Just like that, the label and package printing industry returned to a sense of normalcy in Rosemont, IL, USA. While much was unknown heading into the first Labelexpo Americas in four years, the event went off without a hitch – and attendees packed the show floor. The industry’s best was on display, highlighting the continued growth for suppliers and converters alike.

While there is still much uncertainty about the future, our industry continues to be poised for growth. Supply chain issues, potential railroad strikes, natural disasters, and inflation are but a few of the obstacles that have impacted the industry recently. And that doesn’t even account for the pandemic. However, the industry and its members have responded. Don’t take it from me, either. The numbers bear out these sentiments.

Prior to the opening of the event, AWA and TLMI partnered for three industry seminars from September 11-12.  As AWA and TLMI welcomed guests on Sunday night, several presentations focused on the state of the industry, with M&A activity a key talking point.

“The net-net is we’re still in a very robust environment for labels and flexibles,” said Jonathan White, managing director, Mazzone & Associates. “You can’t say that about the economy, but you can say it about the industry we’re in.”

The following day, AWA and TLMI ran the statistics. Linnea Keen, president of TLMI, detailed a recent survey of 90 converter respondents, reporting that 81% have seen an increase in growth compared to 2021. Approximately 16% saw a decrease in business while 3% of respondents said business remained static. “Overall, we’re seeing very strong growth, which is the most opportunistic and optimistic part of being in this industry,” said Keen.

“The market is growing but at a much more stable rate,” stated AWA’s Anum Javed Beg. “We saw 3.8% global growth in 2021 for the label market.”

The 2022 iteration of Labelexpo Americas was not watered down, either. Suppliers brought scores of employees, with Avery Dennison bringing some 150 people to Illinois. Labelexpo Americas featured numerous printing press and equipment demonstrations running live, and several products were launched right at the show. For example, Dantex debuted its new Pico 1200 range. The new platform features all the bells and whistles, and is characterized by modularity, flexibility, and speed.

The other takeaway from the event: the industry is all-in on digital printing. Not only did Dantex launch its new press, but Domino did the same with the N730i digital UV inkjet label press. Heidelberg USA debuted its new Gallus One digital press and HP pulled the curtain back on its V12 digital press. In fact, there was not one flexo press on working display at the show.

It seems clear that the industry believes digital printing is the key to future growth. Stay tuned to find out.

Greg Hrinya, Editor
[email protected]