FINAT - The European Label Forum 2019

Less than 5 weeks to go till the 5^th European Label Forum kicks off. The annual summit for business leaders, media representatives and other stakeholders along the labelling value chain in Europe brings together a range of expert speakers covering a range of topics relevant to members’ future business strategy.

Last year’s ELF in Dublin specifically addressed the uncertainties associated with Brexit, and while the deadline has been extended, we are still unsure where we stand. Meanwhile, global trade uncertainties have accumulated and with the labels and packaging industry as key enabler and significant indicator of the general economy, it has become clear that short term business prospects are less promising than during the early part of this decade.

However, the underlying fundamentals for the labels and short-run narrow web packaging remain healthy thanks to the versatility, continuous innovation and creative entrepreneurship that are part of our industry’s DNA and that have earned it the honorary title of ‘Crown Jewel’ of the package printing industry.

As in endurance sports, remaining at the summit in uncertain weather conditions can be more challenging than the journey to the top, especially when there is a ‘talent gap’ on the other side of the mountain. To develop your business, it is essential that you remain open to smart opportunities as you listen to other travellers along the way. And to avoid landslides or avalanches, you have to act responsibly, with an open mind towards the sustainability of your environment.

The ELF Programme Advisory Committee 2019, consisting of Niklas Olsson (chair), Chris Ellison (FINAT President), Matthias Vollherbst (YMC Board), Jakob Landberg (Marketing Committee), as well as Noel Mitchell (FINAT Scout), Bert van Loon (FINAT Marcom advisor & #LABELicious project leader) and Jules Lejeune (FINAT MD), have developed a programme that should help you, as current and future leaders of the European label industry, and your vendor partners, to stay ‘on top’ of our business!

We look forward to seeing you engage in our programme next June in Copenhagen!

Jules Lejeune
Managing Director