By Laiseana Nasiga, Fiji Sun – 20-21 April 2024

Star Printery Pte Limited, a family-owned commercial printer has been incorporating sustainability into Fiji’s manufacturing sector to preserve the environment in Fiji.

Director Vikesh Chauhan said Star Printery took this bold step ensuring a better future for generations to come.

With 39 years of history, specialising in customised printing and packaging, the company manufactures Eco-Star paper food takeaway packaging, EduCare exercise books and signages.

“Star Printery contributes to Fiji’s sustainable manufacturing sector by participating in the “Fijian Made and Buy Fijian Campaign,” aligning with the Government’s goal to promote local products,” Mr Chauhan said.

“Our locally made exercise books and paper food packaging support this initiative with the Fijian made stamp.

“Along with this, we have also introduced paper made products as an alternative to using plastic products.

“We want our future generations to also experience and appreciate the pristine nature that we have adorned all this while,” he said.

With the manufacturing sector evolving in Fiji, Mr Chauhan said the company has encountered healthy competition in the industry over the years.

“Competition has definitely grown with more locals taking up printing services which is great for Fiji and for customers.

“Despite growing competition in Fiji’s evolving manufacturing sector, Star Printery remains competitive by focusing on producing high-quality, Fijian-made, and eco-friendly products.

“We thoroughly enjoy the work that we do, the service we provide and in the process we employ so many citizens of Fiji who are able to put food on the table for their respective families.

“This is what keeps us ticking,” he said.

He said Star Printery Pte Limited’s growth stems from its commitment to quality service and strong relationships, attracting renowned local and international clients.

“While our Eco-Star food takeaway packaging and signages are profitable, there is still room for growth.

We aim to make Eco-Star a household name and establish Star Printery as the go-to for signage solutions.

“Customers have responded positively to our eco-friendly packaging products, evident by regular orders.

“With increasing awareness and government support for Fijian-made products and sustainable alternatives to plastic, demand continues to rise.

“However, there is still a large population who would still prefer to use plastic products rather than paper made products.

“No doubt it may be cheaper to buy but at what cost?

“We only end up destroying our marine and ecosystem due to the inability of plastic to decompose naturally and without causing any harm to our marine species,” he said.

He also said Star Printery has been taking some effective measures in ensuring the company meets Fiji Government’s sustainability requirement/goals in the manufacturing sector. 

“Star Printery ensures compliance with Fiji Government’s sustainability requirements by sourcing raw materials sustainably and implementing environmentally friendly production processes.

“The inks we use in our offset printing prices are also made of soy vegetable oils which are easily washed away in our waterways, without leaving any residues or affecting any species,” he said.

Over the next five years, Star Printery aims to maintain its position as Fiji’s leading commercial printer and establish its EduCare and EcoStar products as household names.

“We hope to keep building on the support of our citizens who would rather support paper made products than other products which prove to be extremely harmful to Mother Earth.

“We also hope the Government will provide their much needed support in promoting easily biodegradable products in the Fijian Market by increasing levies on imported plastic and non-biodegradable products.

“Together we can contribute positively to mitigating the effects of Climate Change and towards the protection of mother Earth. We all have a Role to play in this endeavor,” he said.