Industry leaders share predictions for 2024

Actega

Thorsten Kröller, president

With our business remaining firmly focused on innovation that supports improved sustainability in the print and packaging industries, we have continued to achieve many important milestones this year. In fact, the start of the new year marks just 12 months to go as we progress our goal of becoming a carbon-neutral business by 2025 and therefore, we are certain the year ahead will demonstrate further progress towards this objective.

Of course, Actega is also known for its product innovations and as such, 2023 saw new inks, lacquers, coatings, and technology added to our portfolio. With the investments in our production and R&D capabilities this year, we are sure that 2024 will bring even more exciting new products that enable our customers to meet industry regulations, improve the sustainability of their products, as well as offer brands high-quality, stand-out print and packaging.

Actega Metal Print

Harald Jasper, managing director

The latest advances confirmed at Labelexpo gave the market some important updates about the technology, but I think the most crucial messages shared during the show came from our customers. Representatives from these innovative companies provided insight into how Ecoleaf was already benefiting their businesses and generating much excitement among their own customers.

Looking ahead to 2024, we expect adoption of this ground-breaking technology to accelerate. With the higher speeds achievable, even more companies and brands are keen to harness the opportunity to differentiate their products with high quality, more sustainable metallization processes.

All4Labels Global Packaging Group

Paola Iannone, vice president of marketing and communications

If we had to identify three key packaging features for 2024, they would be sustainability, connectivity and personalization with digital printing.

The new year will see many new sustainable labels and packaging solutions, exploiting the latest technologies. Trends will include reused, recycled and recyclable materials, with improved access to recycling streams and also operations focused on renewable energy, for lower CO2 emissions and less production waste.

Meeting end-users’ sustainability needs also demands constant re-thinking under a more inclusive spotlight, opening the path to new levels of diversity and social responsibility, with packaging fully aligned with customers’ values.

Connectivity using QR or RFID tags adds features and functionalities that enhance product compliance. It also provides access to online information and manuals. Brands can leverage interaction opportunities, even with voice messages and augmented reality experiences, for increased consumer engagement and brand loyalty. Intelligent solutions also provide brand protection, confirming authenticity, supporting tracking, and protecting against counterfeiting.

Personalization via artificial intelligence and digital tools will open up new horizons. Variable data management and effective use of AI will enable unique tailor-made solutions, with optimized packaging using appropriate sizes, layouts, and forms - cutting material use, transport needs, and even costs.

AM Labels Limited

Tony Mariani, managing director

As consumer demand for sustainable products continues to grow, businesses are increasingly looking for solutions that meet requirements for packaging that does not harm the environment. To meet this demand, at AM Labels, we have added two new materials to our portfolio; sugar cane paper labels and grass paper labels. The sugar cane paper labels are composed of 95 percent sugar cane fibers, offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional wood-pulp papers. Alternatively, the grass paper labels are composed of 30 percent sun-dried grass fiber (hay) and 70 percent sustainably sourced pulp. The labels are suitable for use across a variety of industries and offer good print quality.

Furthermore, to support businesses in making their operations more sustainable, we offer a range of printers that will print labels without the backing paper. The liner, or backing paper, is a material that is difficult to recycle and therefore often ends up in landfill. Linerless label printers, such as the Epson TM-L100 and the Toshiba BV420D-GL do not require a label liner. Consequently, zero backing paper is sent to landfill, helping businesses to improve their carbon footprint and environmental credibility. Linerless label printing is ideal for businesses of all sizes and where labels are printed at the point they are applied.

Aldus Graphics / Tronics

Ken Sky, general manager of Tronics Australia and NZ

In the dynamic landscape of manufacturing, the adage that millionaires are made in recessions holds true for those who invest wisely. This proposition is illustrated by the recent surge in manufacturing plants upgrading their technology amidst economic uncertainty. Over the past year, these forward-thinking plants have transformed their operational systems, making them smarter, faster, and more profitable.

The cornerstone of this revolution lies in Industry 4.0, underpinned by interconnected devices, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and advanced robotics. These four pillars synergize to usher in a new era of efficiency, quality control, data robustness, waste reduction, and overall operational excellence.

Tronics, a respected player in the global manufacturing market since the 1980s, stands out as a prime example. Specializing in standard and custom-designed label applicators and coding machine solutions, Tronics has not only weathered the test of time but has also evolved to meet the demands of the modern era. In 2023, they embraced Industry 4.0 by incorporating each of its four pillars, enabling small and medium-sized manufacturing factories to harness the power of AI, automation, IoT, and advanced robotics through Tronics' comprehensive one-stop-shop offering.

Tronics has partnered with AutoCoding Systems, empowering Australian and New Zealand facilities with end-to-end visibility on their production lines. AutoCoding's device-agnostic solution integrates seamlessly with packaging line devices, allowing communication with any supplier and interfacing with critical systems such as ERP, MES, and WMS. Already deployed on over seven hundred and fifty lines, this partnership enables Tronics to provide customers with complete automatic setup and control of their packaging lines.

In a strategic move in 2023, Tronics announced its distributorship with Morrison Container Handling Solutions. This partnership not only expands Tronics' capabilities but also brings a team adept at assessing production line efficiency. Armed with the latest technologies, Tronics' team can digitally capture, assess, and redesign production lines for optimal efficiency, minimizing downtime and capital expenditure. Tronics' IB team implemented the DG Vending Solution, utilizing machine learning for labelling ink fluid customers. With weight sensors beneath each fluid cartridge, the system provides real-time data on consumption and stock levels, automating replenishment and reducing the risk of ink write-offs. This innovative solution is a testament to Tronics' commitment to proactive, low-admin solutions for its customers. Recognizing the growing importance of sustainability, Tronics partnered with Close the Loop in 2023. This collaboration offers customers a zero-waste solution for recycling ink bladders and cartridges. By embracing sustainability, Tronics is not only reducing its environmental impact but also providing customers with a hassle-free, environmentally friendly program that aligns with evolving consumer values.

As the manufacturing sector embraces the fourth industrial revolution, Tronics’ adoption of these cutting-edge solutions is transforming the landscape for their customers, and their competition. Offering comprehensive solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to a sustainable and ethical approach is where we will see the leaders at the forefront of the industry continue to dominate in 2024.