Labelexpo Europe 2025 Preview: Agergaard Group to BW Papersystems
From digital and hybrid presses to advances in pre-press, curing and finishing, Labelexpo Europe 2025 in Barcelona, 16-19 September is set to spotlight future pathways for label converters
15 Sep 2025 | 342 Views | By Noel D'Cunha
Agergaard Group
Hall-Stand: 3 E41,3.8,5.2
Agergaard Group highlights the AkeBoose Nova TK, an all-in-one chamber doctor blade system built to speed changeovers and sharpen print consistency across label, carton and flexible packaging jobs. The design allows tool-free blade and seal swaps with little cleaning, cutting downtime and waste. Paired with the compact EPP100 peristaltic pump, the setup creates a closed ink circuit that works with both UV and water-based inks. Also on show is the Lina unit, a plug-and-play flexo module for simple code, symbol and traceability printing. The focus is on efficiency, usability and keeping daily pressroom maintenance to a minimum.
Aluminium Feron
Hall-Stand: 3A94
Germany-based Aluminium Feron is showcasing its range of durable substrates for labels and tags. Known for coatings and laminations, the company highlights its print division portfolio with Monotex synthetic papers for digital printing and Tritex substrates for demanding tag applications. These solutions address needs such as tear resistance, high-temperature durability, metal detectability and RFID shielding. Feron says its Monotex and Tritex products are already used in industries from horticulture to automotive, steel, healthcare, and logistics.
Hall-Stand: 3E41,3.8,5.2
UK-based AB Graphic International (ABG), represented in India by Vinsak, is rolling out a customer-shaped showcase of finishing and packaging technology. The line-up includes the new AMS module for smarter waste handling, DigiLase Duo with dual lasers and Repeat Flow for seamless shape changes, and DigiLite with ABG Connect for faster set-ups. Visitors will also see re-register lamination paired with ABG InkJet, capable of printing data directly on adhesive layers for multi-layer labels. ABG is highlighting applications that stretch beyond labels, with RFID insertion, shrink sleeves and booklet machines all part of the mix. Fourteen machines will run across the ABG and HP stands, underscoring the focus on automation and workflow integration. The company is also unveiling its flex pack division with a new partner, extending its reach into flexible packaging. Matt Burton, global sales director, ABG, says the goal is to arm converters with end-to-end solutions that boost efficiency, flexibility, and growth opportunities worldwide.
Hall-Stand: 3D41
Actega is stepping onto the Labelexpo stage like a couture house unveiling its new season’s collection. Under the banner – From challenge to collaboration, it will showcase embellishments and coatings that dress labels with flair while trimming away excess. The star piece is Ecoleaf, on-demand metallisation now paired with a Gallus One digital press. It replaces heavy foil rolls with lightweight shimmer, like swapping sequins for a single strand of thread, reducing waste without losing glamour. Making its runway debut is Signite, a decoration technology for glass and PET bottles that delivers a sleek, no-label look. Slimmer than traditional shrink sleeves or pressure-sensitive labels, it promises less material, lower carbon impact, and a sharper silhouette for brands. Completing the collection, Actega’s portfolio of coatings – gloss, matte, motion effects, and UV or LED finishes – offers converters a full wardrobe of textures. Practical, stylish, and sustainable, these are embellishments with staying power.
Hall-Stand: 5G40
Every show has its headline act, and for Apex International this year, it is GTT 2.0. This next generation of anilox engraving promises converters the kind of repeatability that turns short-run chaos into measured harmony. By reducing variables in flexo printing, it delivers consistent ink transfer, sharper detail, and far less waste. The result is premium labels produced with confidence and efficiency. The wider story is that Apex is backing diversification. Whether converters are branching into shrink sleeves, mono cartons, or even flexible packaging, its engravings adapt, cutting setup times and ensuring predictable results across substrates. Case studies show the same GTT rollers performing flawlessly from 150 to 200 lpi, even on flexible packaging presses, highlighting versatility in action. For Indian converters with eyes on global markets, the value lies in lowering costs, maximising uptime, and meeting sustainability targets while staying competitive in a fragmented label landscape.
Archroma
Hall-Stand: 7B36
The Switzerland-based company will make its Labelexpo debut with a portfolio of fibre-based, sustainable solutions for packaging and labelling. With more than 140 years of heritage in paper chemistry, Archroma claims it can support converters across the value chain, from pulp to finished packaging. Its line-up for the narrow-web sector includes eco-focused adhesives developed at its Barcelona innovation centre. Backed by three global R&D hubs, the company positions itself as a partner for converters seeking both performance and sustainability.
Hall-Stand: L44, POSITION 3.5
France-based Armor-Iimak is rewriting the wax ribbon rulebook with its new AWR XL. The company says the ribbon cuts plastic waste by 26% and shaves 830g of CO2 emissions per roll, while extending printer uptime by 40% compared with traditional ribbons. It achieves this through a 100% solvent-free formulation and an ultra-thin 3.35μm PET film, billed as the slimmest in the sector. Designed for flat-head printers, AWR XL targets logistics, retail and shipping applications. Its extra-long roll length reduces changeovers, slashes storage needs and lowers operating costs, while maintaining sharp print quality and requiring less printhead energy. Yohann Froment, senior vice president of marketing, Armor-Iimak, says the launch is a commitment to “innovation and sustainability.” With AWR XL joining AWR 1 and AWR 8 in the range, Armor-Iimak claims to offer both eco-conscious gains and robust performance in a market dominated by price.
AstroNova
Hall-Stand: 5C12
The US-based company will present the QL-435, a high-speed, full-colour label printer developed for mid to high-volume work. Printing at 1200 dpi, the unit is built for on-demand production with professional quality and reduced waste, while its compact footprint and simple interface make it suitable for in-house use in food, chemical and logistics sectors. Alongside, the company will show its wider range of solutions, from desktop printers to digital overprinters and flexible packaging presses. With almost five decades of experience, AstroNova positions itself as a partner for converters seeking practical options across labelling and packaging workflows.
Atlantic Zeiser
Hall-Stand: L95
The Germany-based company will launch CodeVault, a software platform designed to give brand owners greater control over serialised codes. The system will generate, store, and distribute codes in security-focused data formats, ensuring integrity across production. By centralising distribution, it will allow users to track and manage codes across multiple printing sites, tightening anti-diversion efforts and reducing risk. Real-time monitoring of usage will provide insight into code activity, supporting both compliance and supply chain transparency. Visitors can expect to see how CodeVault aligns coding with secure data handling while streamlining oversight in complex production environments.
Hall-Stand: 3E61
The US-based materials group will unveil a portfolio that blends sustainability, connectivity and brand appeal. Visitors will see product activations that show how its technologies enable packaging reuse and recycling across substrates, reinforcing the company’s circularity push. Traceability and data-driven labelling will be another focus, with RFID solutions for automotive and EV batteries, functional materials for industrial use, and pharmaceutical labels built on advanced adhesives to improve patient safety and supply chain transparency. With converters under pressure to deliver greener and smarter products, Avery Dennison will position itself as a practical partner. “Our goal is to collaborate and empower converters with sustainable and intelligent labelling solutions that address today’s and tomorrow’s challenges,” says Roberto Martínez Porta, vice president of sales at Avery Dennison Labels and Packaging Materials EMENA.
Hall-Stand: 7C27
The Germany-based specialist in glueing and inspection will put Braille printing in the spotlight with its new Xdot system and the Xtend3 controller. Instead of relying on heavy embossing tools, Xdot jets UV-curable varnish directly onto the substrate to form raised Braille text. That means fast set-ups, smaller runs starting from batch size one, and compliance with EN ISO 17351 for the Marburg Medium standard. The result is Braille that is durable, abrasion-resistant and easy to read. The Xtend3 controller is more than a switchboard. Its modular design allows automated job handling, quick text import and on-screen display of both Braille and clear text. Built-in quality control keeps accuracy high, while operators benefit from an intuitive interface that cuts the stress of changeovers. Baumer HHS says the combination of Xdot and Xtend3 provides an economical route to safer pharmaceutical packaging, turning what was once a slow, tool-heavy process into a flexible digital workflow.
Beca Grafic
Hall-Stand: 4F35
The Spain-based company will present its portfolio of chemical solutions developed for flexographic and offset printing. With its own production and storage facilities alongside a dedicated R&D lab, Beca Grafic says it combines innovation with control over quality. The line-up includes solvents for photopolymer plate processing that safeguard plate integrity and consistency in demanding prepress work, as well as cleaning agents for cliches, anilox rollers and press equipment. By removing residues efficiently while protecting sensitive surfaces, the company claims its products help maintain print quality, extend equipment life and cut downtime.
Bengraphic
Hall-Stand: L35
The China-based press manufacturer, founded in 2013 with a technical team drawn from the US, will highlight its flexo printing platforms for labels, folding cartons and film. The IP330 and IP430 models target label applications, while the F8-330, F8-430 and F8-650 presses expand capacity into cartons and flexible packaging. With a focus on precision engineering and international expertise, Bengraphic positions its range as a versatile choice for converters seeking reliable flexo performance across multiple packaging formats.
Beontag
Hall-Stand: 3B101
Brazil-based Beontag will showcase both label materials and RFID products. On the materials side, it introduces two launches: Wash-off Label and ScandArtisan. Wash-off uses a semi-permanent acrylic adhesive that detaches in water systems, aiding HDPE and glass recycling. ScandArtisan brings premium paper options for wines, spirits and gourmet packaging, with embossed or pure pulp finishes. Alongside, the company highlights more than 80 standard RFID inlays and 2,000 custom designs, including its Carrier eWave washable tag and paper-based Eco RFID range.
BIC
Hall-Stand: 4F39
The China-based company will showcase a broad line of inks and coatings designed to cover everything from everyday labels to high-security jobs. Its UV inks will be front and centre, offering dual-curing under UV and LED lamps, strong colour density and fast drying speeds. A sustainable version will be shown for self-adhesive products such as water labels, tickets and hose packaging, with low VOC emissions that meet RoHS and REACH standards. Multiple curing passes will allow converters to add tactile effects, including matte finishes and embossing for premium or anti-counterfeit work. Rounding out the line-up will be UV LED digital inks, low in odour, and residue yet compatible with over 95% of mainstream printheads. Built for smooth flow and sharp colour on diverse substrates, they will underline BIC’s pitch as an ink partner for converters looking to balance sustainability, adaptability and vivid results.
Hall-Stand: 5E43
Switzerland’s Bobst will unveil a new addition to its Digital Master series, positioning the single-pass system as a leap in digital label production. The platform is designed to give converters more agility, handling runs from one to one million labels with what the company describes as consistent quality. Alongside, Bobst will show its wider portfolio spanning labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons, underscoring its push for cross-platform compatibility. The company says this flexibility allows converters to expand into new applications while keeping workflows efficient. Visitors can also expect exclusive customer site visits, offering a view of Bobst solutions in real-world use. Beyond machinery, Bobst will highlight its service portfolio, with a focus on process optimisation and 24/7 support aimed at maximising uptime and profitability. For converters weighing their next step, the Digital Master line is pitched as a route to versatility, reliability and long-term growth.
Brotech
Hall-Stand: 5D67
The China-based finishing specialist will present the iDM800, its digital embellishment system for high-value labels and packaging. The unit applies effects such as white, metallics and varnish, with options for textured finishes, glossy details and braille. Built for single-pass operation, the iDM800 integrates variable data features including barcodes and 2D codes, enabling both decoration and traceability. With fast set-up and streamlined workflow, Brotech positions the system as a tool for converters seeking customisable, premium results without slowing production.
BW Papersystems
Hall-Stand: L82
The company will fire up the SpeedLiner X, its next-gen RFID converter built to flex with the job at hand. With up to four tracks, the modular design will let converters set it for sheer volume with nonstop inlay attaching or push for 100% good labels using doctoring features. The machine will come loaded with auto-get-ready, auto-sync and auto-register, guided by a fresh HMI that keeps operation simple. Compact in size yet big on flexibility, it will also bring retrofit options and lower CO2 output. Visitors can expect a smart, fast and sustainable ride into RFID converting.