If Labelexpo Americas is any indication of the health of our industry, the future looks bright. Thousands of attendees flocked to Rosemont, IL, for the latest installment of Labelexpo Americas, which took place September 10-12. Based on the feedback we received, visitors were quite active on the show floor. While some were perusing the newest technologies – such as the historic booth linking LemuGroup, Martin Automatic, and ETI Converting – quite a few were finalizing press and equipment deals over the course of the three-day event.

South Carolina-based Century Printing & Packaging, our September issue’s Narrow Web Profile, completed the purchase of a Durst press. Meanwhile, New Jersey-based Trend Printing / International Label “rang the bell” at the Nilpeter booth, when the converter opted for new flexographic technology. These are just two of the many deals that took place at the show, as converters strive to keep pace with the influx of new technology impacting labels and packaging.

Despite economic concerns, attendees were willing to spend – or are in the process of spending – on the newest products that can transform a label printing shop. With workforce challenges still plaguing the manufacturing sector, new equipment – complete with automation, connectivity, software, data, among other features – allows label converters to do more with less.

Such was the motto at the LemuGroup, Martin Automatic, and ETI booths, where the three industry-leading companies showcased what’s possible with automation, and, conversely, without people – especially when they’re not available to operate the equipment. In order to feed the ETI line – and to make labelstock – Martin Automatic supplied a dual web feed butt splicer to the ETI laminator. In this case, Martin Automatic showcased a reduced running direction footprint machine featuring an integrated, 90-degree micro-pore turnbar. Here, the reduced running direction footprint is ideal for converters that have little space for non-stop web automation. LemuGroup then showed its GTU-26 rewinder and the new Ultra Compact Robotic end-of-line boxing and palletizing system. More than one attendee remarked on the “cool” setup on display among the three companies.

“These choices were made to illustrate the complete transformation from raw materials to finished labels in a single pass, emphasizing efficiency and versatility,” said Maxime Bayzelon, president, ETI Converting. “Martin Automatic’s MBS butt splicers and LemuGroup’s automated solutions complemented this setup, enhancing the overall production line’s efficiency and capability. We were thrilled to show how these technologies worked together seamlessly in our special live demonstration.”

Labelexpo Americas 2024 highlighted the dynamic nature of the industry. Suppliers have not slowed down in an effort to deliver cutting-edge technologies that meet evolving demands and address the hottest trends, such as sustainability, digital printing, automation, RFID, AI, and others. We can’t wait to see what’s next.


Greg Hrinya, Editor
[email protected]