Loupe Americas 2026 expands technology focus

Loupe Americas 2026 (formerly Labelexpo Americas), the region’s largest dedicated label and package printing event, has broadened its technology offering to reflect the ongoing convergence of labels, short-run flexible packaging and in-line folding carton converting.

The technology showcase will spotlight innovation across digital and hybrid presses, automation, finishing and converting and sustainable materials from more than 400 exhibitors.

'Loupe Americas 2026 demonstrates how narrow and mid-web technology developed for label production is being used to convert flexible packaging materials, mainly pouches and shrink sleeves, and folding cartons,” said Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director at Loupe Global.

One of the many technology highlights on the show floor, Bobst will run live demonstrations of its Digital Master 340, an all-in-one, in-line, modular and upgradable label press with integrated quality control, while Mark Andy will feature the HighSpeed 1200 hybrid press and the Performance Series S9 flexographic platform, addressing high-throughput label and flexible packaging production.

Dantex shows for the first time its PicoColour 254 digital press combined with a GM DC350 unit, transforming the press from roll-to-roll into a hybrid production platform with integrated in-line finishing.

Also running live demonstrations throughout the show, Konica Minolta will showcase a new label product, in addition to its AccurioLabel 400 toner-based digital press and JetVarnish 3D Web 400, a modular digital embellishment machine capable of digital spot UV varnish and hot foil embellishments.

Brotech will demonstrate its FFX AI Series flexo press, a platform that combines machine intelligence, real-time sensing, closed-loop color management and continuous learning to deliver more consistent production.

Marking its North American debut, Durst will introduce the Tau G3 Peak, delivering 1200DPI print resolution and speeds of up to 382ft/min.

HP will showcase the HP Indigo 6K+ Digital Press and 200K Digital Press, printing both labels and flexible packaging in highly automated, AI-driven workflows.

ABG will demonstrate its DigiLase Duo laser finishing system for high-speed, precision converting of digitally printed labels and packaging. Leaning into one of the core themes at Loupe Americas, the company will debut the Galaxy GS20 Plus pouch manufacturing line incorporating ABG’s PouchJet inline digital embellishment system.

Dilli will demonstrate its Neo Picasso Plus digital label press, supporting media widths up to 350mm and print widths up to 330mm, capable of running coated and uncoated papers and films, with support for selected flexible packaging materials.

Tamarack Products is set to showcase its Fusion Label Applicator, an in-line system for applying RFID labels to folding cartons on folder/gluer lines.

An exciting feature of Loupe Americas 2026 is the Label Trail, where Avery Dennison, CarbonQuota, Cerm, Esko, Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM), Kurz, Scribos and Flint Group Digital Xeikon will join forces to showcase a label workflow. This includes sustainable material specification, automated workflow, digital print with in-line metalized brand protection elements and real-time measurement of carbon footprint.  

Nilpeter and Kurz also join with industry partners to present a label print and embellishment workflow based around a Nilpeter FA-17 flexo press.

Tasha Ventimiglia, group director, Loupe Americas, said: 'While labels remain at the core of Loupe Americas 2026, we continue to see label converters diversifying into flexible packaging and in-line folding cartons to meet changing brand expectations and protect margins. Loupe Americas reflects this shift, bringing together the technologies, suppliers and expertise that keep our visitors’ businesses competitive.'