While out on the road visiting label converters, one common trait has often emerged among these successful companies: the need to innovate. During these interviews, presidents, CEOs and marketing managers alike have espoused the need to break free from the shackles of “doing it the way we always have.”

Never before has that mantra been more important. Surging SKU numbers, new brands, and emerging technologies have all necessitated more creativity, more ingenuity – more innovation. Innovation could come in the form of digital printing, expanding into new markets like shrink sleeves or flexible packaging, or adopting creative finishing techniques to make labels pop.

When talking to Dan Haney, co-founder and president of Haney, The Packaging Microfactory, he emphasized the need to “grow or die.” Haney’s Cincinnati-based facility has been designed around innovation, from instituting “Quick 5” innovation sessions to structuring the building in such a way to promote interaction and collaboration. The goal is to innovate a packaging structure that creates greater brand recognition on the shelf.

Haney has also undergone numerous rebrands to better position the company to its target audience. Dan and Matt Haney never stood still. That entrepreneurial spirit always had them question how to improve their business. Learn more about their journey in our Narrow Web Profile on page 39.

“The world moves so quickly now, brands need partners that can keep pace with their ever-changing needs,” says Dan. “I think companies that can pivot, be agile and still be profitable are the future winners.”

But how can converters streamline their operations and improve quality? The March issue of L&NW explores all the ways in which converting technology is evolving to do more with less. Our Flexo Innovation feature (page 41) delves into the newest presses and ancillary technologies, which are complete with automated features and connectivity capabilities. The flexographic industry has certainly adopted the “grow or die” mantra.

Meanwhile, Metallic & Special Effects Labels (highlighted on page 50) provide converters with the opportunity to deliver a luxurious look and feel at an affordable price point. These embellishment techniques provide a world of possibilities to help brands stand out on shelf. Designers are tasked with optimizing the label’s motif/design, patterns and/or finishes, selected printing process, pre/post/or inline embellishment, product specification, substrate, colors, overprinting requirements, additional effects, quantities and more.

And finally, Corona Treatment (page 55) identifies all the ways in which materials are optimized for high print quality.

The technology exists. Today companies require a plan of action to take advantage of these latest and greatest products. Innovation will not stop. It’s already on display in countless facilities throughout the country and the world, and there’s no sign of slowing down. Make sure you don’t get left behind.


Greg Hrinya, Editor
[email protected]