Read the March 18th, 2025 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.
March 18th, 2025 Newsletter
Category: GBIG News
De Pere Tour April 10th
De Pere Tour on April 10th Schedule
We have set up the De Pere Tour on April 10th from 9:00 to 4:00 p.m. followed by a networking event at the Chicago Street Pub in De Pere starting at 4:00 p.m. We are limited to forty people at each facility for the tour! We require safety glasses, hairnets, and closed-toed shoes. We can provide them unless you have your own! Therefore, if you are interested, we need you to confirm the specific tour that you want to join! We require that you register by going to:www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com events and sign up for the FREE EVENT. Please email me at martinpochs@gmail.com of your choices of the tours. Understand, once we reach forty people, we can no longer accommodate you!
- 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. FyterTech 2121 American Boulevard Ste. B. De Pere, WI 54115
- 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Belmark 600 Heritage Road De Pere, WI 55115
- 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Independent Printing and Packaging 1801 Lawrence Dr. De Pere, WI 54115
- 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bayside Machine Corporation 2257 American Blvd De Pere, WI 54115
- 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Seaway Printing 2812 American Blvd. De Pere, WI 54115
- 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Neway Packaging 1882 Commerce Dr. De Pere, WI 54115
- 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Networking Event at the Chicago Street Pub. 875 Heritage Rd. De Pere, WI 54115, open to ALL to join us for a fun evening!
March 12th, 2025 Newsletter
Read the March 12th, 2025 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.
March 10th, 2025 Expo Recap Newsletter
Read the March 10th, 2025 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.
GBIG NEWS | 72 Stories and Links on the Internet 03/12/2025
GBIG News
Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news sponsors. Our goal is to remind the decision-makers in Wisconsin of the importance of our industry both historically, and more importantly, into the future.
Read the latest 72 Stories and Links on the Internet below.
Featured Stories
- Lawmakers, loggers long for Trump-driven revival of Wyoming’s dying timber industry – WyoFile
- Drew Gardner new CEO on the path that brought him to Finch Paper and his plan for the company.
- Lakeside Packaging in Oshkosh selling works of art by special needs
- MSU: New research certain packaging materials can show 70% lower emissions than alternatives
- SC paper maker investing $145 million in equipment upgrades helping job!
- Disturbing discovery human brains are filling up with microplastics and it may be causing dementia
- How the Pulp and Paper Industry is driving sustainable change
- US voters support reduce single use plastic
- Rockline Industries celebrates safety milestone in manufacturing
- UW Stout Packaging collaborate with UW Eau Claire to improve patient safety environmental sustainability, and efficiency.
- Spunlace Market Report moving towards sustainability.
- Markets predicts major growth in hybrid printing
- Clearwater Paper eliminates 200 jobs in cost cutting
- ND Paper to restart pm25 at the Biron, WI mill
Packaging
- The Packaging Market to grow to $297.6 billion by 2029 driven by food delivery and take-a-way services
- Packaging and Labels power future expansion
- Snack food packaging market to top $25 billion.
- Green NEW World in cannabis label and packaging.
- Top Packaging Industrial Marketing Analysts with top packaging companies located in Wisconsin
- Packaging Mergers and Acquisitions 2025 outlook.
Sustainability
- Kraft paper a sustainable packaging solution
- Amcor partners with Avantium to advance sustainable packaging
- Coca-Cola attempts to hold itself accountable for sustainability.
- Sustainable Manufacturing reduce waste, grow profits with expert insight.
- Ahlstrom to provide product specific carbon footprint life cycle assessment tool empowering sustainability
PFAS
- Researchers discover simple solutions to break down forever chemicals
- Breaking down indestructible technologies target pfas.
- Why EPA set Federal drinking water limits for these health harming contaminants…pfas
- pfas found in Wisconsin residents
- How a California city got pfas out of their water
- New silk cellulose water filter blocks forever chemicals metals.
- Freshwater undergraduate pfs research – UW Stevens Point AND UW Milwaukee
- What’s next for packaging certification pfas plastics
- New Technologies could help destroy persistent forever chemicals
- pfas hot spots in US
Water
- Great Lakes are running quite a bit warmer than normal.
- High-school students want to keep trash out of the Great Lakes and rivers are the key.
- Algae blooms appear in Lake Superior for the first time in history.
- NASA Satellites revel abrupt drop in fresh water levels
- Drinkable water scarcity out of thin air
- Coalition of groups call for nearly $1 Billion Investment for Safe Drinking Water
Sponsors
- BradyPlus: Do more with Less – Boosting Grocery Store Efficiency in Every Aisle
- Domino: Improving Printing Sustainability with Digital Technology
- Pixelle advanced barrier coatings
- Fox Valley Wood Products: Stay lean and efficient
- Amundsen Davis elevates seven attorneys to partner
- First Business Bank asset based lending
- McAdams Graphics Labels Branding Solutions that Stick.
- Zeta Group Engineering level of collaboration between humans and robots
- Wikoff Driving Sustainability in Label Printing.
- Ox Industries expands Aurora, ILl.plant to service the Midwest.
Labels and Packaging: In Beta Mode and Cooler Than You Think!
Press ready, for the future.
When you think about industries shaping the world, the label and packaging industry is not the first thing that comes to mind for most people — but it should be. Why? Labels are everywhere. They are all around us and used by most every business. They are essential! From your favorite snack & drink, to medicine, and tech gadgets, labels keep products fresh, organized, branded, and ready for you.
If you have ever thought about finding a career that is fun, creative and “future-ready,” the label and packaging industry is exactly what you are looking for. Let us break it down.
A Brief History: From Mom-and-Pop Shops to Industry Giants
The pressure-sensitive label (PSL) industry started in the 1930s when Stan Avery invented the first self-adhesive label. It was paper with sticky backing. That simple yet genius invention completely changed the packaging game, helping businesses label products like food and beverage containers faster and more efficiently than ever before.
At first, small family-owned companies dominated the scene, printing labels for local stores and businesses. In the 1950’s flexographic printing made it possible to print on a wider range of pressure sensitive materials. Label markets expanded into various industries. Each industry developed specialized applications with specific adhesive & material combinations and demand exploded.
Today, companies like Avery Dennison (yes, Stan Avery) Mactac, and Green Bay Packaging supply innovative materials to label printers and converters. Printing and converting label companies like CCL, MCC, Fortis Solutions Group, Outlook Group and Belmark have become industry giants that continue to grow in volumes, revenues, and technologies. The labeling industry continues to push the boundaries of sustainability, innovations, and capabilities.
Why the Label Industry is Super Cool (and Super Stable)
If you have ever scanned a barcode, ordered something online, or purchased a product at retail — congratulations, you have experienced the magic of pressure-sensitive labels.
This is part of what makes this industry so cool — labels are everywhere. And since they are essential in every industry, the demand never stops.
The label world is not just about slapping stickers on stuff. It is about combining art, science, and technology to create something functional and attractive. Whether it is a killer label on your favorite energy drink, a tamper-evident seal on medication, or a high-tech RFID label for inventory control, the industry is bursting with creativity and innovation.
The label and packaging industry is stable. Businesses and consumers will always need labels and packaging; therefore, it is a career path you can invest yourself in and rely on despite what happens in the economy, especially in the press room. Remember 2020, eh-gads?! The entire world shutdown, yet label and packaging presses roared on!
Where Are Labels Used? (Spoiler: Literally Everywhere)
You may not notice labels much, but they are a part of your daily life. Larger market segments that use a high volume of labels include:
- Food & Beverages: From produce to meats, dairy, snacks, and frozen meals — they all need labels. All beverages, juices, water, energy drinks use labels to display the brand and provide the facts: ingredients, nutrition, allergens — the works. Think about it, everyone must eat and drink!
- Pharma & Healthcare: Prescription bottles, over-the-counter meds, vitamins — they all rely on labels for safety, dosage instructions, and tamper-proofing. Every person on the planet gets sick and most are seeking to stay healthy.
- Retail & E-commerce: Every pressure sensitive prime label at retail has a barcode to scan. Online shopping? Labels make shipping and inventory happen. UPS, FedEx, USPS all run on labels, labels, labels. Welcome to “Scan City”!
- Personal Care & Beauty: Shampoo, makeup, skincare, lip balm, lotions — labels not only make these products stand out with pizazz, but they also tell what is inside and display how to use instructions.
- Warehousing & Supply Chain: Barcodes and RFID labels make tracking packages and managing inventory fast and accurately.
These are just a few market examples and there are many more that use labels: automotive, aviation, hardware, appliances, apparel, software, direct mail, nutraceutical, confections, wine & spirits, you get the idea— everywhere you look, there is a label doing its job.
The Future of Labels: Sustainability Meets Smart Technology
One of the coolest things about this industry is it is constantly evolving. Sustainability is a huge focus, companies are going green, developing recyclable labels, eco-friendly adhesives, and waste-reducing processes.
Labels are also getting smarter with QR codes, RFID tags, and NFC chips. Now brand marketers can connect directly with their consumers, engaging them with individual experiences. You can use your mobile phone to scan a QR code on a package and instantly watch a video, learn about the company, receive coupons, or how to recycle the packaging. Labels and packaging are more than product identification — they are interactive tools.
Careers in Labels and Packaging
There is a place for you if you are into graphic design, technology, sustainability, engineering, package design, working with your hands, printing, colors, marketing, problem-solving, or supply chain. This field provides thrilling career opportunities and influences product presentation globally.
It is more than a manufacturing gig — it is about solving client challenges, creating products that jump off the shelf, and helping brands tell their story.
The label industry is strong, robust, and growing. As long as products exist, they will need labels and packaging, which means job stability, career growth, and endless opportunities to innovate and make a real impact.
Final Thoughts — Packaging ROCKS!
The label and packaging industry is fun, one of the coolest, most creative, and essential industries on planet earth. It touches every product you see and every business.
It is the perfect place for the next generation of talent — aka, you!!!
So, next time you see a label on your favorite drink or scan a barcode at the store, think about the people, the “superstars” behind it—and consider being one of them.
The industry is ready for you to “glow-up” your career and make your mark.
AJ Buran
262-370-9563
AJBuran@outlook.com
linkedin.com/in/ajburan
35 years in printing and packaging
McClone Insurance: Why Environmental Concerns Might Be Your Biggest Risk!
Nonattainment Zone in Southeast Wisconsin
Effective January 16, 2025, southeastern Wisconsin, including parts of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha, Racine, Sheboygan, and Kenosha counties, is designated to be classified as a nonattainment area for the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). This designation means that businesses in these areas must adhere to stricter air quality regulations to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). I am NOT an expert on the science behind this or the necessity of these standards, but this does pose a major risk to businesses in the region as it will likely bring stricter regulation, which has shown to hinder small to medium-sized organizations disproportionately to larger organizations. Here is a crash course to what this could mean for certain organizations.
What are VOCs and NOx?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that easily vaporize at room temperature. They are commonly found in solvents, paints, adhesives, cleaning products and detergents.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): These are gases produced from the reaction between nitrogen and oxygen during combustion processes. NOx contributes to air pollution and the formation of smog and acid rains and contributes to ozone depletion.
Industries likely to be producing VOCs and NOx
- Chemical Manufacturing processes: Production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. Emissions of VOCs from solvents, adhesives, and coatings
- Petroleum Refining: Refining crude oil into petroleum products can emit VOCs and NOx from storage tanks, equipment leaks, and combustion.
- Automotive Manufacturing: Vehicle production involving paints, coatings, and solvents emitting VOCs from paints and solvents; NOx from combustion engines.
- Metal Processing: Welding, cutting, and surface coating in metal fabrication, concerns around emitting VOCs and NOx from various metalworking activities.
- Food and Beverage Processing: Use of cleaning agents, solvents, and fermentation, which can emit VOCs from cleaning agents and fermentation processes
- Electronics Manufacturing: Production of electronic components and devices can emit VOCs from solvents and chemicals used in manufacturing.
- Printing and Packaging: Use of inks, adhesives, and coatings, concerns around emissions of significant amounts of VOCs from printing and packaging operations.
Permitting Requirements in Nonattainment Areas
Businesses in nonattainment areas that are considered major sources of VOCs and NOx must abide by specific permitting requirements to ensure compliance with air quality standards. Key aspects include:
1) Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR): A business must apply for permits before major changes to operations. This program applies to new major sources or major modifications at existing sources. It requires:
- Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER): The most stringent emission limitation achieved in practice or included in any state implementation plan
- Emission Offsets: New or modified sources must obtain emission reductions from existing sources to offset their emissions, ensuring a net air quality benefit
- Public Involvement: Opportunities for public comment and participation in the permitting process
2) Major Source Thresholds: The threshold for what constitutes a major source of emissions is lower in nonattainment areas. For example, in southeastern Wisconsin, the major source threshold for VOC and NOx emissions is reduced from 100 tons to 50 tons per year.
3) Emission Offsets Ratios: The offset ratio in southeastern Wisconsin is increased from 1.15:1 to 1.2:1, meaning businesses must reduce emissions by more than they emit.
Consequences of Noncompliance
Failure to comply with nonattainment area regulations can result in significant consequences for businesses, including:
- Fines and Penalties: Businesses may face substantial fines and penalties for violating air quality regulations
- Operational Restrictions: Noncompliant businesses may be subject to operational restrictions, including limitations on production or mandatory shutdowns until compliance is achieved
- Loss of Federal Funding: Nonattainment areas that fail to meet air quality standards may lose eligibility for certain federal projects or contracts.
- Reputation Damage: Noncompliance can harm a business’s reputation, leading to potential loss of customers and negative public perception
Increasing Regulation Concerns
As regulations become more stringent, businesses in nonattainment areas will face growing challenges. Compliance with these regulations often requires significant investment in new technologies and processes to reduce emissions. While many are still pushing back on this new development, if fully implemented, it is likely to increase operational costs and red tape for businesses looking to grow and expand in Wisconsin.
For existing companies in this region, it will likely take some time before they must be 100% compliant and many are still fighting this. The main argument outside of the economic concerns seems to revolve around whether the data is accurate pertaining to this problem. I am not going to weigh into that here, but this is something businesses need to be aware of in order to prevent further limitations on growth.
SPL Consulting: It’s a great time to printing!
It’s a Great Time to be in Printing!
As companies strategize on how to compete in rapidly changing market conditions, they are trying to look into the crystal ball to see what the future holds.
The digital, packaging and inkjet printing technology segments have experienced growth through 2024. Smithers, a printing market research firm, shared in The Future of Printing to 2029 that this growth trend is poised to continue into 2029.
Let’s break it down
The most significant growth is expected to come from the packaging and label printing sector, as digital printing allows for greater customization and shorter print runs, ideal for diverse product variations and on-demand needs. Digitally printed labels increased by 10% in 2024. Increased demand for personalized products across various industries will drive further adoption of digital printing, enabling customized designs on packaging and marketing materials.
There are those that think flexographic printing is a thing of the past. Not so. Flexographic printing is and is still predicted to be the largest print sector. Advances in plate materials, ink delivery systems and improved registration tolerances make this method of printing a mainstay well into the future.
Technology advances are also fueling growth in the digital space at a very fast pace. Higher speeds, better print quality and are making this technology attractive in many markets. The most notable growth area is in packaging. Flexible packaging and pouches are replacing many of the traditional rigid packaging methods at a growth rate above 20%. Front-end graphics automation engines are doing a tremendous amount to simplify workflows with repeatable and scalable process flows in all printing technologies.
Robotics continue to make advances into material handling, cartoning, and palletizing in packaging and label manufacturing. Improvements have been made in replacing the need for complex programming of motion and activities. Programming that used to take significant amounts of time and required a skilled programmer, can now be completed in seconds. By manually moving the robotic arm in the motions and locations needed, “programming” to apply carton labels can be completed in seconds!
Green Bay Innovation Group is continuing to expand it’s presence in the greater Midwest supporting innovation, in the paper, packaging, printing, converting, and supporting industries. Wisconsin, Illionis, Iowa and Minnesota are home to over 357 printers with narrow and wide web flexo reaching a total of 269!
These demographics, advances in technology and market trends combine to make it a great time to be in printing!
Brian Van de Water
CEO
SPL Consulting, LLC
brian@splconsultingllc.com
20th Annual Sustainable Forestry Conference Florence
It is that time of year again when we are planning the Annual Sustainable Forestry Conference to take place in Florence, WI on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. It is our 20th Anniversary!Brochures will be coming out Mid-Late February. Hope to see you there.
Keller, Inc. to Build for Nercon
Keller, Inc. has been chosen as the Architect and General Contractor/Builder on a 1,500 sq. ft. remodel project for Nercon located at 1023 Superior Avenue in Oconto, Wisconsin. Nercon is a past Keller, Inc. customer who requested a remodel of their 2nd floor to renovate for a fitness room, office and training space for their employees. The project will help Nercon better serve their employees, as the idea for the remodel came from an employee survey. The project will start this summer and be complete in the fall.
For more information on Keller, Inc., Top Metal Builder in the Nation as reported by “Metal Construction News”, visit www.kellerbuilds.com.
