Labelexpo Europe (CONT’D FROM PAGE 37)
The technologies which could revolutionise this tradi- tional workflow are core Labelexpo technologies: inline flexo and rotary offset, digital and hybrid. Inline flexo, rotary offset and hybrid presses allow the processing of folding cartons in a single pass from printing and coating to cut-crease and sheeting. As with any label press, additional processes can be added in-line, such as screen printing, foiling and embossing and VDP/number- ing. The finished cartons are immediately ready for ship- ping or further processing on folder-gluer machinery. As well as overlapping print technologies, there are wider themes which unite labels, flexible packaging and folding carton converters at Labelexpo. Sustainability is a key one, driven by the EU’s loom- ing PPWR initiative. Labelexpo Europe 2025 will examine these trends at a feature area on the show floor, with daily presentations and interactive exhibits. One consequence of PPWR is that many brands are looking to move from plastics to technical paper and fi- breboard-based packaging formats. Topics covered in the Labelexpo PPWR feature will include the potential replacement of laminated cartons and flexible packaging with technical coatings to make recyclable mono-material packaging. Automation is another common theme. Labelexpo ex- hibitors are already demonstrating process automation software and robotics systems, particularly focused on end-of-line material handling.
the folding carton industry and brings on board the indus- try expertise of its Managing Director, Dan Brunton. Labelexpo has constantly adapted to new package printing technologies. The early Labelexpo shows, starting in 1980 in Brussels, focused on what was then the new technology of self-adhesive labels converted inline on nar- row web presses. As labels expanded into new formats, such as shrink sleeves, wraparound and in-mold labels, Labelexpo adapt- ed to showcase these technologies. Label Evolution The next big evolution for Labelexpo was the addition of flexible packaging, which happened around a decade ago with the launch of the 30-in wide HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press. Flexo press manufacturers then developed wider ‘mid- web’ presses in the 26-30in/670-800mm range better adapted to handling these larger packaging formats. Label converters who diversified into flexible packag- ing – typically stand-up pouches – found this opened up new market opportunities which strengthened their label businesses. There is now a similar convergence of print technologies between labels and folding cartons with the potential to open up new markets for label converters and other market disruptors.
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May 19, 2025
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