Danielle Jerschefske: Gearing up for Labelexpo Americas 2012

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With less than ten weeks to go before Labelexpo Americas, the event organizers have reported the show will feature 70 brand new exhibitors – a remarkable figure which is cause for optimism about the industry’s growth in the region.

The conference is brimming with strong panel discussions that will feature some of the industry’s leading label converters from around the world. These converters, among them both large and small operations, are continuing to find growth in a time when many businesses are struggling to stay afloat.

Products launched at Labelexpo Europe in Brussels last year will make their North American debuts in Chicago this fall. Here are some that I recommend reviewing:

At the EFI booth attendees will be able to see the new Jetrion 4900 with in-line laser finishing by SEI. The new press has more of a traditional look to it, one that the company says has been positive for sales, particularly with commercial printers interested in moving into the growing labels and package printing markets. US converter Repacorp is one Jetrion customer that has grown along with its investment in digital inkjet technology.

Visitors should also seek out Nilpeter’s Revolver die system. It was shortlisted for the 2011 New Innovation of the Year Award at Labelexpo Europe, and uses the SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die) principle whereby an operator can prepare for the next job while the machine is running. If the theme of this year’s show is ‘secret agent’, then this technology will appeal to the James Bond thrill seeker inside every label converter and press operator.

More suppliers are introducing mobile applications that allow automatic re-ordering of materials or the ability to evaluate shop floor movements from afar. At EskoArtwork’s 2012 User Conference, the leading pre-press supplier showed-off two new applications that will certainly please the converting trinity – converter, designer and brand. One of the apps helps to streamline product life cycles based on Esko’s WebCenter, while the other allows viewing of packaging mock-ups in 3D.

Additionally there’s the EcoVillage, new technology workshops featuring laser die-cutting and an area dedicated to package printing. Outside of the expo hall, attendees will be pleased, no doubt, with the outdoor Park at Rosemont, a new area with bars and entertainment venues to extend industry connections beyond the show floor.

In the coming weeks I’ll share more insight on how exciting this year’s Labelexpo Americas will be for the global label industry and will introduce some of the 70 new exhibitors! In between, you can follow my tweets @DanielleJersche. I look forward to the buzz of sales being made, relationships continuing to progress and industry growth occurring in one of the most mature markets in the world.

Danielle Jerschefske, North America editor, L&L

Danielle Jerschefske

  • Sustainability columnist