Gred Hrinya, Editor04.03.20
Under normal circumstances, I would be packing my bags to hit the road numerous times in the upcoming months. The warm weather brings about any number of hallmark events in our industry, where we receive the latest and greatest product information. However, the current circumstances are anything but normal. Instead, I am left writing updates on event cancellations and issuing supplier statements on how their businesses are managing during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. This disease has ravaged societies across the globe, leaving many of us housebound as we await the next steps.
At Rodman Media, the parent company of Label & Narrow Web, we are safely working from home, adhering to the mandate set forth by the Governor of New Jersey. However, for our industry, the reality is that very few people have that luxury. Labels and packaging require manufacturing, meaning people need to be in the facility operating a range of presses and ancillary equipment. Operators cannot run their presses from home. We are so appreciative for all those industry members heading into work every day in order to keep the supply chain moving.
The label and packaging world must not be forgotten during the spread of the coronavirus, either. Our industry is continuing to provide the materials necessary for the products flying off the shelves. Foods, pharmaceuticals, cleaning and sanitation products, and others lean on the label to inform consumers. In the case of food, the packaging often plays a large role in extending the shelf life of the product – a critical function with so many of us stationed at home.
In my previous editorial, I talked about how the people are the greatest part of our industry. That is on full display right now. Society is incredibly fortunate to have people selflessly heading into work each day, working around the clock to ensure that products continue reaching the shelves.
While a percentage of us are capable of working from home, we should still be cognizant of the opportunity to give back and support those in less advantageous circumstances. For those of us in a situation to do so, consider donating to the Red Cross or local charities. Currently, the Red Cross is seeing a severe blood shortage, and donors are needed. Also consider donating or patronizing local community businesses in dire need of assistance.
We all have our part to play in getting past this pandemic. Here’s hoping it passes as quickly as it came, and that we’ll all be discussing the next wave of technology at an upcoming event.
Greg Hrinya, Editor
ghrinya@rodmanmedia.com
At Rodman Media, the parent company of Label & Narrow Web, we are safely working from home, adhering to the mandate set forth by the Governor of New Jersey. However, for our industry, the reality is that very few people have that luxury. Labels and packaging require manufacturing, meaning people need to be in the facility operating a range of presses and ancillary equipment. Operators cannot run their presses from home. We are so appreciative for all those industry members heading into work every day in order to keep the supply chain moving.
The label and packaging world must not be forgotten during the spread of the coronavirus, either. Our industry is continuing to provide the materials necessary for the products flying off the shelves. Foods, pharmaceuticals, cleaning and sanitation products, and others lean on the label to inform consumers. In the case of food, the packaging often plays a large role in extending the shelf life of the product – a critical function with so many of us stationed at home.
In my previous editorial, I talked about how the people are the greatest part of our industry. That is on full display right now. Society is incredibly fortunate to have people selflessly heading into work each day, working around the clock to ensure that products continue reaching the shelves.
While a percentage of us are capable of working from home, we should still be cognizant of the opportunity to give back and support those in less advantageous circumstances. For those of us in a situation to do so, consider donating to the Red Cross or local charities. Currently, the Red Cross is seeing a severe blood shortage, and donors are needed. Also consider donating or patronizing local community businesses in dire need of assistance.
We all have our part to play in getting past this pandemic. Here’s hoping it passes as quickly as it came, and that we’ll all be discussing the next wave of technology at an upcoming event.
Greg Hrinya, Editor
ghrinya@rodmanmedia.com