Label event shows packaging growth

The global growth in packaging and labels delivered a record attendance at the recent Labelexpo Americas event.
 
The show, which finished last week, welcomed 17,407 visitors from the label and packaging industries, an 8.5 per cent increase in attendance numbers.
 
Covering over 186,000sqm, the show hosted more than 455 exhibitors including over 100 first time exhibitors and it recorded its highest ever number of product launches. Key press unveilings included Bobst’s M6 mid-web inline UV flexo press; the K600i from Domino; the Durst-Omet hybrid system, which integrates Omet XFlex X6 modules into Durst’s Tau 330 UV platform; HP Indigo’s 8000; the Digital One from Mark Andy; the FA-6 flexo press from Nilpeter and the Xeikon CX3 digital press.
 
The show also provided opportunities for demonstrations with two new feature areas. One, the Linerless Trail, championed ways of improving sustainability and reducing costs and waste. The Digital Finishing Experience showcased how to take advantage of short run opportunities in label and packaging personalisation, seasonal variations, and product fragmentation.
 
Daily presentations were held throughout the show’s three day run with live working demonstrations of Delta ModTech’s Spectrum Finishing System and folded cartons on the Xeikon FDU.
 
The show hosted its inaugural Shrink Sleeve Workshop and a two-day conference programme, covering a broad range of topics and technologies including a CEO panel discussion and an all-female converter panel discussion. Other highlights included a look at new printing techniques for design and branding, the Internet of Things, and using highly functional smart labels and packaging to leverage consumer engagement.
 
Tasha Ventimiglia, Labelexpo Americas event director says, “The label and package printing industry is really galvanised at the moment and we saw that very clearly at Labelexpo Americas with a record number of product launches being unveiled on the show floor.
 
“Package printing is coming of age as is digital printing technology and this year’s show had a real buzz around shrink sleeve production and applications. Converters are upping their game all the time with significant investment in their product offering and a constant honing of their commercial capabilities, so Labelexpo really offers them the best place to catch up with all the latest techniques, solutions and trends. The show has yet again been a massive success and the continued rise in attendee numbers and positive feedback are testament to Labelexpo Americas quality and variety.”