Afra to Showcase On-Demand Digital Packaging Solutions Among Other Solutions
Vinay Krishnan, the General Manager at Afra International DMCC, speaks exclusively to Print Pack about his company’s participation in GPP 2022
Which products and solutions will you be highlighting at the event?
When it comes to on-demand digital packaging we are launching a versatile B3 size automatic die-cutting solution The AeroDiecut from Uchida Japan. The revolutionary platen roller-based die-cutting technology introduced by Aerodiecut is one and only in its class, using the conventional wood-based dies and the sheet register system which is perfectly working with the digitally printed media. Moreover, a perfect complimenting On-demand folding and gluing solution from Petratto will be also displayed to show the complete solution in short-run packaging. A perfect complimenting overprinting solution from Trojan Denmark will be also shown.
On the other side, Afra will promote its Sustainable paper bag-making solutions for which Afra is famous. Our fully auto recyclable paper bag solutions are ROI guaranteed and PROVEN locally with over 10 successful fully satisfied users in GCC. We are providing complete consultancy, and training for paper bag-making projects with guaranteed returns.
How has 2021 been for your company and what were the learnings from that year?
2021 was a very successful year for Afra and it was satisfying because we had many credible installations during this year that are futuristic. We strengthened our team by adding more professionals and added new product portfolios. 2021 was also a milestone for our flexoprintpack division, where we have sold 5 units of Etirama flexo presses which we introduced in 2021 to the region. Clients rely on Afra’s strong MEA sales and support network which ensures complete peace of mind.
When it comes to sustainable packaging we had our 2nd Fully auto Bag Pro SFH model paper bag making installation at the esteemed Al Ghurair printing and publishing, Dubai which was extremely satisfying as this repetitive order shows the reliability of Afra as a solution provider. During the Covid era what we learned is not to lose confidence and strengthen the support system which will yield considerable business in return.
How is 2022 shaping up so far and how will you use the learnings from 2021 to better your strategies for this year?
So far 2022 is showing much better results than 2021. We are holding considerable orders for packaging and equipment from the MEA region. We adhere to the best financial practices which ensure long-term success and reliability.
Do you see a general trend towards eco-friendly packaging and sustainability goals in the packing industry?
Afra is the pioneer in providing sustainable, packaging solutions throughout its markets. Our affordable, reliable, functional solutions are guaranteeing ROI for the investors in the print industry. Our market share in this area is enviable and even during the past two years, we have converted many of the struggling commercial printers to sustainable packaging in UAE as well as MEA. In UAE alone we have done 15 such projects in the past two years.
More when it comes to eco-friendly automatic paper bag making, we were the first to bring such solutions to the area and now we have over 10+ installations of our BagPro range. As I mentioned, due to the success of the first machines, our clients are entrusting us with the second order. We also have a range of packaging equipment solutions tailor-made for E-commerce packaging.
What do you expect to achieve through your participation at GPP?
We are expecting a very successful show as it was always. We had excellent GPP show results in the past and the whole team of AFRA is excited to be back at GPP 2022.
