• 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
    Anilox Rolls

    Food Labels

    Flexo Presses

    Narrow Web Profile: Whitlam Group

    Paper Substrates
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Dantex elevates Joseph Sanchez to digital business development manager

    Mactac's Kevin Clunie joins TLMI panel

    MacDermid announces two new global sales roles

    Fortis Solutions Group acquires Total Label USA

    Siegwerk partners with Kotkamills
    Blog
    Video Bites
    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

    Fortis Solutions Group acquires Total Label USA

    Schreiner MediPharm develops NFC-Label for Ypsomed’s UnoPen injector

    Avery Dennison Smartrac introduces ultra-small RAIN RFID inlays

    Fort Dearborn sets Speedmaster XL 106 impression world record

    Italy's Rifa Etichette installs Nilpeter FA-17
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Dantex elevates Joseph Sanchez to digital business development manager

    Mactac's Kevin Clunie joins TLMI panel

    VideoBite: Sun Chemical drives label and packaging innovation

    Italy's Rifa Etichette installs Nilpeter FA-17

    Dantex enters into distributor partnership with All Printing Resources
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Dantex elevates Joseph Sanchez to digital business development manager

    MacDermid announces two new global sales roles

    Siegwerk partners with Kotkamills

    Lecta joins CELAB

    Italy's Rifa Etichette installs Nilpeter FA-17
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Italy's Rifa Etichette installs Nilpeter FA-17

    Colordyne launches e-commerce website

    Dantex enters into distributor partnership with All Printing Resources

    APR appointed US distributor for Camis

    Screen Americas celebrates relocation with ribbon cutting ceremony
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    VideoBite: Sun Chemical drives label and packaging innovation

    Siegwerk partners with Kotkamills

    Lecta joins CELAB

    Meech supports local charities at seven locations

    Nicolas Wiedmann takes over as new Siegwerk CEO
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    QC Electronics, Inc.

    Ashe Converting Equipment

    Corotec Corporation

    Flexo Label Advantage Group LLC (FLAG)

    KTI
    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
    • Blog
    • 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

    L&NW sits down with PPG's Amy Mercante

    Mercante, who has spent nearly 30 years with PPG, discusses the newest label and packaging offerings, as well as her role with the company.

    L&NW sits down with PPG
    Related CONTENT
    • Mactac's Kevin Clunie joins TLMI panel
    • MacDermid announces two new global sales roles
    • Fortis Solutions Group acquires Total Label USA
    • Siegwerk partners with Kotkamills
    • Omet announces Spare Parts Department
    Greg Hrinya, Editor01.06.21
    Founded in 1883 as Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, PPG has transformed from a plate glass manufacturer based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA to a prominent paint, coatings and specialty materials manufacturer, with more than 47,000 employees and 160 manufacturing facilities in 70-plus countries.

    L&NW recently had the chance to speak to Amy Mercante, who has spent nearly 30 years with the company and has been named the global business director, Teslin Substrate Products. She provides insight on the company's latest offerings for the label and packaging space, as well as her role within the organization.

    Could you tell me about your background?
    After earning degrees in chemistry, math and secondary education at Washington & Jefferson College, a private college in Southwestern Pennsylvania, I started my career with PPG 29 years ago as a research and development chemist in its Automotive OEM business. A few years later, I had an opportunity to meet with customers and absolutely loved it. I decided I didn’t want to be a chemist any longer and soon transitioned into a sales role.

    Throughout my career with PPG, I’ve worked in four different business units across various selling, marketing and leadership functions, along with several special assignment roles. Currently, I lead the global Teslin products organization, which is part of the Specialty Coatings and Materials business.

    I’m responsible for the overall strategic direction of the business and have accountability for the full P&L. I love the global scope of the role, and am excited about expanding my knowledge base outside the coatings industry.

    Can you tell me more about Teslin Substrate Products Business?
    Manufactured at PPG’s Barberton, OH, facility since it was invented more than 40 years ago, PPG Teslin substrate has developed a reputation for being a durable, secure and highly-printable synthetic material. Our products are in use in nearly 100 countries and are sold through an international network of sales offices and distributors. The material is used in a wide range of applications, including labels and packaging, commercial printing, secure credentials and ID cards, e-passports and certificates. 

    In the labels and packaging industry, we offer Teslin substrate as both a facestock and labelstock. We introduced our labelstock in 2017 so our label converter customers could easily purchase it for applications where a synthetic paper was the best option. It is available in standard varieties and can customized for almost any label application, including security, medical-grade, food and beverage, and other specialty label applications.

    How does PPG Teslin substrate fit within the company’s hierarchy, and how has it grown?
    Teslin substrate is part of PPG’s specialty coatings and materials (SCM) business based in Monroeville, PA – just outside PPG’s global headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh. The SCM business includes a diverse group of products for a broad range of customers and industries. It is comprised of five core segments: precipitated silica, optical monomers and coatings, PPG Teslin substrate, photochromic dyes and phosphorescent OLED materials.

    Since its introduction in the late 1980s, the product line has expanded to include a number of application-specific grades including food, bio and security and we now have employees in all regions of the globe.

    Are there certain labeling applications that benefit the most from Teslin substrate, and why?
    Teslin substrate is ideal for any application where labels are exposed to tough environments where durability is critical: water, abrasion, tear and chemical resistance, and extreme temperature ranges. Perfect examples include GHS-compliant chemical drums and wine and spirits bottles.

    Teslin substrate is also inherently secure, and can be embedded with program-specific features as well. This makes it an ideal option for brand authentication and track and trace applications. We’re also seeing personalized applications due to the material’s wide print compatibility and ability to withstand print methods that are subject to high heat. 

    What feedback have you received from label customers?
    Our adhesive coaters and label converter always tell me that Teslin substrate is extremely unique and not at all like a generic polypropylene or vinyl that they can order from any number of different vendors. In fact, many say that no other synthetic was able to solve their specific problem. I also hear that operators love working with it, because it prints beautifully and rarely requires modifications or adjustments on press.

    What has business been like during the pandemic and what have some of the biggest challenges been during this time?
    Throughout our 137 years in operation, PPG has successfully navigated through recessions, the Great Depression, world wars, and other difficult economic times. As a backbone, we have strong technologies, excellent people, and we’ve consistently demonstrated agility and nimbleness to manage through uncertain situations.

    From the beginning of this pandemic, the most important priority has been protecting our people and their families, as well as our customers and communities. We have implemented proven, safe operating processes, including the use of effective personal protective equipment, social distancing and best-practice hygiene techniques that have been used around the world to keep our people safe.

    We expect economic activities to continue to recover globally, with differences across end-use markets and geographic regions. Specific to our PPG Teslin substrate business, demand for e-Passports is down since people aren’t traveling internationally. On the other hand, we’ve seen increased demand for Teslin material in other applications, including label segments where the material is used for durable hospital ID wristbands and labeling of critical medical products, as well as track and trace applications for pharmaceutical shipments and other high-value goods.

    Do you see continued growth for durable synthetic substrate material as the country is again grappling with a rise in cases again?
    Overall, while the coronavirus has introduced uncertainty across many industries and applications, our expectation is that demand for synthetic labels will continue to grow. In fact, we’re seeing increases in some interesting sectors including RFID and functional labels and craft beer.  

    Sustainability is a huge focus for the industry. How does PPG deliver on this?
    Protecting and beautifying the world, and our culture of continuous improvement, serve as the backbone of our sustainability promise. PPG’s commitment to sustainability is expansive and focuses on operating with integrity, working safely, respecting the contributions of our people, preserving the environment and supporting the communities where we operate. 

    A further testament to our efforts, we recently earned a Gold Rating in corporate social responsibility from EcoVadis, a leading provider of business sustainability ratings that many of our customers value. This ranking places PPG among the top five percent of companies evaluated.

    As part of our commitment to develop sustainably advantaged products and processes that provide environmental and other sustainability benefits, we introduced PPG Teslin Bio substrate in 2011 to help customers meet the growing demand for environmentally-responsible print and label applications. Independently tested to ASTM standard D5511, substantially all of Teslin Bio substrate will ultimately biodegrade into microbe-consumable particles and other naturally occurring substances when placed in landfill environments.

    Safety is another important aspect of sustainability, and it is the top priority for our company. Many of our industrial coatings customers are turning to Teslin substrate for product labels because it helps them enhance workplace safety by absorbing and dissipating static build-up generated during the labeling process.

    While we feel we have made strong sustainability progress, we are focused on continuously improving our processes and products to drive sustainable practices throughout the organization, and deliver sustainability benefits for our customers.

    You’ve been with PPG for almost 30 years and have no doubt seen a lot of changes in the company and the markets you serve – can you provide some thoughts on this?

    Over its rich history, PPG has introduced innovative paints, coatings and specialty materials that allow customers to be more efficient, effective and sustainable. We’ve also led technological change to meet customers’ growing desire and expectation for a seamless e-commerce experience.

    A great example of our focus on digital transformation is Paintzen, a business that I helped acquire and integrate during my time in PPG’s architectural coatings business. Paintzen is an on-demand painting service for homeowners to purchase paint, supplies and professional painting services online. In 2019, the business introduced PPG Services, a digitally-enabled service platform that makes it easy for businesses with multiple facilities across the US to identify and connect with professional painters. This new offering delivers on PPG’s promise to provide differentiated digital tools for customers and efficiently manage complex customer needs. This type of innovative thinking to ignite industry transformation is what I’ve challenged the Teslin substrate team to make happen for the segments and applications we serve.

    As much of your career has been in coatings – what differences and similarities do you see between coatings and labels and packaging?
    When I first came into my new role within PPG’s specialty coatings and materials business, what was shocking for me to learn was that the process to make Teslin substrate is nearly identical to the way we make PPG’s powder coatings.

    I’ve since come to the conclusion that a customer is a customer and that the sales process is the same whether you offer a service or a widget – it’s all about needs analysis and delivering value. I believe it’s critical we focus on developing genuine relationships with our customers because people buy from people.

    As a woman in a leadership position, what are your views on the power of diversity?
    Workforce diversity is another positive change that I’ve witnessed working in a global company over three decades. I’ve seen firsthand that teams with diverse sets of experiences and backgrounds perform better, and develop more creative, inclusive solutions.

    In fact, according to a January 2018 study by McKinsey titled “Delivering through Diversity,” companies in the top-quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 21% more likely to outperform on profitability and 27% more likely to have superior value creation. Likewise, companies in the top-quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity on executive teams were 33% more likely to have industry-leading profitability.

    When companies recruit, retain and promote a diverse workforce, the result is a wider array of experiences and backgrounds that help to inform better solutions to the challenges presented by a global economy. I believe that an ongoing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion can have a measurable positive impact on how they serve customers, and companies’ bottom lines.

    As business director, one of my roles is to energize, motivate and enable our talented people within the Teslin products business. I work every day to create a culture that allows our people to be their best selves at work. I believe you have to use trust as a foundation and to listen more than you talk. This proves that you value everyone’s unique perspective and it drives engagement.

    I’m also a big believer in the power of mentorship and preparing the next generation of diverse talent. I make it a point to mentor, especially women through PPG’s Women’s Leadership Network, on the countless opportunities available through a career in STEM.
    Suggested For You
    Mactac Mactac's Kevin Clunie joins TLMI panel
    MacDermid announces two new global sales roles MacDermid announces two new global sales roles
    Fortis Solutions Group acquires Total Label USA Fortis Solutions Group acquires Total Label USA
    Siegwerk partners with Kotkamills Siegwerk partners with Kotkamills
    Omet announces Spare Parts Department Omet announces Spare Parts Department
    Avery Dennison Smartrac introduces ultra-small  RAIN RFID inlays Avery Dennison Smartrac introduces ultra-small RAIN RFID inlays
    Fort Dearborn sets Speedmaster XL 106 impression world record Fort Dearborn sets Speedmaster XL 106 impression world record
    Italy Italy's Rifa Etichette installs Nilpeter FA-17
    Colordyne launches e-commerce website Colordyne launches e-commerce website
    Pacific Innovations installs Anycut III laser finisher Pacific Innovations installs Anycut III laser finisher
    Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements
    H.B. Fuller launches compostable adhesives for flexible packaging H.B. Fuller launches compostable adhesives for flexible packaging
    Dantex enters into distributor partnership with All Printing Resources Dantex enters into distributor partnership with All Printing Resources
    Nicolas Wiedmann takes over as new Siegwerk CEO Nicolas Wiedmann takes over as new Siegwerk CEO
    StickerGiant tabs Beth A. Smith as CEO StickerGiant tabs Beth A. Smith as CEO

    Related Online Exclusives

    • North America | Substrates | Sustainability
      Avery Dennison promotes sustainable initiatives

      Avery Dennison promotes sustainable initiatives

      The company's latest goals and product portfolios are designed to advance the circular economy.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.25.21

    • Digital Printing | Folding Carton | North America
      Midwestern converter expands with Xeikon

      Midwestern converter expands with Xeikon

      A supplier of labels, decals, magnets and signs, Stouse invested in the Xeikon 3500 digital press to move into folding cartons.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.22.21

    • Flexo Supplies | Flexography | North America | Prepress Supplies
      LMI Packaging enjoys successful partnership with APR

      LMI Packaging enjoys successful partnership with APR

      By teaming with APR, LMI will have access to MacDermid's wide range of flexo plates.
      03.16.21


    • Digital Printing | Flexography
      Gallus hosts successful virtual event

      Gallus hosts successful virtual event

      The event was highlighted by breakout sessions and live demonstrations.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.09.21

    • Digital Printing | Flexography
      MPS prepares for future of flexo

      MPS prepares for future of flexo

      With automated features and connectivity, the flexo press specialist is enhancing its product range for the next wave of flexo printers.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.08.21

    • North America
      Detailing the journey of the label business seller

      Detailing the journey of the label business seller

      L&NW sits down with Jack Farris to discuss the considerations, plans and expectations that must be in place when looking to sell your business.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.03.21


    • Ink and Coatings | North America | Pharmaceutical Labels
      Avery Dennison optimizes adhesives for pharmaceutical labeling

      Avery Dennison optimizes adhesives for pharmaceutical labeling

      The company’s wide range of products must perform in the most challenging environments.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 02.26.21

    • Dies And Tooling | Finishing | North America
      Wilson Manufacturing drives die development to assist label converters

      Wilson Manufacturing drives die development to assist label converters

      The supplier has engineered new flexible dies and a “digital” adjustable anvil roll system to further promote printing efficiency.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 02.22.21

    • Digital Printing | North America
      Domino details surge in variable data printing

      Domino details surge in variable data printing

      Label industry veteran Gary Peterson sits down with L&NW to discuss the changing needs of converters and the benefits of digital printing technology.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 02.17.21


    • North America | Smart Labels
      Online shopping necessitates RFID technology

      Online shopping necessitates RFID technology

      RFID and NFC have grown from use in the supply chain to driving more value for brands, retailers and consumers alike.
      David Savastano, Editor, Printed Electronics Now 02.03.21

    • North America | Security Labels
      Avery Dennison ramps up security labeling efforts

      Avery Dennison ramps up security labeling efforts

      The global COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for anti-tampering and track-and-trace features in packaging.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 01.27.21

    • North America
      Fathom Optics unleashes new technology targeting packaging industry

      Fathom Optics unleashes new technology targeting packaging industry

      The software produces impressive moving prints for applications such as prime labels, shrink sleeves, as well as product authentication.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 01.12.21


    • Flexible Packaging | Food Labels | Industrial Labels | Pressure Sensitive | Substrates

      'Laminate with Confidence' with Achem

      The overlamination film supplier is addressing the evolving market while adding durability and aesthetic appeal to labels and flexible packaging.
      L&NW Staff 01.05.21

    • North America | Substrates
      ATL Corp, Nova Label benefit from FLAG network

      ATL Corp, Nova Label benefit from FLAG network

      When a supplier was unable to meet an order, ATL Corp turned to Nova Label for help sourcing a holographic piggyback paper.
      L&NW Staff 01.04.21

    • North America
      L&NW

      L&NW's most read features in 2020

      A deep dive into tabletop digital printers was our most popular feature of the year.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 12.22.20


    Trending
    • Fortis Solutions Group Acquires Total Label USA
    • Siegwerk Partners With Kotkamills
    • VideoBite: Sun Chemical Drives Label And Packaging Innovation
    • Mactac's Kevin Clunie Joins TLMI Panel
    • VideoBite: Sun Chemical drives label and packaging innovation
    Breaking News
    • Dantex elevates Joseph Sanchez to digital business development manager
    • Mactac's Kevin Clunie joins TLMI panel
    • MacDermid announces two new global sales roles
    • Fortis Solutions Group acquires Total Label USA
    • Siegwerk partners with Kotkamills
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    March 2021

    • Anilox Rolls
    • Food Labels
    • Flexo Presses
    • Narrow Web Profile: Whitlam Group
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Kyowa Hakko Launches Heat-Treated Probiotic Strain for Eye Health
    CGA-7 Green Coffee Extract by Vidya Herbs Achieves Self-Affirmed GRAS Status
    Nutritional Complex Evidenced to Reduce Preterm Birth
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Chromaflo Technologies to Sponsor and Exhibit at the North American Pultrusion Conference 2021
    Barentz Expands Canadian CASE Team
    Shepherd Color Company Opens Sales Office in China
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    CMS Establishes New Payment for Pelvalon’s Eclipse System
    Varian, Google Cloud Partner to Bring Convenience to Cancer Therapy
    Resonetics Leases New Manufacturing Space in Costa Rica
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Frontage Expands Capabilities at its Clinical Site in Secaucus, NJ
    Ascendia Pharmaceuticals Poised for Expansion
    Bora Pharmaceuticals Adds Roller Compaction Capabilities
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Revlon Unveils New Fragrances Featuring Megan Thee Stallion & Sofia Carson
    Henkel Management Board Welcomes Wolfgang König
    Mielle Organics Gets a Major Investment
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Nature’s Beauty Debuts Vegan Natural Body Care at Walgreens
    Estée Lauder Expands Beautiful Fragrance Collection
    The Honest Company Files for IPO
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    SE-DA Invests in Kornit Presto S
    Kumon North America Adds Speedmaster XL 106 from Heidelberg
    Iron Oxide Pigments Market to Register 4.7% CAGR from 2021 to 2028: GVR
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Dantex elevates Joseph Sanchez to digital business development manager
    Mactac's Kevin Clunie joins TLMI panel
    MacDermid announces two new global sales roles
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Precision Textiles Offers Biodegradable Medical Fabric
    Northshore Launches Megamax Briefs in New Colors
    Essity Acquires Distribution Rights to Sorbact in Australia and New Zealand
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    New Biosealant Could Stabilize Cartilage, Boost Healing After Injury
    Google Executive Joins SeaSpine's Board of Directors
    HSS and LimaCorporate Open Provider-Based 3D Design and Printing Facility
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Tive Multi-sensor Tracker Solo 5G Relies on Sensirion SHT33
    VTT in 2020: Successful Year Despite Globally Challenging Times
    Lux Research: 3D Printing Market to Reach $51 Billion in 2030

    Copyright © 2021 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.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login