Labelexpo Europe 2025, the leading event for the label and package printing industry, is placing sustainability at the very heart of this year’s iteration.

Taking place at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona from September 16-19, the show has already expanded 15% compared to the 2023 edition. It is also set to welcome over 650 exhibitors.

The show’s expansion comes at a time when transformative technology and sustainability mandates are reshaping the label and package printing market. 

Innovation and sustainability

In addition to global consumer concerns about the environment, the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is fundamentally influencing the sector. It is challenging converters, brand owners, and designers to rethink materials, processes, and compliance strategies.

This September, Labelexpo Europe sets the stage for the industry to move toward a more sustainable innovation-driven future. 

The Pulse Arena, located at Hall 7 – Stand 7B27, will shine a spotlight on the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation). It will also address how label converters can benefit from diversifying into flexible packaging and folding cartons and look into the future of AI and automation. Each topic is addressed with keynote speakers and daily presentations in a spacious hub designed for learning, engaging, and connecting.

Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director of the Labelexpo Global Series, states, “The label and package printing industry is actively responding to sustainability pressures at the same time as new opportunities open up with automation and the growing impact of AI. Many brands are transitioning from plastics to technical paper and fiber board-based packaging formats, so label converters need to look at how that could impact their business going forward. Trends here include the use of technical coatings to create recyclable mono-material packaging as alternatives to laminated cartons and multi-layer flexible packaging. We aim to empower the industry by bringing speakers who are at the cutting edge of these new trends and developments.” 

A circular event

Labelexpo Europe already follows comprehensive sustainability guidelines set in place by its parent Informa Group PLC. These guidelines are applied to Informa’s event operations globally. They focus on reducing event waste, reusing events’ stand materials with the Better Stands program, and utilizing renewable energy where possible.

This year, the show has announced an exclusive partnership with DMP Europe to divert printed materials away from landfill. Based in Cluj, Romania, DMP recycles label matrix waste, a notoriously challenging material to process. The material will be collected from the show and reprocessed into a range of re-usable items such as industrial bumpers and pallets. The partnership is supported by CELAB and FINAT. 

Claire Sacker, operations director, Labelexpo Global Series, comments, “The partnership with DMP is unique as its solution is truly circular: from the recycling to reintroducing to the market extended categories of plastic waste considered non-recyclable, which would otherwise go to landfill or incinerated. The material produced as a result is completely recyclable and reusable, closing the loop completely.” 

Jade Grace, managing director, Labelexpo Global Series, says, “In addition to being the biggest event to date, Labelexpo Europe 2025 will also deliver on demonstrating that innovation and sustainability aren’t just concepts. They’re actionable and profitable pillars, essential for our industry’s future.”