Page 16 - FINAT Yearbook 2019

Converter Round Tables
CONVERTER ROUND TABLES AT THE FINAT ELF 2019 IN COPENHAGEN
The 2019 FINAT ELF in Copenhagen featured a new pre-conference programme section: the Converter- only Roundtables (CRT). Purpose of the CRT, held on Wednesday 5 June prior to the kickoff of the ELF, was to enable label business owners and executives to meet with peers from across Europe and beyond to engage in discussions about strategic topics relevant to the future of the industry.
Four topics for discussion were selected via an online survey among FINAT converter members held in April-May. For the complete list and ranking of topics see the sidebar
I. Sustainability and recycling (72.5%)
II. Technology investment (66.7%)
III. Marketing (52.9%)
IV. NextGen Workforce (51%)
In the end, the first three were discussed, while #4 was referred to the Young Professionals Network’s ‘Night Dive’ later during the event (see elsewhere in this Yearbook).
In compliance with the regulatory framework of FINAT’s Competition Law Guidelines, and under the so-called ‘Chatham House Rule’, the meeting took place in two rounds of 3 parallel
conversations each lasting 45 minutes. Each conversation was led by a table host from the group and at the end of each conversation, a list of top 3 priorities was drafted. Below is a summary of the conversations and outcomes, which will be reviewed in the coming months by the Board and stakeholders as the basis for strategic planning for the coming term.
I. SUSTAINABILITY AND RECYCLING
As one industry opinion leader put it recently: ‘Packaging (including labels, ed.) is the sustainability ambassador par excellence’. Following the recent public and EU focus on single use plastics, do we see a changing attitude towards the sourcing of composite packaging materials by brand-owners and retailer private brands? What are the industry experiences in proactively offering recycling solutions to the market?
16 | FINAT YEARBOOK 2019