Now Reading: India’s print sector tightens norms, sees double-digit growth
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India’s print sector tightens norms, sees double-digit growth
India's print and packaging industry reported double-digit revenue growth over the past week, alongside new policy measures on polymer banknotes and examination printing norms. The shift toward shorter print runs and premium finishing is driving investment in modern machinery from Gwalior to Chennai.
The Reserve Bank of India has tightened specifications for polymer currency notes, requiring printers to upgrade equipment for the longer-lasting substrate. Separate exam board guidelines now mandate tamper-proof packaging for question papers, boosting demand for high-security printing solutions.
Major players have announced capital expenditure plans, including new presses and finishing lines. The moves signal a broader recalibration of capacity toward value-added services rather than high-volume commodity printing. Industry bodies estimate the sector will need Rs 1,500 crore in fresh investment over the next two years to meet evolving standards.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The shift toward polymer notes has been slow in India, where currency printing has traditionally relied on cotton-based paper. The Reserve Bank of India's push for longer-lasting notes aligns with global trends, over 20 countries now use polymer or hybrid substrates. For the printing industry, this means retooling presses and retraining workers, since polymer requires different inks and drying processes. The real economic weight falls on small and medium printers, who may lack the capital for such upgrades. Watch for the RBI's next tender for polymer note supply, which will reveal how many domestic players can compete with foreign suppliers like De La Rue.
Source: printweek.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
