Lombardi, a manufacturer of modular in-line flexographic printing machines, and Vinsak have unveiled the inaugural installation of Lombardi's 880mm inline Invicta I2 press at Prakash Printers and Coaters in Ahmedabad — their longstanding partner in the Indian market. This is the first installation of an in-line press of this web width by any manufacturer in India and marks the debut of the Lombardi I2 press in Asia and the Middle East, Vinsak said.

Vinsak, a leading supplier of printing and packaging solutions to packaging and label printers in India, Africa, and the Middle East, anticipates that this development will revolutionize the industry. With its advanced features, including the shortest changeover time, running speed of 300 meters per minute, and the capacity for value-added enhancements such as cold foiling and cast and cure, this press is poised to reshape the flexible packaging market in India in record time, the company says.

At its core, sustainability is paramount, with the press embodying the smallest footprint, minimal setup waste, low energy consumption, and complete elimination of solvents. This commitment to sustainability positions it as the foremost carbon-conscious converting system globally.

As a family-owned business with the third generation in the operations, Prakash Printers and Coaters consistently delivers value-added solutions for a diverse range of brands spanning food, FMCG, cosmetics, and industrial labels. The company is doubling its capacity every year.

The recent completion of a sprawling 100,000-square-foot factory underscores its expansion, yet demand continues to outpace even this substantial increase. Currently, plans are underway to construct of an additional 50,000 square feet as the company charts its course toward continued success and market leadership.

"Vinsak has been and will remain our steadfast technology partner in our journey of progress, as we persistently push the boundaries of our business," said Prakash Shivlani, director of Prakash Printers and Coaters -- underscoring the collaboration between the two companies.

"Prakash Printers hold a very special place in our company’s heart. They continually challenge us with new converting solutions they require, propelling us to innovate faster and stay ahead of the curve. This drive to find cost-effective and sustainable solutions for them is what fuels our partnership," remarked Mohan Pailwan, vice-president of Vinsak India. He underscored the mutually beneficial relationship between the two companies, driven by a shared commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

"India has always been a key market with a special focus, and Prakash Printers, our key customer, consistently drives us to innovate," stated Massimo Lombardi, general manager of Lombardi Converting Machinery in Italy. He emphasized the company's commitment to developing new technology in response to the evolving needs of customers such as Prakash Printers. He affirmed their dedication to advancing in-line presses for packaging markets globally, reinforcing their position as industry leaders in innovation and customer-centric solutions.

According to Vinsak, a decade ago, the label and flexo market predominantly revolved around presses spanning 280-330 mm in width. However, Vinsak's introduction of Lombardi to the Indian market initiated a significant shift. Today, the standard width stands at 430mm, with approximately 90% of inline flexo presses being sold at this width or wider.

Additionally, widths of 530mm, 620mm, and 670mm now command almost 20% of the market share. This evolution is accompanied by a broadening definition of labels, expanding beyond self-adhesive and wet glue to encompass shrink sleeves, IML labels, wrap-around labels, and heat transfer labels. In 2024, the market is poised for advancement to the next level, the company said.