LOUPE Wraps Inaugural Show In Chicago BY GREG KISHBAUGH
FPA Opens Packaging Awards Competition
The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) an- nounced that entries are open for the 2027 Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition, recognizing outstanding inno- vation and achievement across the flexible packaging industry. Entries must be submit- ted by November 12, 2026. New Year’s Changes New this year, all entries must be submit- ted online through FPA’s new Achievement
LOUPE Americas (formerly Labelexpo Americas), the first event under the new LOUPE banner, has closed its latest edition. Taking place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois from 15–17 September, the show drew nearly 12k attendees, with 86 percent directly involved in purchasing decisions.
LOUPE Americas 2026 welcomed attendees from 82 countries, an increase of 14 percent from the previous iteration in 2024. The top ten attending countries were United States, Mexico, Canada, Colombia, Japan, United Kingdom, Brazil, China, Ecuador and Germany. Notably, there was a 12 percent increase in attendance from Co- lombia, while Costa Rica and Panama saw three times more attendees compared to the 2024 edition. Covering 185,000 square feet of floor space, 425 exhibitors took part in this year’s edition. Across the show floor, diversification into adjacent packaging formats to labels was on full display, with flexible packaging more fully integrated into exhibitor offerings and folding cartons starting to make an impact. Flexography made a strong showing. Rotocon launched a ‘non- stop’ 8-color press with turret rewind, while Nilpeter partnered with Kurz to demonstrate registered foil technologies on an FA-17 press. Canon launched the Edale LabelLine FL4p flexo press as part of a wid- er suite of package printing technologies. Hybrid technology was well represented by manufacturers includ-
Awards portal. The online portal provides en- trants with a centralized platform to complete and submit their award entries. Excellence Showcase The annual awards showcase advance- ments that demonstrate what flexible packag- ing can achieve for brands, consumers, and the broader supply chain. Entries highlight innovations in packaging design, materials, technology, sustainability, functionality, and other areas that improve performance, ad- dress packaging challenges or expand the possibilities for flexible packaging. Winners will be announced March 9, 2027, at FPA’s annual meeting.
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