The landmark 40th anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe, Labelexpo Europe 2019 closed on a high note, with its largest, widest-ranging show held to date. A total of 693 exhibitors took part in the show, which took place Sept. 24-27 at Brussels Expo in Belgium.

Spread over nine halls, the show presented the largest offering of label and package printing technologies and live demonstrations seen to date. This included the fast-growing areas of hybrid printing, flexible packaging and automation. Poor weather didn’t deter 37,903 visitors from 140 countries from flocking to the four-day show – a substantial increase over the 125 countries represented in 2017. India, China and Japan were especially well represented with large visitor delegations. Eastern Europe also showed a stronger representation compared to 2017, in particular Croatia, with a 5% increase, Lithuania (36%), Romania (25%) and Russia (14 %). Brazil also saw a 14% increase in visitors compared to 2017.

Demonstrating that the show has evolved from a labels show into a wider package printing show, flexible packaging innovations were much in evidence on the show floor, with press launches including OMET’s new X7 flexo printing machine for labels and flexible packaging with 670 mm (26”) web width. Lombardi unveiled its Invicta i2 line, designed for flexible packaging in the mid-web sector, while Nilpeter launched its 17” wide FA-Line press featuring cold foil, lamination and its new high-speed semi-rotary diecutting unit.

Hybrid machinery was another key trend much in evidence, with launches including BOBST, who unveiled its new Master DM5 hybrid label press, and MPS and Domino Digital Printing Solutions, who launched a new 17”/430 mm edition of the hybrid EF Symjet press. Mark Andy unveiled a new entry- to mid-level digital hybrid press, which was demonstrated live at the show with advanced in-line converting.

Other machinery launches included Gallus’ Digital Printbar digital embellishing unit designed specifically for opaque white and using inkjet-based digital print technology. Konica Minolta premiered its recently launched AccurioLabel 230, a new version of its digital toner press, while Grafotronic showcased seven new models out of a total eleven machines presented at the show.

Lisa Milburn, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, said: “We are delighted that our 40th anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe has been our largest, most international to date, especially as it is now rapidly moving forward into a show that encompasses not just labels but also package printing. This was clear from the incredible array of flexible packaging innovations and hybrid machinery on the showfloor, giving label converters ever more options to diversify their businesses.

“The feedback we have received from visitors and exhibitors alike has consistently highlighted the superior quality of the leads, enquiries and contacts made at the show, with an incredible number of deals sealed on the exhibition floor and 83% of space already booked onsite for Labelexpo Europe 2021. This demonstrates that the global label and package printing industry remains as vibrant as ever, and that this show – 40 years on – is still a vital platform at the forefront of the entire supply chain.”

The show’s popular main feature, the Flexible Packaging Arena, drew in large crowds at every one of its 11 live demonstrations. Visitors witnessed a Xeikon CX500 (digital) and a BOBST M6 (UV Flexo) producing indirect food contact flexible packaging to the latest GMP standards. In addition, HP Indigo offered 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. Other HP innovations at the show included HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press, which ran inline with the ABG Fast Track die, and the best-selling HP Indigo 6900 Digital Press, which visitors could see in action with an integrated Kurz DM-Jetliner finishing module.

At the neighboring Sustainability Insight Café, sponsored by Avery Dennison, Xeikon, Ravenwood Packaging and Sihl ARTYSIO Packaging, visitors were able to see how they might boost their green credentials with a gallery of the latest sustainable innovations.

Reflecting increasing interest from Asia, and with just two months until Labelexpo Asia 2019, Labelexpo Europe 2019 also hosted its very first China Day on day one. This saw representatives from more than 100 label printers and converters from China visiting the exhibition, including the vice president of trade association PEIAC, a key show partner to Labelexpo Asia 2019.

The popular educational program – the show’s most extensive to date – drew in attendees eager to boost their industry knowledge. Three expert-led Label Academy-hosted master classes covered the hot topics of Inks, Coatings and Varnishes; Digital Label and Package Printing; and Flexible Packaging. In addition, a workshop covered Self-Adhesive Label Materials.

At the Labelexpo Global Series press conference on day one of the show, Milburn also presented further details about the newest addition to its portfolio, Labelexpo Mexico 2021, along with its new Brand Print global series of events aimed at printers of promotional materials and collateral for brands.

The Label Industry Global Awards 2019 took place on the evening of day one, with winners from Avery Dennison, Esko, GMG and GEW honored at the 1980s-themed celebration, which also marked Labelexpo’s 40th anniversary. The event was hosted by 1980s singing legend and performer Tony Hadley.

The full Labelexpo Europe 2019 show report will be available to download from the show website at https://www.labelexpo-europe.com/.

For more information, visit www.labelexpo.com.