74 | Asia-Pacific market review“People and companies who still see the Asia Pacifc region as a dumping ground for inferior products will have diffculties fnding clients, as the converters in the region are supplying high-end quality packaging and continuously improving conditions and the quality of their output”According to XSYS, people and companies who still end-consumers and brand owners and sustainable future through responsible see the Asia Pacifc region as a dumping ground for now covers the entire label and print value sourcing and using sustainable materials. inferior products will have diffculties fnding clientschain. For PSG and its local customers, ‘Some companies have also committed there is a requirement to use sustainable to being carbon neutral in the next three hand, thinks that introducing higher levels products, reduce waste and lower energy to fve years. Thai KK is also committed to of automation into the production process consumption. driving sustainability goals by implementing can help alleviate some of these issues, ‘We expect to see a further transition eco-friendly packaging across all businesses which will no doubt continue to trouble towards recycled materials in labels,’ states while also focusing on developing recyclable the region, and the world, over the next Jane Tan of PSG. ‘Consequently, we work and linerless labeling solutions,’ adds few years. He thinks that minimizing closely with our primary suppliers to test Uvimolchai. waste, removing manual intervention, and develop new products to meet these and reducing the total cost of ownership requirements. Our leading suppliers are What does the future hold? is now conditional to successfully based in Europe, where these processes are One of the dominant trends in mature operating in the packaging industry more advanced. PSG constantly reviews packaging markets is M&A activity. The and future-proofng businesses.ways of reducing waste and increasing APAC region is no different. In line with automation prediction, effciency. Earlier in 2022, we installed solar ‘We are seeing M&A activity changing Luster’s Carrie Duan sees the future in batteries at our Thailand factory to save the customer landscape in the APAC and quality control level, production effciency, costs and reduce carbon emissions.’ contributing further to global industry and reduced costs. ‘Currently, most ‘The demand is real, and the APAC region consolidation. There are now fewer small companies are still using manual quality is not different,’ agrees Voyantic’s Ainasoja. and medium-sized printers active in the checks. However, more companies are ‘The drive towards better sustainability market than were present 10 years ago, and seeking more smart, automatic and effcient originates from consumers and known this trend is expected to continue,’ confrms solutions, not only for the top player but overconsumption of earth resources. Brand Jane Tan of PSG. ‘For us, it presents both also middle to small-sized companies,’ says owners forward the demand to their label challenges and opportunities. Challenges Duan. ‘Our high-speed and zero-defect suppliers. Supply chains, including labels, are are associated with the need to meet global print inspection system will greatly reduce global, and creating sustainable products best practices of customers and additional customer investment, and we will continue and supply chains is a globally shared topic.’ requirements on product consistency across to introduce new products with the best Broader environmental, social and different regions. Ultimately for PSG, this total cost of ownership by combining our governance subjects have also become has led to longer testing and trailing periods accumulated experience in AI and industrial a signifcant priority for customers for some products and additional cost and vision inspection with the advantages of and businesses in the APAC region in supply chain pressures.’ China’s mature upstream supply chain.’recent years. As Domino see it, the future lies in Univacco’s sales manager, Patrick ‘As a responsible business ourselves, inkjet as it offers local businesses to Lee, bets on sustainability trends being the new Sandon Global facility is only operate more fexibly, effciently, cost- predominant in the region following the fractionally away from being carbon effectively, sustainably, and with shorter American and European markets, which are neutral,’ notes Roberts. ‘We can supply 50 lead times, ultimately driving up their seen as leaders of sustainability and carbon percent of our energy requirement through return on investment and digital product footprint topics. photovoltaic solar panels when weather development and growth. Perhaps the best future trends conclusion conditions are favorable.’ ‘We strongly believe that the APAC region comes from Arnon Goldman, who thinks Many businesses in the labeling and will adopt hybrid technology in a big way, that there are several categories at tipping packaging market in the region have which means that we will have to stay points for our industry, like digital adoption, embraced sustainability on many levels. very close to our customers and partners sustainability, automation, personalization, Thai listed frms remain the regional to help them choose the right solution for e-commerce and growth in packaging. leaders in their commitment to sustainable their specifc needs,’ answers Mark Andy’s ‘Print is positioned at the intersection development, with 24 Thai companies, the Chmielewska-Bontron. ‘It’s impossible to between many interesting segments of highest number in ASEAN, joining the Dow paint an accurate picture for such a large big logistics and operations and rush for Jones Sustainability Index, proving their geographic area – different countries have more creative solutions where our PSPs can focus on driving different requirements, priorities, pressures, plan key roles with new business models,’ toward a more and fnancial capabilities. It’s not a one concludes Goldman. positive and size fts all situation – but with our diverse portfolio of technology, both fexo and Labelexpo Southeast Asia digital, we are confdent that there is a returns to Bangkok from 9-11 Mark Andy press to suit all applications.’February. For more information, Roy Schoettle of XSYS, on the other visit www.labelexpo-seasia.com