Printing the future differently

In a world chasing screens, one quiet revolution hums in the background, ink, data, and dust dancing together. This isn't about less paper, it's about smarter stories, printed not just on pages, but on purpose

- BHARTI TREHAN

The idea of a paperless future may sound great in theory, but on the ground in India, the printers are still humming. In fact, they're thriving—evolving with tech, adapting to the needs of small-town businesses and big-city enterprises alike.

At the centre of this evolution is Canon India's print business, and steering this shift is C. Sukumaran, Sr. Director, Product, Canon India. In an in-depth conversation with DQ Channels, he shared how Canon's document-first approach, strong channel networks, AI-powered workflows, and steady product innovation are transforming not just how India prints, but why. Spanning low-cost inkjets to Rs 10 crore production presses, the company's strategy goes far beyond paper. It's about managing information better, printing smarter—not more—and building a sustainable and secure print economy that's tailored for India.

Let's break it down.

A print portfolio that goes from homes to high-rises

Canon doesn't sell just printers. What it offers is a complete document ecosystem. The portfolio is neatly divided into three verticals. First comes the B2C segment, which handles printing needs for home users, small offices, and government entities. In this segment, home printing is mainly served by inkjets, while SMEs and SMBs rely on laser technology.

Then there's BIS (Business Imaging Solutions), which is all about enterprises. It delivers complete A3 solutions with document management playing a major role. Canon doesn't just move paper here; it manages digital and physical workflows with equal focus. And finally, there's the production printing vertical. This space is for the big machines, the Rs 10 crore presses that churn out advertising materials, large-format prints, and even books. What's remarkable is how Canon serves everything from a Rs 3,000 personal printer to equipment that can power a publishing house.

Not paperless. Just smarter.