Tarsus Group, the organizers of the Labelexpo Global Series of international trade shows, has reported a successful inaugural edition of Labelexpo South China in Shenzhen, with a total of 8,778 visitors passing through its doors between 8 – 10 December 2020.
                      
Taking place at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, and occupying 11,000 square meters of floor space, the show offered a platform for 130 exhibitors showcasing the latest label and package printing machinery, smart technology, materials and components. Exhibitors included 3M China, BST Eltromat, and Epson/Konica Minolta Ritrama, with confirmed sales made by companies such as HP and Luster.

Technology launches in the region included Durst Tau 330 RSC, HP’s new generation of Indigo 6K and Indigo 25K, and Konica Minolta’s MK 360R cutting machine, while the Luster LabelMan-2020 T saw its world debut.

Kevin Liu, event director for Labelexpo South China 2020, states, “We are delighted with the success of our first Labelexpo show in Shenzhen, the region’s key printing and technology hub. With a fantastic footfall of almost 8,800 visitors, a rebook rate of 35%, and extremely positive feedback from exhibitors and event partners alike, the show is resounding proof that it’s possible to launch and run a successful, high-quality event safely in these challenging times.”

The main show feature, the Print Automation 4.0 Hub, proved popular, with live demonstrations of the entire label production process taking place over days one and two. At this “smart factory”, Beijing Value Technology and Luster displayed the SmartFAB printing factory’s whole management process, while Hybrid Software demonstrated rapid electronic proofing. Rhyguan showcased its PLUS-330 digital converting and finishing machine, while Luster also displayed the LabelMaster-F series off-line label quality inspection system.

Show visitors also attended sold-out Label Academy hosted educational programs tackling the industry’s hottest topics. The Shrink Sleeve Technology workshop included design and origination requirements; shrinkable films; the different printing processes, technologies and specialized applications; and sleeve performance, quality and troubleshooting.

The Digital Label and Package Printing Masterclass featured an in-depth comparison of the different technologies; inkjet technology in digital label printing; prepress systems, strategies and workflow automation; substrate selection; and digital print finishing.

Eve Cai, marketing manager, HP Indigo Greater China, says, “Under the severe situation of COVID-19, it is not easy for Labelexpo South China 2020 to be held successfully as scheduled. We see the digitization process of the label industry has accelerated under the new normal and those ideals proposed by HP Indigo more than 10 years ago are slowly unfolding themselves. The very first Indigo 6K digital printing machine in China was signed up on-site. Thanks again to the organizer for building such a professional platform, connecting suppliers and printers, to drive the industry forward.”

Yan Jianhai, general manager, Shanghai Haoxi Technology, adds, “As the sister show of Labelexpo Asia, Labelexpo South China is the only show in the label industry after the epidemic, and has received undiminished enthusiasm from the industry professionals. Each and every visitor to our booth showed great interest in the Durst Tau 330 RSC digital label printing machine. This is the second public appearance since the Durst Tau RSC series first entered the Chinese market at Labelexpo Asia 2019 last year. The show has given us a valuable opportunity to deepen our communication with the label printers in South China. We expect to achieve more at Labelexpo Asia 2021.”