Labels and package printing industry peers gathered at TimeOut Market in Barcelona to recognize the best in the industry at the inaugural Labels & Labeling Global Awards. The ceremony formed an important part of Festa Barcelona – Labelexpo Europe 2025’s opening party on the 16th September.
Organized by the influential industry publication, the accolades recognized outstanding achievements across three categories: innovation, sustainability and Converter of the Year, judged by a prestigious panel of industry leaders and experts, including Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director of the Labels Group at Informa Markets as chairman; Philippe Voet, CEO of Etivoet and chair of Finat; Mark Glendenning, owner and CEO of Inland and president of TLMI ; and Chelsea McDougall, editor of Labels & Labeling.
Winners
LemuGroup received The Innovation Award in recognition for its UltaCompact system, end-of-line automation technology. Dutch supplier Bio4life was crowned the Sustainability Award winner for its home-compostable pressure-sensitive adhesive.
The Converter of the Year Award recognized family-owned OPM Group, in the UK, for its heritage and contribution to the label industry and expansion in flexible packaging technology.
Gallus/Heidelberg sponsored the Innovation Award, Durst Group invested on the Sustainability Award, and Flint Group sponsored the Converter of the Year Award.
Shortlist
In addition to the winners, the strong shortlist also included Esko for its Print Clone AI color matching tool and Mark Andy for its Digital Series HD High-Speed 1200 press in the innovation category. For the sustainability award, the shortlist included Elkem for its recycled release liner silicones; and Polish converter Masterpress, for its development of magnetizable inks for shrink sleeves with Magnomer. Shortlisted nominees for Converter of the Year were Masterpress and Schreiner Group.
Commenting on the results, McDougall said, ‘The selection process for this year’s label award was particularly challenging, as the shortlisted companies all demonstrated remarkable innovation and excellence. However, each of the winners’ achievements not only sets new benchmarks in the industry but should also inspire others to push the boundaries of what’s possible. The winners represent the best of the best in their field, and the recognition is well deserved.”
