Konica Minolta at Bharat Print Expo 2026

-Strengthening our digital leadership as digital printing partner.

India, 05 May,2026: Konica Minolta’s presence at the expo highlighted how digital printing is becoming central to modern print businesses by enabling more sustainable operations, reducing waste, and giving flexibility to handle diverse customer demands. Through live demonstrations and application showcases, visitors gained insights into how integrated print technologies and Workflow automation can drive business transformation.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions showcased its advanced production print portfolio at Bharat Print Expo 2026, reinforcing its position as the Digital Printing Partner for the event.

Held from 27 to 29 April 2026 at the Chennai Trade Centre (CTC), the expo served as a key platform highlighting the rapid transformation of India’s print industry, driven by digital printing, automation, and intelligent workflow solutions.

The Bharat Print Expo 2026 served as a launchpad for Konica Minolta’s expanded portfolio across colour and monochrome production presses, alongside Applications. The company showcased leading models including the AccurioPress C12010S, AccurioPrint C4065, AccurioPrint 2100, along with a wide range of industrial print samples, demonstrations, real-world applications across commercial printing, packaging, and value-added print segments.

The AccurioPress C4065 demonstrated strong productivity in a compact and affordable format, offering professional image quality & media flexibility. Meanwhile, the AccurioPrint 2100 highlighted Konica Minolta’s strength in monochrome production with 100 ppm B&W output, high paper and toner capacity, and a built-in print controller, designed for high-volume production and office environments.

The showcase reflected Konica Minolta’s continued focus on enabling businesses to transition from conventional printing setups to more intelligent, connected, and automated production environments. With growing demand for short-run printing, faster turnaround times, personalization, and workflow optimization, these solutions were designed to help customers improve output consistency while reducing manual intervention and operational complexity.

Speaking about the participation, Kaushik Asari, managing director, Konica Minolta Business Solutions India, said: “India’s print industry is evolving rapidly, with businesses increasingly looking for solutions that combine speed, flexibility, and long-term sustainability. Our participation at Bharat Print Expo 2026 reflected our commitment to supporting this transformation through advanced digital printing technologies and intelligent workflow solutions. As the Digital Printing Partner, we saw this as an opportunity to demonstrate how innovation can help customers unlock new efficiencies and growth opportunities.”

Konica Minolta’s presence at the expo highlighted how digital printing is becoming central to modern print businesses by enabling more sustainable operations, reducing waste, and greater flexibility in handling diverse customer demands. Through live demonstrations and application showcases, visitors gained insights into how integrated print technologies and workflow automation can drive business transformation.

Shree Sahjanand Offset installs Konica Minolta AccurioPress C4080

-Boost printer upgrades capabilities to meet rising demand from healthcare and education sectors.

India, 02 May,2026: Shree Sahjanand Offset has installed an AccurioPress C4080 from Konica Minolta, strengthening its production capabilities as it looks to deliver higher print quality, improved consistency and faster turnaround times, said Mahesh Hadiyal, owner of the company.

The investment comes in response to rising client expectations, particularly from the company’s core healthcare and education segments, where accuracy and timely delivery are critical. The new digital press is expected to streamline workflows and enable the firm to handle larger volumes with greater efficiency.

Konica Minolta supported the installation and commissioning of the press, followed by hands-on training sessions for the company’s operators. The training focused on helping functionality and best practices to ensure optimal performance and high-quality output.

Founded in 2009 by sole proprietor Mahesh Hadiyal in Botad, Gujarat, Shree Sahjanand Offset began as a screen-printing unit catering to local demand for customized jobs. Over time, it has expanded its capabilities by incorporating advanced machinery and modern printing technologies, evolving into a quality-focused print service provider.

The company employs around 12 people who manage production, machinery operations and daily workflows. Its client base is largely concentrated in hospitals and academic institutions, which continue to generate steady demand for tailored print solutions.

Shree Sahjanand Offset operates a balanced mix of equipment, with nearly half of its machines sourced from Konica Minolta, complemented by locally procured cutting machines for routine production needs.

While the return on investment will depend on seasonal demand cycles, especially during academic periods, Hadiyal said the new installation has already enhanced the company’s ability to process higher workloads with improved speed and consistency, contributing to overall productivity gains.

Majestic Print Solutions bolsters capacity with AccurioPress

-Based in the Shah and Nahar Industrial Estate in Lower Parel, Mumbai, Majestic Print Solutions has recently invested in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C12010s. The decision was driven by a long-standing trust in the technology and a service infrastructure that ensures zero downtime for corporate clients.

India, 28 April,2026: According to the owner, Kishore Hathiyani, relying on Konica Minolta was a strategic choice rooted in his early career. “When I was a salaried employee, I was already using Konica Minolta. They introduced the MCC contract (meter count charged contract), which provided us with a fixed cost and the confidence to scale without worrying about maintenance overheads,” he recalled.

Founded in 2015 by two brothers, Kishore Hathiyani and Naresh Hathiyani, who transitioned from salaried employees to entrepreneurs, Majestic Print Solutions has grown from a small shop in Worli to a multi-unit operation. The Konica Minolta presses remain the primary workhorses, handling the bulk of the firm’s daily output of 15,000 copies per day.

The company’s reputation was built on its ability to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines, made possible by the AccurioPress C12010S’s reliability. “In our business, the machine should never be closed to the customer,” Kishore explained. He noted that the relationship with Konica Minolta is so close that the brand has deployed a dedicated service engineer to the area to ensure that any technical issues are resolved within hours, maintaining the 18-19% per annum growth the company has enjoyed.

A key driver for its latest expansion is the installation of a five-station production printer with the capability to print white (beyond CMYK) via an inline-underlay station. This installation is the first of its kind in the Western region.

“The reason why I have taken white instead of CMYK is that the density of white is higher than that of other companies. So, when you have to print only white or add four colours on white, the density is higher, and the quality is better,” Kishore explained. “The reason for taking white is that the label on the jars of FMCG is mostly transparent. Because of that, the demand for FMCGs’ transparent label plus white printing is increasing. To fulfil that demand, we decided to take white instead of four colours.”

By leveraging this technology, Majestic Print Solutions is looking to create a differentiating factor in a cluttered market, staying ahead of competitors and creating a niche that will provide a significant impetus to overall volume.

This technological backbone has enabled Majestic to tackle complex assignments, including high-impact marketing materials like 13×28-inch real estate banners. A notable project involved a luxury real estate book for Birla Trimaya in Bengaluru, which required a custom-engineered 3D door-knocker on the cover and a heavy-duty binding process. By leveraging digital precision, the firm provided a prototype and a final run of 2,000 copies that met exacting standards for tactile feel and visual appeal. The project was delivered within two days after the prototype was approved, using two eight-hour shifts with 12 people working on it.

Operating from a 3,000-square-feet shop floor within the Shah and Nahar Industrial Estate, the company scaled its footprint post-pandemic to better serve its corporate clientele. With 25 employees and a production schedule that scales to 24-hour shifts during the peak season from July to December, the Konica Minolta systems are pushed to their optimised capacity to meet the demands of Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and the wedding season.

Beyond the hardware, Kishore credits the partnership’s success to personal accountability. The service level is so high that the Konica Minolta lead engineer is considered part of the extended family, ensuring that even midnight breakdowns are addressed via phone or on-site visits. This support allowed the firm to expand into a second unit in 2023 for corporate gifting and a third in 2025 for specialised digital work.

Maintaining a grounded philosophy, the owner emphasises that the machine is only as good as the person understanding it. “You need to stay consistent and ensure that the technology you invest in is backed by people who stand by you,” he concluded.

Lettershop takes a leap of faith with AccurioShine

-The decision was made during a visit to the Pamex trade show, where a conversation at the Konica Minolta stand ignited the idea.

India, 20 April,2026: Kandivli-based Lettershop India in Mumbai has installed the Konica Minolta AccurioShine 3600 powered by MGI technology, marking its entry into digital embellishment and signalling a shift towards premium, value-added print applications.

According to Kapil Shah, director of Lettershop India, the decision was unplanned but decisive. “We had no intention of buying such a high-end machine that day, but once we saw what it could do, it became difficult to walk away,” he said, recalling a visit to the Pamex trade show where the idea first took shape.

Founded in 1999 with a single vinyl cutting machine, Lettershop India has grown through a series of incremental expansions. Initially dependent on exhibition-related work across Maharashtra and Delhi NCR, the company transitioned to servicing corporate clients, a move that brought greater stability and consistency to its operations.

Shah’s brother, Kartik, who handles marketing, said the company’s early reputation was built on tackling complex assignments. “One of our defining projects involved signage with more than twenty colours using vinyl cut-pasting. While others struggled with large samples, we delivered a precise prototype where no colour overlapped,” he explained, adding that such capabilities helped position the firm as a specialist in challenging jobs.

The company diversified into large-format digital printing in the early 2000s and added offset printing by 2005 to offer a one-stop solution. It expanded into displays and signage just before the pandemic and entered the small format digital segment in 2021 with a used Konica Minolta press and eventually upgraded to C4080. According to Shah this phased approach enabled the company to test market demand before committing to high-end investments. “We always test new technology on ourselves first. The first book we printed using the MGI system was for my daughter’s twenty-fifth birthday. It allowed us to understand the machine before offering it commercially,” he said.

The addition of the AccurioShine 3600 is expected to strengthen Lettershop’s offering for corporate, luxury, and event clients seeking short-run, premium print with tactile finishes such as UV and foiling. Kartik noted that demand for such applications is increasing. “There is a clear shift towards premiumisation. Clients want finishes that stand out, and this technology allows us to deliver that in shorter runs,” he said.

Operating from an 8,000-sqft facility in Charkop Industrial Estate, Kandivali West, the company employs 45 people and reports annual growth of around 20%. It produces about 200 prints daily along with 7,000 to 8,000 sqft of large format output.

Shah attributed part of the company’s growth to its long-standing association with Konica Minolta. “Reliability and access to senior management make a difference. When you know support is available and downtime will be minimal, it builds confidence,” he said.

Despite the latest investment, Shah maintains a grounded approach to business. “You do not need an MBA to build a company. You need to start, stay consistent, and maintain standards,” he signed off.

Konica Minolta Installs AccurioPress C14010s at Snap Kosh, Varanasi to Support Growing Demand for High-Speed Digital Printing

India, 26 March,2026: Konica Minolta Business Solutions India (P) Ltd. a leading player in digital production printing and business solutions has installed its flagship AccurioPress C14010s at Snapkosh, a prominent print service provider in Varanasi. The installation was inaugurated by Katsuhisa Asari, Managing Director, Konica Minolta Business Solutions India, marking another milestone in the company’s commitment to expanding high-performance digital printing capabilities across India.

The AccurioPress C14010s is designed to deliver high-speed, high-quality digital production with advanced automation, enabling print businesses to achieve greater efficiency, faster turnaround times, and consistent output. Equipped with features such as intelligent quality optimisation, advanced media handling, and seamless workflow integration, the system supports a wide range of applications, including commercial print, on-demand jobs and value-added services.

Commenting on the inauguration, Katsuhisa “Kurt” Asari, Managing Director, Konica Minolta Business Solutions India (P) Ltd. said, “Regional markets across India are increasingly embracing digital transformation, and Varanasi is a strong example of this shift. This installation reflects the growing demand for high-performance digital printing solutions. At Konica Minolta, we remain committed to enabling our customers to scale their businesses through advanced technology, enhanced productivity, and new application opportunities.”

Commenting on the installation, Vinamra Kapoor, Owner of Snap Kosh, said, “We are witnessing a clear shift in market expectations, with increasing demand for faster turnaround, consistent quality, and a broader range of applications. The AccurioPress C14010s is a strategic investment for us, enabling us to meet these evolving demands and position our business for future growth.”

This installation underscores Konica Minolta’s continued focus on expanding its digital production portfolio and customer footprint, while enabling print service providers to tap into opportunities such as short-run production, on-demand printing and customised applications. As the printing industry continues to evolve with increasing demand for speed, flexibility, and personalisation, Konica Minolta remains at the forefront by delivering innovative solutions that drive efficiency, quality, and business growth for its customers across India.

About Konica Minolta India ….

Konica Minolta Business Solutions India (P) Ltd. a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta Inc., Japan, is a trusted leader in digital imaging and printing solutions. Headquartered in Gurgaon, the company has established a strong nationwide presence with 15 branch offices, service centers in 85 cities, and 17 strategically located warehouses, supported by an extensive channel partner ecosystem.

Konica Minolta India: Enabling Digital Transformation

-Mr. Katsuhisa Asari, Managing Director, Konica Minolta India, in an exclusive interview with PRESSIdeas, speaks in detail about the evolving digital printing landscape, Konica Minolta as an enabler and the driving forces of the Indian print industry.

India, 24 March,2026: Konica Minolta has consistently positioned itself as a technology pioneer in the digital printing space by focusing on innovation, reliability, and customer-centric solutions. In India, the company plays a significant role in accelerating the growth of digital production by offering advanced print technologies, intelligent workflow automation, and high-quality production systems that help businesses improve efficiency and expand into value-added applications. What differentiates Konica Minolta from many other players is its end-to-end ecosystem approach combining cutting-edge production engines, automated colour and quality management, workflow solutions, and strong service support.

“Rather than simply supplying equipment, the company works closely with customers to enable digital transformation, helping them move towards high-mix, short-run production, personalised print, and premium applications such as labels and embellishment,” introduces Mr. Katsuhisa Asari, Managing Director, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd. India. With a focus to support the customer in the entire document production cycle from Prepress – Print -Post Press, the holistic approach has helped Konica Minolta build strong customer trust and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving digital printing landscape.

Expounding on the fast evolving graphic industry and the latest trends shaping it, Mr. Katsuhisa Asari says, “The fast-evolving graphic industry is being driven by digitisation, automation, sustainability, and personalisation. Digital printing is accelerating as brands demand shorter runs, faster turnaround, and variable data capabilities. Automated, cloud-enabled workflows are improving efficiency and reducing manual intervention, while sustainability is pushing the adoption of low-waste, energy-efficient technologies. Customisation and on-demand production, especially in packaging and marketing collateral, are also gaining strong momentum. Looking ahead, digitisation and automation will remain foundational as print businesses modernise and scale. Sustainability will continue shaping investment decisions, and personalisation will expand as brands seek deeper consumer engagement. These trends are collectively redefining the industry to be more agile, efficient, and future-ready.”

“Konica Minolta’s focus has always been to bring new products and solutions to enhance the productivity and ease of operations for the customers to increase the overall productivity in the document print cycle,” he states.

With Digital Production Printing market in India growing in double digits, we see it accelerating its shift toward digitisation – enabling shorter runs, faster turnaround times, mass customization, and more sustainable production. “Businesses are transitioning from analogue-heavy setups to integrated digital workflows that minimise waste and support variable data printing. Automation, cloud-enabled workflow management, and intelligent quality control are further streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and addressing skill gaps across commercial print and packaging segments,” says Mr. Katsuhisa Asari.

“At Konica Minolta, we support this transformation through advanced digital production systems and integrated workflow solutions under Accurio Pro umbrella that automate job management, colour consistency, and pre-press processes, creating a seamless end-to-end digital ecosystem. Together, these technologies empower print businesses to enhance agility, productivity, and profitability in an increasingly digital-first landscape,” he enlightens.

How a Konica Minolta customer is better equipped to tap the emerging trends in the professional printing space is a clear story of capability of the company’s technological portfolio. “A Konica Minolta customer is better equipped to tap emerging trends in professional printing because the company’s portfolio is built around digital transformation, automation, and value-added production,” underlines Mr. Katsuhisa. “As the industry shifts from traditional offset to digital for shorter runs, personalisation, and faster turnaround, Konica Minolta’s advanced toner and high-speed inkjet platforms enable printers to respond with agility while maintaining consistent, high-quality output. Integrated workflow solutions and automation tools further streamline pre-press to post-press processes, reducing manual intervention, improving efficiency, and addressing skill gaps, allowing print businesses to scale sustainably and profitably,” he continues.

In the printing and packaging space specifically, key technologies such as digital label presses, industrial inkjet systems, embellishment solutions, and intelligent colour management are defining the next phase of growth. With increasing demand for customised packaging, regulatory-compliant labels, and sustainable production, Konica Minolta solutions support shorter production cycles, reduced waste, and variable data printing capabilities, says Mr. Katsuhisa.

“The future trend is to enable and broaden the horizon for the printers to offer multiple services to the end customers. The focus is to add more value for the customers by increasing the automation saving time and reducing errors or wastage and increasing the efficiency of the entire process ultimately leading to higher profits for their organisations. We also bring the solutions for Digital Spot UV and Digital Foil to add value and sell the same document with much higher profitability,” further highlights Mr. Asari.

Konica Minolta technologies – transforming the printing and packaging industries

By enabling a shift to value-driven digital manufacturing, Konica Minolta’s technologies are transforming the printing and packaging industries today. Advanced digital presses and industrial inkjet systems support short-run, high-quality, and variable data printing, allowing converters and print service providers to respond quickly to market demands for customization, faster turnaround, and premium finishes. “This is particularly impactful in packaging and labels, where brand differentiation and regulatory compliance require flexibility and precision,” asserts Mr. Katsuhisa. Beyond hardware, Konica Minolta integrates intelligent workflow automation, colour management, and data-driven quality control to create a connected, end-to-end production ecosystem. These solutions reduce waste, improve operational efficiency, and support sustainable practices, helping businesses optimise costs while enhancing output consistency. “By combining digital production with smart software, Konica Minolta is enabling printers and packaging converters to become more competitive, scalable, and future-ready,” he corroborates.

The year 2025 has been a significant and milestone year for Konica Minolta, marked by strong technological progress, industry recognition, and continued market momentum in India. The company strengthened its leadership in digital printing, workflow automation, and office solutions, while its innovation-driven portfolio continued to gain traction across commercial print, enterprise printing, and digital workplace segments.

“In India, the number of machines from Konica Minolta is growing in double digit and the future trends are also positive for the Digital Print Industry,” updates Mr. Katsuhisa.

Green innovations addressing sustainability in printing and key challenges

At Konica Minolta India, sustainability is embedded into operations through structured compliance and proactive initiatives. The company has effectively implemented the E-Waste (Management) Rules and operates a PAN-India e-waste collection mechanism in partnership with authorised recyclers. With registered EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) certifications for plastic and battery waste management, over 25+ collection centres across India, RoHS compliance, and internal awareness programmes, Konica Minolta ensures responsible recycling without landfill disposal. This reflects a long-term commitment not only to green technologies in printing, but also to circular economy practices and environmental stewardship across the entire product lifecycle.

“The uptake of eco-friendly practices in the printing industry is steadily increasing, driven by regulatory guidelines, brands’ commitment, and rising environmental awareness,” observes Mr. Katsuhisa.

Digital production, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction through on-demand printing are becoming standard priorities. However, key challenges include higher upfront investment, limited awareness among some players, and the need for stronger recycling and end-of-life infrastructure. Konica Minolta addresses these through energy-efficient digital technologies, intelligent automation that reduces waste, and structured sustainability initiatives.

The growth prospects of sustainability in the Indian printing industry are very strong. These are chiefly driven by increasing environmental awareness, regulatory push, and brand demand for greener supply chains. “Print service providers are gradually adopting eco-friendly practices such as recycled paper, energy-efficient printing systems, and waste-reduction processes. Sustainability is also being accelerated by the rise of digital printing, which enables on-demand production and significantly reduces material wastage,” emphasises Mr. Asari.

The Indian market presents significant growth opportunities across digital commercial print, labels & packaging, and workflow automation as businesses increasingly adopt digital technologies for short-run jobs, customisation, and faster turnaround times. Demand for premium packaging, digital labels, and embellishment applications is rising rapidly as brands seek differentiation and higher value workflows. Additionally, there is growing uptake of cloud-enabled services, managed print services, and sustainable solutions as enterprises streamline operations and improve efficiency. Speaking about Konica Minolta’s expansion strategy in India, Mr. Katsuhisa Asari says that the expansion strategy is aligned with these opportunity areas. The company continues to strengthen its digital print and production portfolio. “There is a growing demand for the short run applications especially to support short packaging and small quantities of labels. We see this trend growing from bigger cities to smaller cities,” he says.

Key areas of user education

Mr. Katsuhisa recognizes the key areas of user education in the printing and digital workflow space as digital transformation & automation, colour management best practices, sustainable production methods, and value-added applications like labels and embellishment. “Customers increasingly need guidance on how to adapt from traditional analogue setups to integrated digital workflows, optimise job throughput with intelligent automation, and deliver consistent quality across diverse applications from commercial print to packaging and personalised print products,” says Mr. Asari, adding, “Konica Minolta supports this through a range of training programmes, workshops, online learning resources, and hands-on demonstrations for customers and operators. The company provides step-by-step training modules and video learning libraries that help users understand device capabilities, finishing techniques, and workflow solutions at their own pace.”

The successful PrintXpress campaign

We all know about Konica Minolta’s successful PrintXpress campaign in India. “The company is building on the strong momentum of the PrintXpress campaign,” says Mr. Katsuhisa Asari. “The campaign has become a benchmark outreach initiative by bringing advanced digital production technologies closer to emerging print markets and bridging key technology gaps for small and mid-sized businesses. Its success lies in its scale, accessibility, and ability to drive customer education, strengthen partner networks, and unlock new growth opportunities,” he says.

“Building on this, the ‘India Prints on Konica Minolta’ campaign further reinforces the brand’s commitment to empowering businesses, deepening industry engagement, and enabling growth through technology and innovation.”

Konica Minolta and the year ahead

By the end of 2026, Konica Minolta aims to further strengthen its position in India as a leading provider of digital printing, workflow automation, and intelligent workplace solutions. The company will continue focusing on driving digital transformation for customers by enabling more efficient, automated, and data-driven print environments that support evolving business needs across commercial print, packaging, and enterprise segments.

“In the coming year, we plan to deepen our presence in high-growth areas such as digital production printing, labels and packaging, workflow automation, and managed print services. We will also continue investing in customer engagement, technology innovation, and service capabilities across India. By expanding solutions ecosystem and strengthening partnerships with print businesses and enterprises, Konica Minolta aims to support customers in improving productivity, embracing new applications, and unlocking new growth opportunities in an increasingly digital-first market,” declares Mr. Katsuhisa.

‘Digital’ being overused?

We see a lot of players entering the digital space. We often see the word digital as overexploited by many new players. Exploring the development, Mr. Katsuhisa says, “The term “digital” is often used very broadly today, which can sometimes blur the distinction between true digital printing technologies and conventional systems that simply incorporate digital controls or automation. While many traditional printing platforms may be supported by digital workflows or software tools, true digital printing is defined by its core imaging process.”

Further explaining, he says, “At Konica Minolta, digital production print systems are designed around this complete ecosystem. Our colour and monochrome production presses combine high image quality, high-speed output, variable data capability, and integrated workflow automation to deliver consistent results while improving productivity and reducing waste. This end-to-end approach from workflow to finishing ensures that digital printing goes beyond just technology integration and truly transforms print operations.”

AI – a transforming enabler in printing and its practical significance for printers

AI is already becoming practically relevant in printing through applications like automated colour calibration, intelligent quality optimisation, predictive maintenance, and workflow automation. These tools help reduce waste, improve consistency, and minimise downtime, delivering immediate operational benefits. ‘For Indian printers, AI adoption will accelerate as competition increases. In the near future, AI-driven automation will move from being an advantage to a necessity, especially in high-mix, short-run, and value-added print environments,” envisages Mr. Katsuhisa.

Mr. Katsuhisa concludes with a candid suggestion to printers, “Our suggestion to all the printers is to look at Digital Printing differently. It helps in opening new doors and also helps in retaining the customers. Long jobs can continue on traditional process and short run jobs can be done on Digital. Additionally the customer is not exposed to other print service providers and it helps in retaining the relationship with the customers.”

Konica Minolta India: Enabling Digital Transformation

-Mr. Katsuhisa Asari, Managing Director, Konica Minolta India, in an exclusive interview with PRESSIdeas, speaks in detail about the evolving digital printing landscape, Konica Minolta as an enabler and the driving forces of the Indian print industry.

India, 24 March,2026: Konica Minolta has consistently positioned itself as a technology pioneer in the digital printing space by focusing on innovation, reliability, and customer-centric solutions. In India, the company plays a significant role in accelerating the growth of digital production by offering advanced print technologies, intelligent workflow automation, and high-quality production systems that help businesses improve efficiency and expand into value-added applications. What differentiates Konica Minolta from many other players is its end-to-end ecosystem approach combining cutting-edge production engines, automated colour and quality management, workflow solutions, and strong service support.

“Rather than simply supplying equipment, the company works closely with customers to enable digital transformation, helping them move towards high-mix, short-run production, personalised print, and premium applications such as labels and embellishment,” introduces Mr. Katsuhisa Asari, Managing Director, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd. India. With a focus to support the customer in the entire document production cycle from Prepress – Print -Post Press, the holistic approach has helped Konica Minolta build strong customer trust and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving digital printing landscape.

Expounding on the fast evolving graphic industry and the latest trends shaping it, Mr. Katsuhisa Asari says, “The fast-evolving graphic industry is being driven by digitisation, automation, sustainability, and personalisation. Digital printing is accelerating as brands demand shorter runs, faster turnaround, and variable data capabilities. Automated, cloud-enabled workflows are improving efficiency and reducing manual intervention, while sustainability is pushing the adoption of low-waste, energy-efficient technologies. Customisation and on-demand production, especially in packaging and marketing collateral, are also gaining strong momentum. Looking ahead, digitisation and automation will remain foundational as print businesses modernise and scale. Sustainability will continue shaping investment decisions, and personalisation will expand as brands seek deeper consumer engagement. These trends are collectively redefining the industry to be more agile, efficient, and future-ready.”

“Konica Minolta’s focus has always been to bring new products and solutions to enhance the productivity and ease of operations for the customers to increase the overall productivity in the document print cycle,” he states.

With Digital Production Printing market in India growing in double digits, we see it accelerating its shift toward digitisation – enabling shorter runs, faster turnaround times, mass customization, and more sustainable production. “Businesses are transitioning from analogue-heavy setups to integrated digital workflows that minimise waste and support variable data printing. Automation, cloud-enabled workflow management, and intelligent quality control are further streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and addressing skill gaps across commercial print and packaging segments,” says Mr. Katsuhisa Asari.

“At Konica Minolta, we support this transformation through advanced digital production systems and integrated workflow solutions under Accurio Pro umbrella that automate job management, colour consistency, and pre-press processes, creating a seamless end-to-end digital ecosystem. Together, these technologies empower print businesses to enhance agility, productivity, and profitability in an increasingly digital-first landscape,” he enlightens.

How a Konica Minolta customer is better equipped to tap the emerging trends in the professional printing space is a clear story of capability of the company’s technological portfolio. “A Konica Minolta customer is better equipped to tap emerging trends in professional printing because the company’s portfolio is built around digital transformation, automation, and value-added production,” underlines Mr. Katsuhisa. “As the industry shifts from traditional offset to digital for shorter runs, personalisation, and faster turnaround, Konica Minolta’s advanced toner and high-speed inkjet platforms enable printers to respond with agility while maintaining consistent, high-quality output. Integrated workflow solutions and automation tools further streamline pre-press to post-press processes, reducing manual intervention, improving efficiency, and addressing skill gaps, allowing print businesses to scale sustainably and profitably,” he continues.

In the printing and packaging space specifically, key technologies such as digital label presses, industrial inkjet systems, embellishment solutions, and intelligent colour management are defining the next phase of growth. With increasing demand for customised packaging, regulatory-compliant labels, and sustainable production, Konica Minolta solutions support shorter production cycles, reduced waste, and variable data printing capabilities, says Mr. Katsuhisa.

“The future trend is to enable and broaden the horizon for the printers to offer multiple services to the end customers. The focus is to add more value for the customers by increasing the automation saving time and reducing errors or wastage and increasing the efficiency of the entire process ultimately leading to higher profits for their organisations. We also bring the solutions for Digital Spot UV and Digital Foil to add value and sell the same document with much higher profitability,” further highlights Mr. Asari.

Konica Minolta technologies – transforming the printing and packaging industries

By enabling a shift to value-driven digital manufacturing, Konica Minolta’s technologies are transforming the printing and packaging industries today. Advanced digital presses and industrial inkjet systems support short-run, high-quality, and variable data printing, allowing converters and print service providers to respond quickly to market demands for customization, faster turnaround, and premium finishes. “This is particularly impactful in packaging and labels, where brand differentiation and regulatory compliance require flexibility and precision,” asserts Mr. Katsuhisa. Beyond hardware, Konica Minolta integrates intelligent workflow automation, colour management, and data-driven quality control to create a connected, end-to-end production ecosystem. These solutions reduce waste, improve operational efficiency, and support sustainable practices, helping businesses optimise costs while enhancing output consistency. “By combining digital production with smart software, Konica Minolta is enabling printers and packaging converters to become more competitive, scalable, and future-ready,” he corroborates.

The year 2025 has been a significant and milestone year for Konica Minolta, marked by strong technological progress, industry recognition, and continued market momentum in India. The company strengthened its leadership in digital printing, workflow automation, and office solutions, while its innovation-driven portfolio continued to gain traction across commercial print, enterprise printing, and digital workplace segments.

“In India, the number of machines from Konica Minolta is growing in double digit and the future trends are also positive for the Digital Print Industry,” updates Mr. Katsuhisa.

Green innovations addressing sustainability in printing and key challenges

At Konica Minolta India, sustainability is embedded into operations through structured compliance and proactive initiatives. The company has effectively implemented the E-Waste (Management) Rules and operates a PAN-India e-waste collection mechanism in partnership with authorised recyclers. With registered EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) certifications for plastic and battery waste management, over 25+ collection centres across India, RoHS compliance, and internal awareness programmes, Konica Minolta ensures responsible recycling without landfill disposal. This reflects a long-term commitment not only to green technologies in printing, but also to circular economy practices and environmental stewardship across the entire product lifecycle.

“The uptake of eco-friendly practices in the printing industry is steadily increasing, driven by regulatory guidelines, brands’ commitment, and rising environmental awareness,” observes Mr. Katsuhisa.

Digital production, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction through on-demand printing are becoming standard priorities. However, key challenges include higher upfront investment, limited awareness among some players, and the need for stronger recycling and end-of-life infrastructure. Konica Minolta addresses these through energy-efficient digital technologies, intelligent automation that reduces waste, and structured sustainability initiatives.

The growth prospects of sustainability in the Indian printing industry are very strong. These are chiefly driven by increasing environmental awareness, regulatory push, and brand demand for greener supply chains. “Print service providers are gradually adopting eco-friendly practices such as recycled paper, energy-efficient printing systems, and waste-reduction processes. Sustainability is also being accelerated by the rise of digital printing, which enables on-demand production and significantly reduces material wastage,” emphasises Mr. Asari.

The Indian market presents significant growth opportunities across digital commercial print, labels & packaging, and workflow automation as businesses increasingly adopt digital technologies for short-run jobs, customisation, and faster turnaround times. Demand for premium packaging, digital labels, and embellishment applications is rising rapidly as brands seek differentiation and higher value workflows. Additionally, there is growing uptake of cloud-enabled services, managed print services, and sustainable solutions as enterprises streamline operations and improve efficiency. Speaking about Konica Minolta’s expansion strategy in India, Mr. Katsuhisa Asari says that the expansion strategy is aligned with these opportunity areas. The company continues to strengthen its digital print and production portfolio. “There is a growing demand for the short run applications especially to support short packaging and small quantities of labels. We see this trend growing from bigger cities to smaller cities,” he says.

Key areas of user education

Mr. Katsuhisa recognizes the key areas of user education in the printing and digital workflow space as digital transformation & automation, colour management best practices, sustainable production methods, and value-added applications like labels and embellishment. “Customers increasingly need guidance on how to adapt from traditional analogue setups to integrated digital workflows, optimise job throughput with intelligent automation, and deliver consistent quality across diverse applications from commercial print to packaging and personalised print products,” says Mr. Asari, adding, “Konica Minolta supports this through a range of training programmes, workshops, online learning resources, and hands-on demonstrations for customers and operators. The company provides step-by-step training modules and video learning libraries that help users understand device capabilities, finishing techniques, and workflow solutions at their own pace.”

The successful PrintXpress campaign

We all know about Konica Minolta’s successful PrintXpress campaign in India. “The company is building on the strong momentum of the PrintXpress campaign,” says Mr. Katsuhisa Asari. “The campaign has become a benchmark outreach initiative by bringing advanced digital production technologies closer to emerging print markets and bridging key technology gaps for small and mid-sized businesses. Its success lies in its scale, accessibility, and ability to drive customer education, strengthen partner networks, and unlock new growth opportunities,” he says.

“Building on this, the ‘India Prints on Konica Minolta’ campaign further reinforces the brand’s commitment to empowering businesses, deepening industry engagement, and enabling growth through technology and innovation.”

Konica Minolta and the year ahead

By the end of 2026, Konica Minolta aims to further strengthen its position in India as a leading provider of digital printing, workflow automation, and intelligent workplace solutions. The company will continue focusing on driving digital transformation for customers by enabling more efficient, automated, and data-driven print environments that support evolving business needs across commercial print, packaging, and enterprise segments.

“In the coming year, we plan to deepen our presence in high-growth areas such as digital production printing, labels and packaging, workflow automation, and managed print services. We will also continue investing in customer engagement, technology innovation, and service capabilities across India. By expanding solutions ecosystem and strengthening partnerships with print businesses and enterprises, Konica Minolta aims to support customers in improving productivity, embracing new applications, and unlocking new growth opportunities in an increasingly digital-first market,” declares Mr. Katsuhisa.

‘Digital’ being overused?

We see a lot of players entering the digital space. We often see the word digital as overexploited by many new players. Exploring the development, Mr. Katsuhisa says, “The term “digital” is often used very broadly today, which can sometimes blur the distinction between true digital printing technologies and conventional systems that simply incorporate digital controls or automation. While many traditional printing platforms may be supported by digital workflows or software tools, true digital printing is defined by its core imaging process.”

Further explaining, he says, “At Konica Minolta, digital production print systems are designed around this complete ecosystem. Our colour and monochrome production presses combine high image quality, high-speed output, variable data capability, and integrated workflow automation to deliver consistent results while improving productivity and reducing waste. This end-to-end approach from workflow to finishing ensures that digital printing goes beyond just technology integration and truly transforms print operations.”

AI – a transforming enabler in printing and its practical significance for printers

AI is already becoming practically relevant in printing through applications like automated colour calibration, intelligent quality optimisation, predictive maintenance, and workflow automation. These tools help reduce waste, improve consistency, and minimise downtime, delivering immediate operational benefits. ‘For Indian printers, AI adoption will accelerate as competition increases. In the near future, AI-driven automation will move from being an advantage to a necessity, especially in high-mix, short-run, and value-added print environments,” envisages Mr. Katsuhisa.

Mr. Katsuhisa concludes with a candid suggestion to printers, “Our suggestion to all the printers is to look at Digital Printing differently. It helps in opening new doors and also helps in retaining the customers. Long jobs can continue on traditional process and short run jobs can be done on Digital. Additionally the customer is not exposed to other print service providers and it helps in retaining the relationship with the customers.”

SLNS Graphics adds third Konica Minolta

-AccurioPress C7100 wins for its sophisticated automation, reliable print consistency, and adaptability in effectively managing a variety of applications.

India, 20 February,2026: Mr. Pabba Venugopal, the Founder and Proprietor of SLNS graphics, is a seasoned expert with more than 25 years of printing business experience. Since its founding, the company has continuously increased its capacities as an independent enterprise as opposed to a family-run enterprise. Deep industry knowledge, ongoing use of cutting-edge printing technology, and a strong dedication to provide its clients with trustworthy, high-quality solutions have all contributed to its growth.

Introducing to his company, Mr. Pabba says, “Our main customer consists of a well-balanced mix of established companies and independent contractors.” In addition to assisting well-known companies like Paradise Restaurants, Visista Gold & Diamonds, and Emmadi Jewellers by meeting their continuous printing demands with constant quality and dependability, SLNS works closely with independent designers and artists.

“Ten highly qualified people serve our organization by handling a variety of operational duties. Their combined background guarantees efficient procedures and reliable, superior results,” informs Pabba.

The company recently invested in an AccurioPress C7100, which is their third Konica Minolta. “Our favourable experience with the two Konica Minolta systems now in use at our site is strengthened by our recent investment in third one, which further boosts our production capacity,” says Pabba Venugopal. The C7100’s sophisticated automation, reliable print consistency, and adaptability in effectively managing a variety of applications were the main factors influencing the choice. “Our confidence in making this move was further strengthened by our lengthy affiliation with the brand and its track record of dependability,” he emphasises.

In order to guarantee a smooth transition, Konica Minolta offered timely assistance during the installation phase and the required operating guidance. “We didn’t need much training because we were already familiar with digital printing procedures, but their technical and service teams were always very responsive and available. This made it possible for us to seamlessly incorporate the new system into our production setup and start running at peak efficiency right away,” continues Pabba.

Along with our Konica Minolta printing systems, SLNS has invested in a comprehensive suite of post-production equipment. Its setup includes perfect binding, pin binding, programme cutting, sticker shape cutting, and spiral binding machines. These advanced finishing capabilities allow the company to deliver complete, end-to-end printing and post-press solutions seamlessly under one roof.

“Strong company growth is expected as a result of the investment in the AccurioPress C7100. The equipment, which has been installed at our second branch, allows us to increase overall production capacity, expand our customer base, and access a new market. Even though the project is still in its early phases, we are still optimistic that it will yield positive returns when volumes rise and the new branch achieves operational stability,” concludes Mr. Pabba Venugopal.