Labelexpo opens with sustainability and automation at the forefront

Jade Grace, managing director of the Labelexpo Global Series, said improvements had been made in response to visitor feedback from Brussels in 2023. “Visitors wanted better catering and more seating, so this year you will find more rest areas, rooftop gardens named after our host cities, and new welcome lounges where you can recharge, relax and network,” she explained. Grace also pointed to the new Gold Concierge Lounge for top buyers, an expanded education hub with sustainability and AI sessions, and the inaugural Elaine Lady Awards.

During the press conference, Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director, Informa Markets Labels & Packaging Group, outlined key technology launches.

Flexo remains a strong presence, with Omet unveiling the K6 and Brotech introducing the FF-X530. Mid-web presses from Nilpeter, Omet, Mark Andy, Spande and Lombardi are aimed at applications beyond self-adhesive labels, including film-based flexible packaging. 

Thomas-Emans observed that the mid-web format, typically 26 to 30 inches wide, has become a major growth area. “We now see as much flexible packaging being serviced as labels,” he noted, adding that this shift is driving Labelexpo’s wider rebranding towards packaging.

Hybrid platforms are another talking point. Gallus is demonstrating configurations built around the Gallus One digital engine on its Labelmaster platform, while Lombardi, Durst-Omet and Mark Andy are also highlighting hybrid solutions. These combine digital units with conventional flexo or offset to balance speed, cost and embellishment. Mark Andy’s DSHD1200, shown in Europe for the first time, is part of this trend. Cloud integration and automation underpin these systems, with presses increasingly able to upload production data, including energy use and carbon footprint.

Digital innovation is being led by new water-based systems. Screen is showing its 520AQ prototype, while Epson is highlighting the SurePress L5034. Thomas-Emans pointed out that Screen’s prototype offers 1200dpi resolution at 100 metres a minute, while Epson’s latest press triples the speed of its previous generation. Show launches also include 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 is making a stronger appearance than in past editions. Galaxy and Zhoutai are demonstrating 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. Thomas-Emans noted that the crossover is clear. “Technologies developed in labels, such as inline flexo and hybrid, are now being applied to folding cartons and flexible packaging.”

Folding carton technology has stepped into the spotlight, with Canon-Edale launching the CartonLine and showing live production with inline foiling and holographic lamination. Actega is presenting barrier coatings for sustainable cartons, and Technifold is exhibiting an inline creasing module. Andy’s notes highlighted that around a quarter of exhibitors now supply across labels, cartons and flexibles, underlining the sector’s convergence. A dedicated masterclass for label converters considering cartons is also running during the show.

Sustainability threads through many launches. Linerless labels, mono-material flexible packaging, in-line carbon footprint monitors, wash-off adhesives and increased use of PCR materials are all being demonstrated. RFID labels and converting lines have their own showcase, complete with inspection and QA systems, and a dedicated masterclass.

Artificial intelligence is present in multiple forms, from AI-driven workflows and inspection systems to Rotatek’s offset modelling project. Nilpeter is showing its “Darkroom” project, which applies AI to flexo workflows. Thomas-Emans pointed to live demonstrations such as Nilpeter’s FA-17 running two jobs simultaneously with automated changeover. “The presses are not only faster but smarter, reducing waste and moving closer to a predictive, connected factory model,” he said.

Thomas-Emans summed up the outlook. “Sustainability and automation are the themes you will see repeated across the halls.”