In a significant step toward promoting collaborative, industry-leading engagement, Multi-Color Corporation (MCC) recently hosted a two-day Packaging Summit event for its customers. The event, held at Hotel Covington in Covington, KY, USA, brought together leaders from top CPG companies, industry organizations, and advocates committed to shaping a more responsible future within the label and packaging industry.

The two-day agenda kicked off with a keynote speech from Hassan Rmaile, MCC president and CEO, and focused heavily on sustainability and innovation. With the global spotlight on environmental consciousness, MCC recognizes the imperative to revolutionize traditional packaging practices.

“The success of Packaging Summit underscores this industry, and our amazing customers’ unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation,” says Rmaile. “We firmly believe that the path to a more sustainable future lies in reimagining packaging solutions to minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and functionality. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to gather with industry-leading voices to help shape that future.”  

Plus, in 2024, shrink sleeves are being used in most CPG industries, with top users including beverage, food, supplement and sports nutrition, home cleaning products, and pet care. Vitamins and supplements have seen a transition from PS labels to shrink sleeves.

Currently, one of the biggest drivers in shrink sleeve technology is sustainability. “The desire for sustainable shrink sleeve materials and fully recyclable packaging, including cPET, biodegradable materials and compostable shrink films, is one of the biggest trends we are seeing with our customers,” notes Bill Kral, chief commercial officer, Inovar Packaging Group. “With the increased availability of recyclable shrink products, many verticals are starting to transition to this label type.”

The benefits extend beyond sustainability, as well. “We have also seen many companies switch over to shrink sleeves due to their increased marketing capabilities,” explains Kral. “Shrink sleeves allow for 360-degree packaging, which can lead to higher shelf appeal and the use of more unique containers. Specific verticals, such as vitamins and supplements, are moving away from PS labels to shrink sleeves, which utilize a more recyclable container than traditional HDPE bottles. In the beverage industry, shrink sleeves have enabled the use of unique bottle shapes, which stand out on shelves. The use of shrink sleeves for the use of twin packs has allowed for easier market testing and the ability for companies to expand their brand product offerings directly to consumers.”

Here are the highest-trafficked news items from the week ending on March 15:

1. Multi-Color Corporation hosts inaugural Packaging Summit
2. Inovar touts sustainable shrink sleeve label production
3. AAi makes Domino N610i its first digital narrow web press
4. Finland strike closes ports for two weeks
5. Inland Packaging promotes Scott Roob to COO