Latin American summit demonstrates growth possibilities

Latin American summit demonstrates growth possibilities

Firstly, there was a fascinating panel discussion around global partnerships of label converters featuring Kurt Walker of tesa Bandfix in Switzerland and his Mexican partner Fernando Aranguren of Flexoprint. The two talked about the practical issues around working with teams on different continents. But the partnership was a striking success, enabling a major multi-national brand to launch a global product simultaneously in Europe, Latin America and China.

The benefits of such an alliance are that medium-sized label converters on different continents can effectively act as single global companies, delivering to end users the advantages of centralized artwork and local distribution of print-ready images. 

Another theme which emerged clearly was the growing reality of environmental issues for label converters outside Europe and North America. Speakers from Procter & Gamble and Mexican brand Tequila Sauza both spoke of  the ‘very aggressive measures’ their companies were taking in the area of environmental sustainability. The fact is, environmental issues are no longer confined to end users and consumers in North American and Europe – brands want global solutions implemented locally, and they want them now.

Equally interesting, both P&G and Tequila Sauza emphasized the importance of converters providing them with a full service rather than simply manufacturing and supplying labels, citing collaboration on new product development as one area where converters can provide added value.

So here are the three ‘big themes’ which will affect all converters and drive business growth in the coming years: global converter alliances; environmental pressures and the opportunities they present; and converters turning from manufacturers to service providers.

Andy Thomas

  • Strategic director