The best part about getting back out on the road is the ability to network and learn about the latest goings-on in our industry. Admittedly, the last two years have been a whirlwind of activity – not all of it good. While converters were busier than ever before – surely a positive – the ramifications of Covid-19, continued workforce challenges, natural disasters, and now a UPM strike in Finland have all wreaked havoc within the industry. So, the ability to travel allows us to go directly to the source to see just how these circumstances are impacting converters and suppliers.

At the recent TLMI Converter Meeting in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, near Albuquerque, the leading North American label industry association deftly pivoted to host an expert panel on the biggest topic today – supply chain challenges. All of the aforementioned factors have taxed the supply chain to the max. And for the record, I am not offering a prediction on when the situation will improve. However, numerous industry experts point to 2023 as a reasonable timeline.

While it might be convenient to throw on some rose-colored shades, the next 12-18 months will deliver the ultimate challenge. During the TLMI event, Philip Coates, UPM Raflatac’s key account director, Americas Region, offered up several sobering thoughts:

“We have a very strained and fractured supply chain, so the impact of the strike is being felt more severely,” he explained. “Our problems won’t completely go away when the strike ends in 8-12 weeks. The medium and longer term is still a bigger concern going forward. The long-term viability, from the paper side of the business, is far from assured.”

So, that’s the bad news. On the positive side, Coates did offer a ballpark estimate for when the strike could end. And numerous other industry experts offered their views of how the industry should combat these challenges. The overwhelming response was increased communication. Discussing options and best practices, from your own production floor to the supplier, will be critical. If you haven’t already – and from my discussions, I know many of you have – institute contingency plans. If you haven’t, another industry association, FLAG (Flexo Label Advantage Group) offers a host of resources on contingency planning.

Now more than ever, communicating and networking will emerge as key best practices in keeping your label business humming. This is where the power of association comes into play. Be it TLMI, FLAG, FINAT or FTA, utilize those resources available to you to help ensure the safety of your business – and that of your customers.

Those in the label and package printing industry have often been lauded for being nimble and quick to adapt. Those honorable traits will be on full display, both in the short and long term.


Greg Hrinya, Editor
[email protected]