Flexo Forum Fervor

Published: July 01, 2009, By By Yolanda Simonsis, Associate Publisher/Editor

The hope of learning new strategies and technology that would sustain business despite a turbulent economy inspired approximately 1,200 fervent attendees to descend upon the Flexographic Technical Foundation's Flexo Forum 2009 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL, on May 3-5. Program chair Colleen Larkin Twomey of MacDermid Printing Solutions and co-chair Jean Engelke of Alcan Packaging executed an aggressive agenda focusing on “Navigating the Future of Flexo” that unequivocally expressed there was no time to waste: The future is now.

At the Forum

This year's attendees were favorably challenged to select among a diversity of intriguing subject matter that previous Flexo Forum attendees had identified as helpful to achieving objectives of efficiency, productivity, technology, and sustainability.

The opening day's program featured keynoter Dr. Jeff Rosensweig of Emory Univ.'s Goizueta Business School. He set the stage for the economic climate the country and converting industry can anticipate for the coming months as attendees warmed up to the idea of meeting challenges head on. His forecast: The US is the biggest economy and is expected to retain first place regardless of economic fluctuations. By 2020, GDP is expected to rise from its present $14 trillion to $20 trillion. Expect the economy to bottom out this year in October/November with a turnaround next year. Don't expect huge growth — maybe only 1% — but there will be growth nevertheless. Even at a 1% growth level for the 2010 GDP, it actually represents 4% or 5% growth from the -4% GDP for the Q1 2009 period.

Our biggest materials price hikes are behind us. Emerging markets will become our biggest competitors but will represent opportunities for partnerships as well.

Housing historically bounces back (and overcorrects) after a plunge, but continued population growth confirms the need for new homes. As inventories are reduced/exhausted, production will resume.

While emerging markets — especially India and Latin/South America — stand to become powerful economies, the US labor force will continue to grow and position itself as the leading, safe-harbor economy with continued investment here. Rosensweig emphasized: Just try to survive for the next year or two.

Flexo 'Round the World

The 'Round the World session, co-chaired by FTA's Mark Cisternino and Australian FTA/MacDermid Printing Solutions' Tony Dalleore, included an impressive roster of panelists. Procter & Gamble's Mike Ferrari suggested that navigating turbulent times would require the pursuit of leadership, passionate innovations, and partnerships that may hold all or part of the solution to help bring products to market faster. All will contribute to the “moment of truth” resulting in a consumer purchase.

Dalleore shared a video featuring leading flexographers who profiled a “down under” business landscape, supplemented with facts and figures. The value of the flexo market in Australia represents approximately $36.1 billion in annual sales and supports approximately 110,000 employees.

Some Aussie industry observations (many of which were remarkably consistent with trends in other geographic locations) in wide web include a recent contraction in size, shorter lead times and shorter runs, and market consolidation at the top end creating opportunities for smaller printers as print buyers look to expand supplier options.

In narrow web, runs are getting wider and running at faster speeds, and in-mold and shrink film labels are growing in popularity. Preprint has become a mature market.

Dr. Martin Dreher of DFTA (Germany), also a 'Round the World panelist, revealed that most German flex-pack applications are and will continue to be solvent-based with water-based technology replacing only a fraction of applications. He revealed that while enthusiasm for electron beam (EB) technology has cooled down somewhat, higher press speeds are still in demand, although this advantage seems to be negated with shorter press runs.