Interview from Mr. Nishant Shah Executive Director, Harshal Packaging
A leading name in the printing and packaging industry, produce high- quality monocartons, brochures, books, and multicolor printed corrugated boxes with precision and consistency.
Print3 : Could you tell us more about Harshal Packaging?
Nishant Shah : Harshal Packaging (HPPL) began its journey in 1995 as a small-scale setup, founded with a vision to provide high-quality printing and packaging solutions. What started as a modest venture has now grown into a leading name in the printing and packaging industry, with a strong reputation for excellence and innovation. Over the years, our company has expanded significantly, adapting to evolving market demands and embracing the latest technological advancements to stay ahead of the competition.
As the business grew, we set up three state-of-the-art factories strategically located in Chennai – Vyasarpadi, Madhavaram, and Red Hills, ensuring seamless operations and enhanced production capacity. Each facility is equipped with cutting-edge offset printing machines, advanced color management systems, and automated finishing equipment, enabling us to deliver high-quality monocartons, brochures, books, and multicolor printed corrugated boxes with precision and consistency. Our investment in the latest machinery reflects our commitment to delivering superior products that meet global quality standards.
Harshal Packaging is a first-generation business, originally established by my father with a vision to create a strong foothold in the packaging industry. Through years of dedication and perseverance, he built a foundation based on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Today, I have the privilege of leading the company, carrying forward his legacy while introducing modern innovations to expand our capabilities and reach. Under my leadership, we continue to focus on technological advancements, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry.Our core strength lies in our ability to adapt and evolve, meeting the ever-changing demands of the market. With a strong emphasis on precision printing, color accuracy, and premium finishing techniques, we cater to a diverse clientele, including renowned brands like P&G, Bosch Power Tools, and Schneider.
Our dedication to quality control and excellence has helped us establish long-term relationships with clients who trust us for their packaging needs.Looking ahead, we envision further expansion and diversification, continuously upgrading our infrastructure to meet growing demands. With a passionate team, a strong legacy, and a forward- thinking approach, Harshal Packaging is poised to set new benchmarks in the printing and packaging industry. Our journey from a small startup to a thriving enterprise is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, and we remain dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality, and sustainable packaging solutions to our valued clients.
P3 : What are your company’s principles, mission & vision?
NS :Our Principles:
1. Quality First – We prioritize excellence in every product, ensuring top-notch packaging solutions.
2. Innovation & Technology – We stay ahead with the latest machinery and advanced techniques. 3. Customer-Centric Approach – Our customers’ needs drive our processes and solutions. 4. Integrity & Trust – We uphold honesty and transparency in all our dealings.
Our Mission:
To provide world-class printing and packaging solutions that enhance product presentation, ensure durability, and contribute to sustainable business practices. We aim to build long-term relationships with our clients by delivering quality, efficiency, and innovation.
Our Vision:
To be a leading name in the global packaging industry, setting benchmarks in quality, technology, and customer satisfaction while expanding our footprint through continuous growth and innovation.
P3 : Can you share the company’s history and milestones highlighting any major innovations or achievements?
NS :
- 1995-Started the Company – First Printing
- 1999-Machine (KORS Heidelberg single color)
- 2011 – New Factory Started in Vyasarpadi
- 2012 – New Factory (Corrugation Unit) started in Madhavaram
- 2015 – First UV machine (6 Color with Coater – Komori Lithrone)
- 2023 – New Factory started in Redhills with 8 Color Printing Machine
P3 : Can you list and explain the range of products offered by HPPL?
NS : Monocartons (Folding Cartons), Corrugated Boxes (3 ply and 5 ply), Catalogues, Books, Brochures, Danglers, Tags and Chest bands are our range of products.
P3 : How does HPPL ensure accurate color reproduction and consistency in its printing processes for books, brochures, and multicolor printed corrugated boxes?
NS : 1.Advanced Color Management System We use a calibrated color management system (CMS) that ensures colors appear the same across different printing machines and substrates. This system helps match digital designs with printed outputs perfectly.
2. High-Precision Printing Technology We employ offset printing with CMYK & Pantone (PMS) color matching to achieve sharp details, rich colors, and high consistency, ensuring brand colors remain uniform across all prints.
3. Spectrophotometer & Densitometer Checks Our spectrophotometers and densitometers measure color accuracy in real time, preventing variations and ensuring perfect alignment with the approved color proofs.
4. High-Quality Inks & Substrates We source premium-quality, fade-resistant inks and the best printing substrates to maintain color vibrancy, durability, and clarity, even under different lighting conditions.
5. Expert Team & Continuous Training Our skilled operators and color experts undergo continuous training to maintain industry best practices, ensuring that every printed product meets the highest standards.
P3 : What are the challenges involved in printing high- resolution images on corrugated boxes, and how does HPPL overcome them to maintain quality?
NS : Surface Irregularities – Corrugated boards have a textured, uneven surface that can affect ink absorption and image clarity. Ink Absorption & Dot Gain – The porous nature of corrugated material can cause ink to spread, reducing sharpness and color accuracy. Registration Issues – Aligning multiple colors precisely on a rough surface is challenging and can lead to misalignment. Limited Print Resolution – Compared to coated paper, corrugated boards have lower resolution capabilities, making fine details harder to reproduce.
Sustainability Concerns – Using excessive ink can impact recyclability and increase production costs. Offset Printing with High-Quality Coated Liners – We use offset printing on pre-coated paper liners, which are later laminated onto corrugated boards. This method ensures sharp, high-resolution prints without direct printing on the rough surface. CMYK & Pantone Color Control – Advanced color management systems and spectrophotometers ensure precise color reproduction, reducing variations across batches.
Specialized Ink Formulations – We use low-absorption, fast- drying inks to prevent excessive dot gain and maintain fine details. Tight Registration Control – Our high-precision printing presses and automated alignment systems ensure accurate color registration, eliminating blurriness. Quality Inspection & Proofing – We conduct pre-printing proofs and real-time quality checks to guarantee sharp images and consistent output.
P3 : What is the role of finishing techniques (e.g., lamination, varnishing, or embossing) in enhancing the visual appeal and protection of printed products like books, brochures, and mono cartons?
NS :1. Lamination (Glossy & Matte)Enhances Appearance: Adds a premium, smooth finish— glossy for vibrancy, matte for elegance. Increases Durability: Protects against moisture, scratches, and wear, extending product life.
2. Varnishing (Gloss, Matte & Spot UV) Boosts Aesthetic Appeal: Provides a sleek, polished look or a subtle, soft-touch finish. Adds Protection: Acts as a protective layer against smudging, fading, and dirt. Spot UV: Highlights logos or text with a glossy contrast, creating a luxury effect. 3. Embossing & Debossing Creates a Tactile Experience: Raised (embossing) or recessed (debossing) textures add a premium feel.
3.Enhances Branding: Makes logos and designs stand out for a high-end impression.
4. Foil Stamping Adds a Luxurious Touch: Metallic foils (gold, silver, holographic) give products a premium, eye-catching finish. Increases Brand Perception: Elevates the sophistication and exclusivity of packaging.
5. Die-Cutting & Textured Finishes Customization: Unique shapes and cut-outs make packaging more engaging and distinctive. Improves User Interaction: Enhances product presentation and brand recall.
P3 : In what ways are technological advancements transforming the Indian Printing Industry?
NS :1. Digital Printing RevolutionFaster turnaround times with on-demand printing. Cost-effective short-run and personalized printing solutions. High-quality prints with variable data printing (VDP) for customization.
2. Advanced Offset Printing Automation & AI-driven workflows ensure higher precision and reduced errors. G7 color calibration & spectrophotometers maintain consistent color accuracy. Faster CTP (Computer-to-Plate) technology improves efficiency.
3. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Printing Soy-based inks & water-based coatings replace harmful chemicals. Recyclable & biodegradable substrates reduce environmental impact. Waste reduction & energy-efficient presses lower carbon footprints.
4. Smart Packaging & Augmented Reality (AR) QR codes & NFC tags enable interactive, trackable packaging. AR-enhanced prints create immersive customer experiences. Security features like holograms & anti- counterfeit inks protect brands.
5. Automation & Industry 4.0 Integration Robotics & IoT-enabled presses boost speed, precision, and cost efficiency. Cloud-based print management systems streamline operations. Predictive maintenance & AI-driven analytics reduce downtime.
P3 : How do you view the growth of the Indian Printing Industry in recent years and its future prospects?
NS : The Indian printing industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by technological advancements, increasing demand for customized and high- quality prints, and a surge in e-commerce and packaging requirements.
The industry has seen a shift towards digital printing and advanced offset techniques, improving efficiency, quality, and turnaround times. The rise of e-commerce and retail packaging has created immense demand for innovative, branded packaging, contributing significantly to the growth. Sustainability has become a priority, with many businesses adopting eco-friendly practices like recyclable materials and soy-based inks to meet both regulatory and customer expectations. The book publishing and promotional materials sector has also flourished, with a growing focus on personalized prints and high-end finishing techniques like embossing and lamination.
Future Prospects
Digital and 3D printing will continue to evolve, offering on- demand printing, personalized packaging, and short-run production at competitive prices. Smart packaging and the integration of augmented reality (AR) in prints will allow businesses to create interactive, engaging customer experiences, especially in the luxury goods and cosmetics sectors. Automation and AI will drive further efficiency, reducing costs, improving turnaround times, and enhancing overall quality. Sustainability trends will continue to grow, with eco-friendly printing processes and green packaging solutions becoming the standard for businesses.