After a long wait of four years, the much-anticipated Labelexpo Europe made a triumphant return to Brussels, the city that has been its home for four decades, for the last time. The uncontrollable variable of weather, with temperatures soaring above 30° Celsius during the four-day event, meant the resilience of over 600 exhibitors was put to the test as they battled the uncomfortable heat within the 11 exhibition halls. The air conditioning systems struggled to meet the demand, prompting a swift change in the dress code on the second day to accommodate the challenging conditions. Amidst these hurdles, the announcement of Barcelona as the host city for Labelexpo Europe 2025 was met with widespread approval from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), signaling an optimistic shift towards the future.
The event itself witnessed a remarkable turnout and had a bustling atmosphere that captivated the industry. While it’s staged in Europe, Labelexpo is a truly global affair. There was a huge influx of new Chinese manufacturers of hardware and consumables present at the show. Also pleasing vendors were the substantial number of high-level decision-makers in attendance from over 140 countries, further cementing Labelexpo’s reputation as a must-attend gathering for industry professionals.
The seamless integration of digital technology with analogue and hybrid solutions took the spotlight, as numerous vendors showcased the immense possibilities that arise from such integrated approaches. Of particular interest were the printbars mounted on presses, which garnered significant attention and curiosity from attendees.
The rising cost of living and its impact on the industry was on everyone’s lips. Across various countries the industry is grappling with this challenge, which raises concerns about future prospects and poses restrictions on investment. However, those who can effectively address the market’s pain points for converters and brands will find ample opportunities for growth. Automation emerged as a prominent investment trend, drawing considerable interest and attention from participants.
New to Labelexpo Europe, a ‘Flex Pack Trail’ feature proved to be an invaluable resource for converters seeking to enter or diversify their product offering in the flexible packaging market. This comprehensive program provided key information on areas such as digital and conventional press technologies, flex pack material construction, coatings laminating, ink and curing requirements, and in-line and near-line finishing options. Moreover, attendees could participate in a variety of master classes focused on flexible packaging, further enhancing their knowledge and expertise in this field.
This is just but a slice of what was on show. Labelexpo did a great job of bringing together and highlighting cutting-edge advancements that are driving a transformative wave throughout the industry. I was also happy to see that what was on show at Labelexpo and the market trends align with our recently published State of the Industry Report on Narrow Web Labels. This premier show serving the labels industry is clearly committed to addressing industry challenges, embracing innovation, and driving efficiency and sustainable solutions. The event emphasized the importance of consistency, connectivity, and acceleration throughout the labels and packaging value chain. For me, automation, printbar systems, and digital hybrid presses—a big theme of integrating production equipment-label presses and converting equipment into a seamless workflow—were the highlights. We can’t ignore sustainability as most vendors highlighted their sustainability credentials, and I’m excited to see what the next couple of years will bring.
Well done to the organizers—here’s to Barcelona 2025!
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