As the calendar turns to 2023, the label and package printing industry has set its sights on the key factors that will contribute to a prosperous new year. According to Harveer Sahni, chairman, Weldon Celloplast, sustainability will play a big role in the industry’s operations. There are other technologies to keep in mind, too, especially those that drives operational efficiencies.

With sustainability, environmental concerns, circular economy and waste management becoming the buzzwords, now the brand owners will be increasingly insisting on measures to reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint. With large brands planning to do away with primary packaging, the importance of a label as the major marketing tool will become evident. Products coming from certified green factories will be preferred by large label buyers, more so in view of growing regulatory measures coming in.

With a large portion of the young literate population opting for startups instead of jobs, digital printing will increasingly become preferred for short runs and personalized or variable printed jobs. Already the need for entry-level digital label presses is becoming evident because the higher-end presses are quite expensive.

Competition has impacted the industry in two positive ways. First, increased innovation is required to create a better shelf appeal and to produce economies of scale in case of larger orders to maintain healthy bottom lines. In both cases efficient machines with higher embellishing capabilities, lower wastages, increased automation, lower energy consumption and lesser dependence on operators will find preference with the enterprising label companies. Secondly, it is expected that more and more people will be looking for linerless options as it is felt that doing away with the liner will mean lower costs and better sustainability.

About the author: Harveer Sahni is currently the chairman of Weldon Celloplast. An industry pioneer, Sahni was recently awarded the R. Stanton Avery Global Achievement Award for his contributions to label and package printing. Sahni also sits on the Board of Directors of the Label Manufacturers Association of India (LMAI) and has helped develop, along with the LMAI team, many events bringing together label printers, suppliers and print buyers.