The TLMI Annual Meeting welcomed attendees to Orlando, FL, USA, for education, networking, and fun from September 29 to October 1. A wide range of experts presented on the latest trends, from sustainability and AI to workforce issues and regulations.

Alan Beaulieu, a fixture at TLMI events, returned to the Annual Meeting, where he provided an economic outlook. Using rate of change and other leading indicators, Beaulieu’s ITR Economics forecasts the global economy, especially in relation to the label and package printing industry.

According to Beaulieu, the US and global economies will pick up speed at the end of 2024 and keep that momentum through 2025-26. While the economy is expected to slow down in 2027, it’s not likely to go down. For label converters, the focus should be on maintaining enough cash to thrive during a period of prosperity.

“We’re going to see record high levels for the economy by the end of 2026,” said Beaulieu. “That means more demand for your industries. Most of you are going to have a really good life through the rest of this decade.”

Plus, sustainability has been trending in importance over the years, and it is now arguably the biggest topic in label and package printing. All levels of the supply chain are prioritizing sustainability, and consumers are increasingly demanding this from brands, as well.

Recycling, of course, is a key tenet of sustainability, as even the most environmentally friendly product can lose its effectiveness if it winds up in the landfill. Avery Dennison, a substrate and adhesive specialist based in Mentor, OH, USA, has undertaken numerous initiatives to drive recycling. In addition to a new program, the company is touting multiple products that foster recyclability.

From a program standpoint, Avery Dennison has launched AD Circular, which connects converters and brands with vetted recycling providers throughout the US that can offer opportunities for landfill diversion, recycling and circularity. Plus, Avery Dennison has partnered for an exclusive agreement with Mitsubishi Chemical’s Polyester Film division in North America. Through the agreement, Mitsubishi will offer a closed-loop process for PET liner recycling, helping to increase the recycled content in PET liners supplied to Avery Dennison and the industry. 

“We continue to work with the entirety of the recycling value chain to make sure that our current products and new innovations meet the highest levels of recycling criteria,” states Matt Wilkinson, senior manager, Sustainability, Avery Dennison.

Here are the highest-trafficked news items from the week ending on October 4:

1. TLMI delivers economic outlook for label and packaging industry
2. Avery Dennison launches recycling initiatives to drive sustainability
3. Anderson & Vreeland appoints Ryan Vest director for North America
4. IDENTCO chosen by watercraft provider for label durability
5. RRD releases study on supply chain stability