Product labelling of the future

Desired outcome

The EU's push for sustainability is reshaping the product labelling industry. New regulations like the Sustainable Product Regulation (SPR) and the Circular Economy Directive (CED) demand increased transparency and eco-friendly materials. At the same time, alternative labelling methods like direct printing and laser marking are emerging. How will the changed market conditions affect label producers (label converters)?

Initial Problem Description

The European label-converting industry faces a multi-faceted challenge in adapting to the new EU regulations on sustainability and exploring the future of product labelling. The Sustainable Product Regulation (SPR) and the Circular Economy Directive (CED) necessitate increased transparency about product lifecycles and promote recyclable/reusable materials. Additionally, the rise of alternative labelling methods like direct product printing and laser marking disrupts traditional label-converting practices.

Context

This challenge unfolds within the EU Green Deal framework, aiming for a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. The SPR, CED, and the exploration of alternative labeling contribute to achieving this goal by encouraging sustainable practices across the product life cycle and potentially reducing physical labels altogether.

Connection to cross-cutting areas

Circularity: The regulations (SPR & CED) promote using recyclable/reusable materials for labels, encouraging the label converting industry to consider the entire lifecycle of their products. Exploring alternative labelling methods that potentially eliminate physical labels further contributes to a circular economy.
General Sustainability: Minimizing the environmental impact of labels throughout their life cycle is a core aspect. This includes selecting sustainable materials, optimizing production processes, and exploring the environmental footprint of alternative labelling methods.
Digitalization: EU Digital Product Passport plays a role. Regardless of whether a physical label exists, the DPP allows for electronic tracking and communication of product information, contributing to transparency and potentially reducing the physical labels needed.
Industry 4.0: Exploring alternative labelling methods might involve some level of digital integration or automation depending on the specific technologies considered.

Input

The team will need to consider various inputs, including:
- Specific requirements of the SPR, CED, and future regulations.
- Existing and emerging label-converting technologies and materials + alternative methods of product labelling.
- Consumer demand for sustainable products and their receptiveness to alternative labelling methods.
- Costs, feasibility, and environmental impact of implementing new technologies for labels and alternative methods.
- Integration of the EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) with various labelling methods.

Expectations

The team is expected to:
- Analyze the combined impact of the SPR, CED, and alternative labelling methods on the label-converting industry.
- Identify opportunities for label converters to become more sustainable, potentially through material innovation, process optimization, or even exploring partnerships with companies offering alternative labelling methods.
- Develop innovative solutions to meet regulations and explore the potential of alternative labelling methods, considering environmental and economic implications.
- Recommend strategies for label converters to adapt and thrive in this new regulatory and technological landscape, potentially including a mix of traditional and alternative labelling methods.

Desired Team Profile

Skills: Market analysis (trends and industry shifts); Problem-solving and innovation (identify opportunities, develop creative solutions and consider their feasibility), Teamwork (collaborate effectively, share ideas), Regulatory expertise, Technical knowledge + Passion for Sustainability.
Academic Backgrounds (desirable but not all required): Environmental science, Graphic / Packaging engineering, Supply chain management, Business administration/marketing.

Additional Information

Many industries are hesitant to embrace changes like sustainable labelling practices unless there's a strong push.
Here's why:
- Cost: Implementing new, sustainable materials or technologies for labels can be expensive. Companies might need to invest in new equipment, training, and potentially reformulate their products to work with these materials.
- Disruption: Shifting to new labelling methods disrupts existing processes. Production lines might need to be adjusted, workflows changed, and employees retrained. This can lead to inefficiencies and production slowdowns in the short term.
- Uncertainty: New technologies or materials might have unknown challenges. Will the new labels be as durable or function as well as traditional ones? Companies might be hesitant to risk product quality or performance.
- Consumer Acceptance: Consumers might not be familiar with or receptive to alternative labelling methods. Will they trust information displayed through direct printing or laser marking as readily as a physical label? Companies might be worried about a negative impact on brand perception.
Regulations like the EU's SPR and CED act as a catalyst for change by:
- Leveling the Playing Field: When regulations apply to everyone, companies aren't at a competitive disadvantage for implementing sustainable practices.
- Creating a Market: Regulations can stimulate demand for sustainable labelling solutions, encouraging innovation and potentially driving down costs over time.
- Building Consumer Awareness: Regulations can raise consumer awareness about sustainability and the importance of eco-friendly products. This can lead to increased demand for products with sustainable labelling, incentivizing companies to adapt.
So, while companies might resist change initially, regulations can provide a necessary push to overcome these hurdles and accelerate the adoption of sustainable labelling practices.

Related Keywords

• Industrial manufacturing, Material and Transport Technologies
• Printing
• Printed Reel Material
• Food Packaging / Handling
• Sustainability
• Digitalization
• Industrial Products