The Flexographic Technical Association of South Africa (FTASA) hosted the Gauteng Flexo Frontier 2026 seminar, in partnership with Printing SA, on 18 February at the Protea Hotel in Kempton Park. The knowledge-sharing programme brings together industry stakeholders to address production efficiencies, sustainability requirements and design standards in flexographic packaging.
The roadshow connects printers and brand owners through practical technical exchange, responding to increased market pressure for measurable performance and compliance. Through structured presentations and case-based discussions, the association aimed to provide clear operational insights that support improved output, reduced waste and stronger collaboration across the packaging value chain.
Leal Wright, Executive Secretary at FTASA, gave the welcoming speech, mentioning an overall turnout from the start of the series of nearly 300 delegates, which reflects the growing industry demand for technical engagement and collaboration. ‘Frontier was born out of the belief that as participants in the industry, we need to continue to promote and highlight the innovation and opportunities available,’ said Wright.
Jermaine Naicker, Managing Director at Printing SA, spoke about the state of the printing industry in 2026. He presented new industry research showing a sector that is under pressure but stabilising, with employment declining from previous highs and market value rebalancing to an estimated R129 billion by 2025. While commercial print still leads as a standalone segment, packaging and labels now account for 60% of market value, reinforcing their role as the industry’s primary growth engine. ‘The industry has experienced its toughest period and is now starting to rebalance and find its footing,’ noted Naicker.
Marek Skrzynski, Vice President of Technology and Innovation at CSW Inc., said the next frontier of packaging isn’t digital. It’s ‘us’. Skrzynski framed innovation as a human challenge rather than a technological one, arguing that adaptation, not invention, determines industry progress. He drew on examples such as electricity and AI, and practical flexo applications such as expanded colour gamut and automated workflows. He urged printers to engage proactively with emerging tools rather than resisting them. ‘It’s not the AI that’s going to replace you, it’s the people who know how to use the tools,’ said Skrzynski.
Addressing delegates virtually at Flexo Frontier South Africa, Corey Reardon, Managing Director at AWA & Associates, outlined global label market dynamics and trends, highlighting slowing growth in Asia, supply chain recalibration, cost volatility and the accelerating role of RFID and hybrid print technologies. He noted that while the global label market now exceeds 76 billion square metres, sustainability, smart labelling and strategic sourcing shifts will define its next phase. ‘All labels and packaging in the future will have some form of smart or intelligent technology incorporated,’ said Reardon.
Stephen Craig, Strategic Agency Director at Paton Tupper, explored key themes influencing packaging such as sustainable design, consumer-friendly simplicity, tech-aligned packaging, and the shift towards personalised and customised solutions. He emphasised that packaging is no longer just a container. It is a strategic driver of brand engagement, sustainability, and innovation. From contemporary design trends to reusable and biodegradable solutions, frictionless shopping, and intelligent packaging technologies, Craig highlighted how creativity and technology converge to enhance consumer experience and environmental impact. ‘Successful packaging is a blend of design, purpose, and innovation, poised to shape both consumer experience and environmental impact,’ said Craig.
Scott Leatherbarrow, Technical Marketing Manager at Avery Dennison Smartrac, outlined the evolution of smart identification and detailed how Avery Dennison is driving the shift from traditional barcodes and QR codes to RFID-enabled intelligent labels. As the world’s largest RFID partner, the company is positioning passive RFID technology as a scalable solution to supply chain inefficiencies, inventory blind spots and, notably, global food waste. With the food sector alone representing a $540 billion opportunity, the message was clear: visibility is no longer optional. ‘You cannot fix what you can’t see, and you can only see it if it’s detected and feeding data back into your system,’ said Leatherbarrow.
Skrzynski spoke to how corrugated packaging has evolved, in his presentation, ‘Thinking Inside the Box: Corrugated Reimagined’. What once was a simple shipping solution has become a multifunctional platform that drives brand engagement, sustainability, and consumer experience. From retail-ready and subscription boxes to the global influence of unboxing culture, corrugated packaging now balances technical performance, visual impact, and environmental responsibility. The future lies in innovation, adaptability, and imagination, transforming the ‘ordinary box’ into a powerful storytelling and marketing tool. Skrzynski remarked: ‘Corrugated packaging is no longer just about protection. It’s a canvas for imagination, sustainability, and brand experience.’
Stuart Baylis, Group Operations Manager at Polyflex Premedia, spoke about ‘protecting the brand.’ In a candid and relatable presentation, Baylis unpacked the high-pressure reality of press approvals, framing the brand manager as both custodian and gatekeeper of brand integrity. He highlighted the critical checks that separate a successful print run from an expensive lesson, from colour intent and contract proofs to barcodes, claims and substrate behaviour. Beyond the technicalities, the message centred on accountability and clarity in decision-making at the final moment before packaging gets sent out. As he put it: ‘This is the last moment you have to stop issues before your packaging hits the shelf.’
The event was sponsored by: FTASA, Printing SA, Colorgen, ROTOCON, Morgancoat South Africa, Polyflex, and Packaging & Print Media.
FTASA
https://ftasa.org.za
