Konica Minolta, a leading industrial and digital print solution provider, displayed its entire product portfolio, spanning from production to industrial printing, at Pamex Mumbai. The team booked two stands at the show, exhibiting the machines and their capabilities.
“People don’t believe in what they don’t see,” Katsuhisa Asari, country head of India, Konica Minolta, said emphasizing the hands-on experience of the machines and physically witnessing their applications in the real world.
At the exhibition, the team displayed the newly launched AccurioLabel 400 press for the label printing section. The press encompasses the capacity to broaden application possibilities using white toner, and additional cost savings through increased durability of components, coupled with various media acceptability and printing of 3000 linear meters in a single job.
Growth of digital printing
Digital printing has witnessed a transformation post-pandemic, Asari said, attributing it to a fundamental change in consumer behavior, wherein they prefer smaller quantities of printed materials over large, bulk orders. This shift has been instrumental in driving the demand for short-run printing, enabling businesses to cater to the evolving needs of customers with greater flexibility and efficiency.
“Variable data printing (VDP), and security features printing are the new rising trends in the industry.”
Asari spoke about the growing trend of on-demand printing, particularly in sectors such as books and brochures. Printers are moving away from traditional practices of stocking up on printed materials and instead opting for on-demand short runs. He said customers seek specifically tailored products. So customization and personalization are also behind the spurt in digital printing.
Asari pointed out that the rise of startups is one more crucial aspect shaping the digital printing landscape. These businesses have embraced digital printing due to their diverse product offerings that need shorter print runs. This flexibility has empowered them to dabble with different SKUs, giving them an edge in the market. “Lesser volume for multiple products and multiple occasions.”
Stating that innovation in printing is the key to growing a business, he said most customers look for embellishments and varnishing in their prints. “No one needs normal printing. They look for more impactful and attractive printing. We at Konica Minolta with our MGI+Inline Foiling press provide prints with embellishments and varnishing features,” Asari said.
Talking about the company’s growth, Asari wants to change the perception of their customers from Konica Minolta being just a printer company providing additional printers, to a company that adds value to the business with their products and sells not just printers but ideas.
