Garware Hi-Tech Films enters signage segment

Garware Hi-Tech Films, a 90-year-old leader in sun control, specialty polyester, and paint protection films, is expanding its portfolio into the signage and visual communication space. At Media Expo 2026, the company unveiled a new range of solutions, marking its entry into a category traditionally dominated by PVC-based materials and conventional substrates. 

With this launch, the company is not just introducing a new product line, but repositioning itself within the broader branding and advertising ecosystem. The move is backed by decades of R&D expertise in high-performance films, now being adapted for applications across retail and out-of-home environments. 

At the centre of this expansion is a shift in thinking, from films as protective or functional surfaces to films as active branding mediums. 

A shift from protection to communication 

Garware’s legacy has largely been built around high-technology films designed to block heat, ultraviolet radiation, and improve energy efficiency. This expertise now extends into what the company defines as “graphical solutions”, a category that includes signage films designed for branding and visual applications. 

Deepak explains, “We have always been into high-end technology products like sun control films. Now, with the same R&D strength, we are entering graphical solutions, which is a natural extension.” 

Unlike traditional materials used in signage, these films are built on polyester-based substrates rather than PVC, positioning them as higher-quality and more durable alternatives. 

Built for outdoor realities 

One of the key differentiators lies in how these films perform across environments, particularly outdoors. 

“The biggest challenge in outdoor is fading,” Deepak notes. “Our products are designed to avoid UV interference, so the brightness and print quality remain intact over time.” 

This becomes critical in OOH, where exposure to sunlight directly impacts the longevity and visual quality of campaigns. While indoor applications are relatively stable, outdoor formats demand higher resilience, something the company claims its films are specifically engineered for. 

Moving beyond vinyl and flex 

The entry into signage films also opens up a potential shift in material usage within the OOH industry. 

“PVC is not helping the environment,” Deepak says. “People are looking to move away from vinyl, and our products can replace those materials.” 

This positions the offering not just as a premium alternative, but as a necessary evolution, particularly as sustainability becomes a more pressing concern for brands and media owners alike. 

Sustainability as a core proposition 

Unlike incremental improvements, Garware is building its signage films around sustainability from the ground up. 

The company is among the few in this segment to be certified by the India Green Building Council (IGBC) and hold GreenPro certification. These certifications evaluate not just the end product, but the entire manufacturing process, including carbon footprint, environmental discharge, and lifecycle impact. 

Deepak explains, “It’s not just about the product. It’s about how it is manufactured and how it performs in real life. When applied, these films reduce heat, which lowers energy consumption.” 

The relevance for OOH becomes particularly important at the disposal stage. Traditional flex and vinyl contribute significantly to waste, whereas recyclable film-based solutions begin to address this long-standing industry concern. 

A portfolio built around functionality and flexibility 

At Media Expo 2026, the company showcased three key solutions under this new vertical. 

Graphic Films form the core of its signage offering, designed for applications such as hoardings, window graphics, vehicle wraps, and retail branding surfaces. 

Cloaking Films introduce a layer of privacy, allowing glass to remain transparent while restricting visibility of digital screens, particularly relevant for corporate environments. 

PDLC Smart Films add a dynamic element, enabling glass surfaces to switch between transparent and opaque states with the application of electricity, creating adaptive environments for modern workspaces. 

Commenting on the launch, Rajat Dhingra – Vice President Sale & Marketing said: 

“With these new solutions, we are strengthening our specialty films portfolio to cater to the growing demand for branding, privacy, aesthetics, and functionality. Our aim is to provide solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also practical, versatile, and aligned with current market trends.” 

Designed with industry input 

The development of these products has not been in isolation. Over the past year, the company has actively engaged with fabricators, installers, and end users to understand market requirements. 

“We have spent more than a year talking to the industry before launching this,” Deepak shares. “The products are built based on what the market actually needs.” 

This collaborative approach reflects an attempt to ensure smoother adoption across the value chain, from production to installation. 

A growing market with new expectations 

Despite the rise of digital formats, the physical signage industry continues to grow, particularly across emerging markets. 

Deepak points out that while metro cities remain key, the real opportunity lies beyond. “Tier 3 markets are where a lot of growth will come from. People want to see what brands are doing, what new products are coming.” 

With India’s continued economic expansion and increasing demand for branding across geographies, the signage films segment is expected to evolve alongside it. 

For Garware Hi-Tech Films, this is not just about entering a new category. It is about redefining how surfaces are used, from passive materials to active carriers of brand communication.