GRAND RAPIDS – November 03, 2026 -- More than 40 senior print and packaging executives identified workforce transition, AI adoption, packaging regulation and supply-chain partnerships as four interlinked pressures at X-Rite Pantone's first Color Council, held September 17-18, 2026, in Rosemont, Illinois.

Attendees came from print service providers, packaging converters, brands, and ink and equipment suppliers. Each session paired a short keynote with a peer panel and open group discussion, so most of the time went to comparing experiences rather than presentations. Keynote speakers were independent experts Ron Ellis, Amy Servi-Bonner of PRINTING AI, Robb Frimming and David Zwang.

Retiring staff turn undocumented expertise into a continuity risk

Experienced employees are retiring while printers compete with other skilled trades for talent. Participants backed standardization, training, knowledge capture and automation to make that expertise teachable and scalable.

Participants tie AI value to defined business problems and governance

Attendees stressed identifying meaningful applications, documenting decision logic, measuring outcomes and setting clear governance. Servi-Bonner, Vice President at PRINTING AI, said her priority is deciding what AI may own, who catches its errors and which metric it should move before the tool is already running the shop.

EPR and PPWR rules raise data and traceability demands

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and related requirements are increasing demands for data, traceability and cost management. The burden spans brands, printers, converters and suppliers.

Connected workflows anchor the case for closer partnerships

Participants agreed that collaboration among print buyers, brands, converters and suppliers will define the next generation of operations. They said it will rely on connected data, digital workflows and automation. Opening the event, Warren Werbitt of The Print Whisperer urged the industry to "row in the same direction."

Jeff McKee, President of X-Rite Pantone, said answers on staffing, AI and regulation will come from the industry working together rather than from any one company. Dan Uress, Director of Business Development, said the priority now is moving from discussion to practical action, including capturing employee expertise and establishing accountability for AI decisions.

Color Council will return in 2027, with dates and location to be announced early next year.