Labelexpo: Unveiling the future of labels and package printing in Barcelona

A strategic move to Barcelona: The decision to move Labelexpo Europe from Brussels to Barcelona was a strategic one, born out of the show's continuous expansion. "As the show has grown—both in size and ambition—we needed a venue that could match the scale of our vision," Jade Grace explained. "This is not just a move—it’s an upgrade that positions the entire industry for the future." The new Fira Gran Via venue offers world-class facilities and excellent connectivity, providing a superior platform for the anticipated record-breaking attendance.

Unprecedented growth as well as enhanced visitor experience: Labelexpo Europe 2025 is poised to be the biggest show in its 45-year history, boasting a 15% growth compared to the 2023 event. Over 650 industry suppliers are expected to exhibit. To enhance the visitor experience, a new show app will be introduced to aid navigation and planning. A significant new addition is The Pulse Arena, a spacious feature area offering complimentary access to pioneering advancements and discussions on key industry trends.

Sustainability at the forefront - PPWR and automation: Sustainability is a central theme for Labelexpo Europe 2025, with a major focus on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The Pulse Arena will dedicate a full day to keynote sessions on PPWR, equipping the industry to comply with evolving legislation. Beyond policy, the show will highlight sustainable technology, with automation playing a crucial role. "Automation directly supports converters in complying with sustainability legislation and mandates," Grace emphasised, anticipating major advances in machine automation, particularly in flexo processes.

The rise of hybrid technologies: Hybrid presses, combining digital and conventional print, decoration, and converting units, will be a prominent feature. Exhibitors like Durst, Mark Andy, Label Source, Zonten, and Lombardi will showcase a variety of hybrid flexo + UV inkjet configurations. Innovations such as the nine-colour 420mm-wide Durst KJet and the Mark Andy DSHD HighSpeed 1200, printing at a record-breaking 146 m/min, highlight the rapid advancements in this segment. Arrow Systems will introduce a hybrid water-based inkjet press, while print bars from Domino and Jetron will offer further "hybridisation" options for flexo presses.

Resilience of offset and CI technologies: While not featuring CI flexo presses on the show floor, several CI suppliers will be present to promote their solutions for filmic labels and flexible packaging. Intermittent/semi-rotary offset technology remains strong in high-value markets like wine labels, with companies such as Miyakoshi, Weigang, Zonten, and Wanjie showcasing their equipment. Rotary offset will also be represented by Rotatek, who will share updates on their redesigned Universal 850 press and work on AI modeling for ink-water balance. Comexi will promote the latest version of its unique offset CI Evolution technology.

Digital evolution: speed, resolution: The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, with Labelexpo Europe 2025 showcasing faster and higher-resolution presses, a growing presence of water-based inkjet solutions, and a continued move towards LED-UV curing. HP Indigo will introduce the 6K+ digital press with the AI-powered SmartControlSystem, alongside the high-speed HP Indigo V12. Xeikon will demonstrate its TX500 with in-line metallisation and debut its PX3300HD high-definition Panther inkjet press. Durst is set to launch a new "compact, scalable" eight-colour LED-UV press, while Konica Minolta will present a prototype with an added IQ unit for in-line quality control. Canon will showcase its UVgel Factory for Labels, featuring automated roll printing and digital finishing.

Spotlight on water-based inkjet: Water-based inkjet presses are gaining traction for food and migration-sensitive applications, with Epson commercially launching its SurePress L-5034 and Canon promoting the LabelStream LS2000. Arrow Systems' new Memjet-based ArrowJet Bolt Hybrid Pro M offers high-speed inline priming and varnishing. Screen will unveil a concept water-based inkjet label press, the TruePress Label 520AQ, capable of printing at high speeds and resolution. Other digital press introductions include Dantex's PicoColour UV inkjet press, AstroNova's QL-435, Dilli's Neo Picasso Plus, and Jetron's D2Roll LB3550. Domino will feature its N730i digital press, and Screen Europe will launch its Truepress Label 350UV SAI-S. Epson's D3000 UV-UIR PrecisionCore printhead will also be showcased, capable of 1,200 DPI imaging.

Folding cartons: Labelexpo has continually adapted to new package printing technologies, and folding cartons are now a natural fit. As labels expanded into new formats, such as shrink sleeves, wraparound and in-mold labels, Labelexpo adapted to showcase these technologies. Grace highlighted the convergence of technologies, with inline flexo, digital, and hybrid solutions initially developed for labels now disrupting the flexible packaging and folding carton markets. "Over 25% of existing exhibitors at Labelexpo Europe 2025 have portfolios that reach across labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons," she noted. Canon will showcase the Edale CartonLine inline flexo press for single-pass carton production, and Mark Andy is exploring folding carton consumables and printing on its Hybrid press line. Actega will demonstrate carton coatings that replace PE/board laminates.

Spotlighting circular economy: Circular economy themes, including PPWR, recyclability, mono-materials, and sustainable adhesives and coatings, will be central to the discussions at The Pulse Arena, featuring experts like Dr. Leyla Acaroglu, Marius Trent, and Corey Reardon. The Label Trail, a collaborative initiative by leading industry companies, will offer an end-to-end exploration of modern label production, focusing on carbon measurement, sustainability, automation, and smart packaging.

Labeling challenges: Exhibitors will also address challenges related to multi-trip packaging, wash-off adhesives, and digital product passports (DPP). The upcoming DPP legislation will mandate a "digital twin" for every physical product, requiring RFID inlays or QR codes and prompting converters to invest in new equipment and expertise. The need for wash-off labels for refillable packaging and durable, machine-readable permanent labels for multi-trip containers will also be explored.

Automation across the workflow: Automation will be showcased extensively, from prepress to converting and quality control. Grace anticipates major advances in machine automation, including automated monitoring of print pressure, tension, registration, and color in flexo. Extended Color Gamut printing will automate color management at the prepress stage, and companies like Rotatek are exploring AI modeling of ink-water balance to reduce setup times and waste levels. for rotary offset. Converting machines will feature increased automation of processes like knife setting, varnish plate engagement, and camera-based QC, with remote setup and management becoming more prevalent through JDF/JMF programming.

Education and networking opportunities: The Label Academy Master Classes will offer new learning tracks, including "Folding Cartons for Label Converters" and "RFID Technology Master Class," addressing industry shifts and providing practical insights. The Pulse Arena will also host a comprehensive program of expert talks on sustainability, innovation, flexible packaging, automation, AI, and folding cartons.

Labelexpo Europe 2025 will foster community-building through various networking opportunities, starting with an industry run before the show. Festa Barcelona, an evening celebration, will host the inaugural Labels & Labeling Global Awards. The Pulse Arena will serve as a hub for connections, and Girls Who Print (GWP) will host a dedicated event.

Industry ambassadors: Labelexpo has appointed industry leaders as ambassadors to guide visitors through the show's key themes. These experts, including Chris Ellison (Flexible Packaging), Corey Reardon (Materials), Marius Tent (Sustainability), Will Parker (Folding Carton), and Steve Metcalf (Automation and AI), will lead keynote sessions, meet-and-greets, and Q&A sessions at The Pulse Arena, sharing unbiased insights.

Synergistic growth: The show aims to foster synergy between the label, flexible packaging, and folding carton sectors. Grace believes that inline flexo, digital, and hybrid technologies developed by label industry suppliers have already disrupted the flexible packaging sector and are set to do the same for folding cartons by finding niches in short runs, embellishment, customization, and rapid job turnaround.

A foundation for the future: With a 96% rebooking rate from Labelexpo Europe 2023, the 2025 edition in Barcelona is already the biggest event in the portfolio's history. Grace expressed her vision for Labelexpo's continued evolution, focusing on modularity, digitalisation, and global relevance. For visitors from India, Labelexpo India remains the largest event in South Asia, but Labelexpo Europe 2025 offers a unique opportunity to access a wider range of global suppliers and connections, exploring new technologies and strategic partnerships.

Labelexpo India: Grace said, Labelexpo is the largest event for the label and package printing in South Asia and we want to continue to excel in the next edition in 2026. For visitors from India going to Labelexpo Europe 2025, this is an opportunity to access a wider range of global suppliers and connections, to be exposed to a wider scope of opportunities. 

Message from Barcelona: I encourage every converter, supplier, and stakeholder to be part of this historic edition. Whether exploring new technologies, seeking strategic partnerships, or looking to expand into flexible packaging or folding cartons, it is where the future of our industry will be unveiled. It is also interesting how we have seen Indian suppliers moving into the global market, and these will have a strong presence at Labelexpo Europe 2025.