For Dr. Jens Vor der Brüggen, work at FINAT is nothing completely new: “For more than ten years, I’ve been representing Schreiner Group at FINAT. I’ve regularly attended the European Label Forum and for several years the FINAT Summit Meetings as well.” Vor der Brüggen, who has a PhD in natural science, has been with Schreiner Group for more than 20 years and since 2010 has been Director Research and Development. He draws on a wealth of experience that’s helpful for the label association too.

“In May of last year, FINAT President Philippe Voet asked me if I was interested in also participating in the work of the FINAT board,” Vor der Brüggen recalls. “I was pleased to run for office—and was elected right away.” The FINAT board is responsible for leading the overall organization and for its mid- and long-term policies. Besides Dr. Jens Vor der Brüggen the board includes representatives of 13 other important companies in the label industry such as Avery Dennison, CCL Label, BASF, and Gallus. The board covers such a wide range of companies that its members represent the entire value chain of the label industry.

For FINAT and Schreiner Group, Jens Vor der Brüggen’s new responsibilities are a win- win situation. Both parties benefit from a close and intensive exchange of experience. Especially with reference to sustainability, Dr. Vor der Brüggen can contribute his findings from many years of experience to FINAT. The subject is of relevance not only to Schreiner Group, which, according to EcoVadis, belongs to the most sustainable two percent in its industry, but also to all other companies. That’s where the Director R&D benefits from his extensive knowledge regarding sustainability—from product development, to manufacturing, to recycling—to work toward the reduction of CO2 in the label industry also within the scope of FINAT.