Dai Nippon Printing plants R&D flag in India, targeting packaging, healthcare innovation

INDIA – Dai Nippon Printing has announced it will open a research and development base in Telangana in April 2026, expanding its global innovation footprint to advance packaging, mobility, and medical healthcare solutions in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

The Japanese printing and packaging giant, which reported consolidated net sales of ¥1.47 trillion (approximately US$9.8 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 2025, will establish the facility in Hyderabad’s Genome Valley, a life sciences hub already home to over 200 companies.

The R&D center will focus on developing smart packaging technologies, functional films, and medical device components.

Strategic Expansion into India

DNP’s move represents a significant step in the company’s globalization strategy.

The facility will be the company’s first dedicated R&D center in India, complementing its existing operations in Japan, the United States, and Europe.

The center will collaborate with Indian academic institutions and research organizations to develop next-generation packaging solutions tailored to local market needs.

Hyderabad’s Genome Valley is India’s first organized life sciences cluster, hosting global pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms alongside research institutions.

DNP’s presence in this ecosystem positions it to tap into expertise in healthcare packaging and medical device development, segments where the company already holds strong market positions.

Packaging Innovation at the Core

DNP’s packaging division, which accounts for approximately 40 percent of the company’s total revenue, produces high-barrier films, functional packaging, and decorative materials.

The Indian R&D center is expected to focus on developing sustainable packaging solutions, including recyclable mono-materials and bio-based films, aligning with global trends toward circular economy packaging.

The company has already demonstrated leadership in sustainable packaging innovation.

In 2024, DNP launched a recyclable paper-based packaging material for confectionery products and developed high-barrier films using plant-based materials.

The India R&D center will build on this foundation, adapting technologies for tropical climates and local supply chain conditions.

Mobility and Healthcare Synergies

Beyond packaging, the Telangana facility will advance DNP’s mobility and medical healthcare research.

With India’s electric vehicle market projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 30 percent through 2030, DNP’s timing aligns with accelerating adoption.

In healthcare, DNP produces medical device components, drug delivery systems, and diagnostic equipment, with the India center supporting development of localized solutions.

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