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From September 10-12, Labelexpo Americas 2024 returned to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, continuing its tradition as one of the premier events for the label and packaging industry. Held concurrently with PRINTING United in Las Vegas and SuperCorrExpo in Orlando, the scheduling required some visitors and exhibitors to carefully prioritize their attendance. Despite this, Labelexpo Americas 2024 emerged as a resounding success in terms of scale and innovation. The show expanded to 450 exhibitors across 185,000 square feet—a notable 17% increase in floor space compared to 2022. With 146 new exhibitors making their debut and an increased emphasis on hybrid printing, flexible packaging, and digital solutions, it was clear that the event had evolved to reflect the dynamic changes within the industry.
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This year’s event saw a marked increase in hybrid and inkjet printing technologies, with a dedicated focus on flexible packaging reflecting the growing importance of this segment within the broader label industry. The return of flexographic (flexo) presses was a notable development, especially considering their absence from the 2022 show. Leading brands like Canon, Durst, Gallus, and Konica Minolta seized the opportunity to unveil new digital technologies, sparking widespread interest.
Canon introduced the LabelStream LS2000 prototype, while Konica Minolta showcased its JetVarnish 3D Web 400, designed for applying varnish and foil on a single press. HP Indigo highlighted multiple packaging solutions, including the 200K flexible packaging and label press, while Durst impressed with its Tau RSCi and KJet presses. Meanwhile, Heidelberg and Gallus brought attention to their latest innovations, including a digital printing unit for the Gallus ECS 340 flexo press as well as a matte inkjet printing capability for the Gallus One.
The convergence of digital and analog technologies took center stage, with companies like Mark Andy partnering with Domino to present the DSiQ-730, a digital print module designed to retrofit flexo presses and transform them into hybrid systems. This push toward hybrid printing underlined a broader industry trend: the need for flexibility, efficiency, and automation to meet the growing demands of today’s converters.
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| Canon LabelStream LS2000 |
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| Mark Andy and Domino DSiQ-730 |
Beyond the impressive technological advancements, sustainability emerged as a key theme throughout the event. With a dedicated stage for sustainability presentations, many exhibitors demonstrated their commitment to eco-friendly solutions from waste reduction and recycling to energy-efficient processes. As brands face increasing pressure to adopt greener practices, these innovations provide a glimpse into the future of sustainable printing.
Also front and center was the RFID Experience, a feature brought to the show by Avery Dennison. The booth offered attendees an immersive look at radio frequency identification (RFID) label innovations, educating them on the manufacturing process and real-world use cases—further solidifying RFID's growing role in the label industry.
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| Innovation in RFID Labels from Avery Dennison |
With attendees from across the globe, the event maintained its international appeal. Though most visitors came from the United States (68%), there were a sizable number of attendees from China, Mexico, and Canada. The diversity of attendees reflected the truly global nature of the label and packaging industry, with many exhibitors noting productive discussions and new business opportunities throughout the event.
Looking ahead, the Labelexpo Global Series is set to continue with shows in India and South China later this year, and additional events slated for Shanghai, Barcelona, and Guadalajara in 2025. Labelexpo Americas is scheduled to return to Rosemont, Illinois in 2026. With its global presence, it’s clear that Labelexpo remains at the forefront of driving innovation and addressing the evolving challenges facing the label and packaging industry.
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