Finat releases ELF 2022 program

The 2022 edition of the ELF is Finat’s first live event since June 2019. The 2020 edition had been canceled, while the ELF 2021 had to take place entirely online due to the Covid19 pandemic restrictions.

‘Since we launched the new conference format in 2015, the European Label Forum has developed into the annual executive summit for the European label community, where business leaders from the value chain gather to network, learn and engage in dialogue on matters of strategic importance to the industry,’ commented Jules Lejeune, managing director of Finat.

‘A lot has changed since the pandemic in the way organizations connect, communicate and collaborate, and Finat is no exception. But one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s the need for in-person contact to establish and maintain connections, build relationships and develop a mutual understanding. Without networking, informal discussions, and non-verbal communication, the world will remain a passive 2D experience. After three years of forced inactivity, our members are desperate to meet each other again and renew their contacts with peers from around Europe, especially now that Labelexpo Europe has been postponed. We have made sure to select a venue that has proven to provide the right setting to create the conditions for positive business dynamics,’ added Lejeune.

The ELF 2022 comes when the European label industry faces crucial short- and medium-term challenges. In the early months of the pandemic, back in 2020, the label industry passed the stress test of excess demand combined with disruptions in raw materials supply and workforce availability. In 2021, the sector peaked again because of the rapid economic recovery following the Covid recession.

In 2022, the sector is facing an unprecedented perfect storm of shortages of components, raw materials, and consumables, compounded by local strikes; shortages of skilled labor and talent ready for the digital transformation accelerated consolidation combined with abundant capital availability and succession challenges; opportunities and challenges associated with changing consumer behavior and e-commerce; the challenges of Industry 4.0 and Big Data; the EU Green Deal and its associated tsunami of legislation, regulations and industry guidelines to advance the transition towards the circular economy; and, since the end of February, the global political and economic uncertainty associated with the war in Ukraine.

This year’s program brings together six expert panels and numerous expert presentations addressing the above topics. These formats allow for maximum interaction and exchange for all participants.

‘The primary role of Finat has always been to provide a meeting platform for members and to support members by addressing matters that cannot be tackled individually. We are at a crucial turning point, and our industry must stand together and leverage our collective know-how and expertise and navigate the future of labels. If there was ever a reason to attend the European Label Forum, it is in June 2022. I look forward to seeing everyone in Baveno,’ concluded Philippe Voet, president of Finat.