“The self-adhesive label sector continues to expand with new technologies, materials and external developments, bringing about a diversity of exciting new innovations and applications,” stated Kurt Walker, president of FINAT. “Keeping pace with accelerating change is a challenge for everyone in the industry, and knowledge, education and training are essential vehicles to stimulate future growth and development.”

The new FINAT Educational Handbook aims to be the key reference source for the combined knowledge embedded in the association, and covers the various stages and aspects of the self adhesive labels and labeling process. This edition replaces the existing version that was first published in its original language (English) by FINAT in 1996 and later released in German, French and Spanish, with authorized translations in Italian and Turkish issued by the respective national associations.

To allow easy access to the numerous cross references and links provided in the text, this edition is made available in electronic format. This protected PDF file allows users not only to read this book on PC, laptop or tablet reader, but also to cross-link within the book or link from the present document to the underlying reference on the FINAT website or other source. In electronic format, the Educational Handbook will be a “living” document to be updated at regular intervals, in response to new developments.

“There have been significant changes in label materials and technology in recent years, aimed at meeting a growing demand for new label stocks, shorter runs, industry digitization, migration-free inks, rising costs and ever-faster moves towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly label-usage requirement,” says industry veteran Mike Fairley. “It is therefore an opportune time to produce a new and updated edition of the FINAT Educational Handbook to introduce and explain the latest industry thinking and technologies, especially highlighting the key advances made by digital printing.”  

In addition to the updated chapters such as the one on digital printing, the new FINAT Educational Handbook has been completed with entirely new, or completely rewritten chapters, including: Embellishments; Design, Repro, Pre-press; Total Applied Costs; Substrates & Adhesives; and Continuous Learning.