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Pioneering Change in Print and Packaging: Insights from the 2026 Color Council

On September 17-18, 2026, industry leaders gathered at the inaugural Color Council, hosted by X-Rite Pantone in Rosemont, Illinois. This event served as a critical platform for over 40 senior executives from various sectors—including print service providers, packaging converters, and brand representatives—to discuss the pressing challenges and trends transforming the print and packaging landscape.

Addressing Industry Challenges Together

As the print and packaging industry evolves under the influence of workforce transitions, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and changing packaging regulations, it's evident that solutions will require collaborative efforts rather than isolated initiatives. Jeff McKee, President of X-Rite Pantone, emphasized this collaboration, stating, "The answers to staffing, AI, and regulation won't come from any one company. They'll come from the industry working through them together."

The event featured keynotes from renowned industry consultants such as Ron Ellis, Amy Servi-Bonner, Robb Frimming, and David Zwang, who shared their insights on the ongoing transitions. “We don’t all have to be in the same boat, but we need to row in the same direction,” noted Warren Werbitt, setting the tone for a spirit of unity amongst attendees.

Four Emerging Trends in Print and Packaging

Several pivotal trends emerged from the discussions at the Color Council:

1. Workforce Transition and Skills Development: The retirement of seasoned professionals poses a significant risk regarding the sustainability of undocumented expertise. The participants acknowledged the urgent need for standardization, robust training programs, and knowledge capture mechanisms to ensure that valuable skills do not fade away with departing employees.

2. Practical AI Solutions: The discussions around AI highlighted a crucial strategy: focus first on identifying real business problems before seeking technological solutions. Key takeaways included the importance of documenting decision-making processes, measuring AI outcomes, and establishing governance frameworks to ensure that AI contributions align with business goals.

3. Compounding Regulatory Complexities: The introduction of stringent regulations, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), has significantly increased operational demands. Industry leaders discussed the necessity for enhanced data management, traceability, and cost control across all stakeholders involved in the production and distribution of packaging.

4. The Power of Collaboration: The consensus was clear: the future of print and packaging relies heavily on fostering robust partnerships among all players in the industry. Enhanced collaboration supported by connected data systems, digital workflows, and automation is viewed as a vital step toward redefining operational efficiencies.

Moving from Discussion to Action

The Color Council provided an essential platform for leaders to share challenges and strategies, emphasizing that "forums like Color Council matter because print and packaging leaders rarely get to compare notes on what is actually working." As noted by Amy Servi Bonner, this type of candid discussion is crucial for developing unified strategies, especially when it comes to navigating AI governance—deciding parameters for AI involvement in workflows and understanding accountability for its actions.

Participants, including Dan Uress from X-Rite Pantone, conveyed the urgency to turn insights into actionable practices. Strategies aimed at capturing employee expertise, solidifying accountability regarding AI decisions, and preparing for evolving regulations are now at the forefront of industry priorities.

Looking Ahead

The Color Council represents a significant commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the print and packaging sector. It will return in 2027, continuing to shape the industry's response to the complexities it faces. For further information and updates, interested parties are encouraged to visit the X-Rite website.

Founded in 1958, X-Rite Pantone has established itself as a global leader in color management, offering a diverse range of solutions that enhance color precision across multiple industries such as printing, packaging, automotive, and textiles. Their ongoing commitment to color science and technology positions them at the forefront of industry advancements.