Board Converting News, October 21, 2024

Label Industry Supply Chain Continues To Evolve BY GREG KISHBAUGH

All Printing Resources, Omet To Host Technology Summit All Printing Resources (APR) will co-host a Fall 2024 Technology Summit, taking place on November 7, 2024, at Omet Americas’ facil- ity in Mount Prospect, Illinois. This exclusive event will bring together industry experts and leading companies to discuss the latest inno- vations, trends, and technologies shaping the future of the flexographic printing industry.

A recent meeting of the European Label Forum (ELF) 2024 focused on developments along the supply chain, exploring key themes such as sustainability, recyclability, digital transformation, and the role of AI in reshaping the labeling industry. One of the major themes analyzed at the meeting was sustainabili- ty, particularly the need for a holistic approach to packaging and label design. Panelists emphasized the importance of sustainability through- out the value chain, from raw materials to the final product.

The event will feature presentations on various topics, as well as live demonstrations of the industry’s latest equipment. Attendees will gain insights on Flexo to Digital Matching, RFID Inlay Insertion Technology, Sustainabili- ty, New Screening Technologies, and the lat- est developments in Workforce Training. The Fall 2024 Technology Summit will begin with a networking breakfast, followed by five expert-led sessions, each offering in- sights into pressing challenges and emerging opportunities within the printing industry. The day will conclude with a live demonstration of Omet’s KFlex 17-inchpress featuring RFID in- sertion technology. Session highlights will include: • Flexo to Digital Matching : Kim Madigan from Madigan Print Consulting will explore the challenges and opportunities in in matching flexographic and digital technologies, offering strategies to maintain color consistency.

Sustainability is not just about replacing materials like plastic with alternatives, as discussed at the meeting, but about reducing overall carbon emissions and finding the right balance for each application. For example, some packaging solutions made from paper may have a higher carbon footprint than plastic, highlighting the complexity of this issue​. It was noted that brand owners are increasingly requiring end-to- end sustainability, covering suppliers, logistics, and production. These demands are pushing companies to innovate and invest in technology that improves efficiency while reducing their environmental impact.​ The industry also faces regulatory pressures, such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). While regulation creates a level playing field, it also introduces challenges, particularly for smaller companies that may struggle to comply with complex requirements.

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October 21, 2024

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