Labelling Solutions
Navigating label market turbulence: Why automation is the answer Nicola Reynolds, head of marketing at Edale
pandemic-driven surges to recent market softening, converters have faced a gauntlet of challenges. Yet amidst the turbulence, there are tremendous opportunities ahead for those businesses willing to embrace change and invest strategically.
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The current landscape is undeniably complex and converters have their fair share of headaches, grappling with economic constraints, rising costs and unpredictable demand patterns. The FINAT Radar #24 industry report paints a stark picture with label stock demand declining by nearly 26 percent in 2023. The survey also highlights how supply chain disruptions have led to signifi cant destocking and, while we have seen tentative growth in recent quarters, demand has yet to fully recover. However, these headwinds are driving an exciting wave of innovation. Brand owners are increasingly focused on sustainability, process streamlining and supplier diversifi cation. This shift creates valuable openings for converters that can deliver on these priorities; the key lies in leveraging technology to boost effi ciency, quality and fl exibility.
Perhaps the most pressing issue facing our industry is a workforce becoming thinner on the
he label industry has been on somewhat of a rollercoaster over the past few years, reacting to rapidly changing market conditions and needs. From
ground. The diffi culty in fi nding and retaining skilled press operators has reached unprecedented levels, but there are new paths forward. Many converters are turning to automation not just as a stopgap, but as a long-term solution to enhance productivity and overcome labour shortages. Implemented well, automation frees up operator time for other value-adding tasks, reducing the cost and performance impacts of workforce shortages. We are in a world where the more we can digitalise and automate a manually intensive process, the better. Engineered with advanced automation at its core, the FL3 is designed to reduce waste and minimise the need for highly skilled operators. With its high productivity and customisable setup, the FL3 delivers premium quality label production, making it an ideal choice for effi cient and top-tier label manufacturing. For label makers seeking improved effi ciencies and consistent print quality, our FL3’s high productivity and customisable setup make it a solution for effi cient and high-end label manufacturing. Success is not just about automation; it is also about agility. Converters want to know that when new print orders come in, they have always got the equipment to deliver. The versatility of the FL3 is crucial in today’s market, with the ability to handle a wide range of substrates and incorporate inline
embellishments. Converters can adapt quickly to changing customer demands, whether it is peel-and-reveal labels, specialty materials or complex fi nishing requirements. Effi ciency is great, but we also know that quality still counts. When orders can be won or lost on reputation, there is no room for anything less than pristine print. Colour consistency and repeatability are other areas where technology is making a signifi cant impact on the converter’s bottom line. Our aspiration is to achieve the FOGRA 39L print standard for high-quality and repeatable print. In short, we are aiming to push the fl exo bar ever higher, with repeatable print that rivals off set in consistency.
There is a lot of uncertainty in today’s label printing market, but it is an opportunity to regroup and bring stability. The message is loud and clear. Label printers need more than just a press; they need a partner that understands their business challenges.
As we look ahead, it is hard not to feel optimistic about the future of our industry. Yes, challenges remain, from regulatory pressures to the ongoing need for sustainable innovation, but converters who invest in fl exible, automated solutions like the FL3 will be well-positioned to navigate these waters and thrive.
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October 2024
www.convertermag.com
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