Top 15 highlights from Labelexpo in Barcelona — The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

Spectalpack invests in HP Indigo 200K presses: Bengaluru-based Spectalpack announced the purchase of two HP Indigo 200K digital presses to expand its flexible packaging business, citing the success of their first Indigo press and growing demand for short runs.

Newgen Printronics secures Durst deals: Newgen Printronics India finalised deals for two Durst RSC Digital Presses at the Labelexpo, along with multiple deals for IML and shrink sleeve converting lines from Polly Automatics.

Shree Multi Sticks & Labels Buys Wanjie Press: Shree Multi Sticks & Labels invested in the Wanjie WJPS 350 shaftless offset intermittent rotary label printing machine to strengthen its short and medium-run label production capabilities.

Domino announces first sale of the N730i digital press in India: Domino India unveiled the first sale of its N730i digital label press in the country, marking the arrival of Domino’s Generation 7 technology in the Indian market with an installation scheduled for December for a converter in Western India.

Citrus Innovations gets India’s first Spande S7 flexo press: Shanghai Spande, represented by Provin Techos, announced the sale of its Spande S7 eight-colour flexo press line to Hyderabad-based Citrus Innovations, highlighting Spande’s global leadership in flexo technology.

Many press launches: Omet unveiled the K6 and Brotech introduced the FF-X530. Mid-web presses from Nilpeter, Omet, Mark Andy, Spande and Lombardi aimed at applications beyond self-adhesive labels, including film-based flexible packaging.

Gallus unveils Gallus 5 and Gallus Alpha presses: Gallus marked a breakthrough moment for digital transformation by launching the Gallus 5, a high-performance integrated industrial solution, and the Gallus Alpha, a new entry-level press designed to make digital adoption accessible.

Digital presses in the news: Screen showcased its 520AQ prototype, while Epson highlighted the SurePress L5034. Show launches also included HP Indigo’s 6K+, Xeikon’s TX300, Durst’s G3 and a Konica Minolta AccurioLabel prototype. Digital embellishment is becoming more visible, with JetFX, Konica Minolta and joint projects between Fujifilm and Actega showcasing inline solutions.

Flexible packaging gains traction: Galaxy and Zhoutai demonstrated pouch-making lines, with in-line and offline lamination. CI press manufacturers, once absent from Labelexpo, are now promoting mid-web UV technology to label converters considering diversification. 

Zonten highlights flexo, offset and embellishment presses: Zonten, represented by S Kumar Multi Products, showcased a line-up of flexo, offset and embellishment presses at Labelexpo, alongside recent installations and the launch of a new eight-colour flexo press in India.

Folding cartons in the spotlight: The Canon-Edale launched the CartonLine. Actega presented barrier coatings for sustainable cartons, and Technifold exhibited an inline creasing module. 

Avery Dennison and recyclability: The Avery stall included demonstrations about AD CleanFlake for PET, AD CleanGlass for glass, AD CleanFiber for paper and cardboard, and film label technologies for HDPE. Each is designed to improve separation during recycling and enhance circularity.

Kurz showcases digital embellishment: Kurz demonstrated its position as a global leader in finishing and embellishment solutions, highlighting innovations in digital embellishment, software-driven design with Dream Proposer, and sustainable foil technologies.

Vinsak-Rotatek expands to new markets: Vinsak, in collaboration with its Barcelona-based group company Rotatek, who showcased the Label-Decore, a modular finishing machine for embellishments opened its Barcelona plant for visitors to see the Universal 850 press. Vinsak-Rotatek reported a strong response, with managing director Ranesh Bajaj confirming that the company has opened at least ten new geographies during the show. Through its Label Decore module, Vinsak is promoting tactile effects, new varnishes, improved foiling quality and is working on adding scent inks. 

The Made in India story: The Made in India story is unfolding through Acme Rolltech, which showcased its ACE (Advanced Channel Engravings) technology. Likewise Cosmo Films highlighted its Green Graphics Film, a PVC-free alternative that prints and performs like PVC; and Jindal Films showcased its labelling films. Galaxy PackTech introduced the GS 24 Plus 200, a high-speed pouch-making machine. Chennai-based Monotech Systems showcased Tracesci, its division dedicated to brand protection, track and trace, and consumer engagement. Holostik headlined its Paperogram, an eco-friendly paper-based hologram, positioned as a mass-market alternative to polyester films. These Indian companies collectively demonstrated that the Made in India label signifies innovation, sustainability and cutting-edge technology on the global stage of Labelexpo Europe 2025.