32 | Regulars / The Mike Fairley columnto attain quite good growth over the past Covid pandemic year and the problems that has created.However, that continuing growth is now being countered by signifcant and persistent self-adhesive materials shortages that – if the Ukraine confict continues without a successful resolution for any length of time – are likely to bring further supply chain disruptions during the second half of 2022.So, what are the key issues and messages that the label industry needs to take on board to continue creating a proftable future?Managing costsFirstly, rising and high energy costs are not going to go away any time soon. They are a big part of label production, with presses, ancillary equipment, heating, lighting, offces and distribution costs being a key element of label pricing. But are all these factors now being adequately updated and accounted for in the label costing and pricing process. If not, they need to be looked at urgently. The same applies to materials costs. Are higher materials prices being incorporated into costing and accounting systems quickly enough when they occur?Are there things that a label company can do to minimize or better manage manufacturing costs? Not leaving machines, computers, or electronic equipment on standby? Installing more wherever possible?energy effcient lighting? Provide lights that automatically turn Regular cleaning and planned maintenance of electrical and off in cloakrooms, restrooms, warehouses, etc, when not actually mechanical equipment will undoubtedly optimize its performance in use? Turn off, remove or reduce lighting in non-essential areas? and lifespan. Reduce the operating pressure of any air compressors Maybe one or two degrees lower on heating thermostats, perhaps and check for leakage and turn off when not in use. Another even installing a programmable ‘learning’ thermostat that will key point to consider is to make sure and involve the workforce, automatically adjust to the current temperature of the workplace emphasizing the importance of reducing energy consumption. and avoid energy wastage? Take advantage of off-peak periods Explain that savings can beneft the whole company, enabling Your label means everything...Don’t sacrifce superior resultsEven the smallest micron of dirt on your producton line can compromise your entre run. With efectve statc control and web cleaning equipment from Meech, both you and your customers can reap the benefts...info@meech.comImproved Quality Reduced Waste +1 (330) 564 2000Minimal Downtme Increased Proftability www.meech.com Greater Customer Satsfactonlabelsandlabeling.com