Convergence and Expansion Define the 2025 Edition
Labelexpo Europe 2025, set to take from 16 to 19 September 2025 at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, marks a transformative chapter in the evolution of label and packaging print technology. Expanding 15 percent in scale compared to its previous edition and welcoming over 650 exhibitors, the event not only continues its tradition as a premier showcase for label printing innovation but also embraces a broader scope by officially incorporating folding carton and flexible packaging print and converting technologies. This strategic shift aligns with the increasing convergence seen in the market, where converters are seeking versatile solutions that span across labels, shrink sleeves, in-mold labels, flexible packaging, and cartons—often using the same production lines.
Flexo Innovation: Wider, Smarter, and More Modular
At the core of this year’s show is the remarkable advancement in press technology across flexographic, digital, offset, and hybrid configurations. Flexography, in particular, illustrates this convergence with a strong push towards mid-web press widths of 26 to 30 inches, ideal for a diverse range of packaging formats. Attendees will see presses such as the Omet X7, Nilpeter FA-26, and Lombardi Invicta i1, along with a host of advanced narrow-web systems including the new modular Synchroline by Lombardi and the sleeve-based K6 from Omet. These presses demonstrate a growing emphasis on modularity, automation, and integration with digital networks for real-time monitoring and optimization—key enablers for boosting productivity and reducing changeover times.
Hybrid Presses Push the Boundaries of Flexo and Digital
Hybrid press solutions are making a strong impact this year, with manufacturers offering highly flexible systems that combine digital and conventional units for printing, decoration, and converting. Notable examples include the Durst KJET, a nine-color press that incorporates LED-UV inkjet and flexo units, and Mark Andy’s DSHD HighSpeed 1200, which prints at an industry-leading speed of 146 meters per minute at 1200 DPI. Gallus is expected to unveil a major new launch alongside Heidelberg at this year’s event, continuing its journey in advancing digital adoption through the modular System to Compose platform.
Heidelberg and Gallus Unveil Machines for the Next Era of Digital Labels
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) and Gallus have confirmed they will jointly unveil two new machines at Labelexpo Europe 2025 in response to rising demand for shorter runs and faster turnaround in the label sector. These launches represent a strategic expansion across application areas and reinforce the group’s role as an integrator of both digital and conventional technologies. Their booth will feature a unified lineup, including Heidelberg’s Prinect workflow tools, Gallus Screeny screen printing, Gallus Services, and highlights from the Gallus Classics portfolio. The showcase will also emphasize Gallus’ matte-finish MatteJet technology and other innovations developed through the Gallus Experience Center.
Mark Andy and Gallus Lead with Live Demonstrations and New Launches
Mark Andy is another key exhibitor presenting a full spectrum of pressroom technologies, including four live printing platforms at booth 4E05. These include the Pro Series flexo platform, the DSHD HighSpeed 1200 hybrid press, the new 660 mm Performance Series sleeve press, and the Digital Pro MAX toner-based hybrid system. Complementing these systems will be finishing technologies from Rotoflex and Arpeco and consumables from Mark Andy Print Products. CEO Duane Pekar emphasizes the company’s focus on digitization, productivity, and diversification, offering converters solutions that balance performance and flexibility across a range of market demands.
DuPont Celebrates 25 Years of Fast Thermal Technology
Also celebrating a milestone is DuPont Cyrel Flexographic, marking 25 years of its Fast thermal plate processing system. At booth 5D47, the Cyrel team will demonstrate the Fast 1000 TD system, which offers solvent-free, high-speed photopolymer plate processing with a 99.8 percent reduction in VOC emissions and up to 75 percent faster platemaking time. With over 1,500 installations worldwide, Cyrel Fast has become a benchmark in sustainable flexo platemaking, empowering converters to meet tight deadlines with minimal environmental impact.
Sun Chemical Champions Sustainability with Comprehensive Ink Systems
Sun Chemical will highlight its sustainability-driven innovations at booth 3D92, presenting a comprehensive range of inks, coatings, and adhesives spanning analogue and digital technologies. The UV LED portfolio includes SolarWave Integra and FSP migration-compliant inks, SunWave LED coatings, SolarScreen Wave screen inks, and high-density SolarWave Panther blacks. The company will also introduce migration-compliant screen inks, LED-curable varnishes, and updated inkjet technologies, all aligned with evolving EU packaging waste regulations. Their SunColorBox toolset will offer visitors insights into achieving consistent digital color management across the packaging supply chain.
Offset and Folding Carton Technologies Drive Workflow Efficiency
CI flexo technology, while not physically demonstrated on the show floor, remains a focus through exhibitors like Giave and Comexi. Offset printing continues to prove its relevance, especially in short-run and premium markets. Intermittent/semi-rotary offset systems from Miyakoshi, Weigang, Zonten, and Wanjie will be featured, along with Rotatek’s upgraded Universal 850 rotary offset unit. Heidelberg will complement its digital offerings with its Speedmaster sheetfed offset innovations for in-mold and wet glue labels, integrating inline coating and foiling capabilities.
Folding carton production takes center stage this year, reflecting a shift towards inline flexography and rotary offset as streamlined alternatives to conventional multi-stage sheetfed workflows. Canon’s Edale CartonLine UV flexo press, equipped with cold foil, lamination, and flatbed die-cutting, exemplifies this disruptive potential by enabling reel-to-carton production with complete inline functionality.
Digital Advancements Set New Benchmarks in Speed and Quality
On the digital front, Labelexpo 2025 is defined by high-resolution, high-speed, AI-powered systems. HP Indigo’s 6K+ and V12 models, Xeikon’s TX500 and PX3300HD with inline metallization, Konica Minolta’s AccurioLabel prototype, and Epson’s new SurePress L-5034 all reflect the trend toward smarter, faster, and more sustainable production. Screen Europe’s Truepress Label 350UV SAI-S, Domino’s N730i, and Canon’s LabelStream LS2000 round out a digital landscape that prioritizes LED curing, color consistency, and regulatory compliance.
Hoenle Debuts Flexible UV Curing and New Brand Identity
UV specialist Hoenle will also have a strong presence, showcasing its new LED Powerline Web system. Designed for labels and flexible packaging, the system offers two wavelength options for curing inks and coatings, efficient water cooling for high-output operation, and hybrid integration with existing UV setups. The company will also debut a new corporate identity that reflects its evolving role as a global leader in industrial UV technologies.
Thought Leadership Takes Center Stage at The Pulse Arena
Beyond the exhibition floor, Labelexpo 2025 emphasizes thought leadership through the Pulse Arena in Hall 7. This dedicated space will host presentations and panels on sustainability, automation, materials, and the future of the print industry. Five newly appointed ambassadors—Chris Ellison, Corey Reardon, Marius Tent, Will Parker, and Steve Metcalf—will lead sessions and engage with attendees on key topics that reflect the industry’s broader transformation.
Avery Dennison and Taghleef Showcase Smart, Circular Material Solutions
Among the many exhibitors, Avery Dennison will celebrate its 90th anniversary with a showcase of smart packaging and sustainability-driven materials, including RFID/NFC technologies and the CleanFlake, CleanGlass, and CleanFiber product lines. Meanwhile, Taghleef Industries will use its booth to creatively explore material innovation through the “reDesign Wall,” displaying biobased, recycled, and recyclable label films like Shape360 TDSW and new decorative substrates.
A Show That Redefines What’s Possible in Print and Packaging
Labelexpo Europe 2025 is no longer just a label show—it is a comprehensive platform for the future of packaging. As automation, sustainability, and digital transformation continue to reshape the industry, Barcelona will serve as the launchpad for the next generation of technologies and partnerships that will define the coming decade of print.
