Labelexpo Europe 2025 to Mark Label & Packaging Milestone
Opening next week, this edition will mark an important milestone, celebrating the show’s expansion to embrace all the aspects of label production and outer packaging embellishment
The much-anticipated Labelexpo Europe 2025 will open its doors next week (16-19 September 2025) at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain. For the industry following its 45-year history, this edition will mark an important milestone, celebrating the show’s expansion to embrace all the aspects of label production and outer packaging embellishment.
The Barcelona show accommodates a record number of exhibitors with more than 650 confirmed, and brings a festival atmosphere highlighting innovation, education, sustainability, and community.
Technology
Visitors can see press technology reaching new levels of performance across conventional, digital, and hybrid configurations, along with tighter integration with digital workflows.
Highlights at the show include new developments in flexography, hybrid presses rotary and semi-rotary offset, flexible packaging, folding cartons, and digital press technology.
Organisers anticipate major advances in machine automation on the show floor and a range of technology options capable of transforming the future direction of converting business operations with automation and the ongoing incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI).
“Labelexpo has always been the definitive platform where the latest industry breakthroughs have been showcased. As we approach the next edition, we’re seeing sustainability and automation join forces as the primary drivers of innovation. Automation technology, increasingly powered by AI-driven machine learning, is transforming production while positively impacting sustainability,” comments Andy Thomas-Emans, Strategic Director, Labelexpo Global Series.
Education
New to Labelexpo is The Pulse, a dedicated space designed for education and networking, addressing the industry’s current pressing challenges with daily presentations from leading industry experts. The programme will focus on sustainability, with an emphasis on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), diversification opportunities into flexible packaging and folding cartons, and the future of AI and automation.
The Label Academy will deliver specialised master classes on ‘Folding Cartons for Label Converters’ and ‘RFID Technology’, providing in-depth knowledge on these fast-growing segments.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of this year’s show. In addition to a range of exhibitors showcasing sustainable materials and technology, the show has invested on a dedicated educational programme at The Pulse arena. Highlights include a keynote session with sustainability thought leader Leyla Acaroglu challenging the boundaries between design, business, and innovation.
The show itself demonstrates enhanced sustainability credentials. Some of the actions include the Better Stands initiative, developed by parent company Informa Group PLC, incentivising exhibitors to utilise recyclable materials to build stands. Earlier in the year, Labelexpo Europe 2025 announced an exclusive partnership with DMP Europe to divert printed materials away from landfill by transforming label matrix waste generated at the show into reusable items such as industrial bumpers and pallets, creating a truly circular solution.
“Sustainability isn’t just a feature of Labelexpo Europe 2025. From exhibitors’ showcase of sustainable materials and technologies to dedicated educational sessions, the show creates meaningful conversations about the future of our industry. I’m particularly proud of the operational commitments through initiatives like Better Stands and the partnership with DMP Europe, both of which transform what would be waste into valuable resources. These efforts represent Labelexpo Europe 2025’s vision for a truly circular label and the wider outer packaging embellishment industry, where innovation and environmental responsibility work hand in hand,” says Jade Grace, Managing Director, Labelexpo Global Series.
Community
Labelexpo Europe 2025 offers numerous opportunities for the industry to connect and celebrate. Events include a pre-show industry run on 15 September, with Festa Barcelona on the following day, including the inaugural Labels & Labeling Global Awards, and a dedicated Girls Who Print (GWP) event.
This year’s show also features prominent industry experts appointed as Labelexpo ambassadors, who will deliver keynote, Q&A, and meet and greet sessions covering folding cartons, flexible packaging, materials, sustainability, automation, and AI.
“The community spirit at Labelexpo Europe 2025 goes beyond business – it’s about creating enduring connections that drive our industry forward. The show remains the space where businesses expand and deals are made, in addition to providing a fertile environment to grow connections that matter,” says Andrew Galloway, Group Director EMEA, Labelexpo Global Series.
Special Exhibitor Features
The Label Trail, developed by industry leaders Avery Dennison, CarbonQuota, CERM, Esko, Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM), KURZ, SCRIBOS, and Xeikon, will provide an end-to-end exploration of modern label production, focusing on carbon measurement, sustainability, and smart packaging solutions.
Additionally, ETI, LemuGroup, Lundberg Tech, and Martin Automatic are collaborating to showcase a fully operational automated production line running live, producing real labels for Spanish label converter Mirmar.
