CARTES taps Hans Huijsing to accelerate global label converting footprint

Strategic expansion in the label converting sector

The global label and packaging market is undergoing a rapid transformation in 2026, driven by the demand for shorter runs, extreme customization, and seamless digital workflows. In this highly competitive landscape, Italian machinery manufacturer CARTES S.r.l. has made a decisive move by appointing Hans Huijsing as a strategic consultant. This incorporation is designed to accelerate the company's international expansion, leveraging Huijsing's extensive experience in the printing and packaging industries, particularly across Northern Europe and global markets.

Operating out of its headquarters in Moglia, Mantova, CARTES has quietly but steadily built a formidable presence in the narrow-web sector. The company currently reports an installed base of over 4,400 machines across 100 countries. However, the appointment of Huijsing signals a shift from organic growth to a more aggressive global strategy, aiming to position its high-end embellishment and converting technologies at the forefront of the industry.

Technological edge in a demanding 2026 market

The label converting industry is no longer just about printing; it is about adding value through sophisticated finishing. CARTES has historically been a pioneer in this space, being the first to develop and commercialize laser die-cutting technology for self-adhesive labels. Today, their portfolio is anchored by advanced modular platforms like the GT360 and the Gemini series, which integrate screen printing, flexography, hot stamping, and digital embellishment.

Recent market data underscores the importance of automation in converting. CARTES has responded to this with features like the Jet D-Screen digital embellishment module and the patented ILC (Invisible Laser Cutting) technology, which optimizes cutting on dark-colored prints by eliminating visible white edges. Furthermore, their ACO (Automatic Change Over) technology, equipped with barcode readers, allows machines like the Gemini to perform job changes autonomously. This level of automation is precisely what converters need in 2026 to maintain profitability amidst rising labor costs and tighter turnaround times.

Sustainability and future outlook

Beyond hardware, CARTES is aligning its corporate strategy with the stringent environmental expectations of the modern packaging sector. The release of their comprehensive Sustainability Report earlier this year highlights a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of their manufacturing processes in Mantova. For a strategic consultant like Huijsing, having a robust sustainability narrative is crucial when negotiating with top-tier converters who are under pressure from brand owners to green their entire supply chain.

The integration of Huijsing into the CARTES team is not merely a sales appointment; it is a structural alignment to better understand and penetrate complex markets. His mandate will likely focus on expanding the footprint of the Gemini and GT360 platforms in regions where digital printing is booming but finishing remains a bottleneck. By bridging the gap between high-speed digital presses and intricate embellishment, CARTES is positioning itself as an indispensable partner for label converters aiming for the premium segment.

The addition of Hans Huijsing to the CARTES leadership team is a smart, timely maneuver that perfectly aligns with the industry's current trajectory toward automated, high-value label production. Will the rest of the European machinery manufacturers follow suit and aggressively restructure their international consulting teams to capture the growing digital embellishment market? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai