In an industry focused on bigger, better, and bolder – and faster – sometimes the grand effort isn’t always the right one. Much like the finest restaurant often thrives with a minuscule menu and fresh ingredients prepared properly, our industry can benefit from using less. Specifically, I’m talking about materials.

Recently, I conducted a podcast with Avery Dennison’s Angel Harvey and Jason Steenbock, as well as Alstef Group’s Ross Check, on all things linerless labels. The deep dive explored why linerless and why now? While this serves as a shameless plug for our audience to listen to the podcast when it is released in mid-October, the concept of “doing more with less” is resonating throughout the industry.

Switching to linerless accomplishes numerous goals, from increasing the number of labels per roll to reducing waste considerably. And the concept is gaining much more acceptance. Leading material suppliers are touting these products more and more. For example, Avery Dennison recently unveiled AD LinrSave and AD LinrConvert – decorative linerless solutions enabled by patented micro-perforation technology – at Labelexpo Europe. Meanwhile, UPM Raflatac is seeing a surge in demand for its OptiCut Direct Thermal (DT) Linerless solutions. To learn more about the latest in linerless, check out the @LabelSteve column on page 32.

In an industry where much of the product is built around designed waste, the concept of less is quite intriguing. Linerless was a hot topic at Labelexpo Europe, but it was one of many.  Automation is another asset in a converter’s arsenal designed to accomplish more with less. In this case, the newest automated technologies are enabling converters to mitigate the effects of continued workforce challenges.

“The workforce issue will continue to be a concern as labor is a diminishing resource,” says Harper’s Paul Teachout. “Automation and the growing presence of AR and AI will ease that pain. As a newer workforce raised on disruptive technologies becomes the dominant labor resource, we must rely on intelligent solutions to close the gap between labor challenges and operational objectives.”

Labelexpo Europe went all-in on automation. The event featured an Automation Arena with key partners Cerm, Esko, Xeikon, Kurz, Grafotronic and Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives. The goal: showcase a full “lights out” production workflow, from file creation to digital printing, converting and inspection. Of course, the technology was also highlighted on many stands, including ABG, Delta ModTech, LemuGroup, Martin Automatic, and Prati, as well as countless others.

These innovations are designed to drive efficiency. Even with recent obstacles like the supply chain and workforce, brands are as exacting as ever – and they want their labels yesterday. Our industry will continue to innovate in order to make those desires a reality.

Greg Hrinya, Editor
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