Our team has been travelling the world, working trade shows, checking out conventions and, most importantly, talking to the industry to learn more about what converters need to grow their businesses.

All in one week, we had team members in Las Vegas at Pack Expo, where they learned about the latest innovations in flexible packaging; and another team working our booth at Labelexpo Europe in Brussels, discussing advancements in label printing and flexible packaging.

“With these two teams in two parts of the world, we heard the same message impacting both the packaging and labeling markets — and that message is sustainability,” says Ralph Giammarco, S-OneLP VP. “We’ve had fleeting waves of interest in sustainability before, but this time, we’re seeing a real excitement and passion for finally making a substantial change. And the demand for it is coming from all sides — consumers, brands and converters — who all want to make a difference.”

Even last month, at Natural Products East in Baltimore, an event that focuses more on products and less on the packaging, we were told: “No one wants to talk about packaging that goes into a landfill.”

While at Labelexpo Europe, the S-OneLP team featured our Sustainable ByDesign product portfolio with includes full solutions for creating either recyclable or compostable flexible packaging. The product line includes flexible packaging pre-laminated films for surface printing, coatings, fitments like zippers and finishing equipment utilizing eBeam technology to retain the package’s sustainability.

Another big topic for label printers is finding a quick, easy and cost-effective solution for increasing the durability of labels — especially those that need to withstand heat, cold, water, chemicals and extreme friction in transport.

HP invited S-OneLP to display information about the HP Pack Ready for Labels solution, which includes an additive, which is mixed with an over-print varnish. After testing and trial runs, the preferred formula is 1 part Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener to 9 parts S-OneLP KustomLP KKLP OPV in gloss or matte.

“Early this year, HP recognized S-OneLP as an HP Indigo Media Solutions Partner, and we’ve continued to grow our partnership,” Giammarco says. “We’re honored to have played a part in HP’s booth discussions for truly viable solutions for today’s label printers.”

Joining us in the HP booth was our partners at VerifyMe, who showcased their security inks and track-and-trace system for product packaging authentication. We also announced an agreement with Cellcoat to bring the T14 13-inch thermal laminator to market.

Where will S-OneLP be next? You can catch us at Printing United Oct. 23-25 in Dallas in booth #6810, where we’ll be discussing flexible packaging and coatings for commercial printers. Don’t miss it!

And if you want to learn more about our Sustainable ByDesign product line and where sustainable packaging is headed next, listen to our podcast, PrimeTime with S-OneLP.