• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    The 2019 TLMI Awards

    Labelexpo Europe holds most international edition yet

    Cannabis Labels

    Digital Printers and Presses

    Digital Printing Update
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Mark Andy joins forces with UPM Raflatac

    Siegwerk opens Europe's largest, fully-automated ink facility

    Domino welcomes Steve Daily to Service & Support Team

    Kodak and Uteco sell first Ultrastream flexible packaging press

    Polykote announces new UV inkjet labelstock
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Kodak and Uteco sell first Ultrastream flexible packaging press

    Schreiner MediPharm and PragmatIC form strategic partnership

    Avery Dennison acquires Smartac’s RFID inlay business

    Luminer expands NJ manufacturing facility

    PPG Teslin labelstock receives BS 5609 Section 3 certification
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    HP teams with Haney for sustainable packaging

    Austrian converter installs first Nilpeter press

    Schreiner MediPharm and PragmatIC form strategic partnership

    Avery Dennison acquires Smartac’s RFID inlay business

    MPS Systems North America relocating to Philadelphia
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Mark Andy joins forces with UPM Raflatac

    Domino welcomes Steve Daily to Service & Support Team

    Kodak and Uteco sell first Ultrastream flexible packaging press

    HP teams with Haney for sustainable packaging

    Herma's labelstocks receive new certification
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Domino welcomes Steve Daily to Service & Support Team

    Austrian converter installs first Nilpeter press

    MPS Systems North America relocating to Philadelphia

    First Mark Andy P4 installed in Russia

    Memjet technology drives new COASO label press
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    Mark Andy joins forces with UPM Raflatac

    Siegwerk opens Europe's largest, fully-automated ink facility

    Herma's labelstocks receive new certification

    UPM Raflatac launches high-tack adhesive for film labeling

    Filmquest appoints new senior account manager
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Praxair Surface Technologies Inc.

    Bobst North America Inc.

    Ashe Converting Equipment

    MPS Systems North America Inc.

    Flexo Wash LLC
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Pressrooom Supplies
      • Substrates
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    TLMI printTHINK Summit reaches new heights

    The biennial event, taking place from September 11-13, covered the most pressing topics affecting the labels and packaging industry today.

    TLMI printTHINK Summit reaches new heights
    TLMI president Dan Muenzer establishes a hashtag for the event.
    Related CONTENT
    • Five TLMI members win L9 World Label Awards
    • Nilpeter's 'Age of Automation'
    • Nilpeter explores ‘The Age of Automation’ at open house
    • Graymills celebrates 80 years of service to the industry
    • 'Full-Throttle' schedule announced for Domino's Digital Printing Spectrum 2019
    Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor09.16.19
    TLMI’s biennial printTHINK Summit returned to Chicago, IL, USA in 2019, (September 11-13) providing attendees with industry trends, new product information and networking opportunities. An intensive presentation schedule was accompanied by a lively tradeshow, where attendees had the opportunity to learn about some of the latest technologies on the market today.

    According to TLMI, printTHINK has been developed by the industry and for the industry, to promote collective innovation and knowledge sharing. The Summit provides suppliers and converters alike with information on operational, technical and business topics to help advance their organization.

    “We had an unbelievable agenda for this year’s printTHINK, and we were very excited about it,” said Dan Muenzer, president of TLMI. “We’re here to support you. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a supplier or a converter, we’re here to make your life easier and more profitable. If there is an issue that impacts our industry, we want to be part of the discussion. We want to say TLMI stands for something.”

    Workforce challenges, digital printing, sustainability, enhanced marketing techniques, and LED curing were among the topics discussed at the event. The LED curing panel, moderated by Enercon’s Todd Krupa, detailed everything LED–which accounts for new press technology, retrofitting, and costs.

    “Curing whites and blacks are the biggest challenges,” said Tom Hammer, head of technical marketing at Siegwerk. “LED is going to be able to cure better, with higher opacity and better adhesion.”

    Meanwhile, John Pogatschnik, product manager at Flint Group, differentiated between UV LED and UV mercury. He noted that most of the changes to get to LED are minimal, while ink handling and dispensing are the same. With the investment comes performance advantages.

    “This is a very dynamic process, a technology in our industry that’s ready to take over,” said Jeff Cowan, director of business development at Mark Andy. “Are there risks? Sure. But UV and LED, for all intents and purposes, perform the same. And there are 11 companies up here advocating for the technology.”

    “In the next 5-10 years, we believe LED will become a significant player in the tag and label market,” added Fujifilm’s Jon Fultz.

    In addition, Brian Van de Water, CEO at SPL Consulting, hosted a panel on automation and Lean Manufacturing. The discussion supplemented several key presentations on tackling the workforce challenges currently facing the industry.

    According to Van de Water, automation involves using technology to automatically control the operation of an apparatus, process, or system by mechanical or electronic devices in the place of human labor. He noted that a common misconception is that automation costs people jobs–noting that there are opportunities for new and different jobs, all designed to make people more valuable to the organization. Meanwhile, Lean Manufacturing is a philosophy that removes steps from processes, and it is designed to complement automation.

    “I’m living proof that this can be done,” said Tim McDonough, president of Flexo-Graphics. “It’ll cost some money along the away, and you need to buy the right equipment, but the biggest part of our business has been investing in automation. I’ve tripled my business and we’ve added just four employees.”

    Dwane Wall, president of Creative Labels of Vermont, explained how he automated between prepress and MIS, specifically changing the way artwork comes into the facility. Adam Gray, president and CEO of SheetLabels.com, advised focusing on a culture change within your business. He said it’s critical to identify opportunities that will handle more transactions and customers, while also prioritizing feedback.

    In regards to the workforce challenge, Affinity HR’s Claudia St. John said that, despite a 3.6% unemployment rate, manufacturing jobs are declining by 14%. The challenge is to make this industry attractive to prospective job candidates, many of whom are already gainfully employed. It’s important to market the job effectively while also taking advantage of headhunting services–a flip from days’ past. Career fairs, social media, and getting into the local news can all help target candidates.

    “The one place people go is your website to see who you are and what you are,” explained Kathy Alaimo, president of Syracuse Label. “Make sure you have things on your website to show it’s not the down and dirty print shop of the old days.”

    “We’ve had to reinvent ourselves because we want to be a more attractive employer and supplier to our customers, as well,” added Paul Teachout, vice president of sales and marketing, North America, Nilpeter. “We’re not dealing with the same workforce we were 20 years ago. We’ve been on a journey of automation the last couple of years. In modern times, the new Lean is automation. And automation comes in a lot of different formats, and that’s only going to improve your efficiencies and production–and it streamlines your workforce. Culture and leadership are also a big part of attracting and retaining good people.”

    Don’t discount trade schools, either. Shawn Oetjen, flexo trainer at Flexographic Tech, said that find the right workforce candidates starts with educating the prospective employee. By training students, with an emphasis on several core competencies, teachers can cultivate the next wave of workers. Instructors need to impart skills or attributes the student needs to learn for proficiency, such as plate mounting.

    At Flexographic Tech, Oetjen said students will not run live work, as the focus is on the training. In addition to operating presses, students will have to navigate paperwork, spot errors in job tickets, and track waste and time.

    “We’re not in business to make money, we’re in business to strengthen the entire industry,” said Oetjen.

    Several converters participated in a panel discussion on sustainability, with an emphasis on reducing landfill waste. Grand Rapids Label’s John Crosby, Hub Labels’ Thomas Dahbura, Yerecic Label’s Brian Hurst, and Syracuse Label’s Mark Howard all touted the passion, vision, and strategy necessary to reduce waste within a label printing company.

    “It’s been a long, hard road for us. A lot of our volunteers did a lot of the work on their own time, and that’s been very big for us,” said Hurst, whose company has a 99.5% landfill avoidance rate. “We’ve avoided sending over 4,700 tons of waste to the landfill.”

    According to Dahbura, employees really make the difference. “I’m willing to spend a little extra to do the right thing,” he said, noting that teamwork and leadership within Hub Labels were a driving force.

    These topics will continue to be discussed at TLMI, which will next host the Annual Meeting from October 27-30 in Carlsbad, CA. The event is designed to establish new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships.
    Related Searches
    • led
    • sustainability
    • waste
    • change
    Suggested For You
    TLMI printTHINK Summit TLMI printTHINK Summit
    Digital Printing Spectrum highlighted in new Domino video Digital Printing Spectrum highlighted in new Domino video
    TLMI discounting Label Academy Workforce Development tools TLMI discounting Label Academy Workforce Development tools
    TLMI announces program for printTHINK Summit TLMI announces program for printTHINK Summit
    TLMI engaged in Lock-Out-Tag-Out rulemaking TLMI engaged in Lock-Out-Tag-Out rulemaking
    Bob Spiller joins TLMI Board of Directors Bob Spiller joins TLMI Board of Directors
    TLMI releases operator hiring toolkits TLMI releases operator hiring toolkits
    TLMI adds judges to Environmental Leadership Awards TLMI adds judges to Environmental Leadership Awards
    TLMI announces sustainability goals to 2025 TLMI announces sustainability goals to 2025
    Food Labels Food Labels
    Last call for Domino Last call for Domino's Digital Printing Spectrum 2019
    TLMI releases market intelligence report TLMI releases market intelligence report
    Steinhauser unveils new MPS press at ribbon-cutting event Steinhauser unveils new MPS press at ribbon-cutting event
    'Full-Throttle' schedule announced for Domino's Digital Printing Spectrum 2019
    Graymills celebrates 80 years of service to the industry Graymills celebrates 80 years of service to the industry

    Related Online Exclusives

    • North America | Smart Labels
      Avery Dennison acquires Smartac’s RFID inlay business

      Avery Dennison acquires Smartac’s RFID inlay business

      The addition strengthens Avery Dennison’s position in industrial segment while adding to its HF and LF capabilities.
      David Savastano, Editor, Printed Electronics Now 12.05.19

    • Europe
      RadTech Europe conference tackles busy agenda

      RadTech Europe conference tackles busy agenda

      The event program featured more than 70 presentations and brought together more than 350 industry professionals from across the supply chain.
      Ann Hirst-Smith 12.04.19

    • Digital Printing | Flexography | Prepress
      The digitalization of color in packaging: a bright future?

      The digitalization of color in packaging: a bright future?

      Bobst, along with several brand owners, examines the future of color fidelity and consistency in product packaging.
      12.03.19


    • North America
      L&NW’s top news headlines of 2019

      L&NW’s top news headlines of 2019

      Multi-Color’s acquisition by a Platinum Equity affiliate garnered the most interest during the year.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 12.03.19

    • Security Labels
      Labels to help combat counterfeiting

      Labels to help combat counterfeiting

      A combination of security methods helps brand owners take preventative measures against product duplicates.
      Stan Chess 11.12.19

    • Digital Printing | Flexography | North America
      IIJ developing products for growing hybrid market

      IIJ developing products for growing hybrid market

      The company’s product line has been optimized to add the benefits of digital printing to an existing analog press.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 11.08.19


    • Flexo Supplies | Flexography | North America | Prepress Supplies
      Flint Group highlights thermal processing at open house

      Flint Group highlights thermal processing at open house

      The supplier welcomed attendees of the FTA Fall Conference to its facility in Charlotte, NC, USA.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 11.01.19

    • The Purpose Revolution

      The Purpose Revolution

      At the TLMI Annual Meeting, keynote speaker John Izzo discussed the emerging keys to employee and customer engagement.
      10.29.19

    • Beverage Labels | Digital Printers & Presses | Digital Printing | Flexo Presses | Food Labels | North America | Shrink
      DWS Printing takes digital journey

      DWS Printing takes digital journey

      Tom Staib discusses the decision to invest in an MPS EF SymJet powered by Domino.
      10.28.19


    • North America | Substrates
      Overlaminates and tapes help promote durable goods labeling

      Overlaminates and tapes help promote durable goods labeling

      Avery Dennison has developed a host of new tapes and overlaminates, including 720 DL W PET, to extend the label’s lifetime.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 10.23.19

    • North America
      FLAG celebrates 10 years at Annual Meeting

      FLAG celebrates 10 years at Annual Meeting

      Flexo Label Advantage Group welcomed 105 attendees to Rochester, NY, USA, for its largest event to date.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 10.21.19

    • North America | Pharmaceutical Labels
      Avery Dennison explores trends in pharmaceutical labeling

      Avery Dennison explores trends in pharmaceutical labeling

      Laura Noll and Austin Adair detailed the market during the Pharma Converter Academy in Mentor, OH, USA.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 10.14.19

    • North America | Pharmaceutical Labels
      Avery Dennison hosts Pharma Converter Academy

      Avery Dennison hosts Pharma Converter Academy

      The event, which took place October 8-9, featured presentations, facility tours and product portfolio highlights.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 10.11.19

    • North America
      Corotec meets demand for corona treatment systems

      Corotec meets demand for corona treatment systems

      The company’s Uni-Dyne system enables effective treatment of a wide variety of materials at high press speeds.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 10.10.19

    • Digital Printers & Presses | Digital Printing
      HP enjoys banner Labelexpo Europe

      HP enjoys banner Labelexpo Europe

      HP saw landmark deals and increased interest in digital printing in Brussels, Belgium.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 10.10.19


    Breaking News
    • Luminer promotes Heather Bookman to prepress manager
    • Materials Exchange launches to solve excess inventory issue
    • Mark Andy joins forces with UPM Raflatac
    • Omet India opens in New Delhi
    • Siegwerk opens Europe's largest, fully-automated ink facility
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2019

    • THE 2019 TLMI AWARDS
    • Labelexpo Europe holds most international edition yet
    • Cannabis Labels
    • Digital Printers and Presses
    • Digital Printing Update
    • Narrow Web Profile: Adflex Corporation
    • View More >
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Deerland Obtains Certification from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration
    OptiMSM Shown to Improve Hair & Nail Appearance and Condition
    DCC Acquires Contract Manufacturer Ion Laboratories
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Beckers Group Announces Global Price Increase on Coil, Industrial Coatings
    Evonik, Wynca Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Fumed Silica Plant in Zhenjiang
    Personnel Changes in Corporate Communications, Government Relations at BASF
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    15-Year Tele-Critical Care Collabration Yields Significant ICU Improvement Results
    Prellis Biologics' New Tool Simplifies Complex Tissue Engineering
    InspireMD's CEO Steps Down
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    CatSci Expands Capabilities with Lab Expansion
    Smart Tags on Pills Set to Improve Supply Chain Security and Patient Adherence
    PCI Pharma Services Invests in Tredegar, UK Site
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Time Features 5 Best Beauty Inventions
    CES 2020 Preview - Innovation Award Honorees in Health & Wellness
    Star of E!'s Botched Gets Line Leaping Bunny Certified
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Birchbox Partners with Buzzfeed
    Coty Strengthens Its Leadership
    Jennifer Garner Joins Virtue Labs
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Smurfit Kappa, Wings for Aid Create Disaster Relief Packaging Solution
    ePac Flexible Packaging Expands into Asia Pacific Market
    United Carton Industries Company Invests in EFI Nozomi Corrugated Printer
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Luminer promotes Heather Bookman to prepress manager
    Materials Exchange launches to solve excess inventory issue
    Mark Andy joins forces with UPM Raflatac
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Simavita Set to License Sensor Technology in EU
    NDC Appoints President
    AATC Adds Two Scholarships
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    TriMed Closes Out FDA Warning Letter
    FDA OKs Shoulder Innovations' Augmented Glenoids for Total Shoulder System
    OrthoGrid Systems Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for New PhantomMSK Trauma Application
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    SEMI Releases Global Semiconductor Equipment Sales Forecast
    eMagin Corporation Announces Approximately $4.3 Million Order for Military Program
    CPI Supports Smart Food-labeling Project Set to Reduce Food Waste in 2020

    Copyright © 2019 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.