South & Central America

Multi-layer defense against counterfeiting

Adyasha Sinha — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 16:53:12 +0000

Market trends 30 September 2026

Multi-layer defense against counterfeiting

As counterfeiters become more sophisticated, brands are turning to equally advanced authentication technologies to stay one step ahead.

Counterfeit products are rising across industries, posing growing risks to consumer safety and brand trust. From life-saving medicines to everyday consumer goods, recent cases show that no sector is immune to counterfeiting.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned of falsified cancer medication discovered in the Maldives and Mexico after they were distributed through unauthorized suppliers. In the cosmetics sector, counterfeit Korean beauty products caused an estimated 15.1 million USD in damages in 2025, fueled by increasingly sophisticated fakes. Food fraud has also escalated: authorities in Spain and Italy seized more than 260,000 liters of falsely labeled extra virgin olive oil in 2023, while Portugal confiscated over 17,000 liters of fraudulent olive oil in 2025. In Turkey, officials seized nearly 30 million USD worth of counterfeit honey in just a few months in 2025.

While these incidents have been exposed, the true scale of counterfeit products remaining undetected in the market is impossible to know.

The risk of fake goods is growing as counterfeiters are adopting increasingly sophisticated techniques that make
fake products harder to detect. The consequences extend beyond lost revenue, damaging brand reputation, eroding
consumer trust and, in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food, posing serious health and safety risks.

‘Counterfeiting, gray market diversion, return fraud and unauthorized resales have become harder to manage across
increasingly fragmented channels, and for many brands, the risk is not just lost revenue,’ says Ashley Burkle, director of
business development at Identiv, provider of specialized IoT inlays, tags and labels. ‘Flooded support channels, false warranty claims and reviews, shaped by products that were never genuine, compound that exposure. This leads to consumers bearing a more immediate cost, unknowingly paying full price for products that compromise performance and, in some cases, their safety.’

Traditional security not enough

Consumers are increasingly falling victim to counterfeit products because counterfeiters now have access to high-quality printing and packaging technologies.

‘Traditional, static security features are becoming increasingly insufficient because counterfeiters today have access to advanced printing technologies, digital design tools and global manufacturing networks that allow them to replicate visible security elements with a high degree of accuracy,’ says Nina Zehetmaier, head of sales at Securikett, Austrian security and
brand protection label manufacturer.

“Counterfeiters today have access to advanced printing technologies, digital design tools and global manufacturing networks that allow them to replicate visible security elements with a high degree of accuracy”

Classic security features such as holograms, special inks, taggants or security print still provide a high level of protection, but effective protection relies on proprietary technologies,
custom‑developed security elements and controlled manufacturing processes that are not publicly available or easily sourced.

Zehetmaier explains: ‘The higher the barrier to understanding and reproducing a security feature, the more effective it becomes as a deterrent against counterfeiting. Security features that are readily available on the open market can, by definition, also be accessed by counterfeiters. Once they are copied, every counterfeit product can carry the same feature.’

She notes that the company has come across cloned labels from time to time, including imitations of its own labels. ‘While some of them may appear quite convincing at first glance and could potentially mislead an uninformed consumer, they are usually relatively easy for a trained eye to identify as counterfeit. The reason is that counterfeiters typically focus on replicating only one element, most often the label's visual appearance. However, effective product protection is not based on a single visible feature, but on a layered security concept.’

Multiple layers of security

As counterfeiting becomes more widespread and sophisticated, brands are moving beyond reactive measures
and embedding product authentication into packaging from the outset.

‘We are observing a clear shift from a reactive protection approach to proactive security design,’ says Stefan Wiedemann, senior director, strategic marketing and business development at Schreiner MediPharm, pharma and healthcare label expert and business unit of Schreiner Group. ‘Instead of adding security features only after a problem occurs, brand owners increasingly want labels to be part of the product protection strategy from the start. At the same time, there is growing demand for connected, smartphone‑enabled authentication solutions that make verification easier, generate data and support more transparent supply chains.’

This shift recognizes that a single security feature is no longer sufficient. As counterfeiters become more adept at replicating packaging and security elements, brands are adopting multi-layered authentication strategies that combine several independent forms of protection.

‘Each security layer operates independently while contributing to the overall system. This means that even if one element were to be copied or compromised, the remaining layers would continue to protect product integrity,’ explains Zehetmaier.

Rather than relying on a single overt feature such as a hologram, modern product protection combines overt, covert and digital security elements with serialization and track-and-trace technologies. This layered approach enables companies to authenticate individual products, monitor their movement through the supply chain, identify diversion and detect suspicious activity far earlier, making counterfeiting significantly more difficult while generating valuable supply chain intelligence.

To strengthen protection, so-called ‘phygital’ labels combine
multiple layers of security, including overt and covert physical
features, unique digital identifiers and cloud-based authentication.

NFC-enabled packaging operates at close range, enabling encrypted, secure data exchange with the tap of a standard smartphone

As a result, phygital labels are increasingly being adopted.
Overt features allow consumers or field staff to perform a quick visual check. Covert features give trained personnel an additional level of verification, while forensic elements provide highly secure evidence for expert analysis.

Wiedemann of Schreiner MediPharm says brand owners are
increasingly seeking an integrated, label-based security system rather than standalone anti-counterfeit features. ‘The goal is not simply to raise the hurdle for counterfeiters, but to create a solution that supports authentication, protects brand integrity and fits into existing packaging and supply chain processes.

‘Unlike approaches that focus solely on either physical or
digital protection, our phygital labels bring both worlds together,’ he says. ‘They not only protect products against tampering and counterfeiting but also connect them to a secure digital identity.’

This layered approach makes counterfeiting more difficult,
supports different authentication scenarios and gives brand owners more flexibility to adapt the security level to the risk profile of a product or market.

That digital identity transforms packaging from a passive label
into an interactive touchpoint. According to Burkle of Identiv,
packaging has traditionally been a one-way communication tool, but phygital technology allows brands to continue engaging with consumers long after a purchase. A smartphone tap can verify authenticity while also providing product information, warranty activation, reordering, loyalty rewards or other digital services. Securikett’s Codikett platform links every label to a unique digital identity, enabling authentication, track-and-trace, consumer engagement, analytics and compliance with emerging initiatives such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP).

Identiv’s NFC embeds a unique hardware-based identity into
each product, enabling secure item-level authentication.

Growth in security labels

Demand for product authentication is growing across industries as counterfeit goods become an increasingly widespread challenge. While the underlying technologies are often similar, implementation varies according to industry needs.

‘For instance, in the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory
compliance, serialization, tamper evidence and patient safety are key, while cosmeceuticals often require premium-looking security features that protect exclusivity and brand value,’ says Wiedemann.

Most brand owners now recognize the risks posed by
counterfeiting, product diversion and unauthorized distribution.
However, adoption often lags, with many companies delaying
investment until a counterfeiting incident occurs, a clear
business case is established, or regulatory requirements make implementation unavoidable, according to Zehetmaier of Securikett.

“Instead of adding security features only after a problem occurs, brand owners increasingly want labels to be part of the product protection strategy from the start”

The pace of adoption also varies by region. In Europe and parts of North America, authentication and traceability initiatives are largely driven by regulatory requirements. In contrast, emerging markets are more heavily influenced by consumer demand and the direct impact of counterfeiting.

‘In China and several other Asian markets, consumer awareness of counterfeiting is exceptionally high,’ Zehetmaier adds. ‘We also see growing interest in regions with a particularly high incidence of counterfeiting, including parts of the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. In these markets, concerns around product authenticity, consumer safety and supply chain integrity are driving increased awareness and demand for advanced authentication solutions.’

Beyond that, regulation remains one of the strongest drivers for adoption worldwide. ‘Particularly in pharmaceuticals, where serialization, traceability, and tamper evidence requirements have accelerated the use of security labels worldwide. These requirements encourage companies to implement labels that not only identify products, but also help verify authenticity, ensure product integrity and protect users,’ says Wiedemann.

Regulation is driving adoption, particularly in pharmaceuticals

Similar momentum is building across other industries as
governments place greater importance on product safety, supply chain transparency, sustainability and consumer protection. DPP could have a similar transformative effect by creating a common framework for product-level identification, traceability and digital engagement across multiple sectors.

Consumer expectations are also evolving in favor of brand
protection technologies. According to Burkle, consumers no longer accept packaging at face value; they increasingly want to verify a product’s authenticity and claim for themselves. A recent GS1 US survey found that more than 65 percent of consumers are willing to interact with packaging to access additional product information.

‘As trust and transparency become central to purchasing
decisions, traditional packaging is no longer enough. While it
can communicate product information, it cannot verify where a
product has been, whether it has been tampered with or whether the label corresponds to the specific item in hand. Embedding secure digital identities into packaging enables brands to provide real-time, product-specific information that consumers can trust,’ Burkle explains.

Barriers to adoption

Despite growing interest in product authentication, cost and
implementation challenges continue to slow adoption.

“In the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory compliance, serialization, tamper evidence and patient safety are key, while cosmeceuticals often require premium-looking security features that protect exclusivity and brand value”

While cost remains an important consideration, Wiedemann says it is no longer the primary obstacle. Many brands are more concerned about integrating authentication technologies into existing packaging lines and supply chain processes. Successful adoption depends on demonstrating that security technologies can be implemented with minimal disruption while delivering measurable business value.

‘Customers are especially receptive to technologies that integrate smoothly into their existing processes, can be verified reliably, and offer clear benefits for brand protection or supply chain visibility. Smartphone-based authentication, connected product identification, tamper-evident concepts and combined analog-digital solutions are gaining attention where they are supported by a clear communication and security strategy,’ Wiedemann adds.

Zehetmaier agrees that the biggest barriers are often economic and organizational rather than technological. ‘While brands may be aware of the risks posed by counterfeiting, they struggle to justify the investment before a concrete problem has occurred. Hence, they view security measures as an insurance policy rather than a strategic business tool.’

Another challenge is complexity. Many advanced authentication labels require integrating multiple technologies, vendors and systems, which can be difficult for organizations with limited resources or technical expertise to manage.

Brands often also lack the dedicated personnel and organizational resources needed to implement, maintain and actively leverage these systems. Even when the technology itself is available, managing authentication programs, analyzing data and acting on the resulting insights can be challenging without the necessary internal capabilities.

Another barrier is the perception that sophisticated security
technologies are only relevant for large multinational companies or heavily regulated industries. In reality, counterfeiters often target brands that tend to have fewer protection measures in place.

Finally, there is often a lack of visibility regarding the true scale of the problem. Counterfeiting can remain undetected for years, making it difficult to build a compelling business case.

‘As technology becomes more accessible and cloud-based
platforms reduce implementation complexity, we expect these
barriers to continue to decrease,’ Zehetmaier notes. ‘The key
challenge is helping brands understand that modern security labels are no longer merely a cost of protection but an investment in trust, transparency and business intelligence.’

Burkle of Identiv echoes this view, noting that the challenge
lies less in coordinating packaging, supply chain and cloud-based systems at scale. As a result, adoption has been fastest in sectors where the cost of counterfeiting is most apparent, including pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, beauty, and wine and spirits.

Overt, Covert and Connected

As counterfeiting becomes more sophisticated, brand
protection demands a multi-layered response. By pairing overt, covert and connected digital traceability features, brands can achieve complete visibility from factory to shelf.

Overt features are visible security elements on labels or packaging that can be verified with the naked eye. Examples include holograms, color-shifting inks, hot/cold foils, tamper-evident shrink-wraps, security tear tapes, destructible ‘void’ labels and embossed or debossed patterns.

Covert features are hidden security elements that are
invisible to the naked eye and require specialized tools or
expertise for verification. Examples include microtext, UV/
IR-invisible inks, digital watermarks and microscopic or
DNA-based taggants and forensic markers.

Digital and traceability features connect products to secure databases for authentication and supply chain tracking. Examples include smart QR codes, RFID/NFC tags, unique serial numbers, barcodes or 2D codes used for track-and-trace and recall management.

UV and IR pigments in brand protection

UV and IR pigments enable rapid authentication by brand
owners, inspectors and law enforcement agencies while
helping combat counterfeiting across high-value products.

UV for fast visual verification

UV pigments or UV fluorescent inks are colorless or barely
perceptible (invisible) under normal visible light, but under
ultraviolet illumination they become immediately visible.
Because the effect lasts only while the UV source is present,
these inks are particularly suitable for fast authenticity checks
using handheld UV lamps.

IR for covert, machine-readable security

IR pigments or infrared inks operate differently. Unlike UV inks, IR fluorescent inks can only be detected using an IR camera.

As a result, IR systems in printing are used mainly as covert,
machine-readable security features. At the same time, UV
systems more often provide rapid visual feedback that a
human operator can also check.

IR fluorescent taggants are generally regarded as offering
a higher level of security. Simple UV markings, by contrast,
are now often seen as a baseline protection feature unless
they form part of a more sophisticated multi-color or
multi‑wavelength system.

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Akanksha Meena

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Infigo integrates with Ultimate Impostrip

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 22:19:30 +0000

Infigo and Ultimate Tech have announced an integration that connects Infigo's web-to-print storefront and order management to Ultimate Impostrip's imposition, nesting and finishing automation, enabling print service providers to move jobs from online order to production-ready output with minimal manual intervention.

The integration builds on Ultimate Impostrip's existing ability to connect with web-to-print systems and automate data-driven workflows. As print buyers demand faster turnaround times, shorter runs, personalization and online ordering, printers face pressure to do more work with the same resources. The combined offering addresses this by automating key pre-press processes, eliminating repetitive touchpoints, reducing errors and accelerating job preparation. Ultimate Impostrip provides 'lights-out' automation, dynamically generating impositions, gang runs, nesting layouts, marks and production-ready files without manual setup.

E-commerce orders can now flow directly into automated pre-press workflows, allowing print providers to process more jobs and increase throughput and operational efficiency. The integration applies across labels, wide format graphics, direct mail, photo products, books, packaging and commercial print, helping businesses scale without adding complexity or labor costs.

'Print providers are seeing unprecedented volumes of short-run, customized and on-demand work,' said Julie Watson, CEO of Ultimate Tech. 'By connecting Infigo's e-commerce platform to Ultimate Impostrip's automation engine, printers gain a true end-to-end workflow that removes bottlenecks, accelerates production and enables profitable growth.'

'Print businesses don't fail because they lack ambition. They fail because the systems underneath them can't keep up with what customers now expect,' added Douglas Gibson, CEO of Infigo. 'This integration means an order doesn't stop moving the moment it leaves the storefront; it flows straight into production-ready output. That's not a feature; that's the infrastructure this industry has been missing.'

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3 weeks 6 days ago

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Finat updates Label Competition for 2027

Will Drysdale — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:22:02 +0000

Finat has revised the structure and categories of its 2027 Label Competition, with registration now open to label printers worldwide.

The updates are intended to reflect better developments in label and narrow-web converting technologies, applications and the people behind them. Finat said the revised structure would also make the competition clearer and more intuitive for entrants and judges.

Now in its 47th year, the annual competition recognizes achievements in self-adhesive label design, printing, converting and innovation. It also enables converters to benchmark their work against international standards and gain recognition from industry peers.

Finat is inviting member and non-member label printers to submit their entries by February 12, 2027. Entrants have been advised to review the updated guidelines, categories and entry procedures before submitting their work.

Winners of the 2027 Finat Label Competition will be announced and honored in Warsaw on May 19, 2027.

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1 month 3 weeks ago

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Finat updates Label Competition for 2027

Short summary

Finat has opened registration for its revamped 2027 Label Competition, with entries closing on February 12.

First paragraph

Finat has opened registration for its revamped 2027 Label Competition, with entries closing on February 12.

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A life of business

Adyasha Sinha — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:29:00 +0000

People 19 August 2026

A life of business

Fernando Gabel, former president of Latam, Central Europe and global M&A for All4Labels, talks about life, business and his newly formed consultancy.

Fernando Gabel, All4Labels’ former president for Latin America, Central Europe and global M&A, left the international converting group in 2025 to set up Vita Negotialis, a strategic advisory firm focused on supporting entrepreneurs, business families and multinational companies across Latin America.

With more than 15 years’ experience in senior leadership roles at Brazilian converter Baumgarten and All4Labels, and extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, Gabel believes he is well-placed to advise label converters and other companies on a variety of issues. These include operating in or entering the Latin American market, implementing governance in family-run businesses, succession planning and preparing companies for sale or acquisitions.

Baumgarten/All4Labels

Gabel, who joined in 2009, was a key figure in the creation of All4Labels through the 2016 merger of Baumgarten with German converters Rako and X-Label, before spearheading the group’s rapid expansion in Latin America via a spate of acquisitions. Later, he took on a similar brief for All4Labels in Central Europe and oversaw the group’s global M&A activity. During Gabel’s time at the company, it grew into a label and packaging behemoth with more than 50 production facilities, producing over 80 billion labels annually and generating annual revenue of around 1 billion USD.

Prior to the foundation of All4Labels, Gabel had led Baumgarten’s acquisitions of Autopack in Argentina and Etiquetas Rodak in Mexico in 2014. As president for Latin America at All4Labels, he was responsible for a number of additional M&A activities, with the group acquiring no fewer than 10 converters in Brazil over just two years, in 2022 and 2023. One of these, Flexo Print, included a facility in Paraguay. In 2023, the acquisition of AMF Etiquetas enabled All4Labels to establish its first presence in Chile.

Over the course of his career, Gabel has participated in more than 25 M&A transactions in Latin America and Europe. He cites helping to transform Baumgarten, alongside Ronaldo Baumgarten Jr, from a local company into a global business as his proudest professional achievement. The Brazilian converter, like Rako and X-Label prior to the formation of All4Labels, was a family-run business at the time of the merger.

“Latin America is a market that has its peculiarities and its ups and downs, but overall the trend is towards growth. You have to take a long-term approach”

After leaving All4Labels, Gabel took the opportunity to study before embarking on his next venture. He enrolled in a course at Harvard Business School aimed at corporate directors and board members, spent two weeks visiting technology and AI companies in Silicon Valley, and undertook board-member training and AI courses in São Paulo.

‘I wanted to reinvent myself, because the new venture is completely different,’ explains Gabel. ‘It was an amazing experience to be a student again. Studying at Harvard Business School was a huge learning opportunity.

‘And because the world is changing so fast thanks to AI, I wanted to spend some time immersing myself in that technology and trying to understand how it was affecting business. I knew it could be valuable to family-run businesses that are not always able to keep up with these developments.’

Vita Negotialis

Vita Negotialis is Latin for ‘A life of business’. ‘I have spent my life in business, and my family has an industrial background as well,’ he explains. The consultancy focuses on four ‘pillars’, says Gabel. ‘The first is the Latin American market – supporting companies who want to grow their presence here or who want to move into this market for the first time. The second is board-level assistance in implementing governance at family-run businesses. Third is a focus on M&A: helping companies prepare for sales or acquisitions. And the fourth is to act as a family advisor and to help manage the transition between different generations.’

A native of Brazil who is based in the southern state of Santa Catarina, Gabel has extensive knowledge of the Latin American market. ‘It can be a challenging region,’ he says. ‘It’s a huge market, but there can be issues with political and economic instability. I’m working with both companies that already have a presence in the region and want to improve or expand their business, and those looking to enter Latin America for the first time.

‘I can advise on acquisition targets and what you need to pay attention to when running a business in Latin America, the specifics of culture, workforce, inflation, currencies, unions and other things. It is a market with its peculiarities and ups and downs, but overall, the trend is towards growth. You have to take a long-term approach.’

Implementing governance and assisting with the professionalization of a family-run business, Vita Negotialis’ second pillar, are areas in which Gabel has extensive experience. It also feeds into the other two areas of the consultancy’s focus: preparing companies for mergers or acquisitions and acting as a family advisor for succession planning.

‘You have to prepare your company to be sold, rather than decide you want to sell,’ he says. ‘A business needs governance, management and continuity. You never know what might happen in the future, so succession planning is important.

“The label market is growing, and it still isn’t very consolidated”

‘I once worked with a company in Mexico. The owner was almost 80 and wanted to sell. He ran the business and was doing almost everything. He was directly responsible for 70 percent of the turnover. That kind of company is hard to sell, because if he isn’t there, it’s not the same company.

‘Putting an M&A strategy in place for your business, whatever your plans currently are, is a sensible move. The M&A process can take two or three years. For family businesses in particular, professionalization is often required to prepare for a sale.

‘You must respect the local culture. Everywhere is different. Every company has its own problems. If you acquire a company that you should not acquire, you are paying to have more problems.’

After a sale, too, integration of the business is crucial, says Gabel. ‘There needs to be a clear idea of how it will be run, what the reporting lines are, and how management will be integrated.’

A fifth area of focus for Vita Negotialis is currently in development. Having immersed himself in AI after completing a course in the subject, Gabel is a firm believer in its potential as a management tool for label converters. ‘Many family-run, mid-sized label converters are not doing sophisticated data collection and analysis,’ he says. ‘AI tools can help with data management.’

Prior to working in the label industry, Gabel spent more than two decades in the ceramics, metal-mechanical and truck trailer sectors. He is consulting for companies in these sectors, as well as for label converters, with the latter accounting for roughly half of his work since founding his consultancy in November 2025.

Latin American market

Gabel says he is always optimistic about the Latin American label market. ‘There are always opportunities,’ he emphasizes. ‘Mexico and Brazil are the two biggest markets that most companies are focused on. After them, Colombia has great potential. Central America is strong in certain sectors. Paraguay is booming thanks to low taxes and strong industrial growth.

‘Argentina and Chile have been struggling a little because they have large wine label markets and wine consumption has been declining.

‘Brazil has had some economic challenges in recent years. High interest rates don’t help investment. But it is a strong country, and lots of companies are investing here despite the challenges. If you pay attention to what you are doing, you can be successful. The label market is growing, and it still isn’t very consolidated.’

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James Quirk

Latin America Correspondent

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FTA Mexico launches training program in Spanish

Adyasha Sinha — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:58:07 +0000

Associations, events & awards 14 August 2026

FTA Mexico launches training program in Spanish

FTA Mexico’s president Martin Maldonado believes the training and certification program can help professionalize the country’s flexo industry.

FTA Mexico has announced the availability of First (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications and Tolerances) 7.0 in Spanish, which the association’s president, Martin Maldonado, believes could be a transformative step in the development of the flexo industry in Mexico and the wider Latin American region.

First 7.0, developed by the FTA in the US, is the world’s leading technical standard for flexographic printing, establishing precise guidelines for achieving quality, consistency and control in image reproduction.

This edition is the first official version in Spanish, with FTA Mexico responsible for its promotion, distribution and marketing throughout Latin America (except Brazil) and in Spain.

The unveiling of First 7.0 in Spanish took place in April 2026 at the Juan José Arreola State Public Library of Jalisco in Guadalajara, bringing together specialized media and industry leaders interested in strengthening the quality and competitiveness of flexographic printing.

Speakers at the press conference included José Trinidad Padilla López, director of the library, Rubén Masayi González Uyeda, representative of the industrial sector and FTA Mexico president Martin Maldonado.

‘The arrival of First 7.0 in Spanish represents a fundamental step in raising the technical level of our industry and aligning
ourselves with international standards that are now essential for global competition,’ said Maldonado during the event. ‘This
effort not only impacts companies but also strengthens talent development and collaboration with academic institutions,
creating a more robust ecosystem for the sector’s growth.’

Key step

The initiative, finalized following extensive talks between FTA Mexico and its counterparts in the US, marks the first time this expert technical guidance is officially available in Spanish.

“With First 7.0 in Spanish, we are ready to begin the standardization and professionalization of the flexo industry in Mexico”

For Maldonado, it represents a key step in the development of the Mexican flexo industry.

‘With First 7.0 in Spanish, we are ready to begin the standardization and professionalization of this industry,’ he says. ‘Despite rapid growth in the Mexican packaging industry in recent years, thanks to nearshoring and a booming e-commerce sector, Mexico is not at the same level as the US and Brazil when it comes to the level of professionalization and standardization of processes.’

This rapid growth has brought pressure on the local industry, believes Maldonado. The nearshoring trend has seen international brands set up factories in Mexico to serve the US market with shorter supply chains. ‘This puts pressure on local
converters who want to serve these brands to meet certain quality and operational standards in order to guarantee the quality of their products,’ he says.

‘Since FTA Mexico was established in 2023, we’ve had several global companies based in Mexico contacting us saying they are interested in gaining certifications,’ Maldonado continues. ‘Unlike in the US, certifications for businesses and individuals are not mandatory in Mexico. With nearshoring, new accounts come to converters and say, “I love how you print, but can you guarantee that you have your certifications? Can you guarantee that you can print to the same standards as the company that prints for me in the US or Canada or Europe?” Many local converters don’t have the capacity to demonstrate this. The best way is through certification of the company’s processes or personnel.

‘Just as we have pending issues on the agenda, which Mexico needs to address, such as environmental sustainability, the
standardization and professionalization of the industry is one of those areas that can no longer be delayed.’

In recognition of this need for professionalization, FTA Mexico,
headquartered in Guadalajara, was founded in 2023. The initiative was driven by a group of industry suppliers, led by DuPont, that pitched the FTA in the US to establish a branch of the Flexographic Technical Association in Mexico. Among its supplier members are Comexi, Esko, Flint Group, Gallus, Hybrid Software and Mark Andy.

First 7.0 in Spanish could be a transformative step for the local industry, says Martin Maldonado

‘Due to Mexico’s proximity to the US, the FTA was always a reference point for the local industry,’ says Maldonado. ‘Converters here have always been keen to be a part of it, but there is often a language barrier, which makes it hard to take advantage of the conferences, studies and research. And
there is the problem of distance.’

‘Progress since FTA Mexico’s foundation has been positive,’ says Maldonado. ‘We have been promoting ourselves and
establishing a presence in the country. We held forums at two prestigious universities, the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and the University of Celaya.

‘The goal is to promote the association, invite business owners and converters to see the importance of professionalizing the industry, and also, crucially, to try to attract young talent into the sector. This is of the utmost importance because our industry, like others, is experiencing a severe labor crisis. There is a generational shift.

‘The only way to address this is to go to universities and show students what the flexo industry is, its history and what we do, so they can see the opportunities that exist for professional development.

‘So, we kill two birds with one stone: we promote the industry and connect with students, and we build bridges between the universities and the private sector. We demonstrate FTA Mexico’s ability to create these connections.’

Interest

In the press conference marking the launch of First 7.0 in Spanish, FTA Mexico announced that commercial availability
would begin in May.

‘We’ve had lots of interest in the project in the short time since the announcement,’ says Maldonado. ‘As well as converters
in Mexico, we’ve been contacted by companies in Guatemala, Ecuador and El Salvador, as well as by associations in Chile, Colombia and Peru.

The unveiling of First 7.0 in Spanish took place in April at the Juan José Arreola State Public Library of Jalisco in Guadalajara

‘This is a great step forward for us because it projects us internationally as an association and pushes us to work and collaborate with other institutions throughout Latin America, and even Europe. We become the central hub. The agreement is to market, promote and distribute First 7.0 certification in Spanish from Mexico to Patagonia.’

The exception to FTA Mexico’s remit in Latin America is Brazil, where the local flexo association, ABFlexo, partners with the FTA to bring the latter’s technical standards and research to the Brazilian market.

There are three levels of First certifications for individuals. Level 1, Fundamentals, is for beginners and non-production personnel, learning the core concepts of flexography and First. Level 2, Implementation, is aimed at individuals applying the First methodology in their day-to-day workflow. Level 3,
Expert, is for experienced professionals who lead process control, optimization and communication across departments.

‘We are ready to begin the certifications in the third quarter of this year,’ says Maldonado. ‘The schedule will be released to begin offering online certifications in Spanish, which FTA Mexico will offer through the FTA platform in the US. They have all the technical infrastructure and the digital platform for the Spanish certifications to take place.’

“We’ve had lots of interest in the project in the short time since the announcement”

The next stage is in-person training and certification, which will take place at the Stampa Academy in Queretaro, launched two years ago. ‘It’s a certified flexo training center that operates within the facilities of CETis 16 [a technical vocational public high school] and is equipped with technology from DuPont, Tesa and Esko, among others, as well as a full 8-color flexo press,’ says Maldonado. ‘It includes every part of
the flexo printing process, but only for narrow web at the moment. So it’s still lacking, but it’s part of something that’s
just starting.

‘Our objective, as the FTA, is to encourage companies, entrepreneurs and the government to invest so an academy
like this can grow and not only have narrow-web equipment, but also mid- and wide-web too. And not only in Queretaro;
we want to have staff there, but also, let’s say, start-up academies in Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City. It will be a phased process.’

With 25 years of experience in the Mexican flexo industry, Maldonado is a passionate advocate not only for the industry’s professionalization but also for a greater focus on environmental sustainability.

‘Sustainability is another area where we need to improve,’ he says. ‘Other parts of the world have regulations and legislation
around how to operate more sustainably. In Mexico, we are behind. Even countries such as Chile and Colombia, smaller
markets than ours, are implementing standards and adopting sustainability initiatives. But in Mexico, there is no government legislation that obliges companies to operate according to certain sustainability standards. FTA Mexico has to work with companies, with organizations and with the government to encourage progress in this area.

‘It’s time for Mexican suppliers and converters to organize and start setting our own operating standards. We’re still a step behind; we must acknowledge this. But more and more companies in Mexico are beginning to address this issue.’

About First

First, which as an acronym stands for Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications and Tolerances, is the flexographic industry’s leading set of best practices, specifications and process control guidelines. Developed and continually refined by industry experts, First provides a standardized approach that ensures consistent, predictable and high-quality print. By aligning people, processes and technology across the entire workflow, First helps organizations achieve efficiency, accuracy and repeatable results from job to job and press to press.

Companies can also achieve First Company Certification once a specific percentage of their staff is individually certified, signaling to customers that the entire facility adheres to these
high standards.

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L&L to host webinar on cloud-native ERP

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 22:00:09 +0000

Labels & Labeling has partnered with eProductivity Software (ePS) to host a webinar on September 3, 2026 exploring how independent label converters can move beyond spreadsheets and disconnected tools by adopting cloud-native ERP designed specifically for their operational needs.

The webinar, titled ‘Beyond the spreadsheet: How cloud-based ERP gives independent label converters enterprise power, without the IT bill’ will take place at 10:00 AM ET / 3:00 PM BST / 4:00 PM CET.

The session will be presented by Dave Currin, product owner for Paxis, and Ewan Cameron, customer support manager from the Paxis team. Together, they will discuss the practical challenges faced by small and growing label converters, including quoting accuracy, job costing, production visibility, customer responsiveness and the growing risk of relying on spreadsheets or knowledge held by only a few key people.

According to ePS, independent label converters are under increasing pressure to handle shorter runs, more SKUs, faster turnaround expectations and tighter margins. For many businesses, spreadsheets and manual processes may still feel manageable, but they can make it difficult to quote consistently, track job profitability, manage stock visibility, or scale without adding administrative burden.

The webinar will show how Paxis ERP, part of the ePS CommandCore portfolio, gives independent label converters access to structured ERP capability without the complexity, cost, or IT overhead usually associated with larger enterprise systems. As a cloud-native ERP, Paxis is designed to reduce the need for internal IT infrastructure while helping converters connect estimating, orders, production, inventory, purchasing, shipping, and business data in one workflow.

The session will also include a practical product demonstration, showing how Paxis supports everyday label converting processes such as quoting, order handling, production visibility and operational control. The presenters will also address common questions around implementation, package options, integrations, onboarding, and what a realistic move away from spreadsheet-based operations can look like.

The webinar will also feature a guest customer user, who will share practical experience of using Paxis and discuss how the system supports real label converting operations.

The session is intended for owners, general managers, estimators, production managers, customer service teams and operations leaders at independent label converting businesses which want better control without taking on an enterprise-scale ERP project.

The webinar will include a live Q&A section, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions directly about Paxis, implementation, integrations, package options and how cloud-native ERP can support small and growing label converting businesses.

Registration details are available through Labels & Labeling and ePS webinar communications.

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Coca-Cola turns sleeves into collectibles

Will Drysdale — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:27:38 +0000

Brand owners & design 12 August 2026

Coca-Cola turns sleeves into collectibles

The beverage giant's latest collaboration with Panini demonstrates how shrink-sleeve technology, automation and responsible sourcing can transform a label into a marketing channel. Will Drysdale reports.

Coca-Cola is never far from launching a major consumer campaign, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup was just that.

It has now come to an end, with Spain crowned champions of what is regarded as the biggest tournament in the competition's history, and once again, the beverage giant turned to Panini to engage football fans through packaging.

Founded in Italy in 1961, Panini is best known for its football sticker albums, which have become renowned during international tournaments. The companies have collaborated before, including a promotion for the UEFA European Championship in 2016 that reportedly placed around 265 million stickers across Europe.

For the latest campaign, Coca-Cola integrated exclusive Panini stickers into the labels of selected Coca-Cola bottles. Consumers could peel back the promotional label to reveal one of 12 player stickers designed to fill a dedicated spread in the official FIFA World Cup 26 sticker album. The players included Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Virgil van Dijk, Lautaro Martínez, Joshua Kimmich, Gabriel Magalhães and Weston McKennie.

"For the labels and packaging industry, however, the campaign is more significant than a football promotion. It represents a sophisticated example of packaging being used as a direct consumer-engagement tool."

The promotion turned the label from a largely informational component into an interactive part of the product. Rather than receiving a separate giveaway at the point of sale, the consumer discovers the collectible within the packaging itself.

For retailers, the objective is to increase purchasing frequency, create theatre around tournament displays and give shoppers an additional reason to return in search of particular players. For the labels and packaging industry, however, the campaign is more significant than a football promotion. It represents a sophisticated example of packaging being used as a direct consumer-engagement tool while still fulfilling its conventional branding, regulatory and protective functions.

Collectible campaign

The collectible stickers are produced at Panini's headquarters in Modena, Italy, before entering a broader packaging supply chain, where they must be accurately paired with the appropriate promotional labels.

Although the finished concept appears simple, placing a paper collectible beneath a shrink-sleeve label introduces a series of production challenges. Each sticker must remain securely attached during converting, transport, bottling and distribution, while also being easy for the consumer to remove without damaging the image.

Unlike a standard shrink-sleeve application, the promotion requires an additional component to be inserted into an already highly optimized production workflow. The sticker must be positioned accurately beneath the sleeve and temporarily secured with an adhesive that withstands transportation, warehousing, application, heat and refrigeration.

At the same time, the sticker must detach cleanly when the consumer removes the sleeve. Too little adhesive could allow the sticker to move or fall away during production. Too much could damage the sticker, affect its appearance or make it difficult to remove.

Achieving that balance across hundreds of millions of units requires extensive testing and validation. Small variations in adhesive coat weight, temperature, humidity, substrate performance or application pressure can influence the result. A process that works successfully during a short trial must be repeatable across multiple production sites and markets.

The sticker itself also requires protection. Panini stickers are typically intended to be stored in albums, but those concealed beneath beverage labels must withstand far harsher conditions. Exposure to moisture, temperature fluctuations and condensation throughout the supply chain could otherwise affect a standard paper construction.

"When production volumes extend into hundreds of millions of units, the consequences of a minor error are magnified."

A protective laminating varnish is applied over the printed surface to prevent moisture from reaching the image during transport and handling. The finished collectible may pass from a production line into a warehouse, a distribution vehicle, a supermarket refrigerator and finally into the consumer's hands before it is removed.

Integrating the sticker into a beverage bottling environment poses an additional challenge. Large-scale bottling operations can process tens of thousands of bottles an hour, leaving little room for additional handling stages. Any promotional component must therefore be incorporated without affecting efficiency, output or line reliability.

The sticker insertion process must operate in synchronization with the label and decoration systems. Automated feeding equipment positions the collectible accurately beneath the sleeve before the completed construction is applied. Even a small disruption could generate bottlenecks or result in bottles being produced without stickers.

When production volumes extend into hundreds of millions of units, the consequences of a minor error are magnified.

Quality-control systems are therefore crucial, as inspection equipment can verify the presence and position of each sticker and reject defective products before they leave the production environment.

CCL coordinates global production

CCL Label has confirmed its involvement in producing the packaging for the promotion, describing the campaign as an example of what can be achieved when a global manufacturing network operates as one team.

In a social media post, the company said executing a project of this scale required 'flawless coordination across borders', involving its sites in the US and teams in Austria. It compared the collaboration to a well-organized football team, with different operations contributing to the quality and production volumes required by Coca-Cola and Panini.

That contribution illustrates why global promotional campaigns increasingly depend on converters with multinational manufacturing footprints. Materials, graphics, production specifications and quality requirements must remain consistent even where labels are produced at different locations and supplied to multiple bottling operations.

The involvement of facilities in the US and Austria also reflects the geographical complexity behind what consumers experience as a single campaign. Promotional components may be printed, converted, assembled and distributed across several countries before reaching the final bottling line.

Consistency is therefore as important as speed, as every aspect of the process must remain within the required tolerances at every participating facility.

Shrink sleeves have become one of the fastest-growing decoration formats in the beverage sector partly because of their ability to cover complex container shapes and provide 360-degree graphics. They also give brands a large printable area for promotions, limited editions and connected-packaging features.

Modern converting systems use high-definition flexographic, gravure or digital printing to produce vivid graphics with fine detail and consistent color. Increasingly sophisticated registration and inspection systems allow converters to maintain tight tolerances across long production runs, which is an important consideration when promotional components must align precisely beneath printed imagery.

After printing, sleeves are normally seamed into tubes and supplied in reels for application. On bottling lines, automated systems cut each sleeve to length and position it over the container before the container passes through a steam or hot-air shrink tunnel.

For this campaign, those established processes must accommodate the additional sticker without reducing line performance. The collectible needs to remain securely in place as the sleeve is applied and shrunk but must not be affected by the heat used to mold the film around the bottle.

Packaging as media

Brand owners are increasingly treating labels and packaging not simply as containers for products, but as owned media channels capable of encouraging interaction, collecting data and supporting wider marketing campaigns. For example, Wimbledon Tennis and the Belgian lager brand Stella Artois have been collaborating for more than a decade and develop further each year, including Stella Artois and Wimbledon branded clothing.

Unlike digital advertising, a package is guaranteed to reach someone who has already purchased the product or is actively considering it. It remains physically present throughout the consumption experience, giving brands a direct route to the consumer.

This has driven investment in QR codes, connected packaging, variable-data printing, promotional mechanics and collectible formats. Coca-Cola's partnership with Panini combines several of these principles with an established emotional connection that is the tradition of collecting and swapping football stickers.

The value of the promotion comes partly from turning routine packaging into something consumers actively search for. A label that would ordinarily be discarded becomes the gateway to a collectible associated with one of the world's largest sporting events.

It also demonstrates that consumer engagement does not have to depend entirely on digital technology. The physical sticker provides the immediate reward, while the packaging itself creates the element of discovery.

However, as packaging becomes more elaborate, promotional impact must increasingly be balanced against environmental performance. Additional layers, adhesives, varnishes and components may improve the consumer experience, but they can also add material and complicate end-of-life treatment.

That tension makes responsible sourcing and design considerations an important part of the campaign rather than a separate discussion.

Sourcing at scale

The official FIFA World Cup sticker collection packaging carries the FSC Mix label, indicating that its paper-based materials come from a combination of FSC-certified forests, recycled material and controlled sources.

"It also means that the environmental stakes are higher, because the choices made at this scale can have a much larger impact."

Helen Chepkemoi Too, senior director of markets at FSC International, notes that responsible sourcing at this scale depends on establishing clear supplier expectations and verification processes throughout the supply chain.

'When we talk about complex global supply chains and campaigns involving millions of products, responsible sourcing means setting clear supplier requirements and having robust verification systems in place to ensure all involved partners are meeting them,' she says.

'FSC certification helps provide a tested and practical framework to help companies ensure their forest-based materials are sourced in-line with rigorous environmental, social and economic standards, even when production volumes are exceptionally high.'

The 2026 Panini collection is the largest World Cup edition produced by the company, containing 980 stickers, including the dedicated Coca-Cola spread.

Too says that operations capable of supplying such volumes require strong management systems to ensure sourcing standards are applied consistently.

'The scale of such a campaign only reinforces why certification matters,' she explains. 'When millions of items are being produced, consistency depends on having recognized processes and structures in place. It also means that the environmental stakes are higher, because the choices made at this scale can have a much larger impact.'

The campaign involves numerous companies, including brand owners, material suppliers, converters, bottlers and licensing partners. FSC chain-of-custody certification provides those participants with a common framework for handling and making claims about certified material.

'For a global project involving brand owners, converters, printers and licensing partners, that common framework matters,' says Too. 'It helps ensure that responsible sourcing is not just based on trust alone but supported by audited processes that can verify the materials were handled appropriately throughout the supply chain.'

For the consumer, much of that activity remains invisible. Shoppers see the finished label or sticker rather than the sourcing and production network behind it. The FSC mark is intended to link the finished product to a verified chain-of-custody system that includes supplier controls and independent auditing.

Too adds: 'The FSC label is not just a symbol, it is backed by a framework which includes chain-of-custody controls, supplier verification requirements and regular third-party auditing.'

Creativity and responsibility

Promotional packaging creates a highly visible platform for brands. Still, Too argues that sustainability should be built into such projects from the beginning rather than considered after the creative concept has been agreed.

'Packaging is not always at the center of sustainability conversations, but it should be,' she says. 'It's one of the most visible touchpoints between brands and consumers, and its impact can be significant.

'This is why sustainability needs to be considered alongside creativity and marketing impact from the outset. Certification helps brands move beyond vague sustainability claims to sending a clear signal of responsible business practice.'

For global sporting events, that visibility creates both an opportunity and a responsibility. Sponsors can use campaigns reaching millions of consumers to demonstrate that engagement and responsible sourcing do not have to be competing objectives.

"Packaging is not always at the center of sustainability conversations, but it should be."

Too expects sourcing requirements to receive greater attention from tournament organizers and sponsors as environmental claims face closer scrutiny.

'We're already seeing that responsible sourcing is moving from a "nice to have" to a baseline expectation in many sectors,' she says. 'Major sporting events are highly visible and closely scrutinized, so it is reasonable to expect that organizers and sponsors will give greater weight to responsible sourcing requirements.'

This could ultimately extend into licensing decisions. Production capacity, consistency and product quality have traditionally been central to the selection of partners for major global promotions. Too believes certification should increasingly sit alongside those commercial criteria.

'Licensing criteria should reflect the growing expectation that brands take environmental responsibility seriously, particularly when their products depend on natural resources,' Too says. 'Credible certification can act as a signal to help brands assess whether suppliers can meet responsible sourcing expectations at scale before entering into partnership.'

Fanatics-owned Topps is expected to take over production of FIFA's official stickers and trading cards from 2031, ending Panini's long-running World Cup relationship after the 2030 tournament. Too says future producers should retain credible sourcing requirements while also examining recycled content, efficient manufacturing and waste reduction.

For converters and packaging manufacturers, the opportunity extends beyond certified fiber. Material reduction, lower production waste, recycled content and improved end-of-life performance can all help reduce the impact of high-volume campaigns.

'For large-scale campaigns, even small improvements can go a long way,' Too says. 'The key is to make sustainability a part of the planning process, so that every decision from sourcing to production to end-of-life considerations supports the same environmental goals.'

A repeatable model

For the labels and packaging sector, the Coca-Cola and Panini campaign is a reminder that innovation does not always require an entirely new decoration technology. Sometimes it comes from combining established materials, machinery and processes in a way that creates a different consumer experience.

By using shrink sleeves to coincide with one of football's most recognizable collectibles, Coca-Cola and Panini have shown how packaging can become an active participant in the consumer experience rather than simply a vehicle for delivering a product.

As competition for consumer attention intensifies, similar campaigns are likely to become more common. Combining converting technology, automated manufacturing and carefully designed promotional mechanics gives brands a means of engaging consumers directly through packaging.

For the labels industry, it is another example of how labels continue to evolve, creating new opportunities for converters, material suppliers and machinery manufacturers while placing greater emphasis on traceability, consistency and environmental responsibility.

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Esko plans packaging workflow webinar

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:25:10 +0000

Esko has confirmed a free global webinar on September 10 at 10am EST, recreating its From Design to Production Line experience first presented at interpack 2026, giving brand owners, converters, packaging suppliers and print professionals access to a guided end-to-end packaging workflow demonstration online.

Developed with technology partners including CarbonQuota, ePac Flexible Packaging, io.tt, Laetus, Recyda, RegASK and Videojet Technologies, the webinar follows the lifecycle of a granola product from initial concept through artwork creation, print production, coding and marking, and palletization and logistics across four stages: concept and intelligent artwork, printing process, production line and future-proof logistics.

The session will address how packaging data can flow across the value chain to support PPWR compliance, Extended Producer Responsibility obligations, Digital Product Passport requirements and GS1 Sunrise 2027 preparation.

'The popularity of the experience at interpack demonstrated just how much interest there is in connected packaging workflows and integrated data management,' said Jan De Roeck, director of marketing at Esko. 'By taking the experience online, we can now share those insights with packaging professionals worldwide.'

Registration for the free webinar is open via the Esko website.

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Siegwerk achieves 100 percent renewable electricity

Will Drysdale — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:21:56 +0000

The ink and coatings manufacturer said it has now maintained full coverage of its worldwide operations with renewable electricity for three consecutive years, having first achieved the milestone in 2023. The achievement forms part of its HorizonNOW 2030 sustainability agenda, which was updated earlier this year.

Since beginning its transition in 2021, Siegwerk has expanded its renewable electricity strategy through a combination of on-site solar installations, renewable electricity tariffs, renewable energy suppliers and the purchase of unbundled energy attribute certificates. Solar projects have already been implemented at sites in India, Argentina, Mexico and Thailand.

Alina Marm, head of global sustainability at Siegwerk, said: ‘Operating on 100 percent renewable electricity worldwide is an important milestone for Siegwerk and a strong signal of our dedication to climate action.

‘At the same time, we know that credible climate progress requires continuous investment, long-term thinking and concrete actions throughout the entire value chain.’

As part of HorizonNOW 2030, Siegwerk has set a target of reducing its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent by 2030, compared with its 2020 baseline, while maintaining 100 percent renewable electricity across its operations each year.

To support this objective, the company has established a dedicated green fund to accelerate investments in energy-efficiency and carbon-reduction projects worldwide, including those with longer payback periods.

Looking ahead, Siegwerk said it will increasingly focus on expanding both on-site and off-site renewable energy generation where technically and economically viable. The company also plans to reduce its reliance on short-term market mechanisms over time and develop regional renewable energy strategies that reflect differing grid infrastructure, regulatory environments and market maturity across the countries in which it operates.

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La Etiqueta expands with second HP Indigo 6K+

Piotr Wnuk — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 23:01:00 +0000

The label industry continues to evolve as brands demand shorter runs, faster delivery, greater customization, and uncompromising print quality. For converters, adapting to
these changing market dynamics requires more than investing in new equipment—it requires a long-term vision built around innovation and operational flexibility.

Few companies have embraced this transformation as successfully as La Etiqueta.

Today, La Etiqueta has evolved into one of Mexico's most comprehensive label and packaging converters. Its portfolio extends beyond premium labels to include shrink sleeves and high-end folding cartons, enabling the company to serve a wide range of industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, wine and spirits,
toys, stationery and consumer goods.

The company has also developed its own proprietary LESA brand of self-adhesive labels for office and stationery applications, offering an extensive portfolio of products
and colors that further demonstrates its commitment to innovation, product diversification and market responsiveness.

With more than 90 years of experience in the Mexican label industry, the company has established itself as one of the country's leading digital label converters by continuously investing in technologies that enable customers to respond quickly to changing consumer demands while maintaining the highest production standards.

Under the leadership of CEO Itzhak Levy, La Etiqueta recognized that digital printing would become a strategic pillar for the future of labels. Backed by the expertise of Sun
Digital, HP Industrial's authorized partner in Mexico, the company made the bold decision by becoming the first company in Mexico and Latin America to install two HP Indigo 6K+ digital presses. The investment represented far more than the addition of new production capacity— It marked the beginning of a long-term digital transformation strategy designed to increase flexibility, productivity, improve efficiency
and expand application opportunities.

The impact was immediate.

‘Today, at La Etiqueta, we produce nearly four million labels every month using two HP Indigo presses. That's why we decided to invest in the new HP Indigo 6K+, which gave us the opportunity to have a digital press with enhanced capabilities and higher productivity,’ says Itzhak Levy, CEO of La Etiqueta.

As customer demand for premium digital labels continued to accelerate, ‘La Etiqueta’ experienced significant business growth driven by faster turnaround times, outstanding
print quality and the ability to economically produce shorter and more diverse jobs.

Digital production became a competitive advantage that allowed the company to strengthen relationships with existing customers while attracting new business opportunities across multiple market segments.

The company's confidence in its digital strategy was demonstrated only six months after the first installation, when La Etiqueta invested in a second HP Indigo 6K+.

The rapid expansion was a clear reflection of growing production volumes and increasing market demand, reinforcing the company's position as one of the leading
digital label converters in Latin America.

For La Etiqueta, digital technology is not simply another production method—it is a platform for continuous innovation. The company continues to help brands launch products faster, produce multiple SKUs more efficiently, reduce inventory
requirements, and respond to evolving market needs with greater agility.

This transformation has also been supported by a strong partnership with Sun Digital, HP Industrial's authorized partner in Mexico. Beyond supplying technology, Sun Digital has accompanied La Etiqueta throughout its digital journey by providing technical expertise, implementation support, application development and ongoing service, helping maximize the value of every investment and ensuring long-term operational success.

Together, La Etiqueta, HP Indigo and Sun Digital demonstrate how a strong partnership between converter, technology provider and local business partner can accelerate innovation, increase competitiveness and unlock new growth opportunities in today's evolving label industry.

Today, La Etiqueta continues to invest in innovation, productivity and customer value, strengthening its leadership in digital label converting throughout Mexico and Latin
America. As demand for high-quality, sustainable and agile label production continues to grow, the company is well positioned to support global brands and regional businesses looking for a trusted manufacturing partner with world-class digital capabilities.

For La Etiqueta, digital transformation has become much more than an operational decision—it has become the foundation of its future growth.

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