Why Geopolitical Intelligence Matters More Than Ever for Label Manufacturers
By Dale Coates, President & CEO, TLMI
If there is one thing I’ve learned as I have transitioned to the role of TLMI President & CEO, it’s that uncertainty is no longer an exception—it has become part of the operating environment.
Today, events happening thousands of miles away can directly impact the cost of raw materials, transportation capacity, energy prices, customer demand, and ultimately profitability. For label and packaging manufacturers, global disruptions are no longer somebody else’s problem. They are business realities that demand our attention.
That is why TLMI is pleased to provide members access to a new geopolitical risk and manufacturing outlook developed by 3DM Consulting and the New Lines Institute. The report offers valuable perspective on the forces shaping the U.S. manufacturing sector in the second half of 2026 and beyond.
Understanding the Risks Before They Reach Our Plant Floors
One of the most important messages in the report is that many of the challenges manufacturers face today are interconnected. Energy markets, trade policy, shipping networks, technology access, and supply chains are influencing one another in ways we haven’t experienced before.
The report identifies four key areas manufacturers should be monitoring:
- Rising production costs driven by volatility in energy, metals, and chemical markets.
- Supply chain concentration risks tied to North American trade corridors and shifting tariff policies.
- Escalating freight and logistics costs stemming from geopolitical and climate-related disruptions.
- Technology and AI-related risks that could affect operational continuity and competitiveness.
For many TLMI members, these issues directly impact everyday business decisions. Whether you’re sourcing films, paper, aluminum, adhesives, coatings, inks, or equipment, global events increasingly influence local operations.
The Companies That Win Are the Ones That Prepare
What I appreciate most about this report is that it doesn’t simply focus on risk. It focuses on preparedness.
The organizations that emerge strongest during periods of disruption are rarely the ones that predict every event correctly. They are the ones that have visibility into potential scenarios and create flexibility within their operations before disruption occurs.
The report encourages manufacturers to strengthen supplier diversification, build greater visibility into supply chains, secure critical sourcing relationships, and plan for continued cost volatility.
Those recommendations align closely with what we hear from many of our member companies today. The industry’s most successful converters are continuously evaluating risk, strengthening partnerships, and looking beyond the next quarter to position themselves for long-term growth.
Why TLMI Is Investing in Strategic Intelligence
As an association, one of our responsibilities is to help members prepare for what’s next—not just react to what’s happening today.
The label industry continues to evolve rapidly. Customer expectations are changing. Supply chains are becoming more complex. Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace. And geopolitical events are increasingly influencing business outcomes.
Providing members with access to timely market intelligence is one way TLMI helps companies make better-informed strategic decisions. This report delivers insights that can support leadership discussions around risk management, operations planning, procurement strategies, capital investments, and growth opportunities.
Looking Ahead
No forecast is perfect. But having a broader understanding of the forces shaping our business environment can help leaders make better decisions with greater confidence.
The label and packaging industry has always demonstrated remarkable resilience. Our members have successfully navigated market disruptions, economic cycles, technological change, and supply chain challenges before. I have no doubt we will continue to do so.
My encouragement to every TLMI member is simple: make time to review this report, discuss its implications with your leadership team, and use it as another tool to strengthen your planning process.
The more informed we are as an industry, the better positioned we will be to turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Take a deep dive into this new report in this week’s webinar (TLMI Members Only).