The labelling industry is both dynamic and innovative, but also faces a raft of challenges that impact on design and printing choices.
“To meet an ever-growing raft of brand owner demands, the label supply chain has to meet challenges posed not only by industry innovation, but also by new packaging and labelling choices, online retailing, incredible refinements in imaging technologies, the need for sustainable solutions and, of course, international regulations,” says Thomas Hagmaier, current president of international label association FINAT and CEO of Hagmaier Etiketten.
FINAT recently released an expert view of what's up for the label market in 2016:
Print technology advances
The coming together of digital and analogue print technologies for label and packaging print will continue apace in 2016.
Enhancements like UV/EB curing will make it possible for the label printer to embrace both short and long print runs and a wider portfolio of label formats, from self-adhesive and wet glue labels to wraparound, in-mould, shrink- and stretch-sleeve labels, and even flexible packaging. Traditional roll-to-roll print technologies are also evolving to accommodate a choice of label types in addition to self-adhesive labels.
Increasing numbers of label printers will offer brand owners this extended label supply service, delivering the opportunity for brand owners’ packaging managers to fine-tune their supplier base. Digital pre-press for high-definition print, and even more sophisticated colour management systems to deliver image consistency across the print processes, are currently a high-level focus.
Label print is also reflecting the increasingly important role of digital technology in everyday life. The addition of QR codes and other devices, printed electronics and personalisation as part of label print is expected to grow in 2016.
Environmental concerns
The complexity of the self-adhesive label substrate’s construction led to the establishment of FINAT’s highly-proactive Recycling Committee, and the provision of in-depth information on all aspects of label and label waste recycling. Label release liner, a high-value, recyclable product, now benefits from a number of appropriate locations for recycling.
In 2016, FINAT is committed to placing a strong emphasis on encouraging brand owners and label printers – the two closest industry links in the supply chain – to make more meaningful use of these facilities in the interests of sustainability. Labelling film and paper suppliers will contribute too in this arena, with continuing innovation in lower-caliper substrates and enhanced recyclability features.
Legislation
International health and safety legislation will continue to make demands on the available space on a label, particularly on food labels. The finite limits of the label space will challenge design and print. This will encourage the use of such options as multi-layer leaflet labels, linerless labels and clear film labels on clear container substrates (the ‘no-label’ look) where back print on the label is possible.
Market demand
FINAT research indicates that overall label volumes will increase again in 2016 over prior year. Internet sales are increasing, but a product’s primary label still represents the prime medium for establishing branding and the first contact with a potential customer. In a recent end-user survey, FINAT learned that over 80% of brand owners/packaging buyers do not believe the e-commerce platform will affect label design. The label product ‘mix’ will, however, increasingly reflect a move to shorter label print runs and just-in-time delivery as, in the international consumer market, product packaging (bearing local-language labels) relocates to regional centres.
About FINAT
FINAT, founded in Paris in 1958 with headquarters in The Hague (The Netherlands), is the worldwide association for manufacturers of self-adhesive labels and related products and services. With more than 500 members in over 50 countries around the world, FINAT has much to offer to label converters and all suppliers to the labelling industry in terms of information exchange and in terms of international networking. www.finat.com
