The New Home Of Converting And Flextronics Professionals
European alufoil industry with moderate growth in 2025
The European aluminium foil industry recorded a moderate market recovery in 2025. Following the marked stabilisation seen in 2024, demand developed positively overall, although momentum weakened over the course of the year, and the fourth quarter in particular proved more subdued. Rising production figures Total deliveries of European aluminium foil production rose to 920,400 tonnes […]
Somatec strengthens market position through acquisition of ATH
Somatec Sondermaschinen GmbH has announced the acquisition of ATH Automatisierung und Anlagentechnik Hameln GmbH. Both long-established companies will continue to operate independently in the market while benefiting from closer strategic alignment in the future. At the same time, the joint location in Hameln will be strengthened, creating long-term prospects for all stakeholders. The integration of […]
LOUPE Americas (formerly Labelexpo) returns this September
LOUPE Americas, formerly Labelexpo Americas, is set to return to Chicago from 15 – 17 September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont. With over 400 exhibitors and refreshed networking, education and technology showcases, the event reaffirms its position as the Americas’ largest dedicated label and package printing trade show. Building on a 37-year […]
Fraunhofer IPMS expects a new level of thin-film characterisation
The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS has launched the publicly funded SMut project, in collaboration with its partners Credoxys and SweepMe! to develop an innovative measurement system for precise thin-film characterisation. This system will enable experiments to be conducted under variable conditions, setting new standards in the characterisation of organic materials. Thin films in […]
Canatu receives follow-on purchase order from reactor customer
Canatu Plc, a deep technology company creating advanced carbon nanotubes (CNT), has received a follow-on purchase order from a long‑standing global semiconductor customer. The purchase order is limited to long lead‑time items and associated preparatory work related to the design, fabrication and potential sourcing preparation for components that could be used in the customer’s possible […]
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.