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Labelexpo rebrands as Loupe

Piotr Wnuk — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 22:36:42 +0000

Associations, events & awards 12 January 2026

Labelexpo rebrands as Loupe

The first show under the new event branding will be Loupe Americas 2026.

Labelexpo rebrands to Loupe, as the event organizers move toward a broader embrace of additional printed packaging segments, while maintaining its focus on the label market.

The label converting industry is undergoing a transformation, creating ‘one-stop’ package printing operations that encompass the full range of packaging formats. Label converters have already diversified into flexible packaging and are identifying new opportunities in folding cartons. Loupe Global events will reflect that change.

‘You can see it all over the show floor at Labelexpo. Label converters are not just converting labels anymore. They’re adding cartons and flexible packaging into their portfolios,’ says Loupe Global managing director Jade Grace. ‘The show needed to evolve alongside the industry.’

Grace says the decision to change the name did not come lightly. The organizers had been exploring that direction for years, but the conversations gained further momentum after the Europe 2023 event, when over 25 percent of visitors had registered an interest in folding carton and 40 percent in flexible packaging. Grace says those numbers had been trending upward in the years prior.

“One thing should be perfectly clear: Labelexpo isn’t dead; but the event is going through a rebirth with labels at the center of it”

In fact, Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director for Informa’s Labels Group (the company owns both Labelexpo/Loupe and Labels & Labeling), says the name change was years in the making.

‘It seems amazing now, but we actually first considered changing the name of Labelexpo back in the early 2000s when Comco ProGlide MSP in-line flexo presses were converting shrink sleeves, flexible packaging and folding cartons,’ Thomas-Emans says. ‘It was clear even then that this was the future, but the labels industry was more fragmented, mostly small to medium-sized family businesses that were making great money from labels.

‘Today, that landscape has changed,’ he continues. ‘Today, we see widespread consolidation with multi-site groups often incorporating labels, flex pack and folding carton operations. And in a fiercely competitive labels market with lower levels of growth, label converters are finding flexible packaging produces higher margins and perfectly complements their label business.’

Further, the name change was widely supported by the industry. Labelexpo hired a brand agency to conduct in-depth research with industry stakeholders, including suppliers, converters and trade associations.

‘The results came up overwhelmingly in favor of a rebrand, much, actually, to the surprise of the management team,’ Grace says. ‘Since then, we’ve done a lot of work with branding agencies, internally, with stakeholders and associations.

‘One thing should be perfectly clear: Labelexpo isn’t dead; but the event is going through a rebirth with labels at the center of it. Label printing and converting is still at the very core and foundation of our group, so I don’t want the industry to lose sight of that.’

Thomas-Emans adds: ‘The idea behind the Loupe rebrand is not to become a “print everything” show like Drupa, or a packaging show like Fachpack or PackExpo. We are focused on how the core print technology developed for the labels industry – in-line, digital and hybrid – that will disrupt the flexible packaging and folding carton converting industries. You will not see a CI, gravure or offset press at Loupe, as we are not trying to compete at that end of the market. We are all about short-run, added value production of labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons.’

Market changes

Over 25 percent of exhibitors at Labelexpo Europe 2025 have portfolios that reach across labels, flexible packaging and folding carton sectors.

Flexible packaging is no stranger to Labelexpo shows. For years, it has been largely seen as a ‘natural evolution’ for the label industry that leverages a label converters’ existing strengths – adaptability, diversity and speed – and puts them in a position to serve one of the packaging industry’s fastest growing segments. In more recent years, mid-web machinery from both flexo and digital manufacturers has become commonplace.

‘By leveraging their existing assets, embracing new substrates and aligning with global trends, [label converters] can unlock new revenue streams, deepen customer relationships and future-proof their businesses,’ says Chris Ellison, managing director of OPM Group, a UK-based converter who pioneered the move into flexible packing nearly 20 years ago.

Ellison also served as an Industry Ambassador for Labelexpo Europe 2025. ‘The flexible packaging market is no longer a distant opportunity; it’s a present-day imperative. For label converters ready to innovate, diversify and grow, the path forward is clear and flexible.’

The global flexible packaging sector is growing at a faster rate than the label sector. It’s currently valued at about 250-300 billion USD globally, and growing at a rate of 4.7 percent, according to figures from Grand View Research.

It’s a segment that’s dominated by large, established converting companies, whose scale makes them less agile to respond to shorter production runs, SKU proliferation and the rise of challenger brands; all areas in which label converters excel.

Flexible formats like pouches and single-serve sachets are steadily replacing rigid containers on store shelves, driven primarily by their sustainability and customer convenience advantages. While flexible packaging is not inherently recyclable, there are products on the market for recyclable or compostable pouches. Further, flexible packaging requires significantly less environmental resources to ship and produce, compared to the rigid containers they are replacing.

Today’s consumers also prioritize convenience. Flexible formats like resealable pouches and single-serve sachets are in high demand across food, beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical sectors. These formats align perfectly with the capabilities of narrow-web presses, which excel at short-run, high-mix production.

“Sustainability regulation, SKU proliferation and rising energy costs have brought these capabilities to the forefront for a much wider audience, especially label converters looking to diversify”

Folding carton, meanwhile, has been a relatively newer development, with the first signs of folding carton production appearing at Labelexpo Europe 2023. By 2025, Edale was the first and only manufacturer to show in-line flexo converting for folding carton at the show.

In-line carton production isn’t new, it’s just newly relevant, says Will Parker, a packaging executive and Labelexpo folding carton ambassador.

‘In-line carton production isn’t a new concept,’ Parker says. ‘For over 15 years, food-to-go packaging has quietly evolved using in-line flexo platforms to produce folded, glued and barrier-coated or lined fiberboard trays and wraps.’

He continues: ‘Likewise, the beauty and personal care sectors have long relied on short-run, embellished carton production using hybrid workflows to create rigid boxes, sleeves and gift packaging often produced in line with hot foil, embossing and die-cutting in a single pass.’

What’s new, Parker says, is the urgency of the conversation.

‘Sustainability regulation, SKU proliferation and rising energy costs have brought these capabilities to the forefront for a much wider audience, especially label converters looking to diversify.’

History

Labelexpo was launched in 1980 with the inaugural Labelex 80 in London, featuring 44 label industry suppliers. Since then, the portfolio has expanded across the globe, supported by editorial from Labels & Labeling magazine. The magazine will not be rebranding (see boxout).

In 2023, Labelexpo Global Series joined Informa, the world’s largest B2B event organizer, with more than 800 brands and 14,000 employees across 30 countries.

The ability to connect with multiple industries across complementary Informa events in the healthcare and pharma, food and nutrition, beauty and aesthetics sectors, provides sponsors, exhibitors and visitors access to wider knowledge and business opportunities, organizers say.

Loupe’s Grace continues: ‘We are going to carry on the same way as Labelexpo has done for over 40 years. Labelexpo is so successful because of the people in the industry. I feel we are kind of the guardians of this platform, and we’re always trying to adapt to what the industry wants and needs, and Loupe will be no different. We are embracing a wider remit that is already part of our industry. We’re just recognizing that formally.’

The first event under the Loupe moniker will be Loupe Americas 2026, when the event returns to the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, from Sept 15-17, 2026. Labelexpo Asia, which takes place in Shanghai from Dec 2-5 this year, will be the last under the Labelexpo name.

What’s in a name?

The name Loupe represents a common magnifying tool found in printshops. A loupe is used to inspect print quality and detail up close.

For event organizers, LOUPE as an acronym stands for ‘Labels & OUter Packaging Embellishment’ and represents attention to detail, clarity, precision and craftsmanship.

‘We’ve really thought long and hard about the name, and

I think Loupe really honors the heritage of our industry,’ Grace says. ‘To us, a loupe symbolizes attention to detail, clarity and insight, all of that really characterize our industry so well.’

Labels & Labeling retains name and branding

Labels & Labeling, which is owned by the same parent company, Informa PLC, will not be rebranding alongside the events.

‘Labels & Labeling has been the trusted voice of the global label industry for more than 45 years, and our strength comes from a clear focus on the narrow- and mid-web converter and supporting ecosystem.

‘While we applaud Loupe and understand the decision to rebrand, we will continue to cover the adjacent packaging sectors in the context of how it impacts the world of labels,’ says Chelsea McDougall, editor of Labels & Labeling magazine. ‘Preserving the magazine’s name ensures that the Labels & Labeling continues that legacy, while supporting the broader vision of the global Loupe events.’

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Labels target food waste reduction

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 23:21:56 +0000

Avery Dennison has published research highlighting how intelligent labels can address food waste across the global supply chain, which is forecast to reach 540 billion USD by 2026.

The Making the Invisible Visible report, which surveyed 3,500 global food retailers and supply chain leaders, found that 61 percent of businesses lack full visibility into where food waste occurs across their operations. The company positions intelligent labels as a key technology to address these blind spots and transform food waste from an operating cost into measurable value.

Transit emerged as a critical area where labels can provide visibility, with 56 percent of companies reporting they do not have a clear understanding of how much food waste happens during transportation. The research identified meat as the most challenging category, projected to cost 94 billion USD in lost output in 2026, followed by fresh produce at 88 billion USD.

'The biggest challenge is what we can't see. From transit to shelf, blind spots are silently eroding margins,' noted Julie Vargas, vice president and general manager of enterprise intelligent labels growth at Avery Dennison. 'With the right innovation, we can turn this loss into measurable value and shift the conversation on food waste, from being purely seen as a sustainability issue, into a business critical one.'

The report found that inventory management and overstocking contribute significantly to food waste for 51 percent of business leaders. Avery Dennison suggests that intelligent labels can enable item-level inventory visibility, demand forecasting and real-time shelf-life management to address these challenges.

Economic volatility and shifting consumer demands are exacerbating food waste issues, with 74 percent of retailers stating inflation is making it harder to predict demand for fresh meat and 73 percent reporting rising consumer demand for smaller meat portions or alternatives.

'Over seven in ten business leaders told us that they see tackling food waste as a growth opportunity,' added Michael Colarossi, vice president and head of enterprise sustainability at Avery Dennison. 'That's why the 540 billion USD in lost value should be a clear call to action for the food retail supply chain to cut waste and boost efficiencies.'

If current trends continue, the cumulative cost of food waste from 2025 to 2030 is expected to reach 3.4 trillion USD.

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Digital watermarks prove their worth in real-world trials

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 01:47:00 +0000

Sustainability 22 December 2025

Digital watermarks prove their worth in real-world trials

HolyGrail 2.0’s latest industrial trials demonstrate the technology’s readiness for commercial deployment across European recycling facilities.

The quest for accurate plastic sorting has reached a pivotal moment. After years of development and testing, digital watermark technology has finally proven it can deliver the precision needed to transform how Europe handles post-consumer packaging waste. The HolyGrail 2.0 initiative’s latest industrial trials, conducted at Germany’s Hündgen Entsorgung facility, have demonstrated detection rates consistently exceeding 90 percent, a significant leap forward in sorting technology.

Over 100 days of rigorous testing from August to December 2024, the facility processed real household waste from Germany and Denmark, clocking an average of nearly 56,000 detections per day. The numbers are impressive: 5.66 million detections across 5,949 unique SKUs, with detection efficiency ranging from 87.9 to 93.8 percent. This represents the largest-scale testing of digital watermark technology to date, proving its potential for widespread commercial adoption.

Beyond traditional sorting limitations

Current near-infrared and visible light spectroscopy (NIR/VIS) systems, while effective at separating basic materials like PET, polypropylene and polyethylene, face inherent limitations that digital watermarks can overcome.

‘NIR/VIS spectroscopy separates materials and colors; however, certain packaging features limit its detection capabilities. For instance, the presence of sleeves does not allow you to see the color underneath, multilayer packaging hinders the detection below the top layer, and additives and polymer physical properties are not visible by NIR/VIS,’ explains Margherita Trombetti, project manager and sustainability policy officer at AIM, the European Brands Association.

Traditional sorting technologies also cannot identify crucial information, such as product application, whether for food, cosmetic or detergent use; recycled content levels; or whether materials are bio-based or fossil-based.

Margherita Trombetti, project manager and sustainability policy officer at AIM – the European Brands Association and Martyn Tickner, technical advisor at the Alliance to End Plastic Waste

‘There are certain types of information that it is impossible to obtain via the technology alone. This is why new technologies are needed,’ adds Trombetti.

Digital watermarks address these gaps by encoding detailed information directly into packaging during the printing process.

‘Digital watermarks’ ability to identify packaging features at the SKU level unlocks a new set of data about the packaging, granting access to any packaging attributes such as additives, viscosity and hidden layers,’ notes Trombetti.

These granular sorting capabilities extend far beyond current systems. ‘When packaging is marked with digital watermarks, it can be sorted based on usage such as food, cosmetics, detergents and others, as well as traced for brand owners’ collection statistics by product and for EPR purposes,’ she explains.

Complementary technologies

Rather than replacing existing infrastructure entirely, the most effective approach combines digital watermarks with established NIR technology. This hybrid approach maximizes sorting efficiency while accommodating both marked and unmarked packaging, a practical necessity.

‘Digital watermarking allows for the splitting of any fraction to a higher level of granularity than is currently possible with near infrared technology,’ states Trombetti.

Integration proves essential for practical implementation. ‘Not all objects will be digitally watermarked, and so a combination of DW and NIR/VIS provides the best of both worlds, enabling mixed sorting of both marked and unmarked SKUs, including responding to dirty, partially marked or damaged packaging,’ explains Trombetti.

“Digital watermarking is a proven method at commercial scale, and the early-adopter markets will benefit from this”

The Hündgen facility trials exemplified this integrated approach through sophisticated equipment configuration. ‘On Hündgen’s main line, a new 2.8m-wide Pellenc ST module enabled with Digimarc watermark detection was installed to process an input stream consisting of post-consumer plastic from the German and Danish collection systems,’ details Trombetti.

‘The detection efficiency ranged from 87.9 percent to 93.8 percent, with strong evidence of consistent detection over 90 percent over long durations,’ Trombetti notes. These results proved particularly impressive given the complexity involved: ‘Nearly 6,000 SKUs from collection in two countries, challenging post-consumer waste, including the presence of films and flexibles in the rigids stream, and the uneven distribution and crumpling of material.’

Implementation challenges

Integrating new technology into existing facilities requires careful consideration of both technical and economic factors. Martyn Tickner, technical advisor at the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, emphasizes the distinction between detection and sorting components. ‘It is important firstly to recognize that the transition to circular systems requires major investments into sorting capability, the key enabler to high-quality recycling,’ he explains.

Investment strategy becomes crucial for successful implementation. ‘We should differentiate between the detection/decision making and the sorting step itself, most typically by air-jet separation of a stream, with the most significant part of the capital cost being the latter,’ he notes.

The detection systems themselves increasingly utilize multiple sensor inputs, combining NIR, visible light, digital watermarks and object recognition technologies.

‘Detection/decision making increasingly utilizes multi-sensory input, with the choice determined by the cost and value that each technology brings to the problem being addressed,’ notes Tickner.

Real-world sorting presents challenges beyond technology implementation. Contamination remains a persistent headache, with waste conditions presenting multiple obstacles.

‘In general, sorting is made more difficult by elements that consumers put in the garbage bag despite not being plastic, metal, or paper, hence contaminating the input. It is estimated that around 40 to 50 percent of such elements can be found in the yellow bag,’ explains Trombetti.

The trials also encountered operational challenges that provided valuable learning opportunities. ‘Waste conditions also presented some challenges: harsh soiling, crumpling, crushing and aging. During the trials, there were some hardware and cooling challenges associated with the detection, but these did not negatively affect the detection and ejection results,’ she adds. Such real-world hiccups are exactly what the industry needs to understand before widespread rollout.

Economic viability

The transition from research trials to commercial deployment hinges on demonstrating clear economic value for all stakeholders. The newly formed Circular Packaging 2030 consortium, emerging from HolyGrail 2.0, focuses specifically on proving the business case for intelligent sorting across European markets.

“Meeting the 2030 EU-wide PPWR targets requires investment not only in sorting, but in recycling capabilities”

‘Circular Packaging 2030 is a collaborative consortium of companies and organizations representing the entire packaging value chain. Its mission is to prove the economic viability of a circular economy for selected plastics packaging use cases,’ explains Trombetti.

The consortium’s comprehensive approach addresses multiple stakeholders’ needs simultaneously.

‘The primary aim is to demonstrate end-to-end business value creation by implementing intelligent sorting for all PP plastic materials, and identification of the right recycling path to create food-grade [recycled polypropylene] material. This may later extend to other material types,’ she continues.

The consortium’s methodology encompasses rigorous evaluation criteria, including sorting performance metrics, business case evaluation and return on investment assessment.

This comprehensive evaluation approach recognizes that advanced sorting represents just one component of the circular economy equation.

‘Meeting the 2030 EU-wide PPWR targets requires investment not only in sorting, but in recycling capabilities. However, advanced sorting is a key enabler for recycling and hence PPWR compliance,’ emphasizes Trombetti.

The infrastructure investment strategy focuses on scalable approaches rather than retrofitting facilities individually. ‘The industry should focus on implementing advanced sorting, including managing this on a large scale as a second sorting step rather than retrofitting capabilities into each individual municipal sorting facility,’ she advises.

Strategic market demonstrations

The transition to commercial deployment begins with carefully selected market demonstrations in Belgium and Germany. These locations offer distinct advantages for validating the technology’s commercial viability under different conditions.

‘Both markets were selected for strategic reasons. Belgium offers environment to demonstrate the business case for a circular economy in flexible polypropylene packaging,’ states Trombetti.

The country’s institutional advantages make it particularly suitable for testing. ‘This is largely due to Fost Plus, a well-positioned and highly proactive Producer Responsibility Organization, whose ambition makes them a key partner,’ she notes. ‘Leading brand owners who were instrumental in previous semi-industrial and industrial trials are also actively involved in this market demonstration, driven by their commitment to meeting the EU-wide 2030 targets for recyclability and recycled content.’

“Plastic recycling rates will increase progressively and differently region by region”

Belgium’s existing infrastructure provides an excellent foundation for advanced sorting implementation. ‘Belgium sees high annual volumes of flexible packaging and its advanced sorting centers already deliver very pure flows. By introducing watermark recognition technology, we are completing the final step toward achieving truly circular flexible packaging,’ Trombetti explains. Its positioning as a perfect testing ground makes sense.

Germany offers complementary advantages for rigid packaging applications. Germany is also being explored, given high amounts of rigid PP in their market. Moreover, this market demonstration can benefit from the sorting equipment that is already installed in the partner MRF Hündgen Entsorgung,’ she adds. Leveraging existing infrastructure makes economic sense.

The demonstrations will follow a structured two-year timeline focusing on specific outcomes. ‘This will be a two-year market demonstration, focused on sorting post-consumer, digitally watermarked PP packaging from selected markets. The resulting fractions will be recycled using various technologies to assess performance and output quality,’ details Trombetti.

Regulatory compliance

The European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation creates urgent timelines for industry transformation, requiring sophisticated tracking and reporting capabilities.

‘Digital watermarks embody the perfect example of how the EU-wide goal of the green and digital transitions can happen together: DW carry a wide range of attributes such as manufacturer, SKU, type of plastics used, composition for multi-layer objects, food vs non-food application,’ notes Trombetti.

The technology’s data collection capabilities support comprehensive regulatory reporting requirements. ‘Digital watermarks have the potential to meet other PPWR requirements. Notably, to enable the creation of a Digital Packaging Passport that can help companies meet EU reporting requirements, such as communicating about the material composition of the packaging to facilitate sorting, or about the presence of substances of concern, or even to get highly reliable and accurate data for EPR reporting obligations,’ she explains.

Timing becomes critical for meeting regulatory deadlines.

‘Given the urgency for improvement, it is important to move forward with technologies that are already in place today that will support the viability of downstream investments, rather than waiting for maturation of even newer technologies,’ explains Trombetti. This approach provides ‘the most assured route towards PPWR compliance.’

The regulatory framework also requires significant infrastructure development beyond sorting capabilities.

‘Next to progress on sorting infrastructure, an upgrade in recycling capabilities is needed. It will take many years to install adequate infrastructure for chemical recycling. However, we already have significant mechanical recycling infrastructure in place, which can be more rapidly developed to provide the quality required to meet the PPWR targets as long as feedstocks are accurately and efficiently sorted,’ she notes.

Global adoption

While European markets drive current development, the technology’s global potential depends on varying regional conditions and requirements. Tickner outlines how adoption patterns will differ based on local waste management maturity and economic conditions.

‘Plastic recycling rates will increase progressively and differently region by region, driven by waste management policies, targets, brand-owner ambitions and financing mechanisms, which in turn create end-markets that support the investment in collection, sorting and recycling,’ he explains.

Regional infrastructure variations create different opportunities for implementation. ‘In OECD countries with more mature waste management systems, sorting will largely be fully automated and capable of advanced detection such as NIR, DW, object recognition [OR]. In lower-cost countries and those with less mature waste management systems, manual sorting will dominate,’ notes Tickner.

However, advanced detection technology can provide value across diverse operational contexts. ‘Even here, advanced detection can be deployed, using laser lights to guide manual sorters. And in all cases, quality control of incoming materials will be relevant,’ explains Tickner.

The strategic decision for brand owners involves weighing implementation approaches and timing considerations. ‘Perhaps the trade-off for brand owners between taking the initiative and costs for digital watermarking versus relying on others to implement object recognition may favor a strategic decision to adopt digital watermarks,’ suggests Tickner.

Competitive landscape

The sorting technology landscape continues evolving rapidly, with artificial intelligence-enabled object recognition advancing alongside digital watermarks. However, a pragmatic perspective on technology selection and implementation timing should be maintained.

‘For sorting and data collection, the capabilities of AI-enabled object recognition (OR) are advancing fast, and while the limits of performance and operational cost in highly complex systems are not yet determined. OR represents an approach with a lower entry barrier for brands, at least for today’s needs in rigid packaging,’ explains Tickner.

Tickner highlights the importance of action over prolonged evaluation. ‘We believe that the actual choice of detection approach is of secondary importance and is consuming too much energy. Digital watermarking is a proven method at commercial scale, and the early-adopter markets will benefit from this,’ he states.

Risk management considerations favor implementation over waiting. ‘The regret cost of inaction is far higher than the regret of implementing a detection technology and then finding in five to 10 years that performance boundaries and market requirements have evolved in favor of a different approach, and some retrofit costs are required,’ observes Tickner.

The competitive landscape will likely support multiple detection technologies, each optimized for specific applications.

Next steps

The Circular Packaging 2030 consortium has established comprehensive milestones for commercial deployment over the next two years, encompassing technical performance, economic viability and regulatory approval processes.

Key objectives include achieving ‘sorting performance metrics comparable to those in HolyGrail 2.0 Phase 3 and aligned with regulatory standards’, along with demonstrating ‘added value for both feedstock and recyclates, focusing on the production of high-quality materials suitable for target packaging applications,’ explains Trombetti.

Economic validation remains central to the consortium’s mission. The program will ‘assess the ROI for all stakeholders to validate the commercial viability of a circular economy model’ while working to ‘produce high-value recyclates that justify investment in intelligent sorting technology,’ she details.

The demonstration’s expected outcomes extend beyond immediate commercial deployment. ‘By the end of the market demonstration, the Consortium expects to achieve a pathway for food-grade PP recyclates initially for non-food contact applications and outline a clear roadmap toward EFSA approval,’ she explains.

Success in these demonstrations will provide the foundation for broader rollout across European markets. The readiness for widespread implementation represents the culmination of years of hard work and testing. With high detection efficiency and the ability to sort at unprecedented granularity, digital watermarks offer a proven path toward the accurate sorting essential for circular packaging systems. The transition from HolyGrail 2.0 research to HolyGrail 2030 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of packaging recycling, one that the industry has been waiting for.

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Reynders pioneers recyclable metallic labels

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 01:34:03 +0000

Finishing & embellishment 19 December 2025

Reynders pioneers recyclable metallic labels

Family-owned Reynders adopts Actega technology to meet sustainability demands.

Label converters face an increasingly complex challenge: delivering the premium aesthetics brands demand while meeting environmental requirements. Belgian family business Reynders has addressed this through its partnership with Actega, adopting EcoLeaf on-demand metallization to create S-Sential, a new approach to metallic label decoration that eliminates traditional foil waste.

Three generations of growth

Founded in 1956 in Mortsel, Belgium, Reynders operates eight production facilities across Europe and Asia. The company employs 650 people and generates an annual turnover of 173M EUR, serving the cosmetics, food and beverage, automotive and pharmaceuticals markets.

The converter produces self-adhesive labels, booklets, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging and in-mold labels. Third-generation family leadership now runs the business, with CCO Marco Van Hooff describing it as focused on agility and technical expertise.

‘We believe in being small enough to move with speed, yet large enough to operate in the Champions League of label printing,’ Van Hooff explains. ‘Our strength lies in how we unite technical know-how with a tailored touch.’

The company identified on-demand metallization as key for meeting both environmental requirements and customer expectations for premium finishes.

Technology

Reynders discovered EcoLeaf at Labelexpo Europe 2023. The technology applies metallic effects directly onto labels without PET carrier film or traditional foil backing. According to Actega, 1kg of EcoLeaf flakes replaces 3,000kg of conventional foil, resulting in a reduction of carbon emissions by more than 80 percent.

The process allows converters to apply metallic decoration precisely where needed, offering design flexibility and late-stage product differentiation.

‘Sustainability and on-demand metallization go hand in hand with EcoLeaf,’ Van Hooff notes. ‘It allows us to deliver shiny, standout labels while cutting waste and carbon impact.’

Reynders launched S-Sential as its platform for implementing the technology. The system targets premium sectors where visual appeal drives purchasing decisions, particularly cosmetics, body care and specialty food and beverage products.

Haptic and visual appeal

Beyond environmental benefits, S-Sential delivers tactile qualities that enhance shelf presence. The metallic finish creates a haptic effect designed to encourage consumer interaction, while the reflective properties provide visual differentiation on crowded shelves.

Reynders has conducted lifecycle analysis in accordance with ISO standards, providing data that brand owners can use to measure and communicate their environmental impact.

‘It’s also the quick turnarounds and the creative possibilities to use shiny on-demand metallization to differentiate the products,’ Van Hooff adds.

Strategic partnership

Van Hooff describes the relationship with Actega as a long-term strategic partnership. ‘Actega has consistently proven to be a dependable partner, offering cutting-edge approaches in coatings, inks, adhesives, compounds and sealants,’ he remarks. ‘Together, we are perfectly aligned in our shared vision to stay ahead of the market, driving innovation and setting new standards for sustainable, impactful outcomes.’

“Sustainability and on-demand metallization go hand in hand with EcoLeaf. It allows us to deliver shiny, standout labels while significantly cutting waste and carbon impact”

Harald Jasper, managing director of Actega Metal Print, views the collaboration as demonstrating that environmental responsibility and premium aesthetics need not conflict.

‘Reynders’ unwavering commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility is redefining what’s possible in label embellishment,’ Jasper states. ‘With S-Sential and EcoLeaf’s on-demand metallization, we’re pioneering a new era, demonstrating that sustainable practices can seamlessly deliver a luxury, premium look.’

The partnership addresses multiple pressures converters face: regulatory compliance, brand owner sustainability targets, consumer preferences for premium packaging and production efficiency.

Van Hooff frames the adoption of new technology as essential for converters seeking a competitive advantage.

‘The future of packaging demands action, not hesitation,’ he argues. ‘True leadership isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment but embracing innovation and driving transformation.’

As regulatory timelines approach and sustainability criteria become standard in brand specifications, Reynders positions S-Sential as proof that label converters can deliver both environmental performance and premium aesthetics.

The company’s investment in on-demand metallization represents a bet that the technology will become standard in premium label segments where traditional foil is currently the dominant format.

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Fedrigoni launches customer portal

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:20:21 +0000

Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives has launched a customer portal designed to provide access to its self-adhesive materials catalog, technical data sheets and support resources.

The platform features a search function that allows customers to browse products and download technical documentation online. Users can create personalized access accounts through the portal.

'Our goal has always been to make it as easy as possible for customers to find and use the right Fedrigoni materials for their applications,' commented Melissa Harton, marketing manager for North America. 'This portal brings our catalog and support resources together in one place, providing instant access to information and tools.'

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Fedrigoni launches customer portal

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Software suppliers tackle industry’s perfect storm

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 01:14:41 +0000

Workflow, MIS & inspection 15 December 2025

Software suppliers tackle industry’s perfect storm

Workflow integration separates market leaders from struggling converters, with automation shifting from optional to essential.

One of the Hybrid Software’s customers has recently increased output by 3,000 SKUs per month without hiring a single additional employee. The secret was not a faster press or more floor space, but an integrated workflow system that eliminated manual touchpoints across the entire production process. This productivity gain exemplifies a shift happening across the label and packaging industry, where software automation has become the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

The response from the supply chain has been unmistakable: workflow automation is no longer optional; it is the foundation of competitive operations.

The perfect storm is hitting converters

Printers are navigating what Craig Tait, chief product officer at ePS, calls ‘a perfect storm’ of market pressures. ‘An unprecedented shift toward shorter runs and increased SKU proliferation is putting new strain on already thin margins,’ he explains. ‘The most critical pain point is the reliance on fragmented, disconnected systems that create silos and block a real-time view of the business.’

The shift from analog to digital print technology has changed the type of orders converters handle. ‘The volume of orders is higher, but with shorter run lengths and tighter lead times,’ notes Peter Dhondt, director of global and strategic accounts at Cerm. ‘If the workflow within the organization is not optimized to manage this effectively, then pressure builds in the CSR and production teams, and this is when costly mistakes can happen.’

Mike Agness, Hybrid Software executive vice president for the Americas, points to persistent fundamental issues that plague even sophisticated operations. ‘Files received are still not print-ready, which means a pre-press technician needs to do work on them to print properly. This goes for both flexo and digital print production.’

“Up to 55 percent of the lead time of a sales order or job can be taken up by admin and preparation, leaving less than half for production”

For many converters, manual processes create a cascade of problems. ‘Too many converters still run complex workflows on spreadsheets and manually enter data, creating errors and costly surprises that are often discovered too late on press,’ observes Tait. His company’s data shows that ‘by replacing these manual touchpoints with a connected workflow, process complexity can drop by 30 to 50 percent. The result: fewer mistakes, faster turnaround and complete visibility from quote to production.’

Sistrade identifies additional operational pressures, including ‘escalating energy and material costs, excessive waste from idle machines and the demand for shorter print runs with tighter delivery windows.’ These challenges are ‘compounded by rising compliance needs for variable data and personalization, leading to inefficiencies in production planning and inventory management,’ notes Isabel Ferreira, head of marketing and communication at Portugal-based Sistrade.

The convergence of these pressures is forcing converters to rethink their operational models, with workflow integration emerging as the primary lever for maintaining competitiveness.

Labor crisis

The workforce shortage has emerged as perhaps the most urgent challenge facing the industry, with demographic data painting a stark picture. ‘If you look at the age pyramid across Europe, there is a peak in the 50-60 year-old group, falling significantly through 40 to 50 and 30 to 40 and beyond,’ reports Cerm’s Dhondt. ‘The people are just not there, so technology must bridge this gap.’

The impact extends beyond simple headcount. ‘The labor shortage has exposed a critical vulnerability in the industry: an overreliance on tribal knowledge that walks out the door when an experienced employee leaves,’ explains Tait. ‘The impact of this is realized daily in slower estimating, brittle production schedules and a general lack of operational resilience.’

“The labor shortage has exposed a critical vulnerability in the industry: an overreliance on tribal knowledge that walks out the door when an experienced employee leaves”

For pre-press departments, the shortage creates particularly acute problems. ‘The labor shortage and finding qualified pre-press technicians impacts our clients considerably,’ notes Agness. ‘Many times, converters have a single pre-press person on staff. If that person moves on or is on vacation, our clients need some backup to keep their files moving.’

Sistrade quantifies the impact: ‘Labor shortages have led to revenue loss, increased error rates in picking and handling and prolonged lead times, exacerbating supply chain disruptions.’

‘Our philosophy is to build expertise directly into the system, so every job moves faster with fewer manual steps,’ states Tait. ‘By automating RFQs, estimating, job creation and production planning, teams spend less time on admin and more time producing.’

This approach fundamentally changes the skill requirements for new employees. ‘Complex, accurate quotes can be created without years of experience, because built-in logic guides the process,’ Tait adds. ‘The goal isn’t to replace people, it’s to make them more effective, free their time for strategic work and amplify decision‑making across the plant.’

Cerm’s MIS takes a comprehensive approach to automation. ‘Online web to print, pre-press software and production machines can be seamlessly connected with two-way communication,’ Dhondt explains. ‘This massively increases productivity driven by technology, enabling label and packaging converters to do the same level of business with fewer people or similarly support growth without the need to increase headcount.’

Maximum impact

Workflow providers identify several key areas where automation delivers immediate return on investment. Tait of ePS outlines five critical automation zones: ‘The front-end intake process is the largest win: RFQs flow directly into estimating without manual intervention, cutting delays, errors and hidden costs.’

The benefits extend through the entire workflow. ‘Automating pre-press handoff through structured specs, automated die and cylinder lookup and digital approvals, removes long-standing bottlenecks,’ continues Tait. ‘Planning becomes faster and smarter, with constraint-aware batching, ganging and automatic sequencing by ink and substrate. The result: production plans created up to 20 times faster, maximizing efficiency and reducing costly delays.’

With the newly developed connector between Durst Analytics and Cerm MIS, production data from Durst Tau label presses can now be transferred directly into the Cerm MIS Software

Cerm emphasizes the power of product-based workflows as the foundation for automation. ‘Cerm is a product-based workflow, unique SKUs containing technical specifications and production routes to go either digital or analog depending on quantity,’ Dhondt explains. ‘This data drives an automated workflow from sales order, ganged production run opportunities, communication with pre-press software for step and repeat file prep, pushing data out to machines for automated set up and receiving real-time production data back for tracking and performance analysis.’

The company reports measurable results across its customer base: ‘We see this achieved throughout our customer base, reporting KPIs of reduced lead times, improved OTIF, increased revenue per employee and ultimately profitability increases.’

For pre-press specifically, Agness identifies two critical opportunities for automation. ‘Online proof approvals and step and repeat layouts should be integrated and automated,’ he states. ‘Online approvals offer, through status updates, visibility throughout the organization about in-process or completed pre-press tasks, immediately when a client approves the proof.’

Sistrade’s Ferreira points to ‘estimates automation, pre-press automation, dynamic job batching and integrated scheduling with presses, allowing for seamless handling of short runs and variable data. Robotic systems for finishing and packaging also offer quick wins by minimizing downtime.’

Ultimate Tech sees particular opportunity in SMB market segments. ‘The biggest opportunity is in small to medium companies, because today there are no pre-press tools available for them in a reasonable quality/price ratio that enables them to have a high level of automation,’ notes Watson. This represents a significant untapped market where workflow automation could deliver transformative results for operations that have been priced out of enterprise-level systems.

Theurer.com identifies product configuration as the foundation for automation success. ‘We see the greatest potential for automation at the very beginning of the workflow, during product configuration,’ Tobias Theurer, managing director of the company, explains. ‘With our flexible calculation and configuration module, articles are created as the foundation for both sales and production processes. Through simple customization, we can map any customer-specific requirements, from special quality standards to unique logistics labels or complex production steps.’

The system enables end-to-end automation. ‘Once configured, jobs can automatically move through the entire workflow, from estimating with standardized Business Templates, through automated job creation and scheduling, to production feedback via Direct Machine Interface and performance analysis in Actual Costing and Business Intelligence dashboards,’ Theurer adds.

Manual processes on the chopping block

When asked which manual processes converters most want to eliminate, workflow providers point to repetitive, error-prone tasks that consume time without adding value. ‘Customers are focused on eliminating non-value-added work,’ states Tait. ‘Every minute spent re-entering specs from an email, chasing artwork approvals or hand-building a job bag is a minute lost from producing sellable product. The absolute priority is to eliminate low-value, high-risk tasks that consume time and introduce errors.’

The hit list is extensive and consistent across suppliers. ‘Top of the list: manual re-entry of specifications into estimating and ERP, wiped out through automated intake,’ continues Tait. ‘Other top pain points include the constant chase for artwork approvals, the manual creation of job bags and spreadsheet-based scheduling.’

‘We see bottlenecks in order intake where orders are coming in from multiple sources, email, online portals, the printer’s customers’ ERP systems, Excel spreadsheets,’ Dhondt reports. ‘At Cerm, we have tools, including AI, to automate this process and remove manual and repetitive tasks.’

Continues Dhondt: ‘We see bottlenecks in pre-press from receiving customer artwork, one-up proof approval and prepping the file ready for production. Manual processes can be significantly removed here through integration, replaced by automated workflows that communicate and synchronize status changes, preflight reports, proof approvals and step and repeat.’

Hybrid Software’s Agness highlights specific automation wins that demonstrate the value proposition. ‘Generating a proof file and sending it automatically to the customer is very helpful and eliminates repetitive work,’ he states. ‘Letting the system prepare optimum step and repeat layouts for output saves a lot of operator time and also assures that the print provider is printing labels as efficiently as possible.’

Cerm’s Scheduling Optimizer brings rule-based automation to scheduling, helping printers save time and reduce complexity

Sistrade’s clients consistently target ‘manual proofing, imposition planning and barcode labeling, which introduce errors and slow approvals.’ The company reports quantifiable improvements: ‘Through our workflow automation consulting, we’ve helped clients automate these steps, cutting turnaround times by 30 to 40 percent and eliminating error-prone data entry.’

Ultimate Tech emphasizes the importance of human capital. ‘Tasks that are repetitive, tasks with little value for human interaction. This is specifically the case for imposition, ganging and nesting,’ Watson explains. ‘As we help more and more customers automate, they quickly realize that the software can handle all their work with no human intervention for them to focus on high-value tasks like creativity, customer care and designing new offerings.’

AI transformation

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how converters approach production scheduling, though perspectives vary significantly on the current state and future potential. The divergence of opinion among workflow providers reveals both the promise and the challenges of AI implementation in specialized manufacturing environments.

‘AI is transforming production scheduling, moving from reactive, rules-based systems to predictive, intelligence-driven decision-making,’ reports Tait. ‘AI models now suggest optimal batching strategies to reduce makeready times, flag potential delays before they occur and run multiple what-if scenarios to identify the best production outcomes.’

Cerm sees AI as essential for managing the complexity that overwhelms human planners. ‘In dynamic production environments, it is unrealistic to expect planners alone to effectively deal with changes to delivery dates, new priority orders coming in, which jobs should be run together, impacts of machine breakdowns, changes in staff availability,’ Dhondt notes. ‘It is the new technologies, including AI, that will help to solve the challenges and support better decision-making.’

However, Agness offers a more cautious perspective that highlights the challenges of applying general AI to specialized industries. ‘While AI will have a future, it needs to learn our industry and particulars about our industry,’ he states. ‘AI won’t have a considerable impact on our business immediately because our industry is too specialized to collect accurate information for business or process decisions. Chances are the advances in AI will be what converters teach it about their particular workflows on a micro level and not a global, macro level open-to-public AI engine.’

This view suggests that the most effective AI implementations will be those customized to individual operations rather than off-the-shelf applications.

Ultimate Tech acknowledges both the opportunities and the learning curve ahead. ‘Artificial intelligence is not new to automation, but it has certainly taken a new leap with generative AI and agentic AI,’ Watson observes. ‘AI is great at assessing quickly a vast amount of data and can help production professionals make decisions more quickly. But like any tool, there is always a better way to use it, and it is important for customers to learn about the limitations and opportunities of AI before scaling it to the entire organization.’

Theurer.com describes a shift from reactive to proactive scheduling. ‘Artificial intelligence is transforming production planning from manual rescheduling to continuous optimization,’ states Theurer. ‘In C3 AI, the system continuously calculates the optimal production plan based on the current production situation and automatically adapts it when conditions change, for example, due to rush jobs, machine downtimes or delayed materials.’

Ultimate Tech’s Impostrip can manage dynamic label runs, including the generation of print PDFs and cut and embellishment files for finishing, to automate setup time throughout production

The company emphasizes multi-objective optimization. ‘The C3 AI engine determines a global optimum across multiple weighted objectives, such as the minimization of missed delivery dates, the minimization of set-up times, the maximization of overall equipment effectiveness and the reduction of lead times,’ Theurer explains. ‘Planners define the strategic weighting of these objectives, while the AI continuously balances them and proposes the optimal schedule.’

The consensus appears to be that AI will play an increasingly important role, but implementation requires careful consideration of industry-specific requirements and realistic expectations about current capabilities.

Sustainability reporting

Regulatory requirements are transforming sustainability from a marketing initiative into a core business function with significant implications for data management. ‘Sustainability is no longer a marketing initiative, it’s a core business requirement with significant data demands,’ states Tait. ‘Brand owners expect auditable, part-level traceability, requiring converters to capture a complete raw-to-finished genealogy for every job, including supplier certifications, energy use and waste attribution.’

Sistrade points to specific regulatory drivers with challenging deadlines. ‘Sustainability mandates are demanding granular data on material traceability, recyclability and carbon footprints, with stricter EU and global regulations requiring verifiable reporting by 2025,’ Ferreira reports. ‘This shifts focus to eco-friendly inks and substrates, increasing the need for integrated tracking systems.’

“Sustainability is no longer a marketing initiative; it’s a core business requirement with significant data demands”

Cerm observes increasing pressure from multiple regulatory sources. ‘As more and more legislation is introduced, PPT, EPR, EUDR, and responsibilities on the converter increase, we are seeing the need for more data and reporting for sure,’ Dhondt notes. ‘With scrutiny via audits and specific reporting, then the flexibility of the MIS to support and extract data is key.’

The message is clear: sustainability data management is becoming a table-stakes requirement for converters working with major brands, and workflow systems must be equipped to capture, track and report this information seamlessly.

Untapped opportunities

Looking beyond current automation efforts, workflow providers see significant potential in areas that remain largely unexploited. Tait envisions self-improving systems that learn from every job. ‘The most significant opportunity is building a self-correcting business ecosystem,’ he states. ‘Too often, valuable production data is locked in reports instead of being used to shape future performance. Real-time feedback, like actual run speeds and waste, should flow back into core systems to refine estimating standards automatically. If a job consistently runs faster than planned, the following quote becomes more competitive and more accurate.’

This creates a virtuous cycle of continuous improvement. He also sees opportunity in transparency that strengthens customer relationships. ‘The broader vision is complete operational transparency through live job status portals for brand owners. Converters maintain control while delivering the visibility customers demand, strengthening relationships and unlocking deeper operational insights.’

Cerm emphasizes end-to-end integration as the critical missing piece for many converters. ‘Many converters have invested in automation in specific parts, studio/pre-press, digital and flexo presses and finishing lines, but often the full integration between them is missing,’ Dhondt states. ‘These gaps between, or in other words, where the process flow breaks down, can cause jobs to stall, errors to creep in and margins to erode.’

Material waste represents another significant opportunity with direct bottom-line impact. ‘Waste reduction, improvements in processes can be achieved by using tools to optimize ganging/nesting and to minimize set up waste,’ Dhondt notes. ‘Given that substrate material cost can represent around 40 to 60 percent of total costs, then just a one to two percent reduction can have a significant financial impact.’

Agness identifies data silos as a key target for improvement. ‘The biggest untapped opportunity for many is when they have silos of data, but the current method for data input is done manually,’ he observes. ‘If we can look to eliminate touches and interruptions during production, efficiency will be gained and fewer errors will occur.’

Ultimate Tech zeroes in on pre-press as the area with the most unrealized potential. ‘In labels and packaging, definitely in pre-press. Many label printers tell us they prepare jobs manually,’ Watson states. ‘Labor costs are some of the highest costs a company can have, thus automation is key to enhanced productivity, quality and viability.’

Digital integration with brand owners

The relationship between converters and brand owners is evolving toward deeper digital integration, fundamentally changing the nature of these partnerships. ‘Digital integration is reshaping the way converters and brand owners collaborate,’ states Tait. ‘With open APIs and secure portals, RFQs, specs, artwork, live job status and compliance documents can be exchanged seamlessly. The payoff is clear: brand owners gain the transparency they demand, while converters maintain a single, auditable source of truth.’

The strategic advantage extends beyond operational efficiency. ‘By offering transparency and protecting sensitive data, converters can differentiate themselves in a crowded market and position themselves as strategic partners rather than just vendors,’ Tait adds.

Cerm emphasizes close collaboration with integration partners to create robust ecosystems.

‘We work very closely with our partners to ensure integration between our systems is effective and robust,’ Dhondt explains. ‘This could mean a web-to-print storefront that has been customized for the brand-owner and is fully integrated with the Cerm MIS, enabling real-time pricing and online ordering from product catalogs to be synchronized.’

Agness emphasizes the practical realities of integration. ‘Brand owners don’t want to change their systems generally speaking, so adapting what their systems can output and what the converters can accept and explaining how efficiencies can be gained can accelerate the entire production process,’ he states.

Theurer.com emphasizes standards-based integration for seamless collaboration.

‘C3 enables converters and brand owners to collaborate digitally on every level, from product data to delivery,’ Theurer notes. ‘With C3 Web-Portal 2.0, brand owners can log in to view and manage their own products, create new variants or SKUs and directly release or reorder items online. They can also track order progress in real time, view production or delivery status and access quality and sustainability information.’

Looking ahead

The consensus among workflow providers is clear: the industry stands at a transformative moment where integrated, intelligent systems separate market leaders from those struggling to survive. ‘The future of labels and packaging will be defined by agility and intelligence,’ concludes Tait. ‘Market leaders won’t be those with the newest presses, but rather those with the most innovative and connected workflows. Sustainability demands, labor pressures and rising customer expectations aren’t threats; they’re opportunities for companies that embrace integrated, intelligent systems.’

Ultimate Tech sees market disruption ahead that will reshape the competitive landscape. ‘As digital label presses become better and faster, they will create a new market opportunity for companies that are not already in labels,’ Watson predicts. ‘This enhanced competitiveness in the market will push label printers to innovate, to become more flexible and automated.’

“AI won’t have a considerable impact on our business immediately because our industry is too specialized to collect accurate information for business or process decisions”

Agness emphasizes the ongoing nature of workflow development. ‘We continue to listen to the needs of the marketplace and adapt our technology to those needs and new tools that become available,’ he states. ‘We welcome challenges from our customers and prospects, to understand their issues and put a development effort from a software manufacturer to adapt technology to resolve the difficulties they have.’

The path forward requires converters to fundamentally rethink their workflow systems, not as back-office utilities, but as strategic competitive weapons. The evidence from workflow providers suggests that the winners over the next five years will be those who invest now in integrated, intelligent systems that connect every touchpoint from initial quote to final delivery. Those who delay risk finding themselves unable to meet the speed, transparency and sustainability demands that are rapidly becoming table stakes in the label and packaging market.

The question for converters is no longer whether to automate their workflows, but how quickly they can implement the integrated systems that will define competitive advantage in an industry being reshaped by technology.

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Piotr Wnuk

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Flex-Europa hosts open house at its Innovation Center

Akanksha Meena — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:29:50 +0000

Flex-Europa has concluded an open house at its Innovation Center in Dubai Production City in November, inviting industry professionals to experience live demonstrations of the technologies shaping the future of digital label production.

The center, designed to support businesses across the UAE and Middle East, serves as a practical environment where visitors can explore next-generation printing and finishing technologies firsthand. Although the Innovation Center features a wide range of Flex-Europa’s printing and finishing systems, this month’s demonstrations placed particular emphasis on three standout technologies: Epson’s SurePress L-6534VW, SurePress L-4733AW, and the DPR TAURUS laser finisher.

The Epson SurePress L-6534VW is a high-speed UV digital inkjet label press capable of printing up to 50 meters per minute, delivering consistent color, sharp detail, and an excellent finish. Its single-pass high-opacity White ink achieves dense, screen-like performance for vivid results on clear, metallic, and colored substrates. Designed for industrial use, it supports full-color variable data, works with a wide range of materials, and uses durable UV-curable inks compliant with marine and food-contact standards. The L-6534VW offers fast, reliable, and versatile production for demanding label applications.

The Epson SurePress L-4733AW uses water-based inks and Epson’s Variable Sized Droplet Technology to deliver smooth gradations, precise details, and accurate colors on both paper and film substrates. Its expanded ink set, including Green, Orange, CMYK, and White, provides a wider color gamut and improved brand matching. Designed for simplicity and efficiency, it features an easy setup, minimal daily maintenance, and reliable uptime. The L-4733AW is ideal for short runs and premium labels that require consistent quality, clean color reproduction, and flexible production.

The DPR TAURUS is an advanced roll-to-roll digital laser finishing system that eliminates die tools using a Galvo-powered CO₂ laser with 3-axis scanning for fast, accurate cutting and excellent edge quality. It can kiss-cut, slit, and perforate a wide variety of label materials while maintaining perfect tension through its automatic ultrasonic control system. Taurus reduces inventory costs, simplifies full-bleed production, and improves durability with optional laminating. With optimized speed settings and built-in remote support, it offers a smart, flexible, and efficient finishing workflow for modern digital label production.

As the region continues to embrace digital transformation in the printing industry, Flex-Europa’s Innovation Center remains a hub where converters, brand owners, and manufacturers can explore cutting-edge technologies. Equipped with digital printing and finishing systems, the center enables customers to evaluate advanced workflows in a practical setting while receiving tailored technical support from their experienced engineering team.

By providing access to modern equipment, expert guidance, and hands-on demonstrations, the Innovation Center supports converters in achieving faster production, improved quality, and flexible digital technologies. It also offers valuable insight into production optimization, cost efficiency, and long- term scalability, helping companies future-proof their operations and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. The facility reflects Flex-Europa’s commitment to guiding customers to war next-generation digital workflows and driving innovation across the label and packaging sectors in the Middle East.

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Short title

Flex-Europa hosts open house at its Innovation Center

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Industry professionals saw live demos of Epson’s SurePress L-6534VW, SurePress L-4733AW and the DPR TAURUS laser finisher.

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Industry professionals saw live demos of Epson’s SurePress L-6534VW, SurePress L-4733AW and the DPR TAURUS laser finisher.

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Middle East

Sigma Labels installs Epson SurePress L-6534VW

Akanksha Meena — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:14:43 +0000

UAE-based Sigma Labels has installed Epson SurePress L-6534VW in October 2025, taking a major step forward in digital label printing in the region, supplied and supported by Flex-Europa.

This addition equips Sigma with a high-speed UV inkjet press capable of delivering sharp, vibrant labels on a wide range of substrates, including clear, metallic and colored materials.

The L-6534VW brings full-color variable data printing, high-opacity white ink, and durable UV-curable inks that meet industry standards for food contact and marine environments. For Sigma, this means faster production, consistent quality and the flexibility to handle both large-volume and specialty label runs.

By investing in this next-generation technology, Sigma reinforces its commitment to innovation, efficiency and premium results. Flex-Europa supports Sigma in enhancing its production capabilities and advancing digital label production in the region.

Flex-Europa has confirmed several upcoming installations, including SurePress L-6534VW in Kuwait scheduled for March 2026, SurePress L-4733AW in Kuwait in March 2026 and another SurePress L-6534VW planned to be installed in the UAE in April 2026.

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Sigma Labels installs Epson SurePress L-6534VW

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UAE-based converter enhances digital label capabilities with the latest installation.

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UAE-based converter enhances digital label capabilities with the latest installation.

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Middle East

Future Vision acquires first Epson SurePress L-6534VW in Middle East

Akanksha Meena — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:57:57 +0000

Future Vision has become the first company in Jordan and the Middle East to install the Epson SurePress L-6534VW, supplied and supported by Flex-Europa.

Installed in March 2025, this addition introduces advanced digital label printing technology to the region and positions Future Vision at the forefront of innovation in the industry. By embracing inkjet technology from Flex-Europa, Future Vision is not only elevating its own capabilities but also setting a new regional standard for speed, precision, and performance in label printing.

With this installation, Future Vision demonstrates a clear commitment to evolving alongside global industry standards and delivering premium results to its customers. The company's decision to lead the region in adopting next-generation printing technology showcases a bold vision for the future, one where speed, accuracy, and advanced digital capabilities form the foundation of modern label production.

Flex-Europa supports Future Vision in this milestone achievement and looks forward to continuing a strong partnership built on innovation, reliability and a shared commitment to advancing digital label printing across the Middle East.

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Future Vision acquires first Epson SurePress L-6534VW in Middle East

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Local distributor Flex-Europa supplied the press.

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Local distributor Flex-Europa supplied the press.

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Middle East

Labelexpo Europe 2025: Show floor sales

Piotr Wnuk — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 22:52:54 +0000

Labelexpo 16 November 2025

Labelexpo Europe 2025: Show floor sales

Labelexpo Europe 2025 proved once again to be a platform for business, as a significant number of orders were signed and initiated on the show floor.

Labelexpo Europe 2025 proved once again to be a platform for business, as a significant number of equipment orders were signed and initiated on the show floor.

Business was booming at Labelexpo Europe 2025, where converters came not just to browse, but to buy, signing deals on flexo, digital and hybrid presses, finishing systems and ancillary equipment that signaled a renewed confidence and growth across the industry.

(All entries are reported alphabetically by technology segment)

Press technology

From high-speed flexo, to entry-level digital presses and hybrid technology, the latest printing equipment on display at Labelexpo Europe made it clear that visitors came to the show floor ready to invest.

Bobst celebrated a new partnership with UK-based label and flexible packaging manufacturer OPM Labels and Packaging Group, which signed for its first Bobst M6 press. OPM says the ‘strategic investment marks a bold step forward in our mission to deliver world-class flexible packaging solutions with unmatched speed, quality and sustainability.’

Dantex reported that it generated significant sales and drew ‘record-breaking’ visitor interest in its technologies.

The company confirmed a string of sales during the show, including systems for Labelteq Unlimited USA, RV Brazil, Triflex USA and two additional unnamed customers. Dantex offered demonstrations of its PicoColour and PicoJet DRS, and unveiled its Aqua X flexographic plate processor.

“Our experience at this year’s show reinforces that, despite continued challenging conditions for label businesses to navigate, the market is thriving”

Ben Danon, CEO of Dantex Group, says: ‘Labelexpo Europe 2025 has been a tremendous success for Dantex. The reaction to our technology, especially the PicoColour and the launch of Aqua X, was phenomenal, with demonstrations that were packed from start to finish. Securing sales during the show was a real highlight, but equally important was the opportunity to spend time with customers, media and our distributor partners from around the world.’

Domino launched N410 LED, a new entry-level digital press, at the show. Also on display were its N730i, N610i and the K-Series monochrome printers. The inkjet press manufacturer also partnered with Grafotronic to showcase a hybrid press that combines Domino’s N730i Integration Module with Grafotronic’s DCL2 converting and finishing station.

Scancode Auto ID Technology, became the first Domino user in India, with the investment in an N610i-H hybrid digital label press. The press will launch Scancode’s digital division, called Imprenta.

Durst also launched a new entry-level digital press platform, Tau G3, and showcased the Durst-Omet KJet hybrid press at Labelexpo Europe. Sales of its established RSC digital presses were secured by its sales partner in India, Newgen Printronics, which closed a deal on two Durst RSC digital presses. Additionally, Newgen has secured multiple deals for IML and shrink sleeve converting lines from Polly Automatics.

Gallus presented a number of technologies at the show, including the Gallus One, Gallus Five hybrid press and Gallus Alpha standalone digital press. The company reported several sales on its social media channels.

Gallus and MCC announced a strategic partnership, marked by the converter’s recent investment in three new Gallus presses, including a Gallus One hybrid press at its facility in Lucca, Italy; a Gallus One hybrid press at its facility in Poznań, Poland; and a Gallus Labelmaster 570 in Warsaw, Poland.

Other Gallus machine sales being celebrated at Labelexpo Europe were: Yess Labels Dubai, UAE, which signed for its first Gallus One Digital Label Press; and Etpa Packaging, which invested in the first Gallus One in Greece.

Gallus and Nordvalls

Gallus also announced a partnership with Nordvalls, which invested in two new Gallus One presses, built on the manufacturer’s System to Compose. Each press will feature a 430mm printing width, will be equipped with 6 colors + white, and will enable the seamless integration of multiple conventional print stations alongside the digital printing unit. Nordvalls has installed a ‘double-digit number’ of Gallus Labelmaster presses in recent years. With System to Compose, Nordvalls can easily incorporate its existing Gallus Labelmaster modules, including screen printing units and tooling, into the new Gallus One presses.

“This agreement is more than just a sale, it’s the beginning of a transformative journey for the region’s label industry”

CEO of Gallus Group Dario Urbinati says that the outcome has surpassed expectations, with strong sales spanning the entire portfolio. ‘There had been a lot of anticipation across the industry about how the first Labelexpo in Barcelona would perform, and from a Heidelberg and Gallus perspective, the outcome has surpassed expectations. Our experience at this year’s show reinforces that, despite continued challenging conditions for label businesses to navigate, the market is thriving. It’s hugely encouraging to see our customers adapt, innovate and flourish, and we are pleased to be part of that journey.’

Chinese digital press supplier General Inkjet Printing (GIP), a first-time exhibitor at Labelexpo Europe, showcased three digital label press series and sold two machines: the Label Smart 330S to a Spanish converter, and the Label Modular 330S to an Italian client.

Hontec reports that it has sold 20 machines during Labelexpo Europe 2025, across its flexo printing and finishing technology that was on display. The Chinese manufacturer showcased a FlexiCon460-8C, an 8-color servo-driven flexographic press. The press was sold to SugarPack in Spain and Yess Label in Dubai, UAE.

Hontec and Fortune Pack

Dubai-based Fortune Pack invested in a Hontec-350 label printing machine, marking a significant expansion for the company. The investment represents the latest milestone for the converter, which was founded in 2021 to serve fast-moving consumer goods, logistics and industrial clients across the Middle East and Africa markets.

HP Indigo used Labelexpo Europe 2025 to launch its 6K+ digital press and showcase the HP Indigo V12.

Ireland-based Watershed Group, which was a beta site for the new press, confirmed an order for a second machine at Labelexpo Europe. Company director Kirwan Waters says: ‘The press has strengthened our lead times, improved on-time delivery and given us the flexibility to shift shorter runs to digital, freeing up capacity across the business.’

HP announced multiple sales of the 6K+ at the show, including two to UK-based Baker Labels and one to Nordic-based Boxes&Labels. Baker Labels committed more than 1m GBP (1.3m USD) in new technology investments during Labelexpo Europe 2025 (see more below).

Steve Baker, managing director, explained: ‘At Bakers, we’ve always made it a priority to stay at the very forefront of label and packaging technology. Our long-standing partnership with HP has been central to that journey, and the introduction of the two new HP Indigo 6K+ presses strengthens our ability to deliver both speed and quality to our label customers.’

Sales of the V12 announced at the show included European converters Be Packaging and Labelisten. Two of the 200K presses were sold to Digital Etikett and ePac Europe.

Konica Minolta used Labelexpo to showcase its AccurioLabel 230, AccurioLabel 400, MGI’s JETvarnish 3D Web 400 for digital embellishment. Also featured was the MGI Octopus Web for hybrid digital cutting and finishing, and the GM DC350Mini Basic for semi-rotary die-cutting and lamination. Konica Minolta also launched its AccurioLabel Prototype, designed for mid-range label production.

“The show’s move to Barcelona attracted attendees from different parts of Europe who we hadn’t seen before, and we were also pleased to see lots of visitors from both North America and South America”

The company reports that it took orders for 15 machines: eight AccurioLabel 400s and seven AccurioLabel 230s. This is in addition to the signing of many letters of intent. Konica Minolta also reported a 25 percent increase in sales leads.

Toshi Uemura, head of industrial print at Konica Minolta Europe, says: ‘In the year that marks a decade since Konica Minolta entered the label market, we were excited to showcase what is next as we help today’s highly pressurized production environments address demands on productivity. We also wanted to demonstrate how we deliver technology excellence that manages shorter lead times, smaller job volumes, a shortage of skilled operators and environmental concerns.’

Mark Andy couldn’t provide the names of its customers or specific sales figures, but the US-based press manufacturer was nonetheless pleased with its Labelexpo Europe performance. Mark Andy says it succeeded its sales goals by 14 percent.

‘With the largest stand it has ever had at a Labelexpo and running four live press demonstrations throughout each day as part of its complete Pressroom display, Mark Andy hailed the last European event to be held under the Labelexpo brand as a major success,’ the company says.

CEO Duane Pekar says: ‘Labelexpo Europe 2025 was a tremendous success for Mark Andy. We were pleased to welcome label and printed packaging converters from every corner of the world, many of whom spent extended time in our booth exploring the latest advancements across our flexo, digital hybrid and total pressroom solutions.’

He continues: ‘Interest was especially strong in the Digital Series HD HighSpeed 1200 hybrid press and the Mark Andy S9, our mid-web flexo platform designed for labels, flexible packaging and light carton applications.’

Nilpeter had two flexo presses on display under its ‘The Future of Flexo’ banner: a 7-color FA-26 and a 9-color FA-17. The Danish manufacturer reports that it sold a wide range of presses from its FA-line and FB-lines. Nilpeter also could not disclose customer names, but Martin Teilberg, Nilpeter’s global marketing manager, says: ‘What we can share is that the sales span many regions worldwide and go far beyond Europe alone.

‘One of the highlights has been sales into countries where Nilpeter either had not sold before, or only to a very limited extent,’ Teilberg continues. ‘Entering new markets is always an exciting achievement for us. Labelexpo Europe 2025 once again proved to be a strong platform for Nilpeter to demonstrate our capabilities to a large and diverse audience. We are pleased to have shown ourselves as the most innovative player in the field of flexo, and we truly enjoyed Barcelona as the host city.’

Screen used Labelexpo Europe to launch a prototype of its Truepress Label 520AQ, a water-based inkjet press. The company also brought its Truepress Label 350UV SAI-S and Truepress PAC 520P water-based inkjet press for paper-based flexible packaging. The company reported significant sales to both new and existing customers on its social media channels.

Existing Screen customers turned to Labelexpo for a new Screen machine, including Irish converter Impact Labelling, which will expand its production capabilities with an additional Truepress Label 350UV SAI S. Grafiche Pradella, a Spanish converter, which was the very first user of the 350UV SAI S, has invested in a second press.

Screen and Archa Etichette

‘We’re excited to celebrate this recommitment of one of our oldest partners and the expansion of our professional collaboration,’ Screen said.

Zaforsa, a Zaragoza, Spain-based company and longtime Truepress user, chose another 350UV SAI S to help them expand production capabilities for pharma, food and cosmetics labels.

There were also several first-time Screen customers announced during the show.

Archa Etichette, from Italy, chose a 350UV SAI S press. Spanish converter Navarra de Etiquetajes, part of the Grupo Docuworld Packaging, chose a 350UV SAI S with extended color gamut and Truepress digital primer to deliver labels for its customers in high-quality cosmetics, pharma and security sectors.

Italy-based La Prensa bought its first Screen press with and investment in a 350UV SAI E; and Spanish converter Novarex invested in its first 350UV SAI S.

R Garrigos, a Spain-based, family-owned label converter is another first-time Screen customer. The company chose a 350UV SAI S to support its fast-growing business needs.

Chinese press supplier Wanjie has secured three orders for its offset printing systems during Labelexpo Europe, with two sales in Spain and one in India. Wanjie India has sold its Advanced 350 Intermittent semi-rotary offset press to Pune, India-based Shreemulti Sticks & Labels.

Finishing

While new presses drew plenty of attention at Labelexpo Europe 2025, finishing equipment proved just as vital for converters looking for end-of-line machinery to maximize efficiency and add value to every label produced.

A B Graphic International (ABG) celebrated what it called its ‘most successful Labelexpo in recent years’, with 14 machines on display across two stands.

At the forefront of ABG’s showcase was the new DigiLase Duo, a next-generation laser die-cutting system designed to deliver double the efficiency by harnessing two light sources. The machine proved to be a standout attraction at the show, securing multiple sales, ABG says.

The first was to Cimpress Australia, part of the Vista group, in partnership with ABG’s distributor, the Currie Group. ABG also sold another DigiLase Duo to Printed Easy in the UK. Printed Easy now operates 10 ABG machines across its portfolio, including DigiLases, Digicons and sheeting machines.

Elsewhere on the stand, ABG showed its nonstop unwinder and rewinder for the HP Indigo V12 digital press, along with a DigiLite, which was sold to Labelisten in Germany. On ABG’s dedicated FlexPack stand, Litogrimamm in Mexico purchased the seaming rewinder that had been showcased during the event.

Matt Burton, ABG’s global sales director, says: ‘Labelexpo was a landmark event for ABG, not only because of the new technologies we launched, but also for the number of sales and partnerships secured across different regions. It was fantastic to welcome so many customers from around the world and the feedback and orders we received confirm ABG’s position as the trusted market leader in digital finishing innovation.’

Burton adds that numerous extra deals were signed during the show, with further orders expected in the coming months.

Ashe Converting Equipment sold several machines at Labelexpo Europe 2025 as it launched its new Opal Series ALCL (Automated Label Converting Line).

Several deals were signed on the show floor, according to Matthew Godbold, sales director for wide web machinery at Ashe Converting Equipment, including to converters based in Europe, the US and the UK. ‘We also saw many existing and new potential customers, and there was great interest in the machines on our stand,’ he says. ‘The show’s move to Barcelona attracted attendees from different parts of Europe who we hadn’t seen before, and we were also pleased to see lots of visitors from both North America — our biggest market — and South America.’ Godbold adds that there was significant interest from label converters in Ashe’s mid-web slitters, as companies move into flexible packaging applications.

Cartes confirmed 15 machine sales and more than 1,000 customer leads from over 100 countries during the show.

Cartes displayed seven machines across 550sqm of exhibition space, with a team of 50 professionals.

‘The level of engagement we experienced in Barcelona exceeded expectations and confirms that converters worldwide are seeking approaches that deliver measurable production value alongside precision, speed and flexibility,’ says Enrica Lodi, chief marketing officer at Cartes.

In addition to its HP Indigo investments mentioned above, Baker Labels also purchased a Galaxy Packtech GS 24 Plus 200 SBS pouch maker for its BakPac flexible packaging division.

BakPac managing director Steve Baker says: ‘Galaxy Packtech has been a fantastic partner in BakPac’s growth. Its pouch-making systems provide us with the reliability and scale we need to keep up with customer demand. These [Labelexpo Europe] investments reflect our confidence in the future and our commitment to giving brands and trade partners the innovation, service and agility they expect from Bakers.’

Graphimecc Group reported a sale of its end-to-end RFID converting line to UK-based Watermill Press Limited, a part of Nordvalls Label Group. The company chose a Revo RFID W converting line and Zero RFID W encoding and variable data, personalization system from Graphimecc.

Lee Mullaney, managing director of Watermill, says: ‘Our customers demand item-level visibility and flawless traceability. With Graphimecc, we now offer a complete, automated RFID label workflow – from inlaid converting to encoded, verified personalization – executed at speed and with the quality we are known for. Importantly, we are the first to commercially deploy the operator-free Zero RFID W personalization system, which uniquely positions us to deliver automation-led consistency and scale.’

GM recorded a number of high-profile sales at Labelexpo.

Hungarian-based Mizsepack Kft invested in the GM LC350 laser die-cutter as a way to reduce delivery times, handle frequent job changes more efficiently, and eliminate the costs and delays of traditional die plates. They expect the label finishing to occur on the same shift and with the same operator who runs its AccurioLabel 400 from Konica Minolta.

GM and Creative Printing Press

‘It’s inspiring to see how Mizsepack is embracing digital finishing to transform its business,’ says Jos Kabouw, global sales manager at GM. ‘The LC350 gives them the speed, flexibility and independence they need to stay ahead in today’s fast-moving label market. We’re proud to support their journey.’

The GM LC350 was sold by Sándor Faragó, production printing sales manager, through Konica Minolta Business Solutions Hungary.

Italian label converter RotoCel purchased its third GM machine, with a DC350Mini.

‘RotoCel is a very professional label printer with highly skilled staff, serving the most demanding customers across the Italian market,’ notes Luca Marvini, general manager and distributor in Italy, who supported the sale.

Jordan-based Creative Printing press signed a deal with GM to expands into premium embellishment market with a new DC350Flex+ finishing line with digital varnish and foil capabilities. This will mark the company’s entry into premium embellishment labels for beauty, personal care and luxury products.

The deal was facilitated by Maher Dakkouri, CEO of Sixth Dimension, GM’s regional distributor.

‘We are proud to bring the DC350Flex+ to Creative Press, marking a new chapter in embellishment and luxury label production for the Middle East,’ comments Dakkouri. ‘This agreement is more than just a sale, it’s the beginning of a transformative journey for the region’s label industry.’

Grafotronic also helped customers break into new markets with a number of reported sales. OPM Group invested in new finishing technology from boon-tech AB (Grafotronic).

‘While this acquisition may be smaller in scale than our headline Bobst M6 press deal, it’s every bit as important, especially for our dedicated OPM finishing team,’ the company said. ‘This new Grafotronic equipment will further enhance our finishing capabilities, supporting our drive for efficiency, flexibility and premium quality in every label and flexible packaging job.’

Grafotronic also reported that Slovakian converter NAP invested in its first multilayer labels machine.

Hontec displayed its Digifini MPX350, a multi-purpose digital finishing converter with UV digital varnish embellishment, suitable for premium wine label printing. The equipment was purchased by Stikler Europe.

The company’s UniCon350, a digital finishing converter that is part of Hontec’s Ready-To-Ship program for fast delivery and favorable pricing, was sold to Grafoplastika in Serbia.

Lemorau also reported a positive show that ‘exceeded our expectations, both in terms of visibility and commercial results.’ Lemorau welcomed over 500 visitors, representing 325 companies from 74 countries. The Portuguese manufacturer closed the sale of 14 machines to customers in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Chile, Greece, Canada, US, Ireland, Romania, Ukraine, Spain and Turkey.

‘We are very satisfied with these results and even more motivated to continue investing in innovation, customer proximity and international expansion. We are truly grateful to everyone who visited our stand, tested our solutions and placed their confidence in Lemorau,’ says Natália Lopes of Lemorau.

Chinese converting and finishing equipment manufacturer, Rhyguan, has secured more than 30 orders for its finishing machines at the show, including its new RF-330 flexo press, which was sold to a Chinese converter.

“What was particularly pleasing was the geographical spread, with orders from all across Europe, the USA, India, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, even as far as Martinique, and most countries in Latin America. It was truly a global event”

‘Over 50 percent of Rhyguan’s machines are exported to overseas markets, including Europe, the US, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia, with 300 units already installed across the European market,’ says Alvin Cai, CEO of Rhyguan Group.

All finishing machines will be delivered directly to clients following the show.

Flexo Image Graphics has secured multiple machine bookings from Indian converters at Labelexpo Europe 2025.

Dhanlakshmi Labels from Hyderabad booked a new Rhyguan Top 450, marking its second Rhyguan machine from FIG. The first was a Rhyguan Plus-420.

Pioneer Arunachalam Packaging from Chennai placed orders for two machines: a Rhyguan slitter with Luster camera (17in) and a DYM automatic butt splicer (450mm). The company already operates a Rhyguan PLUS 420 slitter rewinder from FIG.

Super Labels, also from Chennai, ordered a Rhyguan slitter with Luster camera (17in). The converter has been delivering labels and labeling systems to clients across different sectors for over two decades.

Rotocon sold over 30 machines at its debut appearance at Labelexpo Europe 2025. The company demonstrated the Chrome 450 flexo press; the Ecoline RSI 540, a fully servo-driven finishing machine for label slitting, inspection and rewinding; and the Chrome RDF 340, a digital printed label converting and finishing system.

Sapa, a Chinese digital embellishment supplier, secured five orders during the event. Two customers purchased a DMS 330WFR machine, and three purchased its 800WP, designed for flexible packaging.

Ancillary

GEW marked a number of sales of its curing systems at Labelexpo Europe. Notable customers including: GraphiForm Maroc in Casablanca; Arti Group of Martinique; JMB Labels of South Africa; One Label of Colombia; Grupo Empresarial Sagitario of Bolivia; Copimad of Spain; La Etiqueta of Mexico; and Weber Marking Systems of Germany.

GEW and GraphiForm Maroc

GEW’s Robert Rae says: ‘Labelexpo Europe was exceptional for GEW. Our stand was incredibly busy each day, and our air-cooled AeroLED2 UV curing system was the center of attention for many of our visitors. We also had great interest in our two newly introduced control systems, OxyGuard and DoseGuard, which are designed to give the operator ultimate control of the UV curing process.

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Chelsea McDougall

Group managing editor

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