For 40 to 50 years, Indian newspaper growth has depended on advances in web offset presses, computerized typesetting, and offset plates. The biggest revolution came in prepress: PostScript and PDF enabled Indian languages and scripts and the quick transmission and output of entire color pages. And, computer-to-plate devices delivered fast, full-color, perfectly registered pages. These advances let newspapers efficiently print high-quality, full-color ads for multiple editions, leading to significant growth.
Though both thermal and violet CtP plates existed, most newspapers chose violet plates because they were faster to image, reliable, and locally made. The country’s leading plate manufacturer supplied these through its wide network of distributors and technicians. Over twenty years, violet CtP moved beyond being just technology. With TechNova as its provider—even during global supply chain issues—it became an industry symbol of reliability, cost efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Pranav Parikh, CMD of TechNova Imaging Systems, notes, “Twenty years ago, when we introduced Violet CtP technology to India, our vision was to help newspapers embrace consistency, affordability, and sustainability. This journey has been made possible only because of the trust our customers placed in TechNova and our unwavering commitment to serve them with innovation, dependability, and 24/7 support. As we celebrate this milestone, we also reaffirm our promise to walk alongside the Indian newspaper industry in shaping a sustainable and resilient future.”
Violet’s turning points in India
The journey of Violet in India has been shaped by a series of decisive turning points. In 2008, the introduction of third-generation violet plates, robust and locally manufactured by TechNova, turned early challenges into nationwide confidence. Within three years, nearly half of India’s newspapers had shifted from thermal to violet.
The momentum accelerated in 2009, when India became one of only four countries to locally manufacture chem-free violet plates. This milestone aligned Indian publishing with global sustainability trends, giving the newspapers a practical way to reduce environmental impact without compromising performance.
From 2014 onwards, the adoption of TechNova’s VioGreen Plus plates deepened this green transition. According to the company, over the last 15 years, the industry has saved more than 270 million litres of water, reduced effluent discharge by over 21 lakh litres, and cut energy and maintenance costs by more than ₹27 crore.
Now, in 2025, as the industry gathers at the Indian Printers Summit, violet technology is entrenched as the preferred choice of Indian newspapers – not only for its technical reliability but also for the trust and continuity it represents.
Partnership beyond offset plates
Violet stands out not just as a plate, but for the national support system behind it. TechNova set up regional centers, introduced vendor-managed inventories, and created a strong nationwide service network. This ensures seamless supply and service continuity. Training and technical support help even remote pressrooms work confidently. News publishers see violet CtPs and plates as more than products—they are a partnership that supported them through deadlines, edition expansions, and supply chain disruptions.
Amit Khurana, CEO of TechNova Imaging Systems, says, “Violet has become the production backbone of India’s newspapers because it combines technological robustness with TechNova’s unmatched service ecosystem. Our chem-free and low-chemical innovations have helped the industry save over 270 million litres of water and significantly reduce costs. We remain committed to driving such innovations that deliver measurable value while supporting the industry’s sustainability goals.”
Publishers across India – from Mathrubhumi in Kerala to Amar Ujala in the Hindi heartland, from Anandabazar Patrika in Kolkata to Sakshi in Andhra Pradesh – speak in the same voice about violet’s consistency, reliability, and value. In an era when media is reshaped daily by digital forces, the Indian newspaper industry has shown remarkable resilience as smart users of digital technology and prepress systems that deliver day after day, edition after edition.
“For Anandabazar Patrika, quality and consistency are non-negotiable. TechNova’s Violet digital offset plates have delivered precision, reduced waste and faster turnaround for nearly two decades. Their robust performance, supported by TechNova’s responsive service, makes them an indispensable part of our print setup,” says Pratim Datta of Anandabazar Patrika
There are several other testimonials from newspapers across the country. RK Datta of Prabhat Khabar, headquartered in Ranchi with editions across several states, adds, “In the eastern region, where logistics pose unique challenges, TechNova’s Violet CtP solution has proven both resilient and dependable. It consistently delivers superior print quality while reducing waste and downtime. TechNova’s quick-response service ensures uninterrupted continuity – crucial for our business.”
