The printing industry in Pakistan is very diverse. Although it has been in existence for a long time, it is still undergoing changes as technology advances. There are many different types of printing processes that can be used, from the traditional hand-block printing to the digital process that is geared toward a more mass production. Some of the most commonly used print processes in the country are Flexography, COVID-19, and Rotogravure printing. In addition, there is also a private limited company that has been set up to focus on the digital process.
Digital Process Private Limited
Located in the smog-ridden city of Karachi, Pakistan, Digital Process is a hive of a company specializing in the art of printing. With a fleet of over a dozen machines, the company has been churning out some of the finest output on the planet. A large part of the credit goes to its chief technology officer, who is a tinkerer at heart.
Taking a cue from the likes of a la carte providers like DRM and Tender Touch, the company has rolled out an array of best-in-class equipment and software. Besides a top notch flexo plate making facility, they also provide top-notch digitization services, trapping and enveloping and preflight checks.
Rotogravure Printing
If you're looking to invest in a Rotogravure Printing in Pakistan, you're in luck. The country has several large brand owners who require a lot of packaging material. They're willing to pay for high-quality work.
There are many manufacturers of this type of printing machine in the country, including Kompass Pakistan (Pvt.), Ltd. and Global Inks & Chemicals (Pvt.). Both companies are located in Karachi. Kompass Pakistan is a leading manufacturer in the flexible packaging industry, and offers a wide range of machinery for the flexographic and gravure sectors. Their machinery includes rotary cylinders, blown film lines, converting and finishing equipment.
Flexography
Flexography printing is a form of rotary web letterpress which is often used to print metallic films and plastic bags. It produces a high quality finish on packaging and can produce visually consistent packaging.
Modern flexography uses water-based inks which contain low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and can be printed on biodegradable materials. Flexography also uses quick drying inks which reduce the risk of smudging.
In Pakistan, a growing flexographic industry is represented by K-Group of Companies. The company has been providing leading technologies to the Pakistan market since its establishment in 1997. This technology is used in many industries and for many applications. They include packaging, labels, and food packaging.
Hand-Block Printing
Hand-block printing is an ancient art that is a staple in the textile design industry. This process utilizes wooden or metal blocks to print on fabric with natural dyes. It was first developed in China and then moved to India. There are many different ways to produce block prints, with each one utilizing different techniques.
Traditional techniques include mud resist and vegetable dyes. Today, block printing is practiced in India and Pakistan. The Bagru style of block offset printing is famous for its mud and vegetable-dyed prints. In recent years, the Bagru style has expanded to the Sanganer region of Gujarat.
Lack of Government Funding
Pakistan's print media is under pressure from electronic media. However, the electronic media's professional standards are improving. It also faces a challenge from self-censorship. In fact, self-censorship is a constant problem.
The print media relies disproportionately on government advertising, which is an essential financial lifeline. But the state is also heavily involved in controlling the news. That has a negative impact on press freedom. In addition, the electronic media has been accused of a race to the bottom. That is, it is using its influence to leverage economic power.
This has created a serious problem for the print media. For example, the National Book Foundation continues to insist that it requires compulsory licenses to copy books, a violation of Pakistan's international obligations under the Berne Convention.
COVID-19
When the COVID-19 virus struck Pakistan in late January, the country's health care system was under-equipped to handle the outbreak. During the early stages of the pandemic, Pakistan was only able to test a fraction of its population. This, along with poor data, has hampered efforts to contain the virus.
In the beginning of the outbreak, the Pakistan government relied on quarantine strategies to contain the disease. In densely populated cities, infections began to spread. However, the government did not impose a nationwide lockdown. Rather, it imposed lockdowns on different parts of the country during various hours.