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How engineering powers our everyday life

From packaging snacks to printing newspapers, engineers make it all work

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Look around you. The neatly packed biscuit on your shelf, the perfectly printed newspaper on your doorstep, the sealed bottle of shampoo in your bag – all these everyday conveniences are possible thanks to one thing: engineering.

While many students associate engineering with machines, software, or construction, the truth is far more fascinating. Engineering quietly drives almost everything we rely on – especially in industries like printing and packaging, where precision, speed, and innovation matter as much as design.

Behind the scenes of your morning routine

Ever wondered how newspapers reach millions of homes before sunrise? Or how your food stays fresh in a pack for weeks?

This was the question answered by Mr. Ranjit Chaku, Deputy General Manager – Operations at HT Media Ltd, who oversees one of India’s most advanced newspaper printing plants. He’s also a parent of Purahan Chaku, a Class XI student at Apeejay School, Greater Noida.

“We use high-speed presses that print over 80,000 copies per hour,” he says. “Our engineers ensure every machine runs flawlessly through the night – it’s all about teamwork, timing, and technology.”

His job, which involves plant operations, German-engineered machinery, and safety protocols, is a perfect example of how engineers power daily essentials, often behind the scenes.

From print to packaging –

From newspapers to noodles, nearly everything we consume is printed or packaged. That process requires:

Printing Engineers to manage layout and high-speed production

Mechanical Engineers to run and maintain equipment

Packaging Engineers to design protective, attractive product packs

Electrical Engineers to ensure automation and system control

“Packaging is no longer just about wrapping things. It must be sustainable, safe, and smart. That’s where engineers come in,” Mr. Chaku explains.

Everyday examples of engineering

E-commerce Deliveries: Engineers design durable boxes and labels that survive long shipping routes.

Pharma Packaging: Specialised packs preserve temperature-sensitive drugs.

Food Safety: Innovative materials and printing techniques keep products hygienic and extend shelf life.

Mass Communication: From election ballots to textbooks, high-speed presses ensure timely delivery of printed matter.

Meet Mahima, a Correspondent at Apeejay Newsroom, and a seasoned writer with gigs at NDTV, News18, and SheThePeople. When she is not penning stories, she is surfing the web, dancing like nobody's watching, or lost in the pages of a good book. You can reach out to her at [email protected]