X-Rite Pantone Color Council Addresses Future Challenges in Print and Packaging

04 November 2026: X-Rite Pantone hosted its inaugural Color Council on September 17-18, 2026, in Rosemont, Illinois, USA, bringing together more than 40 senior executives from printing companies, packaging converters, brand owners, ink manufacturers and equipment suppliers. The event focused on emerging industry challenges, technological transformation and opportunities for sustainable growth.

The two-day forum highlighted four major trends reshaping the global print and packaging industry: workforce transition, artificial intelligence (AI), evolving packaging regulations and stronger industry collaboration.

Jeff McKee, President, X-Rite Pantone, emphasised that addressing workforce shortages, AI adoption and regulatory challenges requires collective industry action rather than individual company initiatives.

Industry experts Ron Ellis of Ron Ellis Consulting, Amy Servi-Bonner of PRINTING AI, Robb Frimming of Robb Frimming Consulting and David Zwang of Zwang & Company delivered keynote presentations. Warren Werbitt, popularly known as The Print Whisperer, opened the event by encouraging greater industry unity.

Workforce Development and Knowledge Transfer

Participants discussed the growing shortage of skilled professionals as experienced employees retire. Standardised processes, structured training, knowledge documentation and automation were identified as essential measures for maintaining operational continuity and improving productivity.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation

Discussions emphasised adopting AI to address specific business challenges rather than implementing technology without clear objectives. Participants highlighted measurable performance improvements, accountability, responsible AI governance and effective integration into existing workflows.

Packaging Regulations and Sustainability

Emerging regulations, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), are increasing requirements for traceability, regulatory compliance, data management and cost control throughout packaging supply chains.

Industry Collaboration and Future Growth

Participants agreed that stronger partnerships among brands, printers, converters and technology suppliers will be essential for improving efficiency, strengthening competitiveness and accelerating digital transformation.

Dan Uress, Director of Business Development, X-Rite Pantone, stressed the importance of translating industry discussions into practical, repeatable operational improvements.

The Color Council concluded by reinforcing the importance of shared knowledge, connected digital workflows and collaborative innovation. X-Rite Pantone plans to organise the next annual Color Council in 2027, with dates and venue to be announced.

https://go.xrite.com/color-council-2026-agenda