The label and package printing industry is eagerly awaiting the return of Labelexpo Europe. One of the world’s biggest shows in the print industry, the event will take place September 11-14, 2023, after four years away due to a variety of external factors – ranging from Covid-19 to unrest in Ukraine and Russia.

Recently, L&NW sat down with Jade Grace to learn more about expectations for the show. The organizers of Labelexpo Global Series, which is now part of Informa PLC, recently announced the appointment of Grace as its new managing director of the company’s labels & packaging division.

L&NW: What is the anticipation like for this show, the first one in four years?
JG: The excitement is palpable. We have been overwhelmed with positivity about the return of Labelexpo Europe. The four-year hiatus meant exhibitors were unable to demonstrate their new products and technology to a live audience, and the show will always be an integral part of the buying cycle. Suppliers schedule their key launches around Labelexpo Europe, and printers make many of their annual purchasing decisions during those four days.

L&NW: What trends and topics will you expect to be highlighted at the event, and how has that shifted in recent years?
JG: Although it will always remain at its core a labels show, Labelexpo Europe 2023 continues the trend seen in 2019 toward short-run, added value flexible packaging. This reflects the fact that more label converters are adding flexible packaging to their product offering to become a one-stop shop. Visitors to Labelexpo Europe 2023 will get the opportunity to follow a Flexible Packaging Trail, which takes in both digital and conventional press technologies, flexpack material constructions, coating, laminating, ink and curing requirements, inline and near-line decoration options, QC and migration testing.

In addition, there will a dedicated Label Academy flexible packaging masterclass, which will include a presentation on the current status of the UVFoodSafe project, looking at best practice in UV printing of flexible packaging.

There are major launches in the digital flexible packaging and unsupported label film sector, including the HP Indigo 200K, Xeikon TX-500 and the Screen Truepress Pac520P press printing on paper pouches. HP will also run a “digital pouch factory” ecosystem, demonstrating pouch manufacturing and finishing of other unsupported films including shrink sleeve labels.

We will also see flexo making a major comeback at Labelexpo Europe 2023. BOBST launches its fully automated Master M6 press, Nilpeter marks the first exhibition showing of its FA-26 and Lombardi previews its Invicta I2 mid-web press. In addition, OMET shows its Kflex range for the first time at an exhibition and Mark Andy launches its Pro series flexo press.

Standalone digital also makes a major impact, including Gallus launching its GallusOne, and there a range of new hybrid solutions at the show as well. There is simply too much to talk about in just one answer.

I should also mention automation as a key trend at the show. Our Automation Arena focuses on a “lights out” production scenario from file creation and approval to printing and metalization to converting and final inspection, featuring our partners Esko AVT, CERM, Xeikon, Kurz, Fedrigoni and Grafotronic.
The Automation Arena will also feature presentations on extended color gamut printing in flexo and how converters can set up an IOT network for their brand customers.

L&NW: What should attendees know before they go?
JG: My recommendation is always that visitors should try to plan their visit to the show in advance as there is simply so much to see from over 600 exhibitors in four days. It is not only about exploring potential new markets such as flexible packaging, but there is the whole sustainability agenda to digest on-site, including a dedicated masterclass. We also have continuous innovations to check out within the fields of digital embellishment and process automation, amongst others.

L&NW: What can you tell us about the move from Brussels to Barcelona, and what can the industry expect there?
JG: We have reached maximum capacity at Brussels Expo, and the Fira in Barcelona marks the next chapter in Labelexpo Europe’s growth. The bigger halls promote an easier flow of visitors around the show and the infrastructure lends itself to the technical needs of our exhibitors.

The halls are modern with brilliant ventilation with improved facilities and services such as catering, Wi-Fi connectivity and transport links. The venue also has a strong commitment to green energy and sustainability, using solar power where possible and efficient recycling programmes which is in line with Labelexpo’s commitment to being a positive impact business. The Tarsus Group, now part of Informa, have a very strong commitment to sustainability and the Fira is a great partner to help us achieve that.

L&NW: What can you say about the future of Labelexpo in general, and what attendees around the world can look forward to?
JG: Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen that visitors and exhibitors really want to connect again in person, both to see new technology in action and to network with old friends and industry peers. Our shows around the world give suppliers the chance to take technologies to a global audience, and increasingly that audience is interested in looking at wider opportunities across the package printing space where they can use their existing skills to add to and diversify their product offering. That is certainly a global trend we see continuing at future Labelexpo shows.