New technologies aren't relevant if you can't provide a customer solution," advised Labelexpo Americas 2002 keynoter Christian Simcic. His upbeat and intelligent message, "Global Trends and Market Influences Affecting the Labeling Industry," was delivered to a SRO crowd Sept. 10.

Simcic, a 23-year veteran of the label and narrow-web industry, is group vice president of Avery Dennison Roll Materials Worldwide.

The premise, says Simcic, is to "stimulate your thinking and—more important—to stimulate action. Customer requirements for faster delivery, lower cost and higher quality are permanent. Customers also require shorter runs due to SKU expansion, customization trends, and drive to lower their inventories."

Acknowledging the incomparable contributions of company founder Stan Avery, Simcic outlined issues such as improved printing and diecutting methods that enable packagers to use a wide variety of label shapes and graphic designs. Innovative materials provide packagers with substrates that can be printed, dispensed and squeezed in new ways.

With more than 15 trillion sq in. of pressure-sensitive product consumed in 2001, p-s technology is now an integral part of packaging and labeling in every region of the world, Simcic says.

Commenting on global reach, Simcic explained that it's important to think in terms of trade zones, such as NAFTA in North America, EEC in Europe, ASEAN in Asia or Mercosur in Latin America, because the import duties into and within these zones have a significant impact on market dynamics. China and India are great emerging markets, he says, and with 2.2 billion people, they represent a huge potential customer base for the next 25 years.

Simcic challenged his Labelexpo audience to help reinvigorate the industry. His personal agenda, he said after the address, is one that pursues listening seriously to customers. Avery does this through Innovation Days when R&D staff meets with customers and the customers' customers. He also encourages using the resources and expertise of suppliers and streamlining supply chains.

Growth, productivity and people are important in Simcic's world. He says, "What's wonderful about this industry is that I can't think of a single [customer] industry that has nothing to do with us."

Labelexpo Americas was "the most successful ever," according to Event Director Roger Pellow of show organizer Tarsus Group plc. A total of 458 companies exhibited, including 65 for the first time. Audited visitor attendance reached 12,424, and more than 540 delegates also took part in the concurrent conference program sponsored by TLMI.

Mark your calendars: The next Labelexpo Americas will be held Sept. 14-16, 2004, at the Stephens Convention Ctr. in Rosemont, IL.