Associations, events & awards

Martin Automatic showcases automation at Labelexpo Europe

Selah Zighelboim — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:23:41 +0000

Recognizing the increased pressure of rising costs and the shortage of skilled labor facing some converters, Martin Automatic partnered with ETI Converting Equipment, LemuGroup and Lundberg Tech to present a fully connected production line that delivered a complete label product, from blank roll to finished, palletized labels across three exhibition stands and an aisle at the recent Labelexpo Europe event in Barcelona.

This was the European debut of this collaborative production line. Unlike typical trade show demos, this was a real commercial job for Mirmar, a Spanish label converter based in Valencia. The live run proved that four OEMs, from four different countries with four different languages, could deliver real-world performance under show conditions.

'This project demonstrates what’s possible when technology leaders think beyond individual machines and start thinking systemically,' said Gavin Rittmeyer, vice president of sales and marketing at Martin Automatic. 'By integrating our equipment and trusting each partner’s expertise, we’ve created a new investment model — one that simplifies automation planning for converters and reduces risk.'

The collaboration, which was built on close cooperation, transparency and shared commitment, ensured that the combined line ran seamlessly throughout the show, underscoring how strategic partnerships can unlock new efficiencies and value for converters seeking higher productivity and lower operating costs.

'Martin has always taken a holistic approach,' Rittmeyer added. 'While we’re best known for our unwind and rewind automation in the narrow- and wide-web printing sectors, our technology serves countless roll-fed applications from ultralight films to fiberglass roofing materials.'

With parent company Informa, the Labelexpo exhibition organizers announced a rebrand of the global series. The new name will be Loupe, best known as a printer’s eye glass but also in this case an acronym for Label and Outer Packaging Embellishment. The first expo under the new name will be the Americas show held in Chicago next September.

Rittmeyer said: 'I think it’s good that Informa recognizes the changing scope of the broader label market. We have seen this change for the past 15 years and often mused about when does the label become another form of packaging. All technology, from presses to inks and substrates, have made giant leaps over the past decades, and with consumers demanding more from their packaging, broadening the scope of the expo into flexible packaging and folding cartons is a logical move.'

Martin Automatic has long been showing how its portfolio of equipment is well-suited to all aspects of web-fed package print production, and this chimes well with the idea behind the rebranding to Loupe. Rittmeyer said: 'If it’s on a roll, we can unwind, splice and rewind virtually any substrate, so we look forward to seeing what new business the rebrand brings us.'

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2 days 3 hours ago

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Martin Automatic showcases automation at Labelexpo Europe

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The supplier also looks forward to seeing what opportunities the Loupe rebrand brings.

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The supplier also looks forward to seeing what opportunities the Loupe rebrand brings.

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Siegwerk achieves EcoVadis Gold Medal

Adyasha Sinha — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 07:28:43 +0000

Siegwerk has received the EcoVadis Gold Medal, marking a new milestone in the company’s sustainability journey. With an overall score of 78 out of 100, Siegwerk now ranks in the 96th percentile, placing it among the top 5 percent of all companies assessed by EcoVadis worldwide. The new rating builds on Siegwerk’s substantial progress, announced a few weeks ago, and underlines the company’s growing leadership in sustainable business practices and the value ratings provide in tackling the topics that matter..

'We are proud to see our continued efforts pay off so clearly - again,' says Alina Marm, head of global sustainability and circular economy at Siegwerk. 'EcoVadis Gold underlines that consistency and dedication to a sustainable business transformation pays off - not only when it comes to reducing our footprint but also in building stronger foundations across our supply chain, labor practices, and ethical standards. This prestigious recognition energizes us to go even further.'

The achievement reflects Siegwerk’s consistent year-over-year improvements since it began group-level assessments in 2022 and confirms that the company’s sustainability agenda, HorizonNow, is driving measurable results. By receiving Gold, Siegwerk has also achieved its corporate goal of reaching this level of recognition by 2025.

Siegwerk’s improved EcoVadis rating reflects strong performance across all four assessment categories.

It achieved a score of 86/100 in the environment. Driven by third-party assured corporate and product carbon footprints, global ISO certifications, and decisive site-level actions in pollution and waste management.

In the sustainable procurement category, the company scored 68/100, which is enabled by a new supplier code of conduct, supplier risk assessments and engagement programs to jointly improve human rights and climate activities. It is wrapped in Siegwerk’s sustainable procurement program 'SustainUP'.

Under labor and human rights category, Siegwerk achieved 80/100, driven by its new human and labor rights policy, company-wide living wage analysis, and improved grievance mechanism.

Strengthened by continued compliance and transparent reporting practices, the company scored 66/100 in the ethics category.

EcoVadis additionally highlighted Siegwerk’s ISO 14001 certification at the site level as well as its role as a Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) respondent, further demonstrating the maturity of its sustainability management systems and activities.

'Our new gold rating not only reflects the continuous progress we are making toward our sustainability goals but also proves the effectiveness of our holistic sustainability agenda. Being in the 96th percentile – in other words, being ahead of 96 percent of all companies assessed – is a powerful endorsement of our efforts,' adds Marm. Compared to the company’s 2023 assessment, Siegwerk improved its overall score by 15 points, demonstrating the accelerating pace of its sustainability momentum.

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2 days 12 hours ago

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Siegwerk achieves EcoVadis Gold Medal

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EcoVadis additionally highlighted Siegwerk’s ISO 14001 certification at site level as well as its role as a Carbon Disclosure Project respondent.

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EcoVadis additionally highlighted Siegwerk’s ISO 14001 certification at site level as well as its role as a Carbon Disclosure Project respondent.

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ePS Packaging achieves EU-US Data Privacy Framework certification

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 22:07:44 +0000

ePS Packaging US has achieved official certification under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, a globally recognized privacy program administered by the US Department of Commerce.

The certification underscores ePS's commitment to maintaining data protection and privacy standards across its global operations, ensuring secure and responsible transfer of personal data between the European Union, the UK, Switzerland and the US.

'Achieving DPF certification is an important step in our broader security journey and reflects our dedication to safeguarding customer and employee data with the same rigor we apply to our technology,' Scott Brown, CIO at ePS, noted. 'It strengthens the trust our customers and partners place in us and aligns with our mission to deliver secure, compliant and future-ready operations for the global packaging industry.'

The DPF certification provides a recognized assurance framework for sales, customer success management and professional services teams engaging in customer evaluations, RFPs and due diligence processes where data protection and compliance are key decision factors.

The DPF marks the first of three major certifications ePS is pursuing to strengthen its global security framework. SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications are actively underway and expected within the next six months, further validating ePS's ongoing investment in secure, compliant and scalable operations.

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3 days 21 hours ago

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ePS Packaging achieves EU-US Data Privacy Framework certification

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The certification advances global data protection ahead of SOC 2 and ISO 27001.

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The certification advances global data protection ahead of SOC 2 and ISO 27001.

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FPA launches FlexImpact social responsibility initiative

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:56:44 +0000

The Flexible Packaging Association has launched FPA FlexImpact, a social impact initiative that brings the flexible packaging industry together to serve local communities across the US.

The program reinforces FPA's commitment to sustainability, collaboration and corporate social responsibility by encouraging member companies to participate in activities creating positive change nationwide. FlexImpact represents the first coordinated industry-wide effort to demonstrate collective environmental stewardship and community engagement.

The initiative will debut during the 2025 FlexForward Conference in New Orleans with an inaugural community service event on Tuesday, November 4, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Flexible Film Recycling Alliance is sponsoring the event, which will bring together industry professionals to demonstrate collective action and environmental stewardship.

FPA is encouraging member companies to host local activities at their own facilities during the same week, amplifying the campaign's reach and showcasing the industry's unified commitment to community impact.

'As stewards of flexible packaging, it is essential that we lead by example, demonstrating our industry's dedication to responsible material management, community engagement and a cleaner planet,' Dan Felton, president and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association, commented.

FlexImpact is an initiative of FPA's Environmental, Health and Safety Committee, developed to inspire participation, awareness and collaboration across all industry segments. Through coordinated community involvement, the program aims to highlight how sustainability and social responsibility are integral to the flexible packaging industry's identity and values.

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3 days 22 hours ago

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FPA launches FlexImpact social responsibility initiative

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The new program is set to unite industry members in community engagement and environmental stewardship.

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The new program is set to unite industry members in community engagement and environmental stewardship.

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Rotocon wins fourth consecutive African Excellence Award

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:48:34 +0000

Rotocon has won the 2025 African Excellence Award for Best Label Printing & Converting Equipment Partner – South Africa and Client Service Excellence from MEA Markets, marking its fourth consecutive year of recognition in the awards program.

The company previously received honors as Leading Label Printing & Converting Equipment Partner in 2024, Most Innovative Printing and Converting Equipment Supplier in 2023 and Best Printing & Converting Equipment Supplier – South Africa in 2022.

The African Excellence Awards recognize businesses redefining industries across the continent, highlighting sectors experiencing significant growth and innovation while making lasting impacts on their communities and countries.

The 2025 award acknowledges Rotocon's comprehensive approach, which includes ongoing consultation, 24/7 technical support and advisory services designed to help clients exceed their customers' expectations. This strategy aligns with the company's goal of fostering a deeper understanding of the printing environment and recommending optimal equipment configurations.

Rotocon serves as the official South African representative for 14 leading international partners in the label printing industry. These partnerships, combined with Rotocon's own Chrome and Ecoline flexo printing and finishing machines, form the foundation of its market position.

'Rotocon is much more than just equipment. It's a culture of collaboration, trust and long-term relationships that defines our brand,' the Rotocon board of directors stated. 'We are honored to receive this African Excellence Award and celebrate it alongside our customers, partners and team members. This recognition reflects our commitment to innovative equipment, exceptional service and supporting our customers to thrive.'

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3 days 22 hours ago

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Rotocon wins fourth consecutive African Excellence Award

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The South African label equipment partner is recognized for service excellence and innovation.

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The South African label equipment partner is recognized for service excellence and innovation.

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HP and Syntax open Digital Innovation Center in China

Selah Zighelboim — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:06:25 +0000

HP has partnered with its Chinese distributor Syntax to officially open a new Digital Innovation Center at Weikang Technology Innovation Park in Panyu District, Guangzhou, China. Spanning 1,500 sqm, the center is equipped with HP Indigo 6K, Indigo 200K and other PWI digital printing systems. It will enhance localized services, including on-site demonstrations, technical training and sample proofing, to better support the region’s label and flexible packaging industries.

Haim Levit, senior vice president and division president of HP Industrial Print, emphasized the center’s strategic significance during the opening ceremony. 'This 1,500 sqm facility is more than just a facility; it embodies our shared vision for the future of digital printing in China — a future fueled by innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth,' he stated. 'Since HP Indigo entered the Chinese market in 2002, we have partnered closely with local players to drive the digital transformation of the label and flexible packaging sector, redefining how brands, converters and printers engage with their customers. Our success stems entirely from the trust and support of our customers and partners, whom we deeply value.'

Jonathan Liu, president of Syntax, highlighted the impact of HP’s technology on the industry. 'The global installed base of HP digital printing equipment has now surpassed 9,000 units,' he noted. 'This technology not only addresses core demands like short-run production, customization and rapid delivery but also delivers unique added value — such as 3D printing capabilities — that traditional printing cannot match, effectively meeting the emotional and experiential needs of the new generation of consumers. As a long-term partner of HP Indigo/PWI in China, Syntax will continue to deepen our focus on digital printing application scenarios and help local customers capitalize on the opportunities brought by technological advancement.'

During the sharing session, representatives from HP Indigo, Factory18, Hybrid Software and Kurz Scribos delivered themed speeches, offering insights to help attendees achieve digital transformation across different links of the industry chain.

In a demo session, more than 100 guests witnessed on-site demonstrations of the HP Indigo 6K and Indigo 200K. Engineers provided detailed explanations of functions, such as printing principles, performance and color management.

The live demonstrations laid a solid foundation for on-site cooperation: four label converters and two flexible packaging printers signed contracts during the event. Notably, Fly Digital, a subsidiary of CWL Packaging, purchased its second HP Indigo flexible packaging press. Meanwhile, Shenzhen Shunxinchang invested in its fifth HP label digital press, underscoring its confidence in HP digital technology.

Looking ahead, HP will showcase its latest Indigo 6K+ equipment for the first time at Labelexpo Asia 2025. At the expo’s Sustainable Digital Pouch Factory zone, the Indigo 200K will work in intelligent synergy with Sinomech DigiLam solvent-free laminators and King-Mo KMM-600TSZ bag-making machines, presenting a complete end-to-end digital production chain for pouch manufacturing, from pre-press processing and printing to lamination and final pouch making.

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4 days 5 hours ago

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HP and Syntax open Digital Innovation Center in China

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The center will enhance support for the region’s label and flexible packaging industries.

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The center will enhance support for the region’s label and flexible packaging industries.

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TLMI hosts its largest Annual Meeting

Selah Zighelboim — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 20:14:07 +0000

With over 500 people registered for the event, and more than 50 new attendees, this year’s TLMI Annual Meeting was the biggest in the past 20 years.

Held on Marco Island, Florida, from October 12 to 14, the meeting provided an opportunity for converters and suppliers to hear from speakers about market trends, learn about technology and network in new locations.

The meeting culminated with an announcement that Linnea Keen, who has led TLMI for the past five years, is resigning from the organization. COO Dale Coates will replace her. The announcement was made during TLMI’s Printing Excellence Awards, held on the final evening of the Annual Meeting.

New economist

One of the most anticipated speakers at this year’s Annual Meeting was Alex Chausovsky, director of analytics and consulting at the Bundy Group.

This was Chausovsky’s first time speaking at TLMI. He replaced Alan Beaulieu of ITR Economics, who retired earlier this year. Beaulieu was a long-running speaker at TLMI events, where he had given 18 talks on the economy over the years.

During his own economic presentation at the meeting, Chausovsky highlighted the acronym VUCA: volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. He said the economy is shifting from a state of uncertainty to one of complexity, where businesses should be prepared for a variety of different potential scenarios. Chausovsky painted a nuanced picture of the impact of tariffs, noting that their effect has not been as severe as had been predicted, but that the full impact on inflation would not be felt until next year.

‘The United States economy is resilient, it’s vibrant, and it continues to outperform many of the other economies around the world, despite what the negativity and the rhetoric out there in the media point to,’ Chausovsky said.

Chausovsky noted that over the past two years, US industrial production — a more meaningful measure of the labeling industry than GDP — has grown only modestly. Various leading economic indicators suggest that this minimal growth will continue for the next year.

The first question Chausovsky received during the Q&A portion of his talk was about his thoughts on a potential Great Depression of the 2030s, a topic Beaulieu often discussed during his talks.

Chausovsky shared that he used to work for ITR Economics, and while he agrees with many of the challenges underlying the Great Depression forecast, such as an aging population and high national debt, he is skeptical that a situation like the 1930s Great Depression will unfold again.

‘I don’t see food lines the way that we had in 1929. I don’t see 20 percent unemployment rate the way that we had back in the Great Depression time,’ Chausovsky said. ‘I also see examples of countries that are further along on the curve that are battling with the same exact issues — demographic change, debt — like Japan, for instance, that have not gone off the proverbial cliff.'

Speakers

Also during the Annual Meeting, TLMI’s Keen moderated a converter leadership panel with Tara Halpin of Steinhauser; Charlie MacLean of ASL Print FX, an AWT Company; and Robert Park of Label King. They discussed their most impactful investments, succession planning and how they use AI at their companies.

The Workplace Advisors president Claudia St John, a regular speaker at TLMI events, spoke about conflict resolution and communication.

The second day of speaker sessions began with a fireside chat on automation. Bobst’s Ken Brown moderated this conversation with Andrew Boyd of Blue Label Packaging, Sean Murray of Northern Label and Keith Walz of KDV Label. They discussed automation through various steps of the production process, such as order intake, printing and data collection.

TLMI’s Regulatory Affairs Committee chairs Patrick Potter and Tyler Matusevich spoke with Bryan Vickers of the lobbying firm Pace, providing attendees with an update on tariffs and environmental regulations.

Simon Yeung, founder at SY Consulting, gave the final keynote at this year’s meeting, with a talk focused on sustainability.

A well-attended event

Keen said it was likely several factors bringing attendees to this year’s meeting in greater numbers: the timing, the location and the program itself.

‘It’s just a nice place where everyone can come,’ Keen said. ‘They can get a sense of what is happening in the industry, what other people are seeing for trends and hear the speakers that we have.’

When it came to the speaker session, Keen hopes that attendees found takeaways in each presentation.

Offering networking opportunities is also a strong focus for TLMI at these events. The association provided this through several programs, such as a tabletop speed networking session and a ‘Day at the Beach’ event, where attendees socialized at Chickee huts sponsored by different companies.

For the first time this year, TLMI used AI to organize its speed networking event. After asking supplier and converter members what they were looking for from the program, TLMI provided that information to CoPilot to create the speed networking matches.

‘I hope their network expanded beyond their normal TLMI friends that they come to see and their suppliers, and that they were able to make greater connections,’ Keen said.

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4 days 23 hours ago

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TLMI hosts its largest Annual Meeting

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The meeting provided a space for participants to learn about technological trends and economic issues while networking with other industry professionals.

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The meeting provided a space for participants to learn about technological trends and economic issues while networking with other industry professionals.

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LemuGroup sees successful Labelexpo Europe 2025

Selah Zighelboim — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:23:19 +0000

LemuGroup participated in Labelexpo Europe 2025 in Barcelona, where the company presented innovations, including a complete conversion line.

The complete self-adhesive label conversion line was a fully automated system, beginning with Martin Automatic's MBS non-stop splicers, which fed ETl's Cohesio modular machine, efficiently transforming raw material into finished labels through a continuous process of coating, laminating and die-cutting in line. Lundberg Tech's MatrixCompactor collected and managed the matrix waste produced after the die-cutting process. The production process continued across the aisle at the LemuGroup stand, where it passed through the GTU rewinder for conversion of the web into finished rolls, followed by the UltraCompact robotic end-of-line boxing and palletizing system. A particularly striking feature was the structure designed jointly by the companies: a five-meter paper bridge suspended over the aisle connecting the two stands, allowing attendees to pass underneath. Beyond its visual appeal, this installation demonstrated the engineering capabilities and technical coordination between the companies involved.

This project, which debuted at Labelexpo America 2024, represented a strategic collaboration between Martin Automatic, ETI Converting, Lundberg Tech and LemuGroup. Its goal was to demonstrate the possibilities in configuring a complete converting line. Each company contributed its expertise, enabling the construction of a highly productive machine.

At its stand, LemuGroup also presented digital embellishment equipment, consisting of digital inkjet printing and stamping modules. The Mi 305 Digital Inkjet model can operate individually or be integrated into presses such as the MA 350. Its roller system for accumulating paper allows the machine to be stopped and started without losing labels, ensuring complete processing. Its interface facilitates instant job changes without the need for additional tooling.

The Mi 350 Digital Inkjet is designed to apply varnish in large volumes with maximum precision, without varnish waste and without any tooling screen or plates. In addition, its stamping module eliminates the need for primer or pre-varnishing, optimizing the process.

LemuGroup also presented the LI 220 RFID, its RFID insertion equipment, in combination with the Voyantic Tagsurance 3 module. This modular and compact technology offers real-time coding and quality control.

Additionally, LemuGroup received the Labels & Labeling Global Award in the Innovation category, in recognition of its end-of-line automation. This award validates the company's commitment to innovation and its effort to offer technologies that optimize customers' processes.

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5 days 2 hours ago

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LemuGroup sees successful Labelexpo Europe 2025

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The company participated in a complete conversion line with three other suppliers and won an award for innovation.

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The company participated in a complete conversion line with three other suppliers and won an award for innovation.

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Label industry must adapt to geopolitical shifts, Finat warns

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:33:06 +0000

Finat has warned that geopolitical tensions and socio-economic changes are reshaping supply chains, sustainability demands and regulatory frameworks across the label industry during the opening keynote of European Label Forum 2025.

Ron Keller, delivering the keynote, highlighted how regional conflicts, export controls and raw material bottlenecks are forcing label printers and converters to rethink their sourcing strategies. 'Companies must treat regulation no longer as a cost of doing business but as a strategic terrain in which influence must be exerted,' Keller explained.

The keynote emphasized that many specialty inks, adhesives and films are produced in geopolitically sensitive regions, creating material sourcing risks when export licensing or trade sanctions interrupt supply. Keller urged companies to map their supply chains and identify single-source or high-risk suppliers, recommending strategic reserves of critical components rather than lean inventories.

On sustainability, Keller noted that brands are scrutinizing their entire value chain, including labels, adhesives and film waste, as part of their environmental story. 'We see brands are scrutinizing their entire value chain, labels, adhesives, film waste, as part of their environmental story, not just the main packaging,' he stated.

The speaker also addressed the increasing role of technology in geopolitical competition, arguing that AI, automation and digital platforms have become battlegrounds in national sovereignty. Keller warned that countries striving for control over data, semiconductor supply and high-end manufacturing tools could reshape which geographies lead in label innovation.

Finat emphasized that tariff and trade policy changes affecting raw materials from the EU, UK, US and China could impact margins. At the same time, local content requirements may unlock new contract opportunities for regionally positioned suppliers.

Read the full article on Finat’s website.

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5 days 21 hours ago

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Label industry must adapt to geopolitical shifts, Finat warns

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European Label Forum keynote highlights supply chain risks and regulatory pressures.

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European Label Forum keynote highlights supply chain risks and regulatory pressures.

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Europe

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