Over the past few months, industry events have been occurring at a blistering pace. While visitors from across the country – and world, in some instances – have flocked to the major shows, such as the Craft Brewers Conference, Dscoop, and FTA Forum & INFOFLEX, open houses have experienced a resurgence.

Across the industry, leading suppliers have opened their doors to showcase the newest technologies. Open houses were once a popular occurrence, but the pandemic slowed their frequency down to a crawl. That is no longer the case, as Bobst, Harper, Mark Andy, Nilpeter, and PCMC, to name just a few, recently welcomed visitors to see new facilities or technologies – sometimes both. And the trend is expected to continue, as multiple companies have sent out invitations for the summer months.

Open houses have long been a staple of the label industry. In an intimate setting, suppliers deliver an up close and personal look at the technologies set to shape the future of our industry. L&NW has been privy to attend a number of these events, which have been designed with the guest in mind.

However, not everyone has the opportunity to attend open houses, with busy schedules and cross-country flights often difficult obstacles to overcome. The big events have grown in popularity, as Labelexpo Americas and PRINTING United, for example, allow visitors to see countless innovations all under one roof. Even still, attending the major tradeshows can be a challengs, as converters are facing rigorous demands from customers. Efficiency is prioritized like never before, so even getting off the pressroom floor for two or three days can be a bridge too far.

One blink, however, and a lot can be missed. There are several major trends impacting our industry, and the newest products have been engineered in accordance with the industry’s needs. The dwindling workforce has ramped up the need for automated equipment and user-friendly technology that is both easy to learn and operate. Without attending events – or staying up to date with L&NW – you might not be aware of the current capabilities and how they can best serve your needs.

Therefore, we have compiled a comprehensive directory to serve as your guide. Our annual International Buyers’ Guide highlights the companies responsible for the latest product launches in consumables, equipment, and services. While you might not be able to attend Labelexpo Americas or visit Bobst for an open house event, the information in this issue covers the most diverse needs. Whether a converter is seeking a new flexographic ink or a digital press, the suppliers on the leading edge are there to help – and we bring them to you. Converters can easily reach out to the hundreds of suppliers detailed in the pages that follow to learn about potential remedies for their problems. But, if you are heading to Rosemont, let the L&NW Buyers’ Guide function as a primer for what’s now possible in the world of label printing.

Greg Hrinya, Editor
[email protected]