Navigating label market turbulence: Why automation is the answer

Nicola Reynolds, Head of Marketing at Edale

The label industry has been on somewhat of a rollercoaster over the past few years, reacting to rapidly changing market conditions and needs. From pandemic-driven surges to recent market softening, converters have faced a gauntlet of challenges. Yet amidst the turbulence, there are tremendous opportunities ahead for those businesses willing to embrace change and invest strategically.

The current landscape is undeniably complex, and converters have their fair share of headaches, grappling with economic constraints, rising costs, and unpredictable demand patterns. The FINAT Radar #24 industry report paints a stark picture, with label stock demand declining by nearly 26% in 2023. The survey also highlights how supply chain disruptions have led to significant destocking, and while we’ve seen tentative growth in recent quarters, demand has yet to fully recover.

However, these headwinds are driving an exciting wave of innovation. Brand owners are increasingly focused on sustainability, process streamlining, and supplier diversification. This shift creates valuable openings for converters that can deliver on these priorities, and the key lies in leveraging technology to boost efficiency, quality, and flexibility. And at Edale, ‘the carton and label press people’ we know a thing or two about that.

Perhaps the most pressing issue facing our industry is a workforce becoming thinner on the ground. The difficulty in finding and retaining skilled press operators has reached unprecedented levels, but there are new paths forward. Many converters are turning to automation not just as a stopgap, but as a long-term solution to enhance productivity and overcome labour shortages. Implemented well, automation frees up operator time for other value-adding tasks, reducing the cost and performance impacts of workforce shortages.

We’re in a world where the more we can digitalise and automate a manually intensive process, the better. This is where our FL3 Flexographic Label Press truly shines. Engineered with advanced automation at its core, the FL3 is designed to reduce waste and minimise the need for highly skilled operators. With its high productivity and customisable setup, the FL3 delivers premium quality label production, making it an ideal choice for efficient and top-tier label manufacturing. For label makers seeking improved efficiencies and consistent print quality, our FL3’s high productivity and customisable setup make it the perfect solution for efficient and high-end label manufacturing.

But success isn’t just about automation, it’s also about agility. Converters want to know that when new print orders come in, they’ve always got the equipment to deliver. The versatility of the FL3 is crucial in today’s market, with the ability to handle a wide range of substrates and incorporate inline embellishments. Converters can adapt quickly to changing customer demands, whether it’s peel-and-reveal labels, specialty materials, or complex finishing requirements. What sets our technology apart is that we build our machines individually around our customers’ needs – we don’t believe in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Our customers don’t adapt to our presses, our presses are custom-built to fit them. The FL3 is a prime example of how we’re providing the flexibility needed to say “yes” to more jobs.

Efficiency is great, but we also know that quality still counts. When orders can be won or lost on reputation, there’s no room for anything less than pristine print. Colour consistency and repeatability are other areas where technology is making a significant impact on the converter’s bottom line. At Edale, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in flexographic printing, and that shows in our ambition. Our aspiration is to achieve the FOGRA 39L print standard for high-quality and repeatable print. In short, we’re aiming to push the flexo bar ever higher, with repeatable print that rivals offset in consistency.

There’s a lot of uncertainty in today’s label printing market, but it’s an opportunity to regroup and bring stability. The message is loud and clear. Label printers need more than just a press; they need a partner that understands their business challenges. Edale, and the FL3, are that solution. We offer the automation, flexibility, and quality needed to thrive in a turbulent market landscape.

As we look ahead, it’s hard not to feel optimistic about the future of our industry. Yes, challenges remain – from regulatory pressures to the ongoing need for sustainable innovation. But converters who invest in flexible, automated solutions like the FL3 will be well-positioned to navigate these waters and thrive.