Belgium’s Philippe Voet, CEO of Etivoet, reelected as chair of FINAT

FINAT, the European association for the self-adhesive label industry, is a leading international body representing the interests of the European label sector, which includes narrow-web product decoration and identification technologies. Its members comprise a wide range of actors in the sector, from label producers to direct and indirect suppliers of goods, machinery and services. Alongside his work as CEO of Etivoet (Belgium), Philippe Voet has headed FINAT for the past two years. He enters his second term with a completely new team and a revised board of directors.

First term challenges

The sector grappled with a range of problems during his first term, from the pandemic to complications around raw materials and sharp price rises. In the face of these challenges, FINAT emerged as a major voice for the industry, particularly after the rollout of the EU’s Green Deal. The association is a key player in public EU consultations, in evaluations and adjustments of recycling regulations, and in efforts towards harmonisation with other interested organisations. In all of these areas, FINAT provides assistance to its own members and to the sector in general.

The label sector has transformed itself over the past three years as it identified new opportunities in sustainability, technological advances, branding, regulation and global market expansion. Companies that have embraced these developments and positioned themselves as leaders in innovation have flourished. Here too, FINAT’s role has been clearly instrumental.

Two excellent examples of this are
- The UV Foodsafe project focusing on UV technology in food labels and
- the CELAB Europe project for liner and matrix recycling.

Second term objectives: growth, innovation and sustainability

During his second term as leader, Philippe Voet’s objective is for FINAT to grow and work towards a sustainable, profitable future for the label sector. And just as with Etivoet, he wants the association to demonstrate that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. Its sectoral support and expertise enhance its position vis-à-vis regulators and government organisations, enabling it to achieve more with and for the sector. By working together with regulators and government as well as with FINAT’s own members, Philippe Voet aims to increase its influence further and help ensure that sustainability is factored into all new legislation and norms. After all, applying labels to products enables their recycling.

Philippe Voet has made it his goal to establish FINAT as a prominent player in the label sector. He plans to continue strengthening ties within the sector, encourage cooperation and create a climate that will foster sustainability and innovation.

Philippe Voet: “Etivoet has quietly forged ahead on sustainability, innovation and well-being. Today we see the benefits of these years of focus and dedication. We would be missing an opportunity if we did not aim for the same results with FINAT. Doing the right thing is always beneficial - for people, for the planet and for innovation.”
 

With his clear vision and will to succeed, Philippe Voet is the ideal person to lead FINAT in the right direction. Growth and participation will undoubtedly make the sector more sustainable and innovative. We at Etivoet are proud to have brought forward the chairman of this international association.