Labelexpo Europe 2025 Preview: Eckart to HP
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 | 364 Views | By Noel D'Cunha
Eckart (PlatinStar)
Hall-Stand: L28
The German-based company spotlights its PlatinStar inks for shrink sleeve applications at the show. The UV/LED 168 004 for flexo dual cure and the GX 2903 for solvent gravure use advanced pigment milling and are free of mineral oils. Both deliver sharp, mirror-like metallics while enabling smoother recycling. Tests confirm no disruption in sorting or deinking, meaning converters can hit sustainability goals without dulling the shine of metallic effects on shrink sleeves.
Hall-Stand: 4E07
UK-based Edale, now part of Canon, is set to put its CartonLine flexo press through its paces with a live run in Barcelona. For the first time at the show, carton production joins the spotlight, reflecting how label converters are racing into folding cartons while litho carton makers look to flexo for speed and efficiency. CartonLine brings printing, embellishment and finishing together in a single pass. Edale says the approach slashes labour, cuts work-in-progress and frees factory space, turning bottlenecks into flow. For converters under pressure, it opens fresh revenue channels and sharpens competitiveness. Managing director Lachlan Buirds at Edale calls the launch a milestone, signalling how single-pass solutions can change the game for packaging. And the company hints this is only the beginning, with more announcements to come. For converters eyeing cartons, Edale’s gallop into single-pass flexo shows exactly where the momentum is building.
Elkem
Hall-Stand: 4C42
Elkem is talking circularity in Barcelona with the launch of two silicones for release liners made entirely from recycled feedstock. Developed with the company’s patented depolymerisation process, the solvent-free grades claim to cut carbon impact by 70% while keeping the same performance as conventional options. The appeal lies in ease of adoption, as converters can run them at high speeds on existing lines without tweaks to quality or efficiency. For buyers, the kit signals a move where sustainability is not just a talking point but a working option that fits neatly into daily production.
Emmendinger
Hall-Stand: L94
Germany-based Emmendinger Maschinenbau rolls out a dazzling array at the show. Its EMB die-cutting machines churn out lids and labels with precision for high-volume runs. Sparkling wine capsule machines, with modular flair, deliver top-notch decoration at blistering speeds. Wine capsule machines craft premium capsules with flair, while the latest screw capsule machines bring multi-colour hot-foiling to skirts and top discs. The company says its tech blends tradition with innovation for converters chasing quality and efficiency.
Hall-Stand: 3A52
The Germany-based company says its new Elscan OMS5 is the premium choice for web monitoring, designed to deliver a sharper vision on the press floor. According to the company, the system uses two high-resolution cameras, each with 18 megapixels and different fields of view, to provide consistent image quality at high precision. The dualView feature is promoted as a breakthrough, enabling almost delay-free zooming to
maximum magnification without the need for motorised lens adjustment. The company adds that the digital zoom reduces mechanical complexity, while a new lighting concept ensures images remain clear across varied substrates and speeds. Backed by a comprehensive software package, the OMS5 is said to combine advanced functions with easy operation. Erhardt+Leimer claims this blend of hardware and software allows converters to spot defects faster, react sooner and improve overall process reliability, making the system a tool for tighter control in demanding print environments.
Stand: 5D31 and 5E31
Esko introduces three new tools designed to push efficiency and reduce waste across packaging and label workflows. WebCenter Pack is pitched as an end-to-end management system that ties design, approval and production into one trackable flow. Print Clone brings AI into colour control, using a cloud-based system to cut the back-and-forth of trial and error and accelerate matching. The CDI Quartz expands Esko’s platemaking line with sharper plate accuracy that reduces ink consumption while keeping print quality high. The trio reinforces Esko’s focus on workflow integration, automation and sustainability without slowing down converters on the floor.
ETI Converting
Hall-Stand: 4D35
The company will run a live demo of its Cohesio equipment, a single-pass system that brings flexo printing, silicone and adhesive coating, laminating and die-cutting into one line. The set-up will produce pressure-sensitive laminates and linerless labels straight from raw materials, giving converters the chance to see end-to-end vertical integration in action. A Spanish customer's job will be used for the demonstration, showing the system’s reliability under real conditions. Cohesio is aimed at markets from food and pharma through to logistics and industrial. The line will also feature automation tie-ups with Martin Automatic, LemuGroup and Lundberg Tech.
Excelitas
Hall-Stand: 3B13
The US-based group will showcase a full suite of UV curing and IR drying systems tuned for label and packaging lines. On the UV side, the Phoseon Nexus One air and water-cooled platforms will bring higher speeds, longer lifetimes and remote monitoring for Industry 4.0. FireJet will take the air-cooled spotlight for digital printing, while FireLine water-cooled units scale up to two metres for conveyor systems. For IR, the Noblelight Infradry Compact is pitched for water-based inks and coatings, while Amba mercury arc lamps cover replacement needs. The line-up plays like a full band, from bassline power to treble-sharp precision, keeping curing in tune with today’s print demands.
EyeC
Hall-Stand: 5B11
Germany’s EyeC will premiere its ProofRunner Evo, a modular inline inspection system powered by AI. Built for label formats and roll-fed materials, it uses a 4K colour line scan camera with flexible lighting for pixel-accurate checks. The modular design lets converters start small and upgrade to HighLight or HighLight UHD without hardware changes. EyeC says its AI reduces false positives by classifying defects intelligently, boosting inspection speed and accuracy. The system is pitched as future-ready, scalable and adaptable to evolving production needs.
Stand: 3D79
Italy’s Fedrigoni is bringing a wide-ranging portfolio of labels and materials shaped around innovation, sustainability, and premium performance. Centre stage is Tintoretto Waterproof, designed for wine and spirits, which resists ice bucket immersion while preserving the paper’s natural look. A new version now allows full packaging coordination, aligning labels and boxes for maximum impact. The company also highlights wash-off labels that simplify recycling, alongside solvent-based self-adhesives developed at its Spanish Barbera plant for pharma and healthcare, offering adhesion on small diameters, chemical resistance and compliance with global standards. Complementing these are new wet-glue papers for food and beverage, including Authentic and circular families, which introduce recycled fibres, alternative fibres and mineral pigments. Smart technology comes via Tageos, Fedrigoni’s RFID specialist, with the latest RFID and NFC inlays designed for seamless connectivity across markets from logistics to personal care. Fedrigoni positions this portfolio as a balanced mix of tradition, performance and innovation.
Flexo Concepts
Hall-Stand: L10
US-based Flexo Concepts, known for more than 35 years of doctor blade innovation, is highlighting its TruPoint Edge and TruPoint PolyLam blades. The company says both are engineered as safer, long-lasting alternatives to steel, while maintaining high performance across flexo applications. TruPoint PolyLam delivers durability with reduced risk to operators, while Edge is designed for consistent metering and reliable print quality. Flexo Concepts positions the TruPoint range as a comprehensive suite tailored to converters seeking safety, longevity and pressroom efficiency.
Flexor
Hall-Stand: 3A109
Poland-based Flexor showcases its modular machines for label finishing, designed to cover slitting, die-cutting, inspection and digital processing. Each system is built to order, tailored to customer requirements, and engineered for flexibility and productivity. Highlights include the xCUT series for digital finishing, CT for die-cutting, BC for slitting and IS for inspection. By offering scalable, easy-to-
use platforms, Flexor enables converters to configure end-to-end finishing lines.
Flexo Wash
Hall-Stand: 3A56
Denmark-based Flexo Wash offers a complete pressroom cleaning suite for label and flexible packaging converters. The line spans laser anilox cleaners and anilox cleaning liquids, plus parts, plate and screen washers, all aimed at automated, thorough and resource efficient maintenance. A new anilox cleaner can process four rolls of 630 mm face length at once, the company says, keeping uptime as web widths grow. Systems are designed to be gentle on cells, cut manual labour and keep print quality consistent.
Stand: 5D73
Fujifilm will showcase fresh technology and host daily sessions. Highlights include a new flexo plate family designed for demanding applications, a streamlined plate processing approach, and updates to the JetPress FP790 digital flexible packaging press. The company says these improvements expand application scope while boosting efficiency and quality. Visitors can also see wider advances across its portfolio. Each day, On Stage with Fujifilm will feature customers, partners and industry specialists sharing
case studies and practical insights. The stand closes with a Chilled Hour, combining a DJ, refreshments and networking. Mark Stephenson, business development manager at Fujifilm Europe, says the event marks a milestone for the label and packaging portfolio, with innovations set to help converters raise productivity and print quality. Fujifilm positions the package as both a showcase of technical progress and a chance for open, informal exchange with the industry.
Hall-Stand: 3G61
UK-based GEW will bring a trio of curing innovations to Barcelona, pitching bright output with a lighter footprint. The air-cooled AeroLED2 delivers 70W/cm across widths up to 70cm, while the water-cooled LeoLED2 doubles the punch to 140W/cm and 44W/sqcm irradiance. Both are ArcLED compatible, allowing fast swaps with Arc lamps and giving converters greater flexibility. Sustainability takes centre stage with OxyGuard, a new oxygen control system that optimises gas use while enabling low migration and silicone curing. DoseGuard, powered by ICAD, provides inline UV monitoring and automatically adjusts lamp power to maintain the correct UV dose, reducing energy demand and extending lamp life. Robert Rae, managing director, says combining AeroLED2 with OxyGuard and DoseGuard sets a new standard in reliability and control. With GEW systems also running live on presses from Gallus, Nilpeter, Edale and others, the company underscores its role as a partner for flexible and sustainable curing.
Giave
Hall-Stand: 7B44
Giave puts sustainability in the spotlight with the launch of the Gialux UV LED flexo press. By removing water and solvent inks from the process, the press produces no emissions or waste. Drying is handled by LED lamps, which cut energy use and remove the noise of fans and tunnels. The result is a quieter, cleaner shop floor with shorter cleaning cycles that help lift productivity. The Gialux is designed for converters chasing both high-resolution output and greener operation. Alongside, Giave will share details of its broader portfolio, spanning flexo, gravure, hybrid and bespoke press technology.
Hall-Stand: 3A47
GSE steps into Barcelona under the banner – Where ink meets intelligence, positioning itself less as a supplier and more as the air traffic controller of the modern inkroom. Its ink dispensing systems and software are designed to keep packaging printers on course, reducing turbulence in makeready and ensuring every drop of colour lands where it should. The company’s Ink manager (GIm), now in 15 languages, acts like a central command tower. It automates ink-handling tasks, keeps inventory visible at a glance, and generates reports that forecast demand with precision. The Advanced Reporting module extends this control, turning raw consumption data into maps for compliance and planning. On hardware, the Colorsat range operates like a fleet of smart vehicles calibrated for every terrain: from the Switch, built for high-volume label applications, to the Solo, a nimble single-ingredient dispenser. Visitors can explore these systems in a virtual inkroom, brought to life with augmented reality.
Guangdong Qianrun
Hall-Stand:7A22
Guangdong Qianrun Machinery introduces the Labelking S5-370-8C in-line flexo press, designed with a servo-driven system using 27 motors for precise registration at high speeds. Its petal-shaped structure and scraper system reduce misting, splashing and ink overflow, improving print quality and efficiency. Proofing requires only a small single cup of ink, cutting waste and cost. The press also supports cold stamping, lamination, booklet labels, inspection, die-cutting and optional add-ons such as screen, inkjet and gravure.
HB Fuller
Hall-Stand: 4C68
US-based HB Fuller is expanding its portfolio with Gel-Tac microsphere adhesives, developed for applications needing clean removability and easy repositioning. Offering low to medium peel strength, the range protects surface integrity while supporting flexible use. Variants include Gel-Tac Graphics for temporary PVC and vinyl signage, Gel-Tac Linerless for residue-free linerless labels, Gel-Tac Masking for tapes and linerless formats, and Gel-Tac Stationery for sticky notes. The company says Gel-Tac combines versatility with reliable performance, giving converters a smart option for temporary adhesion.
Herma
Hall-Stand: 3A46
Germany’s Herma has broadened its certified wash-off portfolio to cover PET and HDPE packaging streams. Using its 72hpw adhesive, twelve PET label combinations and five HDPE materials have gained Cyclos-HTP certification, including approval for cold wash processes. The company also holds recognition from RecyClass and KIDV, reinforcing compatibility with recycling systems. Dr Stefan Kissling of Herma, says reliable separation of labels is key to a closed plastics cycle. Herma positions the range as cost-comparable to standard adhesives yet ready from stock for flexible use.
Hall-Stand: 3E23 and 3E29
The Germany- and Switzerland-based group is tuning up for a major performance, orchestrating the next stage of its future in flexo, and digital ambitions. New solutions will take the spotlight, designed to keep converters in tempo with market demand for shorter runs, faster turnarounds and tighter margins. Visitors will see Gallus’ System-to-Compose modular platform alongside Heidelberg’s Prinect, Gallus Screeny, services, and classics, with fresh innovations spanning digital and conventional print. Recent developments such as Gallus MatteJet and Gallus One show how the duo keeps a steady beat of upgrades, lowering barriers to digital adoption. “As a total solution provider and systems integrator of both digital and conventional solutions, we are ideally positioned to address evolving market trends,” says Dr David Schmedding, chief technology and sales officer at Heidelberg. The aim is clear: a connected ecosystem where presses, data and people work in harmony rather than dissonance.
Hall-Stand: 4C56
Germany’s Henkel is placing sustainability at the core of its adhesives showcase, focusing on recyclability and CO2 reduction. The company highlights wash-off PSAs for PET bottles, including award-winning Aquence PS 3017 RE, which remove cleanly at low temperatures, and repulpable adhesives for paper labels that dissolve fully in recycling. Both are designed to help converters meet EU PPWR requirements. Henkel also presents PSA adhesives for linerless labels, cutting material use and boosting efficiency, as well as UV-curable PSAs that combine energy efficiency with resistance to heat, chemicals and environmental stress. These are pitched for medical and graphics applications. Supporting the programme is the Henkel Packaging recyclab in Dusseldorf, which evaluates packaging under real-world conditions to ensure compliance and sustainability from the outset. Philippe Daval, head of market strategy packaging Europe at Henkel, says the aim is to give partners the tools to align with regulation while designing future-proof packaging.
Hall-Stand: 5E25 and 5D21
Think of the HP Indigo 6K+ as a Formula One car for the label world, sleek and engineered to maximise performance. Built on the 6K platform, this upgraded press is presented by HP as a tool that anticipates problems through the SmartControlSystem, cutting downtime and keeping converters competitive on productivity. HP says the press features seven ink stations covering 97% of the colour gamut, offering converters the ability to create high-impact labels across shrink sleeves, laminated tubes and more. According to the company, its AI-driven automation provides real time insights that help optimise every job. Sustainability is also positioned as a highlight. HP claims the 6K+ reduces waste, lowers emissions and supports recycled substrates. For converters facing a crowded marketplace, the 6K+ is promoted as a frontrunner, combining productivity, versatility and environmental responsibility in one future ready platform.