Tag, You’re It —Polischuk

The tag and label industry takes center stage in this issue of packagePRINTING, with the annual State of the Industry Report - Tags and Labels and the Top Tag and Label Converters listing. The State of the Industry Report focuses on economic, market, and technology trends that impact the industry. Although the amount of technological change is not always apparent from year to year, it is amazing how much the industry has evolved in the last few years.

At the start of this decade, many technologies seemed to be in their early stages of development and use, and there were questions as to when and if they would have a mainstream impact. Some of the technologies include computer-to-plate, UV flexo, and the use of servo drives on printing presses. In addition, there was much discussion on the viability of running thin, unsupported films on traditional label presses.

It is clear today, that these technologies have made significant impacts in the tag and label printing arena. Today’s presses incorporate many of these state-of-the-art capabilities, typically built around the backbone of servo technology, which Dave McDowell, president of McDowell Label & Screen Printing, says is a key technology for success in the tag and label printing business.

Virtually all of the new presses can print on a wide range of diverse substrates, with the most significant being thin film substrates. This is important because it allows ‘traditional’ tag and label printers to shift their focus onto ‘product decoration’ and move into growth segments such as shrink labeling and even flexible packaging. These two segments have consistently been highlighted as growth opportunities during the last few years.

The State of the Industry Report, beginning on p. 34, highlights the opportunities presented by these growth segments. However, having the hardware capability in the form of a modern press just gets you started. Corey Reardon, president and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates, cautions: “While there are opportunities for printers of ‘traditional’ labels and tags to fill capacity with printing unsupported shrink-sleeve film, getting from A to B with a shrink sleeve is a complex, multi-step process that demands commitment and knowledge in which narrow- and medium-web printers may not be willing to invest.”

Package printers are well aware that in today’s competitive environment, there is no low-hanging fruit. There are, however, continuing opportunities to expand your offerings for your customers and help your business maintain its health and vitality. You’ll just have to climb the tree to get to the fruit.

We welcome your comments regarding any part of packagePRINTING. They can be addressed to Editor, packagePRINTING, 1500 Spring Garden St., 12th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130, or to tpolischuk@napco.com.

Tom Polischuk, Editor-in-Chief