The ADOPTECH 2023 conference celebrated its success as 250 industry leaders gathered
in Pune to explore current technology trends. Hosted by the Pune Press Owners Association
(PPOA) on September 9, 2023, the event showcased the PPOA's century-long commitment
to the printing industry. Held at the Lemon Tree Premier, City Center, Pune, Maharashtra,
the conference attracted leaders from diverse printing sectors, fostering a dynamic exchange
of ideas about present and future developments.
Organized by the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP), representing 77 regional
printing associations with over 250,000 printers, ADOPTECH 2023 received support from
the Government of India's MSME sector.
Ravinder Joshi, President of both AIFMP and PPOA, provided an insightful inaugural
speech, outlining the conference's agenda and the associations' roles.
C. Ravinder Reddy, Chairman of MSME WELFARE at AIFMP, detailed the support schemes
available to printers, emphasizing MSME's contributions to the industry.
An engaging presentation by C. R. Janardhana, Past President of AIFMP and Advisor to the
MSME Welfare Committee highlighted the success of the MSME Cluster, Printech Park, in
Bangalore. He encouraged printers to explore similar cluster initiatives in their regions,
emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and shared resources.
Brian Kow, Cluster Business Driver for Prinect, shared valuable insights on enhancing
machine productivity through the utilization of Prinect software. According to Brian, although
printing presses are designed for printing, a mere 26% of their potential is typically realized
in practice. He emphasized that the remaining 74% represents untapped efficiency that can significantly boost productivity. Prinect, developed by Heidelberg, emerges as the
comprehensive solution to address this issue.
Brian underscored that the key lies in deploying intelligent machines capable of
autonomously organizing and processing standardized printing procedures. He explained
that efficient planning, coupled with automatic data availability, extends operating time and
productivity. Additionally, the use of optimal materials ensures consistent and reproducible
production standards. Brian highlighted that standardization guarantees certainty and
uniformity, while the integration of business intelligence provides valuable insights. Together,
these elements form the essence of Prinect, making it a hallmark solution for optimizing
printing processes and maximizing productivity.
Darren Pickford showcased Edale's innovative FL5 carton making machine, designed for
seamless, single-pass production. Richard Gill discussed Hubergroup's Direct Food Contact
(DFC) inks, emphasizing their compliance with stringent regulations and eco-friendly
properties. Mahidi, from HP Indigo – Asia Pacific & Japan, shared insights into HP's futureready
printing solutions.
Douglas Mooney, the Regional Manager at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, provided a
comprehensive overview of the advancements in sheet-fed offset presses, specifically
focusing on Heidelberg machines. During his presentation, Mooney delved into the concept
of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and elaborated on its significance in optimizing
printing processes. He explained in detail the various strategies and tools offered by
Heidelberg software to empower printers in enhancing productivity on their shop floors.
Mooney emphasized the pivotal role of automation in the future of printing, highlighting
Heidelberg's pioneering efforts in this domain. He pointed to successful implementations in
the United Kingdom, showcasing how Heidelberg is leading the way in revolutionizing the printing industry through automation. By referencing specific instances, Mooney underscored
the practical applications and tangible benefits of Heidelberg's innovative approach, making
a compelling case for embracing automation to drive efficiency and productivity in the
printing sector.
Richard Gill, representing Huber (UK), delivered a presentation at the conference focusing
on Direct Food Contact (DFC) packaging and environmentally safe inks. Gill elaborated on
the intricacies of DFC inks, emphasizing the careful selection of pigments, resin systems,
reducers, and additives listed in European positive lists of authorized substances for food
contact. These meticulous choices are essential to meet stringent regulatory compliance
standards related to DFC inks.
Gill shared insights into Hubergroup’s specialized manufacturing facility in Celle, Germany,
dedicated to producing DFC inks. He highlighted the unique properties of these inks, which
are coated with a water-based solution, making them suitable for direct food contact
applications. This eco-friendly formulation not only ensures the safety of food packaging but
also contributes to the recyclability of printed products. Gill emphasized that products printed
with Huber’s DFC inks can be safely disposed of without harming the environment, aligning
with the growing need for sustainable packaging solutions.
During the conference in Pune, Mahidi, a specialist in folding carton and card business with
25 years of experience in both offset and digital printing, presented future-ready digital
printing solutions on behalf of HP Indigo. Mahidi shared valuable insights into the
advancements in digital printing technology, specifically tailored for the needs of the
delegates.
Following the presentations, a panel discussion took center stage, skillfully moderated by
Col (Hon) Professor Dr. Rajendrakumar Anayath, the former Vice Chancellor of DCRUST
University (a Haryana State Government University). The distinguished panel members
included Ashwini Deshpande from Elephant Design, Manu Choudhury from CDC Printers,
Anil Namugade from Trigon Digipack in Mumbai, and Gaurav Nema from Pragati Graphics
and Packaging.
During this discussion, two key takeaways emerged. First, the panel stressed the importance
of sustainability within the industry. They emphasized that sustainability won't occur
spontaneously; rather, the industry needs to take proactive steps towards it. Even small
initiatives can initiate a significant shift towards a sustainable future, and it's upon the
industry to kickstart this vital mission.
The second takeaway focused on the critical aspect of quality. The panel members
highlighted that while quality is a topic frequently discussed, there's often a lack of a precise
definition. They advocated for the establishment of clear quality standards that need to be
followed and adhered to across the industry. This emphasis on defined standards was seen
as essential for maintaining and improving the quality of products and services in the printing
and packaging sector.
In the final segment of the conference, the panelists offered their personal perspectives on
the adoption and implementation of print and finishing technologies.
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