As Label & Narrow Web prepares for another exciting year covering the label and packaging industry, we take a look back on the most viewed exclusive stories on our web site. The most viewed online feature centered on digital printing and packaging. The role of press operators, EskoWorld and Lintec’s acquisition of Mactac also drew significant interest.

Here are our top 10:

10. Gallus hosts Open House at Avery Dennison facility in Ohio
In addition to a live demo of the Gallus ECS 340, visitors gathered on June 1 for a day of learning about the latest label printing challenges and solutions. Trends in digital and flexo label printing technologies were also highlighted.

9. FTA Forum explores flexo press operator ‘crisis’
“It seems like there are less people out there who are available,” said Shawn Oetjen of Flexo Tech. “We want to discuss the serious nature of this problem, but we also want to create a path to recruit, train and retain your skilled employees.”

8. Durable labels take center stage at Avery Dennison event in Ohio
Avery Dennison showcased its latest durable materials at the company’s second Durable Goods Label Materials IDEA Marketplace Forum.

7. Avery Dennison helps converters expand into flexible packaging
Cindy Collins, ‎flexible packaging business development manager at Avery Dennison, stated that flexible packaging is the second largest packaging segment, accounting for roughly 20% of the industry.

6. EskoWorld 2017 drives innovation, collaboration
Over 500 registered customers showed up for the event in Charlotte, NC, USA, including nearly 100 participants from the brand owner side.

5. Avery Dennison enhances wine labeling with Aqua Opaque
Avery Dennison has noticed an increased use in uncoated facestocks in the wine industry. According to Stephanie D’Cruz, associate product manager, Select Solutions, Avery Dennison, the technology is utilized to give the wine bottle a premium look.

4. A closer look at Lintec’s Mactac acquisition
Lintec has facilities in 15 countries and regions and about 4,000 employees worldwide.

3. Learning to ‘do more’ at Domino’s Digital Printing Spectrum 2017
The one-day event was packed with activities and presentations while living up to its mantra of allowing attendees to “See more. Learn more. Do more.”

2. HP Indigo 20000: Digital print ramps up for flexible packaging
This story from 2014 was still a hit with readers. HP Indigo 20000 includes the “one shot” color technology seen in HP Indigo’s narrow web label presses.

1. The lure of digital packaging: a printing industry growth area
The next area of development has more to do with marketing package printing technology to commercial printers in a way that demonstrates that packaging is a viable and profitable industry segment to enter.