• 07-09 October, 2021
  • Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Interview with Mr. Sam Patel - Director & CEO, Arrow Digital

Q1. As a market leader in the packaging/converting sector what’s your strategy on ‘Make in India’ and serve the world?

The global packaging industry is developing and expanding day by day and the Indian market is also growing rapidly. Currently, this is the 5th largest sector of the Indian economy. This growth is primarily driven by factors like growing pharmaceutical, food processing, manufacturing industry, FMCG, healthcare sectors. With the recent outbreak of COVID 19, the packaging manufacturers are facing supply chain disruption along with decreasing manufacturing at the site in many parts of the country. ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative taken by the Indian government is encouraging brands and companies to invest and expand locally. The growth of the packaging market in India is largely driven by various technological advancements and sustainable solutions and we are ready to provide the right technology to the industry in order to compete with global market leaders.

Q2. Which markets to you foresee to offer more growth once the post the COVID-19 situation improves?  How will buyers in India respond to expansion and investments in your technology?

Packaged food companies and household products will continue to benefit from an uptick in demand because of increased stay-at-home behaviour and an increased focus on health. Stay-at-home orders will eventually be lifted state by state, but in the interim, there are millions of consumers creating and reinforcing new online buying behaviour and habits. Big retailers like Zara and H&M are closing their retail stores and moving to e-commerce platform. I can see that e-commerce packaging holds huge potential to grow and we offer a sustainable and digital solution to the industry to print high-quality graphics directly on corrugated boxes and sheets.


Q3. What were some of the important measures you took to get back from lockdown and how did you serve you clients despite challenges of the lockdown?

This global pandemic has shone a very bright light on our interconnected world, exposing the dirty corners and cracks in the old way of doing things. Our strategy was always to introduce something new and innovative to the market and revolutionize the industry. Our primary focus is safety of our employees and they do take care of our clients. Our excellent team is working tirelessly to reach out to the customers and to resolve their queries related to the restarting of machines or delivery of consumables and creating various applications for COVID and other Social distancing signage and graphics.


Q4. COVID-19 has thrown multiple challenges to manufacturers. What are some of the new innovations that have made this challenge into an opportunity?

This kind of crisis has never been witnessed by the modern world. The fact of the matter is that it is going to be felt worldwide for a considerable period of time because a lot of people will see a lot of change and business won’t be run as usual. Coronavirus is changing the way of people doing business and emphasizing on the need for sustainable practices. Green printing will be the new normal in the post COVID-19 era as the brands will be extra-responsible in following eco-friendly marketing practices. These practices will be associated with environmental and health concerns, wherein the precautionary tools will be implemented strictly in the future. We offer all the sustainable solutions to the market from completely biodegradable Arrow Green Board to LED-based Greenguard certified UV printing platforms to reduce the carbon footprint and contribute towards a greener environment.  

Q5. How do you compare B2B exhibitions in India and abroad especially with events in Germany and China? Do you see India emerging as the go to destinations of Converting / Packaging event?

Exhibitions and trade shows offer a wide platform for brands to showcase products, services, and communicate their key message to a more receptive audience.  Germany leads the Exhibition space with almost 60 percent of its national business generated through Exhibitions. In comparison, India is still at a nascent stage. Post COVID -19 as traveling will be restricted and fear of virus among people can create an opportunity for India to lead and become a favourite destination for packaging events in Asia.

Go Back