TRADE SHOW NEWS LOUPE South China 2026 Increases Floorspace By 50% Registration is now open for LOUPE South China 2026 (formerly Labelexpo South China), taking place at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from December 2–4, 2026.
Sustainability (CONT’D FROM PAGE 41)
laboration among technology manufacturers, material suppliers and end users. In this scenario, sustainability is not simply an environmental objective but a practical lever for efficiency, innovation and competitiveness, capable of generating tangible value. To better understand how intelligent technologies are being adopted, Nathan Safran, Vice President Research at Alliance Insights, and Stefano Portolani, Senior Analyst at Stratego Group’s Printing Research Centre, analyzed the Italian and U.S. markets through a study conducted using the same questionnaire administered to both samples. The findings showed that the United States, a pioneer in adopting these technologies, maintains a significant lead in the use of Artificial Intelligence: 76 percent of American respondents reported already using AI, compared with 57 percent of the Italian sample. However, while the number of users in the United States appears to have stabilized, It- aly is experiencing particularly rapid growth, accompanied by a more positive cultural attitude among companies that until recently were sceptical of these solutions (among businesses that have not yet adopted AI, 40 percent in Ita- ly expect to do so within a year, compared with 31 percent in the United States). The survey also highlighted a common factor in both markets: the main barrier is no longer access to technol- ogy but its integration into business processes. Differ- ences emerge instead at the organisational level. In the United States, AI adoption is generally approached as a company-wide strategic decision; in Italy, implementation is more often entrusted to specialist teams and dedicated functions. In both cases, however, AI remains a constant- ly evolving phenomenon, characterised by continuous change that requires ever-increasing adaptability from companies. Changing Landscape In an increasingly complex landscape, a geopolitical perspective was essential, according to organizers. Ales- sandro Aresu, geopolitical analyst and expert in strategy and public policy, highlighted how Asia now represents the world’s leading manufacturing hub, while the United States continues to demonstrate a strong ability to attract capital, foster innovation and develop digital technologies. In this context, particular attention must be paid to stra- tegic dependencies. Recent international tensions have shown how vulnerable global value chains are to geopo- litical dynamics, particularly in energy and raw materials. At the same time, talent will increasingly become the deci- sive factor in future competitiveness. While the United States and China currently lead the rankings for artificial intelligence patents, China can also rely on a rapidly growing pool of young people pursuing STEM disciplines, further strengthening its manufacturing and innovation capabilities. This scenario encourages Eu-
Marking its first edition under the new LOUPE ban- ner, the event reflects the evolution of the original La- belexpo South China into a broader platform serving the labels and package printing industry. As part of LOUPE Global (formerly Labelexpo Global Series), the show brings together profession- als working across labels, flexible packaging — spe- cifically shrink sleeves, pouches — and inline carton converting. This year’s edition will be the largest in the show’s history, expanding across two exhibition halls and 30,000 square meters, approximately 50 percent larger in floorspace than the 2024 event. With more than 250 exhibitors, technologies on display will include narrow and mid-web flexographic presses, hybrid digital printing systems, digital embel- lishment, shrink sleeve production, solventless lamina- tion, mono-material pouch production and integrated carton converting solutions. Beyond the exhibition floor, visitors will also have access to an enhanced program of networking and education, designed to provide practical insight into the trends, technologies and market developments shaping the future of the industry. Highlights include the 2026 Label Forum, hosted by the Packaging Printing and Label Association of the China Packaging Federation, bringing together in- dustry leaders to discuss key topics including digital transformation, sustainable packaging solutions and the evolving role of labels in increasingly connected supply chains. Visitors will also be able to take part in a RAIN RFID encoding masterclass, specialist materials masterclass and a Smart Label Trail, highlighting key innovations and applications across the exhibition floor.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 45
August 17, 2026 43
www.boardconvertingnews.com
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator