In an industry driven by rapid technological advancements and growing environmental concerns, few companies have managed to align innovation, customization, and sustainability as seamlessly as Global Nanotech. At the helm is Dr. Dhara Choksi, a trailblazer who transitioned from a background in pharmaceutical sciences to redefine digital textile inks. Founded in 2015, Global Nanotech is today India’s only forward-integrated manufacturer of pigment powders, dispersions, and textile inks — with a
growing global presence and an unwavering focus on eco-conscious, research-driven manufacturing. In this exclusive interaction, Dr. Choksi shares insights into the company’s growth journey, R&D capabilities, sustainability milestones, export strategy, and her own experience as a woman entrepreneur in a highly technical domain.
Pioneering the Shift from Chemistry to Color
Dr. Choksi’s entry into the pigment dispersions and textile ink sector was far from conventional. Her academic research on acrylate polymers during her pharmaceutical sciences days sowed the seeds for her future in chemistry-based innovation. Coming from a family deeply entrenched in the chemicals business, she spent the initial years (2012–2015) mastering the science of pigment powders and additives. This learning phase laid the foundation for Global Nanotech, which started by formulating digital ink
dispersions and grew rapidly by offering tailor-made solutions. “Our tagline, ‘You need it. We formulate it,’ captures the essence of our work — we solve problems by creating chemistry-backed answers,” she notes.
Global Nanotech’s competitive advantage lies in its complete value chain — from pigment powders to dispersions to inks — making it the only forward-integrated manufacturer of its kind in India. This integration enables unmatched responsiveness to customer needs and ensures stringent quality control at every step. Starting with basic CMYK dispersions, the company gradually diversified into a wide range of specialized pigments, winning the confidence of leading multinational clients. “Our company’s depth
in pigment chemistry always intrigued our customers, especially global ones, and helped us stand apart,” she shares.
R&D as the Cornerstone of Progress
Global Nanotech’s evolution is powered by relentless investment in research and development. From creating dye sublimation inks and direct-to-film inks to now working on advanced solutions for RicohJet and Kyocera printheads, the company maintains a rhythm of launching a new product every one to two years. According to Dr. Choksi, “The digital ink industry is rapidly evolving, especially in developing regions like India and Bangladesh. Our R&D helps us stay cost-effective while continuing to innovate for
future market demands.”
One of the most transformative developments in Indian textile printing is the narrowing cost gap between rotary screen printing and digital printing. This has democratized access to digital printing, allowing even small businesses and startups to invest in textile printers and start operations with no minimum order quantities. “It’s an exciting time — digital printing is no longer restricted to the big players. And with it, ink consumption is growing exponentially,” Dr. Choksi remarks.
Competing Globally with Innovation and Quality
From India to Italy and the US, Global Nanotech has carved a place for itself in the global digital ink market. Competing with established European brands required persistent R&D, numerous trials and some failures, which ultimately shaped the brand’s robust quality framework. “We learned from every mistake. That knowledge now defines our consistency, and our reasonable pricing strategy gives us an edge in each region,” she says.
The company’s commitment to customization has earned it a loyal global customer base. “We began with just CMYK dispersions in 2015. Soon, we had clients asking for Blue 15.6 dispersions for German rollerball pens, Red 254 for packaging in Switzerland, and Green 36 for textiles in France,” Dr. Choksi recounts. These requests led to further pigment exploration and product development, making their tagline truly come alive.
Leveraging its pigment and ink expertise, Global Nanotech is now stepping into fashion clothing through roll-to-roll pigment inks for wide-format printers using Ricoh and Kyocera heads. This diversification is a logical next step in the company’s innovation journey. “In the next two years, we plan to launch inks for emerging printing concepts. It’s all about evolving with the market,” she says.
Sustainability That Goes Beyond Buzzwords
The company’s biggest sustainability achievement is its zero-discharge manufacturing plant, where even colored water is reused in the next batch and washing water is treated and used for gardening or other safe purposes. Additionally, their direct-to-fabric pigment ink technology eliminates the need for post-print fabric washing, drastically reducing water usage and chemical runoff. “India is emerging as one of the largest consumers of digital inks, and as manufacturers, we have a responsibility to safeguard
the environment. Our processes are designed to give back to nature, not take away from it,” she affirms.
With a sharp rise in demand for sustainable and customized printing, the company’s future roadmap includes expanding its pigment ink portfolio for textiles and possibly entering packaging inks — again, with sustainability as a core pillar. “Even today, compared to traditional dye printing, pigment-based solutions are far more sustainable. And that’s the path we plan to scale,” she states.
Leadership with Resilience and Vision
As a woman entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated space, Dr. Choksi reflects on her decade-long journey with humility and strength. Inspired by both her parents and joined by her sister in managing the pigment division, she emphasizes resilience and teamwork. “There were challenges, but I never gave up on Global Nanotech. My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: believe in your company and build a team that shares your belief — you can overcome anything together.”
Global Nanotech is not just a company — it’s a story of chemistry, courage, and commitment. Under the leadership of Dr. Dhara Choksi, it has emerged as a powerful player in the global digital ink market, known for its innovation, sustainability, and custom-built solutions. As the company steps into new segments like fashion clothing and expands its footprint across continents, one thing remains unchanged — its resolve to lead with science and serve with responsibility.