The ancient and sacred city of Ayodhya, renowned for its cultural and spiritual significance, became the cradle of a modern revolution in sustainability. From September 6th to 9th, 2024, the city played host to the International Conference on Sustainable Printing and Packaging, an event that will be remembered not only for its thought-provoking discussions but also for the unwavering hope it inspired.
Organized by the Offset Printers Association (OPA) with the support of the Government of India’s Ministry of MSME, the conference brought together over 180 delegates from 38 cities across India and esteemed leaders from four nations to spark a powerful conversation on the future of the printing and packaging industries—focused on one vital theme: sustainability.
The conference was inaugurated on September 7th by Prof. (Dr) Pratibha Goyal, Vice Chancellor of Dr Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, who set the tone for the event with her passionate address. “Sustainability is not a choice; it is a moral obligation,” she emphasized. “The future of our industries, our environment, and our planet rests on the decisions we make today.” Her words resonated deeply with attendees, setting the stage for a conference that was not just about exchanging ideas, but about committing to a greener, more responsible future.
In his welcome address, Mr. Parveen Aggarwal, President of OPA, shared an emotional message with the delegates, urging them to view sustainability as a mission for humanity. “This conference is not just about technological innovation,” he said. “It is about creating a better, greener future for the generations to come. We have a responsibility to lead the way.”
One of the conference’s highlights was the presentation of the Presidential Print Awards, jointly awarded by Prof. (Dr) Goyal and Prof. (Dr) Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor of M.G. Central University, Motihari, Bihar. Eight regional printer associations were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the industry. The heartfelt recognition celebrated leaders who are driving the change towards sustainability, and the associations honoured included Ayodhya (Faizabad) Printers Association, Delhi Printers' Association, Master Printers' Welfare Association, Gorakhpur, Lucknow Printers’ Association, Allahabad Printers Welfare Association, Salem District Offset Printers Association, Kashmir Printers Association and Banaras Offset Printers Association.
A particularly moving moment came with the passionate address by Mr. Karan Chopra, representing the youth of India. With conviction in his voice, he declared, “For us, sustainability is not a choice—it’s the only option. We will live with the consequences of today’s decisions, and that is why we must make the right ones now.” The international speakers left a profound impact as they shared their expertise and experiences. Mr. C.N. Ashok, Managing Director of Auto Print India, delivered a powerful keynote, declaring, “There is no Plan B for our planet, and there is no time like the present to preserve it for those who come after us.” His words were echoed by Mr. Amit Khurana, CEO of TechNova India, who demonstrated how sustainability is not just about compliance, but a driver of long-term value and growth. “Sustainability is about creating long-term value—both for the environment and for businesses,” Mr. Khurana said.
Global leaders like Mr. Ahmad Mughira Nurhani, President of PPGI Indonesia, and Mr. Anil Kariyawasam, President of the Sri Lanka Association of Printers, contributed valuable insights from their regions, underscoring that the challenge of sustainability knows no borders and demands international collaboration.
The final day of the conference began with a thought-provoking presentation by Mr. Peter Deckker from Sri Lanka on the environmental impacts of the printing and packaging industries, followed by Ms. Vaishali Pandey of Manroland Sheetfed India, who passionately emphasized that sustainability is not a destination but a journey—one that the industry must embrace every step of the way.
Amid the technical presentations and discussions, the human side of the conference was ever-present. The cultural performances by the students of Dr Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University blended tradition with the forward-thinking ideals of sustainability, creating moments that moved the audience emotionally. In these performances, the beauty of art was a reminder that sustainability is not just a concept—it is a way of living and thinking.
As the conference drew to a close, Prof. (Dr) Goyal presented certificates of appreciation to the organizers and contributors, her closing words charged with emotion: “This conference has been more than just a gathering of industry professionals. It has been a promise—a promise to our planet, to future generations, and to each other that we will work together to build a sustainable, prosperous future.” Her words captured the collective spirit of the event.
The International Conference on Sustainable Printing and Packaging was not merely an industry event—it was a movement born from passion, innovation, and an unwavering belief that together, we can shape a sustainable future. As delegates left Ayodhya, they carried with them more than just ideas—they carried a commitment to lead with responsibility, to champion sustainability, and to be the change that the world so desperately needs. The seeds of transformation were sown in Ayodhya, and now, the work of nurturing them begins. The Offset Printers Association has once again proven its leadership, not only in driving innovation but in spearheading a global movement for sustainability.