Conditional Circumstances
On issues ranging from the economy to increased competition; the political climate; regulations, compliance guidelines, taxes and tariffs, flexographers aired their views. In all cases, moderate thinking won out.
While economic woes remained on the list of ever-present concerns, 55 percent of respondents assigned them mid-level status. Conversely, 29 percent deemed them “strong,” but 15 percent opted for “weak” and the remaining 1 percent were not bothered at all.
What role will increased competition play in bottom line results?
The standard complaint of “too many players in the marketplace,” also saw the overwhelming alarm level set at “yellow”—medium, or “caution applied.” Slightly more than half of those questioned, 51 percent, gave it such credence. Twenty-nine percent rated it “high”; 20 percent, “low.”
Gripes relating to government interference or intervention were common. Forty-seven percent of poll takers expressed “some” concern; 18 percent said, “great”; 35 percent preferred to use the term “little” in their impact assessment.
To what degree do you think the economy will influence performance in the next 12 months?
As everyone admitted to being acutely aware, 2020 is a presidential election year in the US. All the pandemonium it is known to create sometimes gives businesses—printing and converting not being exempt—cause for pause. Survey results revealed that 45 percent of the audience sometimes found themselves prone to grumbling about all the “political pandering.” Thirty-seven percent engaged in low-level mumbling; 15 percent admitted to frequent—sometimes, constant—moaning; but 3 percent succeeded in all-out avoiding such temptation.
Radar & Routine
What does it all mean? FLEXO had to ask. Revelations turned in by a full 40 percent of those polled proved enlightening. Specifically:
- Strategies were outlined
- Critical plans detailed
- Hard work, emphasizing continuous improvement, called for
- Growth and sustainability charted
- A resolve to better both the bottom line and quality output expressed
- Exasperation was even hinted at, “Life is too short to work in this industry!”
Most respondents, intent on preparing and planning for the future, said they were looking forward to “another great year in 2020!” Among their observations, “Continuous improvement and constant learning are always required.” The common mantra, “Work harder and smarter!”
“Streamline, simplify, automate!” one printer declared in offering a pinpoint perspective on necessary moves designed to keep the operation on a path to success. Another decreed, “Control what can be controlled and do it well! Business will follow.”
How heavy an impact do compliance/regulations and potential tariffs have on budgeting?
Others added, “Ongoing measures for increased efficiency are of utmost importance, as is ongoing staff training”; and, “Business development will bring a boost in business opportunity that will lead to better income, keeping us all relevant and competitive.” Similarly put, one FTA printer member proclaimed, “Let’s believe the economy keeps going strong, like it has in the last two years. Growth for all!”
Echoing some of those commitments, one printer polled said, “Outside factors present a moderate-to-strong impact on the industry and our company. We need to continue to improve efficiency and increase automation to reduce errors and engage employees. Working with suppliers on pricing and areas of improvement will have a strong impact on the bottom line.”
Pertinent information on the international front also rolled in. “In the Canadian marketplace, short run is a large portion of what we do. Digital and hybrid presses are starting to show up on the radar, but are not a substantial threat. The trend we see is digital label companies are beginning to invest in large presses and converting equipment and trying to enter the flexible packaging market. While the knowledge and process required to produce quality flexo was a long-time barrier for new competition, digital is opening the door for newcomers to the package printing space.”
What impact will the current political climate have?
To that, a peer added, “The industry is an ever-growing and developing entity. New technology and employee development are two major focuses for 2020.” The observation was repeated time and again, only in similar, slightly different words. “Things are looking good. Technology continues to be both a barrier and an opportunity. Short, customizable runs are a big demand.”
Comments and claims voiced, some might describe as “prophetic.” “The flexographic industry continues to show growth year-after-year of late, and the developments in technology, materials and recyclability will only serve to strengthen its positioning.” Plus, “We must stay on top of new technology and keep our employees well trained and on board with the quality levels we want to achieve.” Also, “Our industry needs to focus on career development through the use of intelligent technologies, drive down waste throughout the supply chain and increase productivity and quality.”
Challenges were acknowledged. “It’s hard to differentiate one packaging production line from another in a commodity world. Our best bet is to keep becoming more efficient,” one realistic printer professed. Another admitted, “We’re all working on constant improvement in all areas, subscribing to ever-more flexibility in our changing world, where anticipating expectations of customers, will be key to keeping a successful business going.”
Declarations of a few were inspirational and included calls for action to all. Three to keep on permanent record, attest to conclusions and findings of FLEXO’s first Flash Poll of the 2020s. Each one stands on its own merit.
FTA members have spoken and their words will reverberate throughout the package printing and converting community for quite some time.
“Business is growing, faster than the economy. The work gets harder, the standards higher, the delivery pressures stronger and the boomers are retiring.”
“Yesterday’s win will not win tomorrow. We must get better, more consistent and less wasteful, while highlighting what differentiates us from every other competitor.”
“Diversify products and court new customers! Strengthen and streamline methods! Hope for the best and expect surprises!”