FINAT Printer-to-Printer Seminar (former Technical Seminar)
DATES
20-22 November 2024
REGISTRATION
The hotel is fully booked. For reservations, please contact Mrs. Noelia Pérez at the NH, mn.perez@nh-hotels.com.
FEES
FINAT members: Euro 750*
Non-members: Euro 1000
* FINAT Board & Committee members who have attended the last two Committee Summits will receive a 50% discount on the delegate fee.
* 2nd and further representatives can also benefit from a 50% discount on the price.
Sponsorship: Euro 900 (includes tabletop, exhibitor listing in all seminar documentation and banner during seminar). Registration for sponsorships is now closed. We thank our current sponsors for their continued support.
VENUE
NH Collection Constanza
Carrer de Déu i Mata, 66-99
08029 Les Corts (Barcelona), Spain
Tel.: +34-932-811500
URL: https://www.nh-hotels.com/NHConstanzaBarcelona
PROGRAMME
"Narrow web 4.0. - The future of the Narrow web industry"
Wednesday, 20 November
08.30 – 12.00 FINAT Committee Summit (for active committee members)
12.00 – 13.00 FINAT/CELAB Lunch
13.00 - 15.00 CELAB-Europe General Assembly (CELAB members only)
15.15 – 16.15 FINAT Board meeting
16.30 – 17.30 FINAT General Assembly (for all FINAT members)
19.30 – 20.15 Welcome drinks at the NH Constanza and opening of the tabletop exhibition
20.15 – 22.45 Welcome walking dinner at the NH Constanza
Thursday, 21 November
08.50 – 08.55 Opening of the seminar by Philippe Voet, FINAT President
08.55 – 09.00 Introduction of the seminar theme and moderator Will Parker by Nanette Thomas, Synthogra, Co-Chair FINAT WS Knowledge
09.00 – 09.40 Keynote presentation: AI, data and the economy of tomorrow, Lars Christensen, Danish economist
Lars examines artificial intelligence from an economic perspective. He will, a.o. take us back in time to previous technological advances and what they meant for growth, employment, and inflation, and he will attempt to answer the fundamental questions of whether we should fear the new technology or embrace it, seeing it as the answer to a number of today's major challenges such as the ageing population. He will also discuss the significance of the new technology for different sectors and industries. Finally, he will shed light on what we can expect artificial intelligence to mean for the financial markets - both in terms of prospects for the markets and how we as investors can use artificial intelligence to make more sensible investments.
09.40 - 10.00 Presentation on the Labeling & Product Decoration Market, Corey Reardon, AWA
This presentation will provide an overview of the global and European regional label markets, highlighting the current status of key aspects of the industry, including volumes; market structures; market characteristics and growth rates. Covered will be insights across all labeling & product decoration formats such as: Pressure-sensitive Labels; Glue-applied Labels; Sleeve Labels and In-mold Labels.
10.00 – 12.45 Session I - Labels being responsible to the world – the new sustainability rules Chaired by Isidore Leiser, CEO Stratus Packaging
This session will focus on current and future legislation and initiatives that are endeavoring to resolve sustainability challenges.
10.00 – 10.20 Overview environmental legislation (PPWR, etc.) , Pablo Englebienne, Regulatory Affairs & Sustainability Manager FINAT
The last few years brought significant new regulations on sustainability as part of the European Green Deal that are already in force or will become in the near future: the EU Deforestation Regulation, the PPWR, the Green Claims Directive, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation… Even after legislations are passed, relevant details are still to be decided by secondary legislation, reports or future updates. Pablo will give an overview of the most significant aspects of these legislations for the label industry, and what to expect in the near future, including a glimpse in the plans of the Commission for the coming five years.
10.20 – 10.40 Testing and certifying recyclability for labelled packaging with RecyClass, Fabrizio Di Gregorio, Technical Director Plastics Recyclers Europe (Recyclass)
RecyClass developed testing protocols and certification scheme to prove recyclability for labelled plastic packaging. Being the mechanical stress mainly responsible for the label’s removability, the methodology is based on grinding and cold washing. Results for labelled HDPE bottles proved that up to 100 % of labels is removed by grinding and washing the HDPE bottles. However, the results may vary depending by the chemistry of the adhesive, the bottle surface treatment, the label facestock and the polymer used to produce the bottle. RecyClass planned further tests to investigate the fate of the adhesive and the label removability on PP and PS containers.
10.40 – 11.10 Coffee & networking break
11.10 – 11.30 Rigid plastic recycling and the role of the label, Morice Hoogteijling, Avery Dennison
With PPWR coming up we need to understand what the future Design For Recycling Guidelines for labels are going to be. RecyClass just released a new version of the design for recycling guidelines for all plastic packaging, which reflect a significant change in the requirements for adhesives used for labels, specifically for HDPE packaging. AD’s semi-industrial study (with NTCP) showed that if you follow EcoDesign principles, self-adhesive labels are fully compatible with the HDPE recycling stream. This presentation will explain the trial results, the role of labels in plastic recycling, and the importance of making guidelines as science-based and pragmatic as possible.
11.30 – 11.50 “How self-adhesive materials can help end users to comply with the coming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation”, Clément Lesniak, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives
The new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation mandates recycled plastic in packaging and sets reduction and recyclability targets. Self-adhesive labels play a crucial role in meeting these requirements. Although labels are a small part of the packaging, they significantly impact the recyclability of containers. Choosing the right label ensures compliance with the regulation and enhances recyclability across various materials, from rigid plastics to compostable packaging. The industry offers different solutions and strategies, such as the mono-materiality approach, to meet these diverse needs.
11.50 – 12.10 Digital Printing Technologies and Labels Substrates, Kirit Naik, Global Director, Digital Printing Technologies, UPM Raflatac
Digital printing continues to disrupt the packaging industry, and it is bringing new opportunities for customers. Kirit will elaborate Digital printing technologies-Electrophotography-dry toner and liquid toner; Ink Jet-UV ink jet, Water based ink jet-dye and pigmented technology, latest trends in each technologies, Digital printing capabilities and limitation for the label’s substrates for compact desktop Digital label printers to large production-class digital presses. How Digital printing and sustainability align each other. Why brand love Digital printing.
12.10 – 12.30 Short panel discussion and Q&A with all speakers led by Session Chairman
12.30 – 14.00 Lunch
14.00 – 15.50 Session II: New substrates/media for, techniques, methodologies and best practices in printing and converting - PART 1
Chaired by Marika Knorr, Heaf of Sustainability and Communicaiton CCL Label and Innovia
This session will focus on solutions that have been developed in order to meet sustainability targets in the label industry.
14.00 – 14.20 Status UVFoodSafe initiative, Jonathan Sexton, Sun Chemical
Following the initial phases of the UVFoodSafe initiative previously presented to this forum, the project has progressed with further print and migration testing under commercial printing conditions to establish performance benchmarks in common label and packaging structures. The results and further learnings will be presented together with commentary on the migration testing conditions and evolving regulatory environment for food compliance.
14.20 – 14.40 Status of the FINAT PCF-LCA initiative, Alex Knott, Dow
In the framework of sustainability, FINAT, is working towards harmonising the measurement and monitoring of the environmental impact in the label sector. The project is structured into three initial steps:
- What – LCA & PCF Introduction: An Introduction of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) were launched to understand their concepts, the differences and the complexity of both.
- How – To answer this it is necessary to explain what are the standards/approaches that are out there and the relation of those with different tools. The brochure listed around 30 tools, software and methodologies/standards.
- What next – Filtering the list to the relevant methodologies that are applicable in the label industry.
Alex will touch upon each of the three steps and give a progress report.
14.40 – 15.00 Methodology for a ‘cradle to application’ environmental handprint, Jürgen Pomorin, Evonik
In this paper, we present a methodology to develop a ‘cradle to grave’ environmental handprint report, as well as the key findings when comparing thermally cured silicone with UV cured silicone (both UV Arc and UV LED) in a release coatings application. The report evaluates the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of both types of coatings, and the impact of recycled vs virgin silicone. The results of the report indicate that UV cured silicone release coatings have a lower environmental impact compared to thermally cured silicone coatings. The findings of this report can be used to inform future research and development of sustainable coatings for release liners.
15.00 – 15.20 Advancements and Challenges in Bio-Based Adhesives: Towards a Sustainable Future by Nicole Senn, artimelt
Drawing from the insights and discussions of the 2022 session, this presentation examines the latest advances in bio-based adhesives, highlighting their potential to foster a more sustainable industry. Attendees will gain a detailed understanding of recent improvements in both performance and environmental impact. A central focus will be the comparative analysis of the carbon footprints of bio-based versus conventional adhesives, emphasizing their potential for reducing environmental impact. Additionally, the presentation will explore the challenges and obstacles in developing a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) and discuss strategies for overcoming these issues.
15.20 – 15.45 Short panel discussion and Q&A with above speakers led by Session Chairman
15.45 – 16.30 Coffee break
16.30 - 17.50 Session II: New substrates/media for, techniques, methodologies and best practices in printing and converting - PART 2
Chaired by Bohus Kukumberg, Production Manager Purgin (SK)
16.30 – 16.50 ECOLEAF a new category of embellishment on-demand metallization, Paolo Grasso, ACTEGA Metal Print GmbH
ECOLEAF is on-demand metallization for labels and offers 5x lower emissions than the equivalent cold foil process. It can be used as an alternative to foils but also inks. Offering flexibility, ease of use and savings. This presentation will provide and compare figures about the technological and sustainability benefits of this method.
16.50 – 17.10 Reduced Carbon Footprint for Curl and Moisture Control in Coating & Laminating Processes, Joonas Kääriäinen, Valmet Automation Inc., and Andrea Glawe, KROENERT GmbH & Co KG
Coating and laminating machines face challenges in energy efficiency, production optimisation, quality assurance, and cost-effectiveness, with curling as a major quality issue. Lay-flatness, crucial for quality control, can be managed through moisturising, where even wetting of fibers reduces cross-directional curling. This paper explores the benefits and drawbacks of traditional steam moisturising and introduces a new closed-loop moisture control system that eliminates steam, lowers carbon footprint, and ensures stable laminate flatness. The system integrates Valmet IQ Moisturizer, online quality measurements, and automated controls, depending on paper quality and process.
17.10 – 17.30 "Large volume serialised labels for traceability - new approaches to technology solutions and automation, Dr. Vlad Sljapic, Graphimecc Group S.r.l.
The global push for sustainability and circular economy has amplified the demand for large-scale serialization and traceability using QR codes and RFID. Success in these applications hinges on error-free production and inspection, as traceability products with errors are unacceptable. The presentation showcases the latest technologies and automation, including one-step product converting, fully automated production lines, and synchronized production/inspection systems. These innovations help companies produce serialised products efficiently, maximising productivity and uptime while meeting stringent traceability requirements.
17.30– 17.50 Short panel discussion & Q&A with all speakers moderated by chairmen
20.00 Departure by bus for dinner
20.30 – 22.30 Dinner at the Windsor Restaurant
The best of contemporary Catalan cuisine. Set in a classic apartment block in Barcelona’s elegant Eixample neighbourhood, the restaurant has a very comfortable atmosphere. It is a meeting point for well-known faces, not only from the world of politics but also of culture. The restaurant serves sophisticated dishes based on Mediterranean recipes, combining tradition with innovation assure a memorable meal.
Friday, 22 November
08.50 Opening day 2 by Will Parker
09.00 – 12.30 Session III Future developments in label production
Chaired by Lars Ole Nauta, CEO Optimum Group Nordics (DK)
Is conventional printing a thing of the past? Will digital printing become the only dominant printing process in the future? This session will show how the label industry is continuously evolving and innovating.
09.00 – 09.20 Why are converters still struggling with spot colors? Productivity in printing technology, Stephan Caenen, Label Workflow Manager BOBST (CH)
Brand owners value iconic color standards for identity and consistency but also demand flexibility and efficiency in printing processes. Digital, flexo, and hybrid technologies should coexist in production to meet these demands. To maximize flexibility, converters need the ability to move jobs seamlessly between technologies. This session will explore how to enhance production flexibility, improve flexo press efficiency, and maintain the color consistency required by brand owners, ensuring that production facilities can adapt to varying needs while upholding brand standards.
09.20 – 09.40 Compose your Print Masterpiece: The Power of Modular Product Design, Jonny Doerig, Head of Product Management, Gallus Ferd. Rüesch AG (CH)
In today's rapidly changing market environment, brands need to be agile and flexible in both their processes and printing solutions to keep pace with ever-changing consumer demands and changing product portfolios. This presentation will highlight how hybrid presses are a future-proof investment, offering exceptional flexibility, modularity and agility. It will explain how the combination of sophisticated automated processes with versatile embellishment and finishing options can be seamlessly integrated to create one's own print masterpiece.
09.40 – 10.00 Exploring linerless labels – Technical insights into diverse market solutions , Szymon Ignarski ETI Converting Equipment
While linerless labels have existed for decades, their adoption and market growth have remained relatively limited until recent years. Szymon will introduce this groundbreaking technology to you and present a comprehensive spectrum of solutions available in the linerless label market. You will discover how these cutting-edge linerless solutions are addressing sustainability, cost efficiency, and production challenges. You will also gain valuable insights about the innovative applications in various markets, from logistics to food packaging.
10.00 – 10.20 Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability Through Automation and Cloud-Based Solutions, Bert Van der Perre Hybrid Software
This presentation emphasizes the critical importance of automation in maintaining a competitive edge. It spans prepress automation, integrated processes, and cloud-based solutions, catering to both large and small operations. Key highlights include centralization of processes for multi-site operations, advanced color management to reduce waste, and innovative flexo plate creation techniques. These solutions not only enhance efficiency and flexibility but also promote sustainability by minimizing material and ink waste, contributing to a greener, more efficient industry.
10.20 – 11.00 Coffee break
11.00 – 11.20 Optimisation, optimisation, optimisation, Rob Mayerson Labeltraxx/Amtech Software
Whether it be planning your purchasing of material more effectively, so that you do not have to have too much laying on the shelf, or scheduling your jobs on press to minimise waste and wash up material and substances, or making and sending purchase orders of material, all benefit from optimisation.
11.20 – 12.00 Improving efficiency when converting complex short run labels, Dr. Adrian Steele, Managing Director Mercian Labels
Mercian Labels, ABG, CERM and SCREEN have been working together since 2019 on a project to deliver the world’s most automated finishing of complex digitally printed labels. Taking a vision of designing a ‘lights-out’ converting of a single 1000m reel of 10 digitally printed jobs, with each job have 10 SKUs, all of variable roll sizes, and finishing this complex reel into 100 finished and 100% inspected reels with no operator involvement, they have made enormous progress on this multi-year project. Adrian will present this as the most advanced automated finishing of complex multi SKU jobs in the world including cyber security obstacles and productivity improvement data.
12.00 - 12.30 Panel discussion & Q&A with all speakers
12.30 – 12.40 Closing keynote presentation on the future of label printing, Will Parker
Closing the event, we will review the findings and key points of the last two days and put them into the wider context of the decade to come by taking a look to the future of our industry.
- What can we expect to see on the horizon and imagine beyond?
- How will the industry develop its products and services to remain relative in the changing landscape of consumerism?
- When will macro technologies such as AI & AR start to really be incorporated into our daily lives and how will we use them best to enhance the user experience of labels and packaging?
- What is the likely growth and impact of legislation and how will we ensure the key activities around sustainability are delivered ?
- How does our workplace and supply chain evolve with all of these points and how do we as individuals develop our own teams to be best prepared for them.
12.40 – 12.45 Closure of the seminar by Nanette Thomas
12.45 – 14.15 Closing lunch