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associations and FINAT are working to find a reliable method of
creating a central bank of information through input and
updates from local associations, coupled with regular,
harmonised reporting to the members on activity across
Europe’s regions.
‘Everyone,’ says FINAT MD
Jules Lejeune
, ‘is aware of the
importance and intrinsic value of recycling – but business and
economic considerations get in the way, particularly for release
liner collection from retailers and brand owners. This is an area
where label converters and supplier members need to work at a
local level, in view of the existing base of local regulations – but
local actions and experience, shared with other regions, could
help create a cohesive pan-European plan. The NAB is very keen
to drive progress, and to develop initiatives that can be
replicated across Europe’s label industry.’
The newest legislation of concern because of its possible
implications for paper-based products is the EU Timber
Regulation (EUTR), which obliges companies to undertake due
diligence if they are bringing timber-based products into Europe.
It is an example of how to put FINAT’s pan-European focus to
good use. Some national associations felt they needed details
– and the FINAT Secretariat’s Public Affairs Manager Mark
Macaré was able to provide the necessary input – without
involving national association personnel in any research or
additional costs.
Also of current concern across Europe are the new requirements
for food labelling, which span a number of issues, including the
provision of food information to consumers and its impact on
multilayer labels/leaflet labels, cross-contamination and
food-safe inks. This is another area where Mark Macaré has
developed in-depth expertise – and he has recently canvassed all
the national associations for their views on the legislation and
any adverse effects it may have on their business, particularly in
terms of their own region. ‘I’ve also asked them whether they
believe this is an arena where FINAT should take action in
Brussels’, he says.
Via the FINAT e-newsletter, Mark also provides regular bi-weekly
updates on ongoing environmental and regulatory affairs and
was pleased to brief all stakeholders (including the national
associations) involved in the Packaging and Packaging Waste
Directive lobby, of the successful final outcome for release liner
and self-adhesive labels.
As Jules Lejeune comments: ‘European legislation and
compliances today – particularly in relation to environmental
and health and safety matters – are muddy waters. The value
of a central information resource that’s both expert and
up-to-the-minute cannot be overstated. We realise that it’s
difficult for individual companies to devote the necessary time
introduced a ‘seal of quality’ for label
converter member companies; a working
party on food contact labelling; and a
broader base for its statistics. NAB
member
Kaj Flick
, Secretary General of
the Swedish Label Association (SLA),
highlights the association’s local initiative
to develop an industry benchmarking and indexing analysis to
monitor costs for self-adhesive materials. ‘We have also,’ he
says, ‘developed delivery terms for the label industry, a guide
for customers on the industry’s business, and plans for training
for professional qualification for label printers.’
Every NAB agenda itemmust therefore take into account not
only the local and regional modus operandi and preferences,
but also any macro legislation and recommendations at a
European, and sometimes global level. Because FINAT
membership spans the entire supply chain, the scope of that
agenda is particularly wide-reaching. The FINAT Secretariat’s
dedicated team handles the ‘back office’ tasks of receiving
input from the national associations, researching, and
reporting back so that the national associations, jointly and
severally, can provide the support to their members – in
particular, the extensive base of self-adhesive label converters
who are the core of the industry.
While the language differences across Europe make it
important that interaction begins at a local level, FINAT
publications – particularly the Technical Handbook and the
Test Methods – are the European industry standards, and
required reading at all levels. Europe’s label converters and
suppliers can in many cases now access this invaluable
information in their own languages as well as in English.
THE
ENVIRONMENT
,
HEALTH
AND
SAFETY
Recycling remains a topic right at the top of the agenda, for
everyone working in the industry. Currently, the national
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FINAT YEARBOOK
2013
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