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Industry mourns Bob Chapman, Nilpeter talks future of flexo and more

Bob Chapman worked to redefine what it meant to be a leader in business, and the week's other top stories.

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By: Greg Hrinya

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It is with profound sadness that Barry-Wehmiller announced the death of its chairman of the Board, Robert H. Chapman. Bob Chapman was more than a business leader, author and speaker, he was a relentless optimist who dedicated his life to building a better world. He worked to redefine what it meant to be a leader in business, to further the understanding that it was an awesome responsibility because the way we lead impacts the way people live.

Chapman worked tirelessly to bring more caring to business and built the foundation for Barry-Wehmiller to champion new definitions for success in business. He demonstrated that economic growth and human vibrancy can exist in harmony.

Meanwhile, over the past decade, parts of the label industry have promoted a compelling narrative: that digital printing is not only growing but set to become the dominant force in industrial label production. The language is familiar – nonstop production, AI-driven automation, workflow intelligence, and exponential growth. It is an attractive storyline.

Flexo, by contrast, continues to produce the vast majority of the world’s labels. That is not coincidence. It is industrial logic. L&NW sat down with Carsten Clemensen, CTO, Nilpeter, to learn more.

Here are the top stories from the week ending on March 27, 2026:

  1. Barry-Wehmiller announces passing of chairman Bob Chapman
  2. Beyond the Hype: Why Flexo Remains the Future of Industrial Label Printing
  3. HP Indigo, Shutterfly expand partnership with 35-press deal
  4. Avery Dennison explores sustainability trend in films
  5. ACTEGA, Living Ink launch algae-based UV flexo ink for labels

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