A year ago, I penned an editorial highlighting the modernization of flexographic printing. Our annual look at flexo label printing provides a deep dive into the newest technologies and how the process has evolved. As the saying goes, “This is not your father’s flexo.” But in reality, it can’t be. As more and more skilled operators head off into retirement, the process has to grow – otherwise there will be no one left to run the presses.

And while digital and hybrid printing have made considerable headlines, especially in magazines like ours, flexo still accounts for the vast majority of pressure sensitive label production. That will continue to be the case for some time, too.

The concept of selling labels is more about promoting this great industry than landing a new account. And the ideology goes beyond flexo. Most major conferences and trade shows with educational sessions will focus some portion of their content on the workforce challenges present in our industry. Manufacturing as a whole has been hit, which is why automation and artificial intelligence also receive significant stage time at prominent industry events. But no matter how automated the process becomes, label converters will still require talented employees to fuel their operations. Even in the case of AI, someone will need to deliver the prompts to ascertain the benefits of the technology.

Technology or not – this industry has a lot to offer the next-generation workforce. With many schools offering yearly tuitions north of $70,000 and even $80,000 – and up – label manufacturing looks pretty attractive. As it should. This is an industry not going away any time soon. Even as prominent label converter Blue Label Packaging Company touts its direct-to-can printing, the technology is seen as “an extension of the company’s label and shrink sleeve offerings.” Ultimately, society cannot go without packaging in some shape or form. There will always be a need. 

Therefore, the industry must do a better job promoting itself. For example, Sttark, this month’s Narrow Web Profile on page 32, works with a local trade school, offers scholarships, and even touts an internship program.

“The scholarships we offer are an opportunity to help students,” states Kevin MacDonald, CEO, Sttark. “We believe long term there’s a benefit to that, and hopefully we can help some students out every year.”

Beyond hiring, however, is retention. Any company can find someone to walk through the door. How do we get them to stay and become a part of the culture? That is where business owners must think about their work environment as more than just a printing business. The newest technology will bring in a candidate. Creating the right workplace atmosphere will keep them here. And our industry depends on it.

Greg Hrinya, Editor
ghrinya@rodmanmedia.com