“We Haven’t Done Anything Extraordinary”: A Call for Innovation in Indian Printing 🇮🇳
Innovation in Printing Industry India: A Wake-Up Call
At the recent Bindwel PrintWeek roundtable, Manu Choudhury of CDC Printers delivered a powerful message to the Indian printing industry: It’s time to break free from complacency and embrace innovation. His candid assessment of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry is a wake-up call for printers to rethink their approach and strive for excellence.
The Comfort Zone Conundrum
Choudhury’s opening statement was a stark reminder of the industry’s current state: “We haven’t done anything extraordinary.” He argued that many printers, including his own, are often stuck in their comfort zones, relying on traditional practices and lacking the drive to innovate.
This complacency, he believes, stems from a lack of sustained demand in the Indian market. Unlike countries like China, where longer demand cycles encourage continuous improvement, Indian printers often face short bursts of demand, hindering their ability to refine processes and invest in new technologies.
Challenges in Quality and Cost
Choudhury highlighted a critical challenge facing Indian printers: the trade-off between cost efficiency and quality. While Indian paper mills offer competitive pricing for lower-grade materials, the cost of premium materials remains high, making it difficult to compete with countries like China that offer high-quality materials at lower costs.
This disparity often forces Indian printers to import premium materials, increasing production costs and impacting their ability to compete in the global market for high-value printed products.
Stagnation in Innovation
Choudhury also criticized the industry’s stagnation in innovation. Techniques like embossing and spot UV, while valuable, have remained largely unchanged for over a decade. The lack of demand for unique and innovative finishes has limited the industry’s ability to push boundaries and explore new creative possibilities.
The Export Paradox
Despite these challenges, Indian printers have successfully entered export markets, supplying books to Europe and Brazil. However, Choudhury pointed out a curious paradox: while Indian printers can meet export demands, their products are often absent from local bookstores. This disconnect highlights the need for the industry to focus on both domestic and international markets, catering to the diverse needs of consumers both locally and globally.
A Mindset for the Future: Embracing Innovation in Printing Industry India
Choudhury emphasized that the future of the Indian printing industry hinges on a shift in mindset. Printers need to adopt a “Tesla or Mercedes mindset,” constantly innovating and evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market.
He urged printers to break free from traditional practices and embrace new technologies, invest in research and development, and focus on delivering exceptional quality and customer service.
Moments of Pride and Potential
Despite the challenges, Choudhury shared a moment of pride: the successful production of a particularly challenging book. This achievement, he believes, demonstrates the industry’s potential for growth and innovation when faced with demanding projects.
A Call to Action for the Indian Printing Industry
Choudhury’s insights serve as a call to action for the Indian printing industry. By embracing innovation, investing in quality, and focusing on customer satisfaction, printers can unlock their full potential and transform the industry into a global leader.
Watch the Video: Manu Choudhury’s Insights
To hear more from Manu Choudhury and other industry leaders, watch the full video of the Bindwel PrintWeek roundtable discussion.
Bindwel at Printpack 2025: Witnessing the Future of Bookbinding
Bindwel is committed to driving innovation in the printing industry. At Printpack 2025, we’ll be showcasing a range of bookbinding solutions designed to help printers in India embrace new technologies and achieve exceptional results.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the next revolution in bookbinding! Visit Bindwel at Printpack 2025, Hall 9A Stall E16, E17 & E1, and discover how our solutions can transform your business.
Join the conversation! Follow Bindwel on social media for more updates and insights on the future of the printing industry in India.
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