Fighting the real enemy

We’ve just returned from Chicago and the annual International Metal Decorator’s Association’s (IMDA) annual conference. The highlight of course was Tuesday’s golf day, where the CanTech team managed to card a rather lacklustre 10 over par – we blamed the jet lag of course, rather than lack of golfing ability. I fared rather better in the raffle mind you, winning a rather nice bottle of 12 year old Glenmorangie.

The event organisers must be commended for the way it challenges the industry to provide in-depth feedback at regular intervals during the show. I really wish some of the larger shows would take note of how first and foremost, it’s a show for its members and customers, so they endeavour to improve the show at every turn. From improving the hotel Wi-Fi, providing feedback forms to critique each speaker, to providing better chairs, these changes made for a well organised event overall.

The highlight was Crown’s Daniel Abramowicz presenting on digital printing for metal packaging. As well as drawing upon Crown’s recent innovations, it was refreshing to see a speaker name-checking other companies innovating within the industry. Abramowicz provided a rallying call for the industry to truly embrace digital printing, as there have been advancements in other industries like wood, textiles and glass too.

In a theme that shone during the week, it’s time to ride the wave of digital printing, and it’s time to realise that the real enemy isn’t your competitors, but other materials challenging metal packaging for market share.

Our next issue goes to print at the end of next week, and this month we have an exclusive interview with Intercan’s Peter Strode on the SLAC acquisition, Metpack is reviewed and we find out the latest from Aerobal.

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