Mark Andy explores label trends at Europe Symposium

Just a few years ago, meetings between press manufacturers and converters focused primarily on technology. Today, the conversation has shifted toward much broader questions: how to grow a business, make smarter investment decisions, prepare for changing market expectations, and remain competitive in an industry evolving faster than ever before. That philosophy shaped this year’s Mark Andy Europe Symposium, which brought together more than 70 label and packaging converters for a day of business discussions, expert insights, and knowledge sharing. The event once again demonstrated that while technology remains at the heart of Mark Andy’s business, long-term success increasingly depends on understanding market trends, adapting to change, and making informed strategic decisions.

At the event, Tom Cavalco, vice president, International Sales at Mark Andy, emphasized the importance of long-term customer relationships and collaboration in shaping the future of the industry. His presence reflected the strategic role the annual symposium plays in strengthening partnerships with customers while providing valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities influencing the global label and packaging market.

Lukasz Chruslinski, European sales manager, Mark Andy established the business perspective from the very beginning. Rather than presenting a traditional overview of new technologies, he explored the market forces that are reshaping the label and packaging industry. Topics such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP), RFID, changing consumer expectations, product marketing, and increasing levels of automation illustrated how labels are becoming part of much broader digital ecosystems.

Against this backdrop, manufacturing flexibility, faster response to market changes, and openness to new business models are no longer competitive advantages alone. They are becoming essential requirements for future growth.

Technology That Improves Profitability

This broader perspective was complemented by Jaime Mir Pastor, CEO of Spanish converter Mirmar and a long-standing Mark Andy customer. Drawing on the company’s own experience, he demonstrated how hybrid production has transformed its manufacturing strategy. Using two Mark Andy Digital Series HD presses, Mirmar has significantly increased production flexibility while optimizing job allocation across different run lengths.

Rather than focusing on technical specifications, his presentation centered on measurable business outcomes. Greater flexibility, improved production planning, and the ability to match the right technology to the right application have enabled the company to steadily improve profitability.

RFID: From Emerging Trend to Business Reality

Jakub Zaluska of Talkin’ Things continued the discussion by exploring the rapid evolution of RFID technology. His presentation demonstrated that RFID is no longer a niche solution reserved for selected applications but is becoming an integral part of connected products, intelligent packaging, logistics, and supply chain management.

Building on previous collaboration between Mark Andy and Talkin’ Things, the presentation reinforced a message already introduced earlier in the program. RFID should no longer be viewed as a future concept, but as a technology that is already transforming the way labels are designed, produced, and used across multiple industries.

Knowledge Beyond Print Production

The symposium deliberately expanded beyond printing technologies alone. One of the most engaging presentations focused on multitasking and the way the human brain processes interruptions. Magda Huczek Makowska explained how seemingly insignificant distractions – such as emails, text messages or small talks – can dramatically reduce concentration and productivity while requiring far more time than expected to regain full focus.

Maciej Lewinski offered a similar perspective. Lewinski examined current trends in digital marketing and the rapidly changing dynamics of online communication platforms. His key message was clear: successful marketing is no longer about simply being present online but about understanding where customers are and selecting the channels that genuinely support business growth.

The program also featured Slawek Zawadzki, who provided an accessible overview of cryptocurrencies, tracing the evolution of Bitcoin, explaining how digital assets function, and discussing their growing role within today’s financial landscape as an alternative investment class.

Although each presentation covered a different topic, they all shared one common objective: helping business leaders better understand the factors that influence decision-making in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.

Providing value

The format of the symposium proved equally valuable. Concise presentations, balanced with regular networking breaks, encouraged open discussion and the exchange of experiences among participants. The carefully designed agenda created the right balance between business content and informal conversations, allowing attendees not only to learn from the speakers but also from one another.

“From the very beginning, our goal was for participants to leave the symposium with new business ideas rather than simply a catalog of new technologies,” says Lena Chmielewska-Bontron, marketing manager, Mark Andy Europe. “Technology remains the foundation of what we do, but today it is equally important to understand the broader market, anticipate changes, and help customers prepare for what’s next. We’re especially pleased that this business-focused approach was consistently highlighted by participants throughout the event.”

The annual Mark Andy Symposium once again confirmed that today’s label and packaging industry is about much more than printing equipment alone. Year after year, the event continues to evolve from a technology-focused conference into a business forum where converters can exchange ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and discuss the challenges shaping the future of their companies.

Discussions carried on during a boat cruise, the evening networking dinner accompanied by live music, and countless conversations between sessions, creating an atmosphere that encouraged the exchange of ideas and the strengthening of long-term business relationships. 

“Our ambition is to create events that help customers look beyond today’s production challenges and think strategically about where their businesses are heading,” concludes Cavalco. “Technology is at the heart of everything we do, but its true value lies in helping converters make better business decisions, improve profitability, and achieve sustainable growth. That’s why the conversations between presentations are often just as valuable as the presentations themselves. They’re where new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities begin.”