It’s time to explore alternatives to flex

Following the footstep of Karnataka, where a blanket ban on flex has been implemented, Maharashtra government is now ready to instigate the same policy. Many states may follow up the way in near future. The prima facie behind the ban of flex is primarily to curb the health hazard caused by this PVC material. In fact, the current signage market is now certainly moving more towards eco-friendly medias.

‘Green’ is the buzzword in the industry. Eco-friendly materials, like textiles, are becoming popular in all spheres of large-format printing market. We all know such materials bring rather higher textured graphics, which are always in the wish-list of corporate companies, and applicable in many ways than flex. In this, my point here is that the end of flex will bring a new beginning for newer options in sign making. Every PSP now engaging only in flex printing must gear up to take part in this new change.

In-store segment, which is said to be expanding rapidly everywhere, is where PSPs with eco-friendly printing technologies and materials can easily penetrate to tap new business opportunity. As domestic and international retail brands are busy opening their brick and mortar stores in big cities and small towns all over the country, it is right time for signage players to roll up their sleeves to do something innovative, impressive and invigorative in the in-store arena.

If you want to explore what’s in in-store arena, it would be wise decision for you to pay a visit to the In-Store Asia 2018, which is going to organise from February 22-24 at BEC, Goregaon, in Mumbai. The expo, which is considered to be the right place for retail resources and investments in store designs and graphics, will gather a crowd comprising senior decision makers from more than 7,500 retail and brand companies, consultants, service providers and manufacturers in the sector. Visit the expo and gain the knowledge of new-age retailing and profitable business.

When you visit In-Store Asia 2018, be sure to step into Media Expo 2018 as well, as the latter will also be organised at the same venue (BEC), just in the adjacent halls, where a host of exhibitors from the signage world will put up on display a new marvel of signage and graphic art solutions. Every edition of Media Expo is always turned out to be a platform where innovations in terms of machineries, materials and technologies galore. Don’t miss the Mumbai edition of the show!

In this issue, we have explored Kolhapur city under our Region Exclusive column. The city is now growing up as its sign makers are taking up new plans and policies to take the market forward. They have recently formed an association, which has just a few dozens of PSPs as of now, with an aim to unite every one of them to bring fair business with mutual understanding, killing all unhealthy competition in the market. I wish them best of luck!