container is still in use but has limited application.
 
 
Self Adhesive Labels: In 1935 “Ray Stanton Avery” developed the self adhesive label also referred
to as Sticker or Pressure Sensitive Label. This label revolutionized the way how the world branded and labeled their products. The label basically consists of a face stock which could be paper film or foil, coated with a tacky non drying adhesive and protected with a backing also referred to as release liner. The label after printing and die cutting just needs to be lifted off the release liner and placed on the product achieving instant bond on applying pressure, unlike the wet glue labels that need drying after application otherwise they would shift and look bad. The self adhesive label industry has over the years evolved to offer a diverse range of labels catering to various industries and applications that include fmcg products, lubricants, cosmetics, food, Pharmaceuticals,  variable information, logistics, brand protection, etc. In the initial years these labels were printed and die-cut on slow flat bed letterpress presses and with time they are now printed on high speed flexo rotary or combination label presses with capability to decorate and finish the labels in line in a single pass delivering finished labels at the end of the line. These labels are used on high speed label dispensing machines adding to production volumes for end user.
 
Self adhesive Liner less Labels: Self adhesive labels as described above have an issue as regards the
environment. The release liner and waste matrix after die cutting is not generally recyclable, though efforts are being made in this direction. This waste goes either to the landfills or is incinerated impacting the environment adversely in both cases. Moreover if the liner can be done away with while converting this type of label, it will amount to cost saving and become eco friendly. Considerable amount of work has been done in this direction and various options are now available. The simplest one being to make a tape like product printed, and siliconised on one side and adhesive coated on the reverse and self wound. However these labels that can be cut with sharp corners, cannot be die cut and dispensed in regular labeling equipment. Many European and US based food companies are already using such liner less labels. There is development being done to overcome the challenges of die-cutting complex shapes and dispensing cost effectively.
 
 
 
Heat Transfer Labels: PET film that is precoated with special release lacquer is reverse printed by flexo, offset or gravure to form labels in roll form. The image is transferred onto the container or product using heat and pressure. The labels are a composition of inks and lacquers selected so as to perform to customer’s specific needs. On transfer these labels are just the image and no substrate is transferred. Many years ago Mumbai headquartered Paper Products Limited (now Huhtamaki PPL) commissioned this technology known as “Therimage” with help of Avery Dennison. Later with self adhesive label emerging as  very decorative in presentation, this technology lost its popularity. In recent times it has resurfaced. It is extensively being used by the pen industry.It is now being extended to garments and other product segments.

 

 

 


Contact printing and stenciling: In present times even the corrugated shipper cartons bear self
adhesive labels needed for identification, inventory control and logistic requirements. In earlier days as I mentioned, wooden cases were used as shipper cartons. People would write on them using marker pens but when need for aesthetics became important stencils were made of tin plate. They were placed on the wooden cases and ink brushed over them to imprint the required information. Later when corrugated boxes started to be used for final packaging, roller contact printers with changeable rubber types and foam ink rolls were available to print the information that could be changed by changing the type faces as per need. Once corrugated cartons replaced the bulk of outer packaging, these cartons started to be printed and self adhesive labels applied, if needed. Stenciling is still used where wooden crates are required for final packaging.
 
Laser engraved labels: Steel or other metal auto components, like bearings need to be branded, they cannot be labeled with paper or film labels. Only the secondary packaging can be branded, this can amount to duplication and counterfeits. For this reason laser engraved branding is preferred. A laser beam which is a very small, focused point of laser power effectively superheats a tiny point of a surface and removes part of the surface, creating a permanent engraving. This beam of light is controlled and moved to create a brand name or permanent design.
 
 
 
 
Metal anodized labels: These labels are used in applications where permanent product identification
is critical such as equipment nameplates, signage, safety/warning plates, machine control panels, etc. Abrasion and corrosion resistance anodized aluminum labels are produced by chemical etching on photo sensitive anodized Aluminum. These are mostly riveted on to the equipment or panels as they are required to last most of the life time of the equipment.
 
Shrink Sleeves: Shrink sleeves offer 360 degrees space for decoration and product information. They are made of either of these materials; Polyester, PE, PVC or PP. Pre printed film is welded to form a tube, cut to desired size of the bottle or container and applied over it. It is then exposed to a heat gun or passed through a heated shrink tunnel for the tube to shrink and attain the form of the bottle or container providing all around decoration. Shrink sleeve labels originated in 1965 and invented by Fuji Carpentry shop that were later named as Fuji Seal. The actual large scale usage of these sleeve labels commenced in the mid 1980s. According to Suresh Gupta Chairman of Huhtamaki PPL, shrink sleeves were brought to the Indian market in 1991 when Paper Products Limited (now Huhtamaki PPL), set up the plant with help from Fuji Film to make these in India. This segment continues to register a steady growth rate. Global growth is 6-7% but in India it is slightly more, given the size of the market. In India these are largely printed on gravure printing presses. However in recent times, in an effort to cater to short run customers who maybe large customers doing special editions or small and medium enterprises, printing is also being done on flexo presses and in some cases on digital label presses.
 
In Mould Labels: Paper or film printed labels (mostly filmic) are placed inside the moulds during
the molding process. After placing the label, molten plastic is injected into the mould. On cooling the label is fused with the resin, takes the shape of the so molded container and becomes an integral part of it. The labels referred to as IML can be printed and decorated by any of the processes i.e. Offset, Flexo Gravure or digital. The end result is a highly decorated container. These IML applied containers are used for Ice cream, butter, paints, food packaging, etc. According to research firm MarketsandMarkets, the global in-mold label (IML) market is projected to grow from $2.58 Billion in 2015 to $3.23 Billion by 2020, at an estimated CAGR of 4.54%. It is the fastest growing segment amongst the various label segments.
 
 
 
Digital, direct on product Labels: Digital printing has made its presence in all variants of label
printing and converting. From wet glue to self adhesive and in mould labels, digital printing is making inroads everywhere. Some years ago when I was interviewing Helmut Schreiner, the former Chairman of Schreiner Group, I asked him, “What do you see as the biggest threat to self adhesive label industry?” He became pensive and after deep thinking said, “It will be digital printing direct on the product”! It makes a lot of sense as we see the market slowly evolving in that direction. This will open up a whole lot of opportunities for the brand owners. No paper, no silicone, no adhesive, no dies, no tooling and yet the option to indulge in personalization and creativity! According to AlexanderWatson Associates, “It may, indeed, be a disruptive technology”. Direct to digital has been around for some time printing on textiles and ceramics. It is commonplace to see digitally printed fabrics and ceramic tiles. It has started to make inroads into the consumer product market and we need to wait and watch where it leads to.
 
 
 
3D Printed labels: This is another technology which may see computer controlled 3D characters and images on products and labels. It will make the imagination go wild on what all can be created. It is a process in which layers of material are formed under computer control process to create an object that can be of almost any shape formed by deposits of binder material onto a powder bed with inkjet printer heads layer by layer.
 
 
 

The evolution of labels has created a whole bouquet of technologies which still keep coming up in new avatars. No one technology can become the predominant one for label production. With labels diversifying into different tangents, label printers need to select the way forward so as to stay innovative and ahead of time. It is surely time to emerge out of the crowd and create a separate visible entity.
 
Written Exclusively for Label and Narrow Web magazine USA by Harveer Sahni, Chairman Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi November 2017. The article may not be reproduced without the magazine's or the author's permission.

Spilker: German precision in tooling!

Spilker: German precision in tooling!
Story of  a family run enterprise Spilker GmbH, where three generations have technically indulged to grow their venture  from humble beginnings to attain success at global levels. They strive to upgrade and cater to customer needs maintaining quality standards assuring reliability in German precision!
 
http://www.spilker.de


Humble beginnings
In 1963, Herbert Spilker, trained as an engraving master, set up his startup venture in a small garage. Without any equipment and relying on his engraving skills, he started engraving metal brass plates for trophies with the barest minimum hand tools. With three children to support, a son Andreas the present Managing Director of Spilker GmbH born in 1961, another son and a daughter, he worked hard all by himself to grow his maiden engraving enterprise. In 1970s he felt it was time to move ahead. Self adhesive labels were evolving at a fast pace and the die cutting process was in the process of transforming from flat bed die cutting to rotary die cutting. Herbert Spilker wanted to produce flat bed dies but as luck would have it, prospective customers were already considering moves into faster converting process using rotary dies. They resisted his offer for flatbed dies and advised him to consider supplying rotary dies which at that time were being supplied by only two companies i.e. Kocher+Beck and Gerhardt (now merged into Rotometrics). The delivery time was very long, almost 2-3 months. Herbert was convinced that rotary dies was the business to be in. In 1978 he produced his first rotary die engraved by hand for a company Ritter Etiketten, now a part of the Rako Group since 2006. That was the beginning of an exciting journey to success in rotary tooling.
 
The first step towards expansion
 
Herbert Spilker
A year later in 1979 Herbert Spilker’s son Andreas, also trained as a master engraver joined the company as its 12th employee. The other son preferred to venture out as a printer but his daughter did join the business and now looks after the HR (Human Resource) department of the company. When Andreas joined the company they were still working without any machinery. They bought solid metal blanks and outsourced all other turning, machining and grinding processes. Finally the father son duo “master engravers”, would complete the die engraving by hand. In 1981 with experience of having produced 25-30 dies,they decided to invest in used turning and grinding machines. The turning machine at that time cost 1000 DM or 500 Euros. The grinding machine was more expensive at 2500 DM. The Spilker enterprise took it’s first big step of buying a CNC machine for engraving and then there was no looking back. In 1988 they moved to their present building in Leopoldshohe, it was a big step and time to expand!
 
In the late eighties the cost of rotary dies was making label printers consider using the cheaper but slower flatbed cutting options. The costlier solid rotary dies made it imperative to sell labels at a higher price making it difficult to compete. Flexible dies developed in America and  much cheaper than rotary dies, started being imported by others into Germany. These were instantly opted for by label printers to maintain their production speeds and consistent quality. Once in their new premises, in 1988, Spilker GmbH invested in equipment to produce both magnetic cylinders and flexible dies. Andreas Spilker proudly states, “No one taught us how to make these flexible dies and magnetic cylinders, we learnt it all ourselves” he further added, “It was the need of our existing customers, so the investment and development became an imperative”. The next decade was spent in consolidating, growing the new business, expanding and making renovations in whichever department it was needed. Herbert Spilker a farsighted man understood the need to transfer management to the generation next at an appropriate time. He mentored his son and transferred the power step by step until 1998 when he decided to retire and hand over the reigns of his growing business to his son Andreas Spilker, the present Managing Director. In 2003 Spilker installed their first machine for milling and sharpening rotary dies. Till then dies were sharpened by hand. They were the first manufacturer to offer rotary dies sharpened by machines. In 2004 the variabase anvil roll was developed for adjusting the cutting depth. In 2005 flexible dies in bigger format 860mm X 1050mm were developed. Spilker also has now capability to produce magnetic cylinders in very wide width up to 2800 mm. In 2006 they developed their first rotary die cutting machine. In 2008 they added another 3200 square meters to their production shop floor. In 2013 the MEP (Mechanical Ejector Pins) dies were developed. In 2015 another 300 square meters hall was added to develop custom built die cutting and laminating machine, such equipment was showcased at the Labelexpo Europe in September 2017.
 
The Family in business

Spilker continues to grow and attain global success. Andreas, a technocrat himself and a hands on
Andreas Spilker, Harveer Sahni, Henrik Spilker & Anika
 technically indulgent business owner, attributes this success to the inertia set in by his father Herbert Spilker. Even the day when this interview was to take place, Andreas was busy on the shop floor managing a new development. He is technically involved in all technical aspects of his company. His wife Katja is a home maker. Two out of his three children are already in the company. His daughter Anika born in 1990 and son Henrik born in 1988, joined the business in 2006. Henrik trained in metal engineering as a milling machine operator. After a stint in the company left to join university in 2010 and graduate in engineering. He returned to the company in 2015 to pursue his passion for technical innovation in workplace. He now looks after development of new tools, machine development and automation. Anika who has been in the company since 2006 is a refreshing personality, an imposing leader and leading her team by delegation. However still, her authority is evident in her area of operation.  She takes care of sales of rotary tools and in recent times has been passionately indulgent to grow the machine building business. Her husband is a police officer. The youngest offspring of Andreas, Marie at 19 years is still studying and only time will tell if she too joins the family business. The entire Spilker family are technology driven, Andreas remarked that none of them are accountants or management experts. “We can hire professionals for that but I am happy that the family is involved in production so as to turn out excellent, technically advanced and precision engineered products.
 
Getting over difficult times
 
Flexible die in production
The economic slowdown of 2008 brought the most difficult time at Spilker. Ironically and with regret,at that time they had to give up loyal employees to stay afloat. The crisis came at a time when they had acquired an additional shop floor area from a neighbor to expand their production. They had to stall the production until things improved and they were back on their feet. Once out of recession they came out stronger and fit to carve out a path of permanent and fruitful growth. Spilker with 210 employees presently works out of shop floor area admeasuring 20,000 square meters or over 200,000 square feet. Sales at over 20 million Euros continue to grow steadily at 10% per annum. They try to find special solutions to customer’s problems and attend to them completely, offering combination of new processes and products. They endeavor to make perfect rotary dies helping customers to build required production systems to service their respective customers. Andreas says, “The more complicated is the problem, the better it is for us. We love challenges”.
 
 
custom converting machine


The present business is spread into three business segments;
 
·         Rotary tooling that include rotary dies and magnetic cylinders
·         Flexible dies
·         Custom built machines

The above segments cater to the following industries;
 
·         Labels and printing
·         Medical and Pharmaceuticals
·         Automotive supplies
·         Electronics.



 
Magnetic Cylinder in production
A walk through their factory shows perfect workflow, state of the art capital equipment and testing systems to turn out products of highest quality standards. New developments at Spilker include tools with nonstick coatings for clean cutting adhesive labels with aggressive adhesives, tools for adhesive tape and wound care products, MEP systems with ejector pins for medical plasters that have holes, Sonic dies for punching holes and suction of waste rounds, etc. As for expensive rotary dies they offer value to their customers by repeatedly sharpening the tools when they become blunt. 



Andreas is pensive in his thoughts about his future in the company. He asserts that now that his children are getting firmly involved in the running of Spilker, in 5 years he will like to leave the management to them and retire. His daughter Anika is optimistic on the future and asserts that the company will grow further in both label and non label segments. Both Henrik and Anika are making efforts to expand into machine building while maintaining the quality and growth of existing business. Indulgent youthful attributes guided by an experienced mentor parent is sure to take Spilker to another level of success.
 
Written exclusively for Narrow Web Tech, Germany by Harveer Sahni, Chairman, Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi India May 2017 

The article maybe published with the permission of Narrow WebTech Germany giving credit to them and to the author

For advertising inquiries please email to; harveersahni@gmail.com 

My Pictorial walk through an amazing Labelexpo 2017!

My Pictorial walk through an amazing Labelexpo 2017!
 
 
 
Add caption
Labelexpo Europe 2017 at Brussels has been the biggest ever edition in the event's history so far. The show that is primarily dedicated to self adhesive labels industry has now evolved to  different segments of labels and into the larger world of print packaging. Evidently the show will continue to become bigger in the years that follow. As per information from Tarsus, the show occupied nine exhibition halls to be 12 percent bigger than the previous edition in 2015. It hosted 679 exhibitors, including 198 new participants. There was 25 percent more working machinery demonstrated at the show, including a number of product launches. Labelexpo Europe attracted large delegations from Brazil, China, India and Japan, the show reported 37,724 visitors; an increase of 5.6 percent on 35,739 visitors to Labelexpo Europe 2015. There were a number of sales recorded on the show floor.

I reproduce here images from my pictorial walk through this amazing show and the events organised on the sides and attended by me.

 





 
The Omet Agents Dinner one day prior to Labelexpo






 




Harveer Sahni and Amit Sheth as Judges at World Label Awards
  






Judging in progress for World Label awards













Chinese Press Manufacturers Weigang, stand








With Mike Russel International Sales Director Mark Andy











 
Mark Andy/Rotoflex Stand  




 
With Dirk Schroder, Sales Manager E+L displaying their intelligent inspection system






 






 
With Pankaj Bhardwaj Vice President and General Manager, South Asia Pacific and Sub Saharan Africa of Avery Dennison, India at their stand.







 






 
At the The Label Industry Global Awards Night and Gala Dinner, Tony White announcing the "Best of the Best" in World Label awards heldon the sidelines of Labelexpo Europe!







 






 
LMAI (India's label association) President Kuldip Goel and Vice President Rajesh Nema with Labelexpo Managing Director Lisa Milburn.







 







Professor Tan Junqiao receiving the receiving the Stanton Avery Lifetime achievement award from Georges Gravanis, President, Label and Graphic Materials, Avery Dennison and Mike Fairley





 
With Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group Managing Director  


 







With FINAT President Chris Ellison, FINAT events and communication manager Jakovina and LMAI Vice President Rajesh Nema





 





With Jules Lejuene, Managing Director FINAT







 






FINAT President in meeting with Mike Fairley at the "Label Academy" Stand

 








Networking at Dinner hosted by Lisa Milburn for Industry friends and colleagues around the world

 








Jakob Landsberg Sales Director of Nilpeter with Niklas Olsson Global Brand Manager of Flintgroup








 
With Lisa and Mike Fairley at the dinner        
SMI Team at their Stand



















 
 
Amit Ahuja Multitec            














 
 





 
The Gallus Stand
 
With Lars and Peter Eriksen of Nilpeter
 
Kocher + Beck Stand
 
Karan Reddy of SticOn papers Hyderabad
 
Tapan Patel of BST Eltromat















 
 
 
 
 
John of Orthotec  
Bobst Stand  


















 
Gavin Rittmeyer of Martin Automatic
MPS Stand


















 
Kapil Anand of Cosmo Films
Marco Calcagni of OMET


















 
 
Spilker Team














 
The Sahnis with Paolo Grasso, Omet













 






 
No Labelexpo at Brussels is complete without having spent a casual fun evening at the Grand Place!!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Compiled By Harveer Sahni, Chairman, Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi October 2017

Avery Dennison: 20 eventful years in India

Avery Dennison: 20 eventful years in India
www.averydennison.com
Living in a rented chicken co-operative, a young American poverty stricken man in his early 20s worked as a night clerk to fund his education. He stopped school and went to live for a year in China, where he gained experience working with a printing press. He returned to USA after the year, graduated and desperately tried his hands at various business options, he even sold smoked bananas! He then took on a morning job at a flower shop and later in the day started to experiment on various small things in a 100 square foot place nearby. He came up with the idea of making self sticking labels. With the printing press experience behind him he saw the vision to start his new venture. With no money of his own, he borrowed 100$ from his fiancée, Dorothy Durfee, who later became his wife, to invest in his startup business. Using a washing machine motor, parts of a sewing machine and a saber saw, he developed the world’s first self adhesive label cutting machine. In 1935 he started his maiden venture Kum-Kleen Adhesive Products Co which would be the mother enterprise of the world’s largest labelstock company Avery Dennison Corporation and this poor man was"Ray Stanton Avery!"
In the first balance sheet of the company on 31st December 1935, the total assets stood at 958.82$ and Stan Avery’s capital at 488.77$.
The company was later renamed Avery Products Corp. based in Pasadena USA. In 1990 it was merged with Dennison Manufacturing of Framingham, Massachusetts, a firm that made and marketed adhesive label products as well as glue sticks, felt markers and other office supplies through such chains as Home Depot and Staples. It came to be known as Avery Dennison Corporation. The business so acquired from Dennison Manufacturing, became the Office and Consumer Products Division. This business along with their “Designed and Engineered Solutions” business was later sold to their largest customer CCL Industries Inc. for 500 Million USD.
R Stanton Avery
R Stanton Avery died in 1997 at the age of 90 years. At that time the company had 16,000 employees and annual sales of $3.2 billion. As of 2016, Avery Dennison’s sales were 6.09 Billion Dollars with manufacturing and distribution presence in over 50 countries, product sales in 90 countries and 25000 employees worldwide. They are ranked 427 in the list of Fortune 500 companies.
Raj Gopal Srinivasan
As western markets started showing signs of saturation and slowing growth rates, Avery Dennison took a strategic decision to invest in emerging markets.Chinaand India being home to over 37% of the world population became the obvious destinations to invest into. The China investment happened in 1994-95 and investments into India followed soon after. Indian pressure sensitive labels market was still in a nascent stage and the potential of this technology had neither been fully unraveled or exploited. Wet glue labels were largely prevalent. Manual labeling or wet glue applicators were in use with most brand owners. An Avery Dennison team, led by Ron, set up its base in India. Raj Gopal Srinivasan was appointed the first General Manager to build and to lead a motivated team. Under his dynamic leadership the first team of 25-30 employees gave shape to the project and in March 1997Avery Dennison India Private Limitedcommenced operations as a part of Asia Pacific Division of Avery Dennison Corporation.
The initial operations were started in a leased facility at Narsinghpur Industrial Area, Gurgaon with a single slitter to slit and distribute material imported from their units outside India. Given the size of the country and the label industry spread in small numbers across all regions, it was gigantic task with a limited team to achieve levels of business that would do justice to their stature as a multinational. Raj and his team did an excellent job by building personal rapport and relationship that extended bonding not only to the company managements but also to the families of owners. It was relationship selling at its best. A setup that was based entirely on imports was difficult to sustain as custom duties were high, foreign exchange fluctuated and rules were stringent. The input cost variations made stable selling prices a challenge.The management at Avery Dennison soon realized the imperative need to produce locally. A one meter wide hotmelt adhesive coater was installed in January 1998 to produce stocks with imported raw materials. The initial staff had a perfect team spirit instilled in them and motivated to achieve more with less resources.
Mahesh Pathak
A few of those initial team members of Raj Srinivasan are still working with Avery Dennison.Mahesh Pathak, joined in 1997 asone responsible for entire process and quality of plants. He was instrumental in setting up the entire department from scratch and commercialized all products locally with success. He was responsible for the organization to be the first certified Six-Sigma BB in whole of Asia-pacific region. He is also responsible for having lead the expansion and setting up of all plants. He has risen to be theSenior Operations Director – South Asia Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa (SAP and SSA).Umesh Agrawal, joined in 1997 as materials manager and over the years took up different responsibilities in the organization. Heading the operations from 2001-2003, Head of business and product development 2003-2006, Director-Supply Chain and Product Development 2006-2012, Director Supply Chain 2012-2014 South Asia and South Africa and now Director Supply Chain, Asia Pacific.Muralie KS, a Chartered accountant joined the team later in 2008, he is the Finance Director of the company.Sailesh Kapur joined Avery’s team in January 2008, he built up a strong connect with customers and also shaped up the present structure of their sales organization. Other members of Raj Srinivasan’s team who also contributed to making a strong foundation for the project but later left the organization includeDhiraj KapurandKapil Anand.
Once local production started, business did begin to settle down, however high duties and political uncertainty in country drove the company to start innovating and develop products based on local inputs manufactured to their stringent specifications and quality control systems. In 2001, Avery Dennison started to siliconize their own release liners and started to produce adhesive locally. This exercise of localizing and reducing dependence on imports along with lean manufacturing to economies of scale helped the company to offer products at affordable prices. Avery Dennison also took upon themselves to educate brand owners about the benefits of usingPressure Sensitive Adhesives(PSA) labels and about the consistency of the quality from Avery Dennison products. This not only brought additional business to them but helped to grow the market size in the country. Once the business situation settled down, by 2004 Avery Denison India was on a steady rate of double digit growth. It was time to make significant investments in technology and people as also to contribute to the expansion of PS market in India. It was also time to expand.
Avery Dennison Plant in Pune
In 2007 land admeasuring 22 acres was acquired at Ranjangaon near Pune for expansion. In 2008 the facility was ready to go into production with a one meter hotmelt coater, with capability to run at 500 meters per minute with inline silicon coating, this compared to the first one meter coater at Gurgaon that could run at 250 meters per minute. The facility was inaugurated by Dean Scarborough, the previous global CEO and President of Avery Dennison Corporation. An interesting story of his visit is that Dean flew into Mumbai on company’s private jet from where he came to Pune in a helicopter. The pilot of the helicopter lost way and landed in fields nearby and Dean had to be brought in by a private car. In 2010 having paved the path for stable growth and leaving behind a legacy of service to the customers as a primary focus, Raj Srinivasan left for USA. He had inculcated in a culture at Avery Dennison India of going to any extent to honour commitments and deliver top-notch service. It is his legacy that 95% of genuine requirements are serviced within 36 hours. The legacy has been carried on and improved upon by the teams that have succeeded him. Good planning, in-time supplies, exact sizes and good forecasting specially with imported materials, has become a way of life for the supply chain teams now. “97% of these targets are met and we are assessed and rated as per the 36 hour target” says Vivek Kumar, who is heading the Supply Chain at Avery Dennison. He further adds, “Stringent quality control and consistent quality makes us deliver to happy customers!” With the depart of Raj Srinivasan to the USA,Anil Sharmawas appointed to head the Indian operations.
Anil Sharma
Anil Sharma brought in a new wave of professionalism. Building the foundation and establishing the fundamentals from a startup, needs a lot of personal human intervention, which was well delivered by Raj and his team. The company under Anil Sharma gradually started to move from being men driven to systems driven and building up to the next level of expansion and growth. Implementing the systems for order registration, timely delivery, payments collection and addressing customer concerns. All these processes started to become systemized while still maintaining the personal connect. 2011 was an eventful year for Avery Dennison in India. Another 1.5 meter hotmelt adhesive coater was installed at the Pune facility to enhance production capacity. Since they already had a production facility in North in Gurgaon and also in the West at Pune, a need was felt for having a stock point South India to make just-in-time supplies to customers in the south, adhering to the legacy of excellent customer service delivery. A slitting facility was also commissioned in Bangalore in 2011.
Inauguration of Innovation and Knowledge center PUNE
In the same yearAvery Dennison Knowledge centerwas set up in Bangalore. It was largely felt by Anil Sharma and his team that there was a dire need of training in the Indian label industry. There is also an acute shortage of trained manpower in the industry that was steadily growing with increasing population. High numbers of educated young people are coming out of universities getting employment and in turn creating a huge market for retail and eventually labels. According toJitesh MehtaDirector Product development, “This knowledge centre was created to be a brand neutral platform, purely to impart knowledge to converters and to their employees”. In recent times Avery Dennison has helped trained many young boys in collaboration with the Indian label association,LMAIhas also helped some of them with placement in label manufacturing companies. This centre aims to impart skills and not to do any brand promotion.The knowledge center has recently been shifted to Pune because they already had their Research and Development center there. It was synergy to have the Research and Development center and knowledge center at the same place.

With substantial investment made in 2010-11 they had surplus capacity and capabilities in their hands. Avery started to invest in the South Africa and other African markets to expand the sale of their products in these countries. Marketing team was hired locally in these countries while finance and back-end support is handled in India. It is interesting to note that they were the first among the organized global labelstock manufacturing companies who invested in these markets. Avery Dennison has in recent times also endeavored successfully to expand their reach to countries around India selling their products to Srilanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal as well.
In 2014 to expand further and augment its range of products offered, Avery Dennison India installed another coater at Pune. This time, it was an emulsion adhesive coater of 1.50 meter width. With increased manufacturing capacity and capabilities a bigger range of products is now being offered to their customer base. According to Vivek, who heads the supply chain management in South Asia, Avery Dennison’s bulk of the production i.e., about 350-400 SKUs comes out of the Pune facility. Gurgaon plant now complements the total production most of which is rolled out from the Pune plant. Solvent based adhesive products are still imported and sold wherever required. 95% of all products sold by Avery Dennison in India are made in India complying with the Prime Minister’s call to “Make in India”. 20 years ago they were largely reliant on imports and now only 8-10% material is imported, rest is all manufactured in India.
Pankaj Bhardwaj
In 2015 Anil Sharma was elevated to take up larger responsibilities as Vice President and General Manager, South Asia Pacific and Sub Saharan Africa. His team-matePankaj Bhardwaj, became his successor as Commercial Director-South Asia, Labels and Packaging Materials. Later this year in 2017 Pankaj was entrusted with a larger role as Senior Director & General Manager-South Asia at Avery Dennison India Pvt Ltd. Pankaj became a perfect combination of Raj’s legacy of relationship building and Anil’s professionalism. While maintaining close co-operation with converters, most of whom are running family owned businesses, he leads his team to interact with brand owners advising them on decoration, value addition on labels to keeping them updated on the latest trends. Avery Dennison continues to invest in technologies and new business areas likeRFID, specialty tapes, reflective products and sustainable manufacturing. They are also investing time and money in advising printers on new decoration and converting techniques as also helping expansion of the PSA label markets to smaller towns of India.
Pankaj feels that it is good that more labelstock manufacturers are coming into the market. It maybe challenging in view of depleting margins but if that makes the market size to grow, it is welcome. Avery Dennsion looks at India as one of the fastest growing markets and they are willing to continuously invest here. Proof of their commitment is evident from setting up of R&D center, Knowledge Centre, support to LMAI, support to technical workshops and label awards, etc. Adjacent technologies do present a challenge; Shrink sleeves growing at the same rate as PSA labels, IML is a niche not very wide spread and Digital is to be watched. Indulgence in digitally printed label segment is fast becoming an imperative. Despite the market dynamics Avery Dennison India in the last 5-7 years is achieving a CAGR (Compound aggregate growth rate) of double digits.


Recyclability and waste management are industry challenges. As an environmentally consciouslyCorporation, Avery Dennison has published its global sustainability goals. Avery Dennison India is making steady progress to support these goals by having all Indian sites FSC certified and more than 50% paper sourced from FSC certified sources. Also, all Indian sites are more than 99% landfill free.

Company is continually redesigning its products to reduce carbon footprint and promoting 25 mic PET liners given thatpaper liners are largely 60-62 gsm substance and are extremely difficult to recycle. PET is recyclable thereby reducing the impact on environment.

Corporate social responsibility is getting increasing focus for Avery DennisonIndia. Company has multiple programs in the areas of women empowerment, children health and education. Among other programs, Avery Dennison Foundation runs a program by the name of 'Avery Dennison Spirit Of Inventions' in collaboration with six universities by recognizing and rewarding innovative ideas from students in the field of science, engineering and technology.




Written by Harveer Sahni Chairman, Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi August 2017
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India shining! Indian Exhibitors at Labelexpo Europe

India shining! Indian Exhibitors at Labelexpo Europe
 

India shining! Indian Exhibitors at Labelexpo Europe

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourteen Indian companies will be showcasing their produce at Labelexpo Europe 2017 in Brussels. I am tempted to look back at 2005 when my company Weldon Celloplast Limited was the only Indian company exhibiting its labelstocks at the show. It remained so with each subsequent edition of the show until 2009. In 2011 we were joined by at least three more Indian companies as exhibitors and thereon the number of exhibitors from India has continued to slowly increase. Indian companies have benefitted from Labelexpo Europe. Initially it was a learning process as visitors and coming back home to upgrade their products to global standards. I contacted all the fourteen who are exhibiting to know their experience. Eleven of the fourteen responded. What is interesting to note is that all the Indian exhibitors at Labelexpo Europe 2017 are repeat exhibitors. Each one of them was present at the 2015 Labelexpo in Brussels. This actually indicates the value that this exclusive show delivers. The suppliers return repeatedly to showcase yet again.
 
For a Label show or for that matter any print show to succeed, it must have the maximum number of running presses live onsite at the show. As I mentioned above until 2009 there was just one Indian exhibitor showcasing labelstocks. There was no Indian press manufacturer who could display a label press that could stand up to the international quality standards needed in a label printing press. At Labelexpo Europe 2011 we saw a welcome change when Amit Ahuja of Faridabad based Multitec Aids Pvt. Ltd. Stand No. 5C10, a design engineer showcased his label press. Multitec, setup in 1983, has continued to exhibit in all subsequent editions of this show. It will be their 4th time to be showcasing there running label press in Brussels. This time they will exhibit their S2 model which is a full servo press with metal sleeve/cylinder concept which is advantageous as compared to fibre sleeves. The plate cylinder has been converted into a sleeve for easy mounting with no gear contact between sleeve and impression cylinder. There is a direct servo drive to print cylinder and another direct servo drive to impression cylinder in every printing unit. The machine has fast setup time, low wastage and infinitely variable print repeat. Amit is happy that after multiple showcasing at Labelexpo they are recognized as a supplier of world class equipment economically. They are now hoping to extend their marketing to South America and African countries after their success in Indian and Middle East markets.
 
The largest amongst the Indian labelstock manufacturers, Ajay Mehta lead SMI Coated Products
Pvt. Ltd. Stand No. 11A27 was setup in 1993. In their 4th time showcasing at Labelexpo they will exhibit their large range of labelstock solutions. SMI offers 200 SKUs with various adhesive options, their products are sold to 22 countries. Ajay says, “Labelexpo Brussels is the Mecca of Label Industry, each show is better than the previous one. We are able to generate gainful leads with our participation in the show”. He further adds, “It also gives us an opportunity to meet friends from around the world”. SMI will launch two new label stock solutions; Clear on Clear and UV cured peel able adhesive label solutions, especially for “Wet Wipes” application. 
 
 
Cosmo films Stand No. 3C70 with Ashok Jaipuria as founder Chairman and Managing Director was established in 1981.They are a global leader and manufacturers of specialty films for packaging, lamination and labeling applications offering biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films, cast polypropylene (CPP) films and soon to be offered biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) films. Also a fourth time exhibitor at Labelexpo, they will display their entire range of label films for Wrap Around, Cut N Stack, IML and PSA labels along with over-lamination films, direct thermal printable film and universal printable synthetic paper. Pankaj Poddar, the CEO of Cosmo film while confirming that exhibiting here generates business, expresses his appreciation for this show, “Our experience at the previous shows has been very good. Europe has always been a leading market for coated films and PSA label films. One gets to see the latest trends that are going to be driving future demand in our segment”. Some of the new products that will be on display include high temperature direct thermal printable film which can endure temperatures of -20 to 130 degrees C, used for carcass tagging and deep freeze labeling.  Also on display will be premium label over lamination films in velvet, black velvet and scuff free finishes.
 
Third time exhibitor Shashikant Garware’s, Garware Polyester Ltd. Stand No. 3E70, established in 1978, are the first and one of the largest manufacturer exporter of Polyester Film in India. An ISO 9001 – 2008 certified company, Garware Polyester is global technology-driven organization with an expertise in  manufacturing,  marketing value added Polyester, BOPP, Thermal lamination and Sun Control Window Films. It has been a trendsetter in Polyester Film manufacturing for more than last 30 years with development of products like Motor Insulation Films, Low Oligomer Films, PET Shrink Films, Lidding films, BOPP films, PET and BOPP Coated LABELS film, PET Silicone Liner, PET Matt Film, Pet White Qpaque Film and Lamination Films (Wet & Thermal). At Labelexpo they will like to establish global presence in Label industry and to expand their network. They assert that the last two times that they exhibited has given them a platform to showcase the product range, specially the new products and innovations with an opportunity to meet new possible future clients and brand owner prospects globally.
 
Exhibiting for the 3rd time MonotechSystems Ltd. Stand No. 9A42 is manufacturer of solutions for printing and packaging industry in India representing a number of world renowned companies. They will display brochures and samples of their recently launched solutions and Color Press-Colornovo: UV Inkjet Label Production press will be re-launched with more additions to it, plus a Track and Trace Solution will be showcased. According to Tej Prakash Jain Managing Director, the previous two exposures have benefitted Monotech and now that they offer various inkjet solutions for label printing like monochrome, full color inkjet system, security printing and track and trace solutions, they would be looking at a good number of prospects. Faridabad headquartered AlliancePrintech Pvt. Ltd. Stand No. 11A/22 manufacturer of flexo label press is exhibiting for the 2nd time. Owner Jatinder Julka says, “Though we sold our machines in Arab countries and UAE yet it was most rewarding to find sales partners at previous Labelexpo in Western and Eastern Europe. We would like to strengthen our partnerships further”. India’s only flexible dies manufacturer Diehard dies Pvt. Ltd. Stand No. 7A46 exhibiting for the third time are a satisfied exhibitor who will display their range consisting of Premium flexible Dies, Laser Hardened flexible Dies, Brass and Magnesium embossing blocks, Foiling blocks, texture embossing, foiling blocks, multilevel embossing blocks, Flat cutting, creasing Dies and Rotary Dies. Owner T R Prabhu says, “It is a good platform to show case technology and innovations. We are also going to show case double sided plating steel flexible dies”.
 
Amit Sheth owned company Intergraphic India with their OEM partners Pulisi at Stand No.4A42 will exhibit their inline inspection machine with turret and re-inspection function. Stic-On Papers Pvt.Ltd.Hyderabad Stand No. 6E43 manufacturers of release liners and self adhesive labelstocks is exhibiting for the second time at Labelexpo Europe. Stic-On has been growing and expanding in capacity in recent times. Managing Director Karan Reddy states, “It is the platform where we meet new customers who come to know about our company. It is a time and place for our customer base to grow”. Harsh Doshi heading commercial siliconizing company Globus International Coaters Pvt Ltd. Stand No. 4A38 Mumbai is happy to be at the Labelexpo for the second time. According to him, “It is an excellent show. We participate to meet existing and potential new Customers as also to create new markets for ourself”. They will be exhibiting Solvent-less Silicone Coated Release Papers and Films. They will also be showing their new products Fluoro Liners, HDPE high temperature resistant liners and Non-silicone Liners. Gaurav Sathaye of United Speciality Inks Pvt. Ltd., Stand No.3E62 says, “It is an excellent show with label printers and solutions providers from India, Europe, Africa and South America visiting to know about the latest trends and to find alternate suppliers. This is our second time at Labelexpo and the last time we got a lot of interest from global distributors for our products. We are one of the oldest and reputed manufacturers of Printing Inks in India”. They will also display their new UV Flexo Opaque White, Jet Black, specialty and Security Solutions in inks.
will exhibit their inline inspection machine with turret and re-inspection function.
 
India’s largest hologram manufacturers U K Gupta lead, Holostik Ltd. Stand No. E-42, Hall No. 4, is the only Indian converter who has been continuously present at the last three consecutive editions of Labelexpo Europe. It is widely felt that this event is for suppliers to label industry as exhibitors and converters or printers are visitors. However in case of Holostik, they have found value in their presence here, so have returned for the 3rd time to be an exhibitor. When asked about their previous experience at the show, Umendra Kumar Gupta, Chairman and Managing director replied, “It definitely has been a good experience for us and this is the reason that we keep on participating in Label Expos. We get decent number of enquiries from the show and it also serves the purpose of brand building for our company Holostik”. Holostik will be showcasing the latest anti-counterfeiting technologies portraying their innovative products and solutions.
 
*Three companies namely Convertech Equipment Pvt. Ltd., Mona Equipment and IEEC Power Electronics PVT. LTD. also exhibitors at this show did not respond to my queries for information.
 
Written by Harveer Sahni, Chairman Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi India August 2017
 
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Label printers visiting Labelexpo, in search of emerging technologies!

Label printers visiting Labelexpo, in search of emerging technologies!
 
Ray Stanton Avery
It is a time in the evolution of label producing technologies when development is taking place globally towards various tangents. Until the 1930s, wet glue was perhaps the only technology for label production and application. When in 1936 Ray Stanton Avery created the self adhesive label, another process evolved and started to grow so much so that in recent times the usage of self adhesive or pressure sensitive labels reached a level of almost 50% of all the labels produced. Screen printing is a very old technology, with evolution and further development of this process into other applications somewhere in the 1960s, when plastic containers started replacing the heavy glass containers in packaging consumer products, screen printing directly on containers became popular. This could not really be classified as a mass usage technique as it lacked the decoration capabilities that were fast becoming the need of increasing consumerism. Initially flat bed letterpress and then flexo rotary printing presses with in line die cutting provided a good platform for producing multi-coloured labels at faster speeds. Introduction of more decorating processes like varnishing, lamination and foiling on these presses made the screen printing on containers loose ground even though screen printing evolved and grew in other application.
 
Flatbed label press
Over the next three decades narrow web label production saw landmark changes. Flexography saw immense technological advancements. Print quality improved tremendously and PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) label markets started to register amazing growth and proliferation. The printing and converting speeds which, in the initial years was 10-15 meters per minute on flat bed letterpress Japanese machines of 5-7 inches width had grown initially to 10 inches which later increased to be 13 inches to 20 inches and more. The printing and converting machines have also registered increase in speed, the new label presses are running at over 200 meters per minute. Ink technologies have also seen rapid changes. From the thick paste inks in letterpress to liquid inks in flexo printing. Drying techniques also changed drastically. In the initial days printers would hang paper web after printing on a clothes line to dry and then manually re-roll the labels. Then came the time when hot air drying was introduced on presses to increase speed. With introduction of UV inks the speeds shot up tremendously. As production speeds increased, number of printers also increased bringing intense competition. The need to reduce wastage and energy became an imperative to stay profitable. New changes and processes started to emerge on presses. The short web path, continuous production, inline inspection, and host of other changes were taking place in label presses. Introduction of LED UV inks is another step towards conservation of energy. Need for short runs, variable data printing and the speed of creation from computer to print made digital printing to also grow and evolve. 
 
Hybrid label press  
In the beginning of a new millennium, to stay ahead of competition, label printers started to invest in hybrid machines with capabilities to print and convert with multiple technologies. Different printing technologies are now possible on the same equipment. Screen printing re-emerged in label printing machines with rotary screens, where high deposition of colour is needed. Gravure printing is also now a part of a label printing press where metallic inks are to be printed. Today presses are available with Flexo, Offset, Gravure, digital and Screen printing inline on the same press along with decorating and finishing like varnishing, lamination, embossing/debossing, die cutting, waste matrix removal, slitting sheeting in a single pass. The label presses have further evolved to have multi-substrate printing and converting capabilities. They are now capable of handling from films of 12 micron thickness to thick boards. These equipment are now able to produce a wide range of end products like labels, flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, lamitubes and folding cartons.
 
Labelexpo Europe has been the front runner in showcasing the evolving label printing and converting
technologies. Over the years it has acquired the status of being the Mecca of label industry. It remains the must-attend show for label printers spread across the world. Global suppliers of equipment, tooling, consumables, software, other related material and service providers exhibit their products alongwith new developments made by them at this premium show. This year 650 exhibitors will showcase their offerings at Labelexpo 2017. At the last showing in 2015, 31795 visitors came from 158 countries to witness the labels evolution taking place and showcased in 7 halls that have now increased to 9 halls. Digital label printing and converting that had miniscule presence some years ago is now spread in dedicated halls with 65 digital presses in operation. The show has grown from strength to more strength over the years. It has now become the must attend show for the global label printing and packaging companies. The story in India is no different, as one the fastest growing economies in the world, the label industry also is growing at a healthy and steady pace. Indian label printers have started to patronize this expo in growing numbers that keep swelling in every showing of this premium event. In an effort to assess the mood of the leading label companies in India I have asked them about their interest in the event or what motivates them to be there and maybe about their intention to buy.
 
Arvind Shekhar
Planning to visit Labelexpo Europe for the first time, South India Bangalore based Arvind Shekhar Director of Sai Packaging says, “Yes I will attend Labelexpo, It will be my first visit and I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn.” Also planning to visit first time is Himanshu Kapur, Director of J K Fine Prints Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai. He is son of past President of LMAI, a veteran of label industry, Surendra Kapur. Himanshu feels it is necessary to be at the show since no one wants to be left behind in the technology race for achieving perfection. His views are reaffirmed by Uday Lodha, Director Barcom Ltd. Mumbai. He says “I will attend Labelexpo because I have missed out on last two occasions and being part of the label fraternity I can’t afford to do that this time around and of course I look forward to connect with friends, colleagues and associates under one roof which is brimming with world class innovation and supreme technological advancements”. Rajendra Gandhi, Director Maharshi Labels Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad states that the event cannot be missed as we must attend to gain knowledge and update ourself.

 

Changing scenario in the global label industry has made many printing companies to sit up and study
Hemanth Paruchuri  
 the developments taking place. No other event in today’s time brings together the complete gamut of changes happening in the label industry globally. Mukesh Goel, Director, Gopsons Papers Ltd. New Delhi wishes to understand the technological advancements and future direction of this industry.  Y H Solanki, Managing Director Sicon Packs Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai expresses that it is the biennial knowledge point for understanding the evolution of labels and the direction it is going in. The Indian industry is convinced that it is time to make strategic decision to restructure or plan their moves for leading their companies to new directions and excel. Hyderabad headquartered Pragati Pack has been in the fore front of industry constituents who are consistently investing in emerging technologies. They have never missed a Labelexpo for many years. Though the CEO of Pragati Group and industry stalwart Narendra Paruchuri is not attending but heading their label business his son Hemanth Paruchuri Director, Pragati Pack (India) Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad will attend and he says “It is an important show that gives insights into trends in the industry and also showcases the latest technology”.  Jaideep Singh Owner Zodiac Printers also from Hyderabad expressed that it is a melting POT of all new innovations from across the globe. To be there is necessary for us to understand and assimilate, which enables us to plan our future strategy.

 

 
 
With India attracting the interest of global players in labels and packaging notable investments have taken place mostly as acquisition of running successful enterprises by companies like Huhtamaki, Skanem, ITW, etc. Amar Chhajed President Huhtamaki PPL Ltd. says, "We will be studying the latest developments in digital printing and finishing as well as new age technologies like EB curing. Sustainable raw material is also an area of special interest to us". Hariharan Venkataraman Managing Director, Skanem Interlabels Industries Mumbai- India will attend Labelexpo to catch a glimpse of the frontiers of labeling technology. 
 
 
 
Raveendran of Seljegat
 Exhibitors are always on the lookout of printers who will take purchase decisions. Raveendran Managing Director of Sel-Jegat Printers PrivateLimited, at Sivakasi in South India will attend Label Expo Europe at Brussels. They propose to finalise a machine with latest technology for the production of special labels as well as for the packaging line. They also intend spending more time on the digital printing equipment to understand and subsequently invest in the same. Dinesh Mahajan Managing Director Prakash labels says, "The expo will provide us with a platform for important buying decisions.". Harish Gupta, Director Sai Com Codes  Flexoprints Pvt. Ltd. Rai Distt. Sonepat NCR Delhi said “We intend to line up with new technology and to finalise two more lines for our new expansion”. Recently concluded LMAI conference titled “Innovations Simplified” left an indelible mark on the minds of the label fraternity attending the event. Tejas Tanna, Director Printmann Group Mumbai, India asserts that to keep up with the latest trends in the label industry and to identify simplified solutions to improve production efficiency, he will attend this exhibition.
 
Sandeep Zaveri

A rapidly growing market size and increasing number of label printing companies has brought with it intense competition. Added to this, the print buyers resorting to cost cutting measures like reverse auctions has made converters to sit up and consider measures to innovate, create new products, be more efficient and produce cost effectively. Sanjeev Sondhi, Director Zircon Technologies India Limited, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India  will attend Labelexpo with an intent to explore new technologies to produce to economies of scale and to add such value which can command better price. U K Gupta Managing Director India's largest Hologram manufacturing company Holostik Ltd. sees labelexpo as the showcase of latest innovations, trends and developments that lead to future growth of label industry. Sandeep Zaveri, Managing Director Total Prints Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai and President LMAI (Label Manufacturers Association of India) will be looking forward to see many innovations and latest equipment running on the show. 

 

 

 

Manish Desai  

 

 

 

Networking at such events brings about comradeship amongst global label industry printers and suppliers. It builds bridges of friendship that leave lasting memories for industry members to look forward to and to return to the show in its next edition. Kuldip Goel, Managing Director Anygraphics Noida, U.P. is convinced that Labelexpo is not just an eye opener to the future trends, it also brings the global label fraternity a lot closer. It provides amazing networking opportunities. Manish Desai of Mudrika Labels Pvt Ltd Mumbai India and past President LMAI says "Label Expo delivers endless knowledge and networking opportunities with fellow label printers and suppliers.
 
 
Written by Harveer Sahni, Chairman Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi India August 2017
 
Printing magazines and publications may reproduce this article giving credit to author. 
 
For advertising on this blog please email to harveersahni@gmail.com 

LMAI creates knowledge, entertainment and networking magic at Label Conference!

LMAI creates knowledge, entertainment and networking magic at Label Conference!

The 4thLMAIconference was well managed from start to finish. Incoming delegates were picked up from Delhi airport and transported in 8 coaches toJaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre Agra, in the historical city ofTaj Mahal. There were many from Delhi and other north Indian towns who drove in their own cars. On reaching the hotel, as delegates descended from their vehicles, they were welcomed with beating of drums, traditional welcome by hostesses and LMAI conference team.
Lighting of lamp
The conference commenced with a welcome speech fromSandeep Zaverifollowed by lighting of the lamp. This is considered as an auspicious ritual before commencing any important event. LMAI initiated their new creation, the LMAI anthem which was played after the lighting of lamp.
Sandeep Zaveri, welcoming guests. LED screen in backdrop
Welcoming the over 550 delegates and thanking sponsors, Sandeep Zaveri mentioned that the label industry was like a joint family. He dwelled on the conference theme, “Innovation Simplified” and stressed on the need for innovation to spread to all processes of label creation. Label is the important part of a product and connects it directly to the consumer.
Pankaj Bhardwaj








Pankaj Bhardwaj Senior Director and general Manager, Label and Graphic Materials South AsiaAvery Dennison, delivered the keynote address.






Lisa Milburn Managing Director LabelexpoGroup



In her special address Lisa Milburn, Managing Director Labels Group, Tarsus Group PLC UK mentioned the strong and ongoing partnership with LMAI. She also spoke on the forthcoming meeting of L9 (The federation of nine leading global label associations) which is scheduled to be held next year in India. Pradeep Saroha, Country Manager for Labelexpo group gave information onLabelexpoEurope in Brussels in September this year. Conference ChairmanKuldip Goelapprised the audience with agenda of the event.



Harveer Sahni awarded lifetime award with family and LMAI leadreship team


At the same time he announced an award toHarveer SahniofWeldon Celloplastfor a “Lifetime in support of the Indian label industry”.






The day ended with an entertaining evening sponsored byBobstFirenzeand themed, Mughal-e-Azam followed by Dinner. Many delegates were in traditional Indian dresses.
Entertainment program



Jitesh Mehta, Director Avery Dennison
Next morning after breakfast Rajesh Nema secretary LMAI initiated the conference by showing avideo of LMAI activities during the past year and informing the day’s agenda. Jitesh Mehta, Director Avery Dennison had interesting questions for the audience on innovations in the structure of Taj Mahal. Interesting facts came to light. He also said, “Innovation is a team sport and aids profitable implementation of ideas, creating value across the value chain” he further added, “By making innovation complex, we maybe killing it”.




Ajay and Rohit Mehta SMI being felicitated





Ajay Mehta and Rohit Mehta ofSMI Coated Paperscautioned that reverse auctions were affecting printers adversely and instead of becoming complacent, they need to move on. Competition brings innovation making quality and consistency in product offering an imperative for driving growth.







Paolo Grasso Omet and Pawandeep Sahni Weldon



Pawandeep Sahni ofWeldonand Paolo Grasso ofOmetmade an impressive presentation titled “simplify Visions, innovate processes” The presentation which was interactive with the audience, was highly appreciated. Shaun Paullen ofMark Andyspoke on “Turning market needs into machine deliverables”.





Amit Ahuja Multitec
Amit Ahuja ofMultitecspoke on wastage control. Gavin Rittmeyer ofMartin Automaticexplained the need for automation and nonstop continuous production to reduce wastage. Impressive knowledge delivering presentations were made by the large number of speakers representing companies who sponsored the event. A holistic session was held byIsha Foundationof Sadguru fame. The swami ji hosting the session taught the delegates the nuances of meditation. A session of “Isha Kriya” was taken up with audience participation. He said that for the power to create, we need to meditate to success. Success is not an aspiration, it is your work that others will connect with and say he is successful. He also advised the congregation that creating happiness at workplace will get full potential from employees.The last part of the evening hosted by SMI Coated Papers, began with a high powered motivational lecture by renowned management guru, Shiv Khera.
Motivational speaker Shiv Khera

Shiv Kheraspoke for almost three hours and the delegates in full attendance were glued to their seatslistening in rapt attention.Quoting boxing legend Mohamad Ali he said, “We need the skill and the will to succeed. Between the two, will is more important” Such was the delivery of his address that the audience was left in awe. Quoting the former President of India, Dr. A P J Kalam he said, “Dreams are not that make you sleep, dreams are those that don’t let you sleep”. Adding more to this he went on to convey that success is not absence of problems, it is the overcoming of problems. Luck is not designed to deliver success but concentrated efforts do deliver it. His advice to the audience was that for conflicts in life learn to resolve issues and not dissolve relations. The evening ended with dance performances and networking dinner.



Appadurai Country manager HP




Two days of hectic schedule and non-stop presentations, did not tire the delegates and one was surprised to see they were ready for more.The final day again had a holistic meditation session by Isha foundation. This was followed by presentations by Samir Patkar-Gallus,Appadurai-HP, Manish Jain-Loparex,Seigwerkand A K Datta-Kurz. Guest speaker Sudhaker Kasture spoke on export strategy on labels. The day’s presentations ended with presentations fromHuber groupandTesa Tapes.







Round Table in Progress
This was followed by a very interesting event; LMAI Round Table. For this part of the event all the sponsors were divided into different groups that were allocated different rooms with round tables. Each sponsor was allotted a table. The printer members were also divided into groups. Each group of printers were the made to sit on round tables with sponsors for 10 minutes and then asked to move on to next sponsor’s table. The sponsors and printers got to interact one to one driving in satisfaction in the process whereby their queries were answered face to face. All through the conference, a well spread out table top exhibition was in progress. Delegates were able to visit, interact with exhibitors and collect literature.
Gala Evening






The final part of the conference was a gala evening hosted by Avery Dennison with theme “an Affair to remember” and titled “Moulin Rouge”! The evening started with conference chairman Kuldip Goel giving vote of thanks.







Sophie Choudry






This was followed by a vibrant musical performance by celebrity artiste Sophie Choudry. After this the dance floor was thumping with delegates dancing till wee hours of the night or the morning.









This conference was appreciated and enjoyed by all. They left Agra with lingering memories of a euphoric networking event. The industry was a little more bonded and connected giving credence to Sandeep Zaveri’s statement that the Indian Label Industry is like a joint family. As the delegates bid good bye they went with hope of yet another similar event in the summer of 2019!

The sidelines and the "Fun Part";

























































Printing magazines and publications may reproduce this article giving credit to author. For a copy of this article in word format or high resolution pictures please email toharveersahni@gmail.com


Written by Harveer Sahni, Chairman Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi July 2017

LMAI label conference at Agra, a preview

LMAI label conference at Agra, a preview

 

 

 

 

 

 










 
“Jaypee PalaceHotel and Convention Centre”
 
 
“Wow, tough to miss!” says Chandan Khanna of Ajanta Packaging on going through the
Agenda/Program of the forthcoming LMAI Conference at Agra, the city of Taj Mahal from 20th to 23rd July 2017. Running multiple units in three different countries Chandan was not sure if he could spare the time. Now he is a confirmed delegate. The conference is to be held at the regal “Jaypee PalaceHotel and Convention Centre”, a glorious structural blend of red sandstone and marble is spread over an unbounded 25 acres of elegantly landscaped luxuriant greenery. Sprinkled with enormous water bodies and endless walkways, this magical creation impeccably blends Mughal and contemporary architecture with modern amenities. It is a venue from where delegates will take back wonderful memories.
 
Sandeep Zaveri President LMAI


LMAI President Sandeep Zaveri and his team have done a commendable job and we can look forward to a vibrant event that will be remembered for a long time. The event is packed with presentations on the conference theme, “Innovation Simplified”.   



 
Pankaj Bhardwaj, Avery Dennison






After the inauguration by lighting of lamp and welcome address by LMAI president on the 20th of July, key note address will be delivered by Pankaj Bhardwaj, Senior Director and General Manager Avery Dennison for south Asia. 





 
Lisa Milburn, MD Labelexpo    






Special address will be made by Lisa Milburn the managing director for the Labelexpo Global Series of events followed by address by conference chairman Kuldip Goel. The evening themed, “Mughal-e-Azam” will have dance performances and a show by standup comedian Atul Khatri followed by cocktails and dinner.







Both the following mornings after breakfast when the conference is initiated by LMAI
secretary Rajesh Nema, there will be “Holistic sessions” by Isha foundation of Sadhguru fame! An impressive number of presentations will be made by Indian as well as global suppliers. It is interesting to note here that the number Indian suppliers sponsoring LMAI events have now started to grow, indicating the importance of this association’s endeavours and the growing stature of India’s label industry suppliers. Knowledge delivering presentations will be made by Avery Dennison, DuPont, Esko Graphics, Intergraphic Pulisi, SMI Coated Papers, OMET, Insight Print Communications, Multitec, System Flexovision, PGI Technologies, APL Machinery, Flexo ImageGraphics, Flint, Vinsak, Martin Automatic, Dragon Foils, UPM Raflatac, Monotech, HP Indigo, Reifenhauser, Heidelberg India, BST Eltromat, LoparexIndia, Tion Enterprises, Siegwerk India, Kurz India, Hubergroup India, TesaTapes, and Macdermid. 
Sanjeev Sondhi, Zircon






Sanjeev Sondhi at Zircon Technologies says, “It is surely a unique event where we are together with industry colleagues and suppliers for three eventful days. I am looking forward to it”.





 
Shiv Khera






On the second day after the presentations scheduled for the day there will be a 3 hour address by celebrated motivational speaker and management Guru Shiv Khera. Guest Speaker Sudhakar Kasture will speak on “export strategy for labels” 







 
Hemant Paruchuri, Pragati Pack
On 22nd after lunch a round table event is organized for one to one interaction of sponsors who are leading suppliers to the label industry, with printer members attending the conference. This program, that was initiated at the last conference received appreciation from both suppliers and printer members. Hemant Paruchuri of Pragati Pack Hyderabad says, “I am looking forward to information sharing sessions at the conference”. All speaker presentation sessions will be interspaced with coffee/Tea and lunch breaks. At the end of the conference on 22nd evening a gala evening is arranged with theme, “An affair to remember”. The evening will culminate with a musical performance by the renowned celebrity artiste “Sophie Chowdhary” before the dance floor is thrown open to those who wish to extend the celebration of being together with industry peers.
Dinesh Mahajan







What an amazing response this conference has received! Networking will attain another dimension in quality and opportunities at Agra. “The countdown has begun for the finest label technology event” says Dinesh Mahajan of Prakash Labels.  






 
Rajesh Chadha, Update Prints


480 delegates from 334 companies spread all over the world, have registered so far and the registrations keep coming. 191 label printing companies and 143 suppliers have registered to be at the event. 30 speakers along with 3 guest speakers will deliver information driven by technology and innovation. As the euphoria builds up, demand for more bookings is pouring in. All the rooms arranged at the venue hotel have been sold out while registrations are still coming in. LMAI leadership has arranged a few rooms at another hotel Courtyard by Marriot but the way it is going they will have to soon express inability to accommodate any more delegates. In words of Rajesh Chadha, Managing Director, Update Prints, “All the conference committee members have worked incredibly hard, we are proud of them”!

 


Written by Harveer Sahni, Chairman Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi-India July 2017

Avery Dennison AIDC Summit 2017, at GOA!

Avery Dennison AIDC Summit 2017, at GOA!
It was business mixed with pleasure from the word go! As delegates landed at Goa’s Dabolim airport, office bearers of the AIDC Technologies Association of India were there to greet guests. The buses were waiting to take the arriving guests to a signature property The Lalit Golf and Spa Resort which is about one and a half hour drive from the airport. Snack packets and drinks were handed over to the guest for the way. It did build an aura of excitement of great hospitality waiting for the arriving members at this event. The office bearers of the association were very excited and greeting all arriving guests with smiles and hugs. 
 
 
As we deboarded the bus at the hotel, a Goan band was playing for us and then the president of AIDC Viral Vyas with his other office bearers was personally there to welcome the incoming guests.  Welcoming hostesses, came forward to garland arriving guest with garlands made of sea shells and offer welcome drinks before directing delegates to the registration desk for registration collecting room keys and their summit kits. Surprising as it may seem, lunch was still being served for incoming persons till 4pm. Guests were given an hour to reassemble for the inauguration of the summit/conference. It was an amazing, widely spread out resort on the beach which was exceptionally clean.
 
 
 
 
For me personally AIDC meant it was an association somewhat like the label association dealing with blank labels, printing and providing bar code printed labels to end users. The only extension appeared that they would also supply thermal transfer barcode printers and TTR rolls with some software support. This summit was an eye opener for me personally, realizing the amount and scale of technology that members of this association are involved with. AIDC stands for “Automatic Identification and Data Capture”.  It is a broad category of technologies used to collect information from an individual, object, image or sound without manual data entry.  AIDC systems are used to manage inventory, delivery, assets, security and documents. Sectors that use AIDC systems include distribution, manufacturing, transportation, medicine, government and retail, among many others. AIDC applications typically fall into one of a few categories: identification and validation at the source, tracking, and interfaces to other systems. 





As per Wikipedia, The actual technologies involved, the information obtained and the purpose of colletion vary widely. 
Current AIDC technologies include:
  • Barcodes are a bar of black and white vertical lines of variable thickness. These are as we see every day in retail and have been visible in our daily life routine. Higher end barcodes are used for industrial applications like track and trace.
2D barcodes store information not only horizontally, as one-dimensional barcodes do, but vertically as well. That construction enables 2D codes to store up to 7,089 characters. The traditional, unidimensional barcode has a 20-character capacity.
  • Magnetic stripes, as seen on credit cards, debit cards, key cards and swipe cards. The stripe consists of iron-based magnetic particles in plastic-like tape. Each particle is a tiny bar magnet. Information is written on the stripe by magnetizing the tiny bars in either a north or South Pole direction. The writing process, called flux reversal, causes changes in the magnetic field that can be detected by a magnetic stripe reader.
  • Smart cards, which are plastic cards about the size of a credit card with an embedded microchip. A smart card can store much more data than a magnetic stripe card. It can be loaded with data, used for telephone calling, electronic cash payments, accessing services and other applications. The card can be refreshed for reuse. Some smart cards can include programming and support multiple applications.
  • Optical character recognition (OCR), which is the recognition of printed or written text characters by a computer. The process includes scanning the text character-by-character, analyzing the resulting character image and translating that image into a machine-readable character code, such as ASCII. Among other things, OCR is used to digitize documents and books, sort mail, and process checks and mail-based payments by credit cards.
  • Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, which consist of three components: an antenna and transceiver (often combined into a single device) and a transponder (the tag). The antenna transmits a signal that activates the transponder, which then transmits data back to the antenna. The data is used to notify a programmable logic controller that some specific action should occur. Because RFID does not require direct contact or line-of-sight scanning, RFID tags are replacing barcodes in many applications.
  • Biometrics: Various biometrics applications, which identify individuals by comparing captured biological data, such as fingerprints, voice characteristics and iris patterns, against stored data for that individual.  Biometric systems consist of a reader or scanning device, software that converts the scanned biological data into a digital format and compares match points, and a database that stores the biometric data for comparison. Authentication by biometric verification is becoming increasingly common in corporate and public security systems, consumer electronics and point of sale (POS) applications. Specific biometric AIDC technologies include finger scanning, electro-optical fingerprint recognition, finger vein ID and voice recognition.
  • The Internet of things (IoT) is the inter-networking of physical devices, vehicles (also referred to as "connected devices" and "smart devices"), buildings, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which enable these objects to collect and exchange data.
 


The AIDC summit titled “Tarang-The wave of digital India” was thrown open by lighting of the traditional lamp. After the secretary AIDC’s speech Pankaj Bhardwaj Senior Director and General Manager of Avery Dennison delivered the keynote address, appreciating the work of the AIDC association he added, a young and educated India is bound to ensure growth and emerging of new technologies and that Avery is committed to empowering their customers with knowledge. 



 





Ajay Mehta of SMI Coated papers spoke on the enhanced reach and capabilities of SMI in regards to labelstocks manufactured by them. Other presentations were made by HP, Guagzhou Shangchen Electronic company, Novexx Solution, Stic-on papers and Epson. 








This was followed by entertainment program and networking cocktails.
 
















 
The next morning after the secretary’s speech the representative from GS1 came onstage to give a very informative lecture on the role of GS1 and the developments being made on evolution of data sharing and tracking with barcodes. GS1 India is a Standards body (registered under Societies Registration Act 1860) with founder members comprising Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, FIEO, IMC, APEDA, Spices Board, IIP and BIS. It is affiliated with GS1® a not for profit global standards organisation. 
 


After a presentation by Avery Dennison on their products, a panel discussion took place on “Opportunity for AIDC industry in Transportation, Logistics and Retail Verticals.” Rohit Mehta of SMI spoke on labelstock selection procedures. He also informed that SMI had launched an App that can help users identify the product, its quantity, substrate and adhesive requirement. Chainway India spoke on their handheld RFID readers and devices. Ricoh Thermal informed the conference about their company, infrastructure and sales network that they have setup in India for their TTR Ribbons and other products. 
 

This was followed by a panel discussion on services and regulatory in respect of healthcare, Government, transportation. After a presentation by Honeywell International, the survey vertical by AIDC association was made public. 


 
It was indeed an interesting and informative session. According to the survey out of the total 52 companies reviewed, 32 companies had revenues of less than Rs. 5 Crores, 13 companies had between Rs. 6-20 Crores, 4 companies reported revenues of Rs.21-50 Crores, only one company had reported between Rs.51-75 and 3 companies had revenues in excess of Rs. 76 Crores. As regards usage of Labelstocks Avery Dennison heads the chart with over 50% market share in this segment of the label industry. The final session had more presentations from Todaytec, PGI Technologies, Xiamen Hanin, Armor, Heyday global Retail solutions and technologies before the final panel discussion on IOT (Internet of Things). IOT speaks about computers and smart devices communicating amongst themselves for data proliferation.  It indeed was a conference full of high level of technological presentations about offerings of sponsors. There was also a table top exhibition for sponsors to display on the sidelines of the conference.
Before the conference finally came to an end the AIDC association management lead bypresident Viral Vyas called me, Harveer Sahni, Chairman of Weldon Celloplast Limited to the stage to felicitate and honour me for having spent almost 40 years in the Indian label industry and for my contribution thereof. I was overwhelmed and in my small address to the audience I thanked all for this honour and spoke on the need to mentor and empower our generation next so that the growth and expansion of the enterprises the first generation has painstaking built is infused with the energy of the youth and new ideas to take the industry forward on a path of steady and continuous growth.
 
The conference ended but the fun part started with wonderful performances followed by the bar being thrown open. Feeling lighter, the members hit the dance floor and carried on till the wee hours of the morning taking back memories to motivate them to look forward to yet another edition next year.
 

 
 














Written By Harveer Sahni, Chairman Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi June 2017