Global trends, sustainable packaging and the benefits and challenges mergers and acquisitions bring were the main topics of conversation as 623 delegates gathered for Label Summit Latin America 2013. Held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, May 14-15, the fifth edition of the table-top exhibition and conference was attended by label and package printing converters and printers, brand owners, label designers and industry suppliers.

Maurício Médici, general manager of UPM Raflatac Brazil opened the Summit with a keynote presentation. Exploring micro and macro market trends, Médici gave an overview of global trends and highlighted the main challenges such as technological advances and environment facing the Brazilian and wider market place.

Daniel Sandrini, head of technical operations, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil at Diageo gave a case study of how the company has adopted and implemented its sustainable packaging program. Committed to reducing, reusing, recycling and removing, Sandrini demonstrated how Diageo has retained a premium feel to its products but made huge savings in reducing glass weight, using organic inks and encouraging its customers to return bottles for them to be recycled into new packaging.

Argentinean printer María Olcese, managing director of Achernar (a SATO company), spoke about her personal experience of mergers and acquisitions. Going from a family owned SME to part of a large, international corporation, she highlighted the benefits it can bring to both parties with investment, sustainable growth and local and international expertise.

Tasha Ventimiglia, event director for Label Summit Latin America says, “This year’s Label Summit Latin America has been extremely well received with excellent, positive feedback from delegates and exhibitors alike. The exhibition floor was busy throughout the duration of the Summit as were the conference sessions which were a mix of discussion panels, customer case studies and technology presentations.”