In response to a shifting technological landscape, TLMI utilized its annual Converter Meeting to explore the strategies that can help label and package printing converters elevate their businesses. This deep dive included keynote presentations, ideation sessions, and a host of networking opportunities.

The meeting’s theme was “Transformation,” as label printers and converters continually strive to mold their businesses to meet the latest industry trends.

The event also featured contingency planning for COVID-19 (coronavirus). TLMI members gathered to discuss best practices, travel plans, cleaning strategies and work-home-home policies that could occur in the coming months.

Keynote speakers and industry personnel detailed high-level trends and new technologies hitting the market. “We want you to walk away from this meeting with some tangible things that you can implement in your business,” said Thomas Barrett, president of Mac Arthur Corporation and the Converter Meeting chair. “If you have disruptions, you have to work toward transforming your business.”

In addition, Michael Ritter, TLMI chairman, stated the association’s plans for electing a new president. Dan Muenzer recently announced that he would be stepping down as TLMI president to seek other opportunities. He will, however, stay on to ensure a smooth transition through the next leadership phase.

According to Ritter, TLMI is seeking to elect a president who hails from the label and packaging industry. The goal is to find a new president by June.

During the presentations, speakers addressed trends that will impact both brands, converters, and the next-generation workforce.

Mandy Levenberg, a cultural trends expert, said that the proliferation of singles, as well as older age groups working and living longer, will have an impact on businesses, as well as the types of packaging they prefer. Customers might be more likely to buy individual units as opposed to bulk packages. Smaller households will necessitate smaller packaging.

For aging populations, packaging must be easily accessible and feature tactile labeling.

In terms of hiring trends, Gen Z occupies 27% of the US population, and by 2030, those individuals will comprise 30% of the workforce. Gen Z and millennials value brands that promote transparency and eco-friendly values. This is also the most diverse generation in history, one that values inclusivity. Brands that have capitalized on these trends include Puma, Tesla, Sperry and a host of others.

Dan Haney and Stephanie Love did note, despite the perception, the majority of sales still occur in brick and mortar stores. The labels must change, however, to meet an evolving consumer. As e-commerce grows, so too does retail. Currently, 86% of sales come in stores compared to 14% via e-commerce.

“There’s no replacement for brick and mortar sales,” explained Haney. “I think e-commerce will continue to grow incrementally. From that perspective, you’re four years away from a backlash of multiple packages per day coming to your house, which will pose a waste issue.”

“Packaging has to work a lot harder to stand out,” said Levenberg. “The packaging must stand out and be a scroll stopper. We’re also in the midst of this major realignment of values, with public pressure to address climate change increasing to 77% in 2019.”

According to Levenberg, 90% of consumers do read labels, with 78% desiring more information than what appears on the package, and 50% scanning for ingredients and source information.

Love stated that personalization of the label and package is key, as consumers connect their memorable moments with the brand.

TLMI has taken a leadership role in these areas, and the numbers are being confirmed. Some 78% of customers value transparent brands, and one in three Americans will spend more to buy products with sustainable packaging, while 73% of global millennials are willing to spend more for sustainable packaging. TLMI, with LIFE (historically) and an SGP partnership (currently), have sought ways to better improve the recycling chain. Recycling standards have to change, too, as 62% worry of those surveyed worry that a lack of knowledge is causing people to recycle incorrectly.

Converters can serve as a sustainability resource for their customers. Collaboration and education are critical, as most brands are not aware of solutions currently available in the market. Love added that converters can build alliances, share ideas and best practices, and provide sustainable product options to their customers to foster a more-efficient and environmentally-friendly supply chain.

There are also a plethora of hiring trends that converters must assess. Employees feel more empowered than ever before, with 75% of employees under 34 saying job hopping could benefit their careers. Meanwhile, 45% of companies say they can’t recruit the talent they need.

The Day 2 keynote speaker, Heather McGowan, added that 65% of the jobs that young people are going to command don’t exist yet, and 100% of jobs wil change in some capacity. “We’re going through the greatest velocity of change in human history,” said McGowan. “Products and services will have shorter lifespans, as well as companies. Success measures will be based on your ability to learn and adapt.”

When hiring, 84% of working parents say work flexibility is the No. 1 most important factor in taking a job.

Peter Sheahan, a futurist and global advisor, cited Amazon’s emergence in food as a trend worth analyzing. Its investment in Whole Foods and shippable meals did not begin yesterday. Amazon originally purchased 35% of homegrocer.com in 1999. Amazon then started selling food in 2006 before buying Whole Foods in 2007 and launching Amazon Fresh.

Sheahan also cited Domino’s re-emergence, changing the mindset from operating as a pizza company to a technology company that offers pizza. “We have to be brutally honest with ourselves and customers,” said Sheahan. “We have to shift. Honesty and self-awareness about a poor product also present an opportunity to change.”

Sheahan added that changing business practices are a psychological journey first, and a strategic journey second. “Someone, somewhere, has to be willing to take a leap. That’s a psychological problem, not a strategic one,” he said. “It’s harder for a leader to make the leap from awareness into ownership than it is from ownership into action. That’s why meetings like this one are powerful.”

The event featured platinum sponsorships from 3M, Avery Dennison, Domino, Nilpeter, HP and RotoMetrics, as well as gold sponsorships from Anderson & Vreeland, Epson, Gallus and tesa.