Visitors to Labelexpo Europe 2023, scheduled for 11 – 14 September 2023 in Brussels, can expect an exciting show across nine halls over four days, says Jade Grace, managing director of Labelexpo Europe in an interaction with Packaging South Asia.
The opportunity to see hundreds of live demonstrations on the show floor and view over 259 product launches only goes to show the robust growth of the label industry, she says, adding everything from pre-press to materials, eco and sustainable products as well as digital and conventional print and converting technology will be available at the exhibition.
Showcasing new developments
According to Grace, Labelexpo Europe 2023 promises to showcase exciting new developments in flexography, including advanced automation and wider presses designed for package printing applications. Flexo presses in the ‘mid-web’ range of 26in/670mm include Nilpeter unveiling its FA-26, while Lombardi previews its upcoming Invicta I2 26-inch press and Bobst its mid-web Master M6, complete with automated exchange of plate cylinders.
OMET is showing the power of modular flexo with the debut of its KFlex machine, while Mark Andy debuts its Pro Series flexo press, upgradable to a hybrid press. Digital printing also shows exciting advances. HP Indigo marks the global debut of its 200k mid-web package printing press and the first European showing off its high-speed V12 press. The new Xeikon TX-500 and Screen PAC520P focus on digital printing of paper-based flexible packaging, she says.
Digital embellishment is another key trend. “We now see high-build digital varnish, digital metallization, and laser die-cutting in the same converting line. Additionally, visitors can see high-speed semi-rotary die-cutting units that can reach speeds of 150-160 meters per minute with automatic plate loading and ejection, allowing a high degree of automation in the converting process, both for flexo presses and digital label finishing lines,” Grace said.
“If we turn to materials, sustainability is the key feature here. Post-consumer recycled plastics and waste are increasingly used to drive a circular economy. Labels are being used to enable the reuse or clean recovery of PET and glass containers. There is also a push towards linerless label systems. For example, ADLnrSave is a new linerless label system developed by Avery Dennison in a joint project with Bobst targeted at the prime label market and including dedicated rotary and linear applicators,” she says.
Sharing of Information
Two expert-led masterclasses will cover flexible packaging and sustainable labels and packaging. In addition, there will be four new features at this year’s show.
The Automation Arena will demonstrate a full ‘lights out’ production workflow from file creation to digital printing, converting, and inspection.
Flex Pack Trail will explore in detail, digital and conventional press technologies, flexible packaging material constructions, coating, laminating, ink and curing requirements, in-line and near-line decoration options, QC, and migration testing.
Flexo’s Future – Expanded Colour Gamut ECG will be run in partnership with Dr Kai Lankinen, who will be hosting a trial as well as a seminar on the show floor. Visitors will be able to learn more about the tools needed for expanded gamut printing (ECG) and how using the fixed color ECG set to make package printing more automated and sustainable.
The Dieline Forum will dive into the strategies and practices that are capturing the hearts and wallets of Gen Z and millennials, who are increasingly drawn to eco-friendly products and brands.
The exhibition will also implement two new augmented reality technology initiatives.
Labelexpo — then and now
Historically, Labelexpo shows have both reflected and driven rapid technology change in the labels and wider package printing industries. The wealth of insight and new trends they showcase have helped label converters grow their businesses and make successful buying decisions reflecting new market opportunities.
Grace said that in the four years since the last Labelexpo Europe, there has been a huge wave of technical innovation and this will be the first chance for converters from Europe and around the world to see these new technologies firsthand from suppliers across the globe.
“One major difference between this show and our first post-pandemic Labelexpo in Chicago last year will be the major presence of flexo presses. Supply chain issues meant there was no flexo technology on show in 2022. This has all changed, things are back to normal with flexo, very much prevalent across the show.”
This year, not only are the previous exhibitors returning but 178 new exhibitors have also confirmed for the first time at this year’s show.
Desired outcome
“I want all visitors to come away from this year’s show feeling inspired – to invest in their facilities and business so they make gains commercially, and improvements in their quest to be more sustainable and efficient,” she said.
“This will lead to businesses in our industry moving forward and gaining a competitive edge. There is so much to see and learn at Labelexpo Europe this year. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword. We have real solutions we can implement today that will reap rewards. I hope the show carries on being the most important platform for our fantastic industry and the team and I are very proud of being its custodians.”
