Suggested guidelines on the role of labels in the essential supply chain during the Coronavirus pandemic

This week, FINAT issued a press statement stressing the role of self-adhesive roll labels and narrow web packaging as essential component of the critical infrastructure for the food and medical sectors. Following this statement we received questions from several members indicating that more clarity needs to be provided to the outside world about the status of their specific component of the labelling value chain. After all, our industry’s chain is characterized by complexity and specialization and at first sight, it is not always easy for an outsider to recognize the importance of that specific component in the manufacture of the end-product.

One recommendation to these companies is to ask their customers for a ‘declaration of criticality’ to identify their product as essential part of a critical supply chain. FINAT is working on a template to help its members in this respect and this should be forthcoming soon. The other part is to offer guidelines for the classification as essential supply. We are pleased that we have found our longstanding partner The Label Academy and its founder Mike Fairley prepared to draw up the attached suggested guidelines at such short notice.

DISCLAIMER

Please note that these are only suggested guidelines and are still work in progress. Although this document has been prepared with the utmost care and accuracy, it should be noted that the application is the responsibility of the user. FINAT or The Label Academy cannot be held liable for any loss or damage resulting from their application.