Resilience, renewal and readiness: a turning point for the label industry
As we reach the midpoint of 2025, it is important to reflect on both the challenges we have faced and the progress we have made as a community.
The past year marked a turning point for the European label industry. After a difficult 2023, where the market contracted to levels not seen since before Covid, the first half of 2024 brought signs of recovery. Yet this momentum proved difficult to sustain amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and changing global trade dynamics. While demand in the first half of 2025 remains below pre-pandemic levels, there are strong pockets of resilience and growth—notably in sectors such as e-commerce, logistics, healthcare, and premium consumer goods.
An advocate for fair and future-oriented regulation
FINAT’s role as an industry connector and advocate has never been more critical. Our continued efforts in Brussels around the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) have been essential in ensuring that the voice of the self-adhesive label industry is heard. We are working tirelessly to ensure that upcoming regulatory frameworks are workable, science-based, and allow room for innovation. At the same time, through CELAB-Europe and other platforms, we are advancing the sector’s sustainability agenda—driving collaboration, raising awareness, and scaling up recycling initiatives for liners and matrix waste.
Technology and talent shaping the future
The pace of technological transformation in our industry is accelerating. From digitalisation and hybrid press technology to AI-assisted prepress and MIS integration, label converters are stepping up their investments in automation and smart production environments. Our RADAR insights show a steady growth in digital label printing, particularly in markets that demand flexibility, personalisation, and speed.
Another area where FINAT has taken bold steps is workforce development. Our industry is undergoing a generational transition, and talent attraction remains a top concern. That’s why we are investing in knowledge-sharing, launching new learning platforms, and strengthening our ties with educational institutions and young professionals.
Outlook: a busy and promising second half of 2025
Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, several key initiatives are on the horizon. Labelexpo Europe (16–19 September, Barcelona) will be a major milestone, where FINAT will not only be present (stand no 4E49) but also continue strategic discussions with key partners and stakeholders. We are also progressing with the development of FINAT Academy’s e-learning modules, with content creation scheduled to begin in August.
Another important initiative is the planned study on the impact of non-European label imports, especially in the context of current market disruptions. A decision on the commissioned research partner is expected soon, with preliminary findings anticipated by this autumn. In parallel, the series of workshops that will pave the way for a harmonised carbon footprint calculation tool is underway, starting with a very well-attended webinar at the end of June. Further in-person sessions are planned later this year.
These and other activities reflect FINAT’s ongoing commitment to shaping a future-ready, knowledge-based and connected European label industry. We are excited for what lies ahead and look forward to continuing this journey together.
I wish you a great summer break and look forward to seeing you all in Barcelona next September!
Jules Lejeune
Managing Director FINAT