Recently, Heaford shared an Insight & Trends article by our colleague Nick Vindel, exploring the evolving landscape of packaging and print. Following this, Nick returned from Andina Pack, one of Latin America’s key packaging exhibitions, and shared further observations that reinforce many of the trends shaping the global market.

The show was well attended, attracting a broad mix of narrow web, mid web and wide web converters, underlining the strength and diversity of the regional converting industry.

Sustainability Built on Longevity and Growth

Sustainability was a major theme at Andina Pack, with a strong focus on recyclable packaging, reduced plastic use and biodegradable materials. Alongside material innovation, there is growing recognition that sustainable manufacturing also means investing in equipment designed to last, adapt and evolve.

This is where Montaje modular plays a key role. Rather than requiring frequent machine replacement as production demands change, Modular Mount is designed with longevity and adaptability at its core. It delivers a scalable, cost-effective alternative to traditional mounting machines, enabling converters to future-proof their operations while reducing waste and unnecessary capital investment.

Built to grow alongside your business, Modular Mount offers:

• Flexible automation upgrades, allowing converters to increase automation levels at any time as production requirements evolve
• A modular platform that can be enhanced in stages, enabling growth without disrupting existing workflows
• A cost-effective solution that delivers consistent, high-quality results without the need to invest in entirely new mounters

By extending equipment life and supporting incremental growth, Modular Mount helps converters align operational efficiency with long-term sustainability goals.

Automation, AI and the Reality of Skills Shortages

Automation was another major topic of discussion at the show, with growing interest in solutions that improve efficiency, traceability and quality control, alongside early adoption of AI-driven technologies.

While labour costs in Colombia remain lower than in Europe or the USA, converters are still experiencing escasez de habilidades, driving the uptake of semi-automatic and automatic mounting solutions. However, the market remains price sensitive, meaning high initial capital investment can be a barrier.

This is where Modular Mount’s flexibility and scalability come into play. Its modular approach allows converters to start with a configuration that meets their immediate needs, with the ability to upgrade over time — reducing upfront costs while still supporting automation and consistency as businesses grow.

Label Trends: Smart, Digital and Flexo Opportunities

Within the labels sector, smart labels featuring QR codes and RFID were prominent, reflecting increasing demand for consumer engagement and supply chain transparency. Personalisation through digital printing also featured strongly, mirroring global trends.

At the same time, the flexo labels market remains buoyant, with several OEMs reporting positive results. This presents ongoing opportunities for Heaford’s montador FTS, where speed, accuracy and ease of use continue to be key differentiators for converters seeking productivity gains in high-volume flexo environments.

Mirando hacia el futuro

Nick’s observations from Andina Pack reinforce that while regional markets may differ in maturity and cost structures, the core drivers — sustainability, automation and smarter packaging — are truly global. For converters, success lies in adopting solutions that balance innovation with practicality, flexibility and long-term value.