FINAT Investigates 2026 Legislative Landscape BY GREG KISHBAUGH
INFOFLEX: Customer-Centric Advantage Highlighted 2026 FORUM INFOFLEX will open Monday morning, April 27, with a keynote panel fo- cused on customer-centric leadership and adaptability in today’s rapidly evolving flexo- graphic marketplace. The session, titled “ The Customer-Centric Advantage ,” will take place from 8–9 a.m. and will be moderated by Michael Apperson, former CEO of Loparex and Resource Label Group. Joining Apperson on the panel are three flexographic industry leaders: Mark Glenden- ning, President and CEO of Inland Packagin; Tara Halpin, CEO and Owner of Steinhaus- er Inc.; and Tim McDonough, President of Flexo-Graphics
PPWR — the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation —is a reality-altering force poised to reshape how labels are designed, pro- duced, applied, and recycled. The core challenge set out by the legislation is that recyclability is no longer optional.
PPWR sets a clear deadline that by 2030, packaging that is not de- signed for recyclability will be banned from the EU market. By 2035, packaging must not only be designed for recyclability, but proven to be effectively recycled at scale. “If a packaging, including the label, is not recyclable, it will lose mar- ket access. That’s the reality,” warned Pablo Englebienne, FINAT’s Reg- ulatory Affairs Manager. For label printers and suppliers, this means: • Labels must be compatible with the recycling process of the main body of the packaging unit; • Materials, inks, adhesives, and other decorations on the labels will need to align with design-for-recycling guidelines currently under rapid development; • Plastic labels making up more than 5 percent of a packaging unit must contain post-consumer recycled content. This raises practical concerns for converters. What label construc- tions meet the upcoming standards? How will recyclability be assessed across 22 packaging categories? Now is the time for converters to col-
In a marketplace defined by rapid change, the keynote will explore how leadership, in- novation, and organizational agility can help printers and converters turn challenges into opportunities while strengthening customer relationships. Customer Expectations Panelists will discuss how shifting custom- er expectations are redefining success for converters and suppliers, as well as strate- gies for building resilience during periods of disruption. Additional topics will include the role of leadership focus and company culture in driv-
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