Automation and sustainability define a record Barcelona show

Labelexpo Europe 2025 concluded its first Barcelona edition as the most successful event in its 45-year history, setting new benchmarks in attendance, exhibitor scale and international participation. Organisers and industry experts agreed that the stage is firmly set for an accelerated shift in automation, sustainable workflows and connected production across labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons.

More than 43,000-sqm of exhibitor space and a global audience exceeding 37,000 confirmed a strong post-pandemic rebound. International participation rises sharply with the growth in decision makers from South and North America. Spain leads visitor numbers alongside Italy, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The event positioned itself as the new global centre for labels and packaging, as Barcelona proved both a logistical and cultural draw for exhibitors and visitors alike. 

Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director at the Labelexpo Global Series, says the new location has energised the industry’s global outreach. “Breaking records in both exhibition space and attendance demonstrates the industry’s continued growth and the global appeal of the new location,” he notes. He adds that automation, sustainability and early signs of AI integration signal “a vibrant sector that continues to evolve and innovate.”

Automation everywhere

Automation emerges as the defining theme across presses, inspection and workflow control. Press launches based on cloud connectivity and real-time data show operators how much of the conversion process can now be handled digitally.

Flexo, digital and hybrid demonstrations reinforce that converters want productivity gains rooted in changeover efficiency, predictive maintenance and job consistency. Mid-web hybrid lines from Mark Andy and Omet target short-run flexible packaging, while Gallus builds digital configurations on its Labelmaster platform to balance speed and embellishment requirements.

James Steptoe, technical director at Troika Systems, says the scale of automation is transformational. “Seeing the latest technology and recognising how companies are rethinking workflows, efficiency and environmental responsibility was eye-opening.” He believes the pace of change now requires converters to stay adaptable as new methods gain traction.

Convergence accelerates

The show reflected how label converters now define themselves not only by labels. Around a quarter of exhibitors had offerings spanning labels, cartons and flexibles. Live launches included Canon Edale’s CartonLine with inline foiling and holographic lamination and Actega barrier coatings for paper-based packaging. 

CI press manufacturers, once absent from Labelexpo, showed mid-web UV systems as converters explore flexible packaging diversification. Thomas-Emans says the application crossover is significant. “Technologies developed in labels, such as inline flexo and hybrid, are now being applied to folding cartons and flexible packaging.” This shift directly influences Labelexpo’s own brand evolution.

A broader future

Labelexpo Global Series announced a major rebrand to Loupe, acknowledging the expanding remit of label printers entering packaging. The transition begins at the Americas show in 2026 and continues in Europe in 2027.

Jade Grace, managing director, says the change reflects the strategic direction. “Labels remain at the very core of the Loupe portfolio, and we look forward to supporting the continued evolution of the industry.”

Loupe Europe returns to Barcelona from 5 to 8 October 2027.