Why CTP is more essential than ever in India's print evolution

As India's print industry continues to modernize, Computer-to-Plate (CTP) technology has become a critical enabler of quality, efficiency, and sustainability. At Kodak we've seen firsthand how thermal CTP, especially with our SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology, has helped Indian printers stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Today's print buyers expect faster turnaround times and flawless quality, whether it's for packaging, publishing, or commercial print. CTP systems allow printers to reduce manual steps and produce plates with unmatched accuracy. This is especially important in India, where high-volume, short-run jobs are increasingly common.

Rajkalp Mudranalaya Pvt. Ltd, a commercial printing company based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, experienced this transformation early on. As Director Shachee Agarwal explains, “Making our plates in-house gave us an understanding about the key concepts of printing like dot gain, color density and print details…This enabled us to have control over the print resolution—providing ultra-fine details, dot consistency in case of re-print jobs, enhanced color gamut and high-end precision.”

This level of control is now essential for printers looking to deliver consistent, high-quality output across a wide range of applications.

Environmental responsibility is becoming a key differentiator in the Indian print market. KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates eliminate the need for chemical processing, reduce water usage, and cut down on waste—all while maintaining high-quality output.

Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd. a Hyderabad-based printer in Telangana has embraced this shift. As Director A. Kartik shares, “The adoption of KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates has brought multiple benefits to our business. These include: time savings, consistent quality, and environmental impact—reduction in chemicals and water usage aligns with our sustainability goals.”

For many Indian printers, sustainability is no longer just a compliance issue—it's a strategic advantage.

Kodak's thermal CTP systems are known for their durability and reliability—qualities that matter when uptime and consistency are critical to business success.

Pragati Offset Pvt. Ltd., based in Hyderabad, Telangana, was one of the first in India to adopt Kodak's thermal CTP technology . CEO Narendra Paruchuri recalls, “One of the American salespeople told us this machine is built like a tank—and it ran. We retired this machine in March of this year. A glorious run from 2002 to 2025.”

That kind of longevity is a testament to the engineering behind Kodak's systems—and a reminder that investing in robust technology pays off over time.

As AI and automation reshape the print industry, CTP remains a foundational technology. Kodak's systems integrate seamlessly into hybrid workflows, enabling printers to adapt quickly to new demands—whether it's variable data, extended gamut printing, or ultra-high-resolution output.

For Concord Printing in Vadodara, Gujarat, Kodak's technology became a catalyst for growth. Owner Kayyum Memon reflects, “The precision, consistency, and high-resolution output significantly elevated the quality of our prints. Fine details that once seemed challenging became seamlessly achievable…It empowered us to scale our operations, expand into new markets, and enhance our overall efficiency.”

This kind of innovation is what allows Indian printers to stay competitive in both domestic and global markets.

India's print industry is growing—but so are expectations. Printers need tools that deliver precision, speed, and sustainability—without compromise. Kodak's thermal CTP solutions have proven their value over three decades, and they're more relevant than ever in 2025.

As Kodak thermal imaging technology marks 30 years of innovation, this milestone is a tribute to the enduring partnership with the Indian print community—driving progress, embracing change, and shaping the future of print together.

To learn more about Kodak CTP solutions, contact our sales team.