The New Home Of Converting And Flextronics Professionals
Afera – “From the Gulf to the coating line”
For Europe’s adhesive tape industry, the conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran is no longer a distant geopolitical crisis. It is feeding into the economics of tape production, affecting energy, petrochemical inputs, freight, lead times, pricing and customer demand across the value chain. The diplomatic picture remains fluid, but that has not restored normal […]
interpack 2026 – Packaging on a global stage
interpack is about to open its doors in Düsseldorf. From 7 to 13 May 2026, the global processing and packaging industry will meet to discuss AI, automation, innovative materials and new skills. Market leaders and newcomers from all areas of the value chain are getting ready. Preparations for interpack 2026 are in full swing. Around […]
Futamura and Biopap advance compostable food service solutions
Futamura UK, a global leader in sustainable cellulose-based solutions, and Biopap, a pioneer in compostable food packaging, are reinforcing their 25-year relationship to accelerate innovation in compostable solutions for the food service industry. The collaboration combines Futamura’s regenerated cellulose film, NatureFlex, with Biopap’s high-performance, compostable food trays. Together, the companies have developed functional compostable packaging, […]
Schreiner MediPharm and HERMA showcase robust RFID labels
Schreiner MediPharm, a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative functional labels for the healthcare industry, and HERMA, an expert in labelling machines, are concentrating their expertise on an integrated RFID labelling solution. The combination of particularly robust RFID labels and precision labelling technology enables a high level of process stability and reliable results even in […]
Avery Dennison announces strategic investment in Wiliot
Avery Dennison, a leading global materials science and digital identification solutions company, announced a $75 million minority investment in Wiliot, a global leader in Physical AI for supply chains. This strategic investment deepens the long-standing partnership dedicated to creating a more intelligent, transparent and connected world. Expanding sensor technology portfolio The investment reflects Avery Dennison’s […]
Live Vlogs from LOPEC 2026
The Voice of Converting | Leadership starts in your head
What really determines competitiveness today – technology or psychology? In this episode of the podcast ‘The Voice of Converting,’ editor-in-chief Martin Hirschmann talks to Wolfgang Drexler, managing director of foresmind GmbH, about neuropsychological leadership and why ‘people still think like they did in the Stone Age’ even though we live in an AI-driven world.
Between Generation Z, AI and the shortage of skilled workers
Drexler explains how his bioLogic method distinguishes between three basic modes of thinking – analytical and past-oriented, future-oriented and consequence-conscious, and impulsive and present-oriented – and why communication often fails not because of content, but because of the wrong ‘input’ into the brain. Especially in technically oriented industries such as the converting industry, even highly qualified specialists often talk past each other. The key lies not in more control, but in a tailored approach.
Another focus of the conversation is generational change. Drexler argues that Generation Z should not be misunderstood as less willing to perform, but rather as purpose-driven and responsible. At the same time, he sees artificial intelligence not as a threat, but as a tool – provided it is used in a humane way. Standard processes should be automated, while creative and critical thinking remain the task of humans.
Cognitive fitness vs. digital overload
Finally, the discussion turns to cognitive fitness, critical questioning and the surprising role of traditional media in a world of digital overload. An episode about motivation, personality structures and the question of why psychological leadership will become a decisive competitive factor in the future.
1. Connecting Professionals
Networking is our bread and butter. We connect people and companies from all parts of the supply chains of the industries we serve and thus make a significant contribution to their success. We not only know our industries on a technological level, but also know what makes the people behind the machines tick and what really moves them.
2. Multi-channel communication
Print media continues to be highly relevant for our specialist audience. At the same time, more and more digital media formats are being developed, which are being introduced by providers of specialised media with very different levels of success. When it comes to our digital platforms, we always focus on the formats that really suit our target groups! In addition to the “classic” online news, these are primarily podcasts, video reports, webinars and email newsletters. For our social media activities, we rely entirely on LinkedIn, where we can reach the relevant people and target groups for our media brands in a targeted manner.
3. Global presence, special events
By travelling to trade fairs, conferences and industry events around the world, we always have our finger on the pulse of the industries we serve. We believe in the “magic” of personal contacts and cultivate these as often as possible. In addition, we offer our own face-to-face and online events that enable in-depth networking in a more intimate atmosphere. Internal and external experts who speak at our events should always offer real added value, beyond sales presentations and “empty business-speak”!
4. Fundamental Values
As a company, we stand up for democracy, human rights and freedom of the press. We want all people to be treated equally regardless of gender, sexual identity, skin colour, origin, religion and age. We are firmly opposed to racism and anti-Semitism and reject extremism of any kind.
5. Sustainability
We recognise our responsibility to do our part to curb man-made climate change and develop constructive solutions for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. On a journalistic level, we accompany “green” innovations in the sectors we serve with a critical distance. We reject “greenwashing”. As a company, we include sustainability aspects in all investment decisions and favour climate-neutral means of transport for business trips whenever possible.