In the bustling port city of Durban, a new chapter unfolds for Unistar Inks. Following the passing of its visionary founder, Dasson Pillay, the company is now under the stewardship of his daughter, Riasha Naidu. With 13 years of dedicated service, ascending from quality control technician to commercial director, Riasha embodies a blend of technical acumen and strategic foresight. Her tenure has been marked by securing pivotal funding and earning accolades as one of South Africa’s youngest female industrialists. Armed with an MBA and a profound understanding of ink formulation, she now leads Unistar Inks into a future teeming with innovation and sustainability.
Unistar Inks has long been synonymous with pioneering advancements in the inks and coatings industry. Its portfolio boasts solvent- and water-based flexographic and gravure inks, UV and UV/LED curable inks and conductive inks, all tailored for optimal printability and durability across various substrates. This commitment to excellence has positioned the company as a linchpin in the South African printing landscape.
Sustainable barriers
In recent years, the industry has witnessed a seismic shift towards sustainability, driven by both consumer consciousness and regulatory mandates. Riasha observes: ‘The impetus for sustainable inks originates from brand owners, compelling converters to align with these eco-conscious directives. This year, we’ve observed a pronounced surge in demand for sustainable solutions.’ Responding to this clarion call, Unistar Inks has been at the forefront of developing functional coatings designed to minimise environmental impact without compromising performance.
A cornerstone of sustainable innovation is the development of barrier coatings. Traditionally, achieving the necessary barriers in packaging required multiple laminate layers, complicating recycling efforts and increasing material usage. Riasha elucidates: ‘Our barrier coatings empower converters to curtail the reliance on laminates. For instance, in paper packaging, these coatings obviate the need for additional layers to segregate food from ink, thereby streamlining the packaging structure. Beyond mere separation, these coatings play a pivotal role in preserving product integrity by maintaining freshness and extending shelf life.’
Another innovative stride is the development of anti-mist and anti-fog coatings, particularly beneficial for fresh produce packaging. These coatings function by channelling moisture to the film’s surface, facilitating its migration through the material. She illustrates: ‘Consider a lettuce bag. Our coating draws moisture from the lettuce, keeping it crisper for an extended period. Shoppers often notice condensation inside produce bags; our solution allows this moisture to escape, ensuring prolonged freshness.’ This technology has also been adapted for the floral industry, aiding in the preservation of cut flowers.
The realm of speciality inks has experienced a renaissance, driven by brand owners’ aspirations to emulate the sophisticated packaging prevalent in developed markets. Riasha notes: ‘South Africa’s exposure to global packaging trends, amplified by social media and the Internet of Things (IoT), has incited brand owners to integrate these advanced elements into their packaging.’ This trend is particularly pronounced among high-end brands, such as cosmetics and premium alcoholic beverages, where packaging serves as a crucial differentiator in a saturated market. ‘In the alcoholic beverage sector, the plethora of choices necessitates packaging that captivates consumers. Brands willing to invest in speciality inks and tactile finishes achieve a commanding shelf presence,’ she notes.
Embracing ECG
Unistar Inks has also been a proponent of extended colour gamut (ECG) printing, a technique that transcends the limitations of traditional four-colour processes by incorporating additional hues such as orange, green and violet. This expansion allows for a broader spectrum of colours, enhancing vibrancy and accuracy in print reproduction. However, Riasha offers a nuanced perspective: ‘While ECG is transformative, enabling quicker turnarounds and reducing waste, it necessitates meticulous machine calibration. Consistency in ink batches is paramount; any deviation can thwart achieving the desired spot colours.’ Moreover, she highlights a potential misconception regarding cost savings: ‘Printers might anticipate reduced ink inventories with ECG, but the reality is an increase in pigment concentration, leading to a 20 to 25% uptick in ink expenses.’ This underscores the importance of balancing technological adoption with economic considerations.
Local is lekker
One of Unistar Inks’ strategic advantages lies in its local manufacturing capabilities. In an industry susceptible to supply chain disruptions, the ability to produce inks domestically ensures a steady supply to customers. ‘Recently, a major international competitor faced a three-week shortage of white ink. We were able to step in and fulfill the demand, underscoring the reliability inherent in local production,’ she remarks. This proximity to the market guarantees product availability and facilitates bespoke solutions tailored to customers’ specific requirements. Riasha emphasises: ‘Being a local manufacturer allows us to swiftly adapt formulations to address environmental variables, ensuring optimal printing quality.’
As Riasha assumes leadership, she envisions a future where technological integration propels operational efficiency. ‘While honouring the innovative spirit my father instilled, I’m committed to leveraging AI and the IoT to refine our processes,’ she asserts. This forward-thinking approach includes relocating to a larger manufacturing facility in Durban and expanding production sites to Johannesburg and Cape Town, signalling Unistar Inks’ commitment to scaling operations and enhancing its national footprint.
Under Riasha’s guidance, Unistar Inks is poised to navigate the evolving landscape of the inks and coatings industry, harmonising sustainability, innovation and technological advancement. This trajectory not only honours the legacy of its founder but also positions the company at the vanguard of industry evolution, ready to meet the dynamic needs of its customers.
