The 40th anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe 2019 (24-27 September) is underway in Brussels with over 600 exhibitors taking part in the biggest label and package printing event in the world.
This year’s edition of the show is set to be the largest to date, with over 200 new exhibitors displaying their latest innovations to an international buyer audience of printers, suppliers, brand owners and designers. This includes Canon, whose Océ LabelStream 4000 series UV inkjet press is making its show debut, Memjet, GMG, Lambda Technology, Shanghai Spande Intelligent Equipment and Siltech.
Labelexpo Europe 2019 is set to present the largest offering yet of technologies and live demonstrations, with an increasing number of product launches in the fast growing areas of hybrid printing, flexible packaging and automation. This includes: BOBST, who are unveiling a new hybrid flexo press; and MPS, who are launching a new 17”/430mm edition of the hybrid EF Symjet press. This is presented for the first time with an exclusive Domino digital N617i inkjet printer, in a wider 17”/430mm width. Mark Andy is unveiling a new entry- to mid-level digital hybrid press, which will be demonstrated live at the show with advanced in-line converting.
On the HP Indigo Stand in the Patio (5C200), visitors can experience "workflow systems that connect their assets, such as artwork, data or production management information, directly to a print service provider.” Brands are invited to customize packaging and watch a live demo of end-to-end web2pack automation, from online job submission on the Indigo software-powered storefront, through automated pre-press and end-to-end production management using PrintOS Site Flow.
MGI and Konica Minolta will have a united show presence (Hall 8 - Booth - 8C12 - 8C19) and an integrated solutions portfolio, highlighted by the JETvarnish 3D Web Color + digital print enhancement press. The JETvarnish 3D Web Color + is the world’s first inline label and flexible packaging solution for high-definition digital CMYK color printing, personalized 2D/3D dimensional textures and variable embossed foiling applications.
Other press launches include Gallus, who are unveiling their Digital Printbar digital embellishing unit designed specifically for opaque white and using inkjet-based digital print technology. Nilpeter is launching its 17” wide FA-Line press featuring cold foil, lamination and their new high-speed semi-rotary die-cutting unit. Grafotronic is showcasing seven new models out of a total eleven machines presented at the show, of which four are new fully modular digital finishing machines.
CERM, Esko, Sistrade, Gutenberg and CADlink Technology are among companies presenting their latest digital management information software for automation.
Lisa Milburn, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, said: “We are very much looking forward to the 40th anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe, set to be our largest show to date. Exhibitor participation this year has been truly incredible, not only in the number of returning companies, but also the newcomers joining us for the first time. It is astonishing to think that at the first show there were just 44 exhibitors – proof of how far the industry has grown in the last four decades.”
Show visitors will also have an opportunity to see two press lines in action at the show’s main feature, the Flexible Packaging Arena. A Xeikon CX500 (digital) and a BOBST M6 (UV Flexo) will be producing indirect food contact flexible packaging to the latest GMP standards, and live demonstrations will be taking place throughout the four days of the show. In addition, HP Indigo will be offering live demonstrations of digital pouch making showcasing the HP Indigo 20000 digital press, Pack Ready Lamination, and the Karlville pouch-making machine making its show debut on their stand. Other HP innovations at the show include HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press, which will run in line with the ABG Fast Track die, and the HP Indigo 6900 Digital Press, which can be seen in action showcasing an integrated Kurz DM-Jetliner finishing module.
Materials, inks and finishing manufacturers will be well represented, with product launches from companies including: Pulse Roll Label Products, who are unveiling the next evolution of UV flexo printing inks; S-OneLP, who are launching their Sustainable ByDesign portfolio of solutions for recyclable and compostable flexible packaging; AstroNova TrojanLabel will premier two new products, the T2-L narrow-format water-based inkjet press with added laminating capabilities, and the T3-OPX next-generation overprinting solution which can print directly onto a wide range of surfaces.
Organisers say 38,000 are expected to attend the four-day show.
The international adhesive label market is projected to grow from $31 billion in 2018 to $41 billion by 2023, while flexible packaging is forecast to increase from $98 billion in 2016 to $132 billion in 2022 [Markets and Markets Research].
https://www.labelexpo-europe.com
