Expert in focus: Ben Sy Savane on connecting ideas and innovations for tomorrow’s automotive labels

Change is the only constant in the automotive industry. New technologies emerge, regulations evolve and sustainability targets keep moving higher. For Ben Sy Savane, Product Manager for Automotive and Energy Storage at Avery Dennison, navigating all of this is both the challenge and the reward.

Ben’s approach to product management combines curiosity, adaptability and a drive to keep learning. Whether he’s launching sustainable materials or exploring how RFID fits into automotive labeling, he’s focused on helping customers stay prepared for what comes next.

Here’s how he sees the road ahead.

Expert in focus: Ben Sy Savane on connecting ideas and innovations for tomorrow’s automotive labels

Bringing agility into automotive labeling

When I arrived in the Netherlands as a 14-year-old, everything felt new and uncertain. But I learned that the best way to face change is to stay open, listen and adapt. That mindset is exactly what I’ve carried into my work in product management.

Automotive is an industry that’s constantly on the move. You can’t always control these changes, but you can decide how you respond to them. To me, agility isn’t about moving fast for the sake of it, but it’s about staying flexible enough to grab opportunities and turn challenges into solutions.

A good example is our work on recycled polyester (rPET). We knew there was demand for sustainable materials in the automotive industry, but introducing something new means proving it works. The sector relies on consistency and reliability, so change doesn’t come easily. We had to convince internal teams, validate performance and then work with customers to help them adopt the material smoothly. Seeing it succeed has been incredibly rewarding and shows that sustainability and high performance can go hand in hand if you approach it with the right mindset.

Turning global insights into practical solutions

One of the things I love about working at Avery Dennison is how global the automotive sector is. It’s a constant exchange of ideas, cultures and market signals, and that keeps me energized. While Europe has deep expertise in automotive labeling, the challenges and opportunities are increasingly global.

My role includes supporting teams in other regions, like South America and Asia. We look at how trends in Europe might translate elsewhere, and how to prepare for them before customers start asking the questions. For instance, rPET is gaining traction in Europe, and we’re now exploring how it can be applied to other markets with different regulatory and customer needs.

It’s not enough to develop a product for one region and assume it will work everywhere. Local compliance standards, such as the GBT norms in China, have to be factored in. We’re also seeing more OEMs wanting localized solutions to secure their supply chains. Balancing global consistency with local adaptation is part of what makes this industry so complex and so interesting.

Innovating while preserving reliability

A unique aspect of automotive is how long products remain in use. Many label constructions stay on the market for decades because customers value proven performance and stability. At the same time, there’s constant pressure to innovate and solve new challenges.

A big part of my job is finding that balance. I work closely with our application labs, development teams and global innovation centers to translate market needs into real solutions. Sometimes that means tweaking an existing product through our Mix & Match platform and other times, it’s about developing completely new technologies.

We’re seeing growing interest in films and labels with added functionalities — whether it’s flame retardant properties, protective barriers or security features. As vehicles become more electrified and connected, the burden on materials keeps rising. Customers are asking more from materials than ever before, and rightly so. It’s not enough for a label to simply stick anymore.

Compliance is always part of the conversation as well. Everything we develop has to meet strict regulations and fit into complex manufacturing processes. Because at the end of the day, our customers rely on us not only for materials but for guidance on how those materials will perform in real-world applications. Being a trusted partner means thinking five steps ahead, and that’s a challenge I really enjoy.

The future: sustainability and smart technologies

Sustainability is a major shift in how the automotive industry operates. Customers want recycled materials and solutions that reduce environmental impact. But they also expect the same performance as traditional products. That’s why innovations like rPET are so important. They help bridge the gap between sustainability goals and practical requirements on the production line.

Another area evolving quickly is digitalization. A few years ago, RFID was more of a future concept in automotive. Now, OEMs are actively exploring how it can improve inventory management, track parts throughout production or even support new business models.

I’m collaborating closely with our RFID experts to integrate this technology into automotive applications. It’s exciting to see how something as small as a label can contribute to a smarter, more efficient manufacturing process. Whether it’s tracking components, improving quality control or enabling digital product passports, RFID has the potential to change how automotive supply chains operate.

Growing through connection and learning

Working at Avery Dennison has been the perfect environment for me to keep learning and pushing forward. I value the openness here. People are encouraged to share their perspectives, take ownership and challenge themselves. Even if you’re new to a topic, there’s support to help you grow and contribute.

At the same time, I’m always keen to connect more with customers and end users, to listen to their needs and bring those insights back into our product development. For me, the real measure of success is when we see our work make life easier for customers and when the innovations we’ve developed actually solve the problems they’ve been wrestling with.

Change is inevitable in this industry. But with the right people, the right mindset and a focus on solving real problems, it’s possible to not only keep up but stay ahead. That’s what makes my job so fulfilling.

Get in touch

If you would like to learn more about our pharmaceutical labeling portfolio, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We serve this industry every day and are happy to assist you in solving your challenges. Click here to contact us today and let's take the first step towards overcoming your labeling obstacles together.

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