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Loupe shows technologies shaping labels, flex pack and folding cartons

Selah Zighelboim — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:40:50 +0000

The last two Labelexpo shows – Labelexpo Europe and Labelexpo Asia 2025 – demonstrated how core label converting technologies have been adapted to open up new opportunities in the flexible packaging and folding carton markets.

We can expect Loupe to build further on these foundations.

Flexible packaging has led the way. We have seen at Labelexpo in the last 12 years the building of a network of suppliers covering all aspects of flexible packaging relevant to label converters. At the last two Labelexpo Europe exhibitions, 40 percent of visitors registered an interest in flexible packaging as well as labels.

HP Indigo still leads the way on the digital printing of flexible packaging, most recently with its 200k press. Now we are starting to see the evolution of water-based inkjet, with Screen bringing its TruePress PAC 520P to the show for paper-based flexible packaging and Pulisi launching a water-based inkjet flexible packaging press at Labelexpo Asia. Miyakoshi demonstrated a prototype machine in Barcelona, where Fujifilm was promoting its FP790 technology.

At the same time, we have seen the development of wider, mid-web flexo presses (670-850mm/26-30in) optimized for the printing of flexible packaging, often configured with extended IR/hot air flexo or gravure units for water-based coatings and inline lamination.

We have also seen a growing number of suppliers demonstrating off-line laminators tailored to the mid-web format, including ABG company Enprom, while JetFX demonstrated how tactile digital embellishment can be added with an inkjet bar at the laminating stage in a joint project with Karlville.

Pouch manufacturing has also emerged as an area of growing interest, with Galaxy, Karville and Zhoutai all demonstrating machines at Labelexpo shows.

Materials knowledge is a critical part of the learning journey when diversifying from labels, because the pouch, sachet or flow-wrap is now the primary product container. Synthogra pioneered the supply of flexible packaging materials to label converters, and its mission has been to impart in-depth knowledge about the properties of laminated structures. Other materials suppliers have followed.

Similarly, ink suppliers have tailored their exhibition space to focus on flexible packaging as well as label applications.

Loupe events, formerly Labelexpo, also host exhibitors who specialize in barrier coating technology, which is helping to make film and paper-based flexible packaging more sustainable by eliminating incompatible lamination layers. These are companies like Actega, Archroma, Tullis Russell and Sun Chemical.

Why has flexible packaging proved such a perfect match for label converters, once the very steep learning curve has been mastered? Because buyers of flexible packaging usually deal with wide-web converters with long lead times, high minimum orders and long delivery times.

Adapting core narrow and mid web label technology – digital, flexo and hybrid – to this market harnesses the skills and agility of the label printer to deliver short lead times, rapid response, value-added in-line decoration, personalization and mass customization.

Folding cartons next

Folding cartons will be the next package printing market to be positively disrupted by core labels technology, and for broadly similar reasons.

At the last two Labelexpo Europe shows, 25 percent of visitors registered an interest in folding cartons.

Industrial-scale folding carton production is overwhelmingly carried out in a multi-stage operation where offset printed sheets are moved between multiple off-line processing stations. This involves long lead times, considerable work in progress and increased cost and work time for each subsequent decoration processes.

In-line technology allows the production of finished folding cartons in a single pass. At Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona, Canon-Edale demonstrated a CartonLine press configured with in-line technologies well understood by label converters – turnbar, cold foil, UV flexo print and coating stations, cast+cure holographic film application, followed by an in-line flatbed die-cut/crease module, waste ejection and delivery of finished pieces on a shingling conveyor.

In principle an in-line narrow/mid-web press, flexo or offset, could include any module common to a label press, including screen or inkjet bar for variable imaging or digital embellishment.

For longer runs, rotary cutting and creasing dies can be used for single-pass production, a configuration shown by Hontec at Labelexpo Asia.

‘Near line’ digital printing with off-line finishing is another possible labels-derived workflow. We can expect our existing finishing and embellishment suppliers to develop innovative solutions here, just as they have for narrow web flexible packaging.

Hybrid in-line folding carton production systems are another option for future development, again developed on the basis of existing label technology. A system such as the Bobst DM-55 is a good example.

In-line or near-line production changes the landscape for buyers of folding cartons, presenting them with new options in terms of lead times, speed of delivery and cost-effective and innovative single-pass decoration.

There are many possibilities for adapting label technologies to folding carton production. One might be incorporating RFID labels into folding cartons in an automated single pass operation or adding in-line multi-sheet booklet labels.

At the first Loupe show, Loupe Americas 2026 in Rosemont, we can expect to see suppliers of equipment, materials, consumables and software building on the foundations created by Labelexpo to deliver new and compelling innovations across labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons.

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1 month 2 weeks ago

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Loupe shows technologies shaping labels, flex pack and folding cartons

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Loupe/Labelexpo demonstrates how label technologies have been adapted for opportunities in flexible packaging and folding carton.

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Loupe/Labelexpo demonstrates how label technologies have been adapted for opportunities in flexible packaging and folding carton.

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Andy Thomas-Emans

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Edale appoints Indonesian distributor

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:23:09 +0000

Edale has appointed PT Samafitro as its distributor for Indonesia, extending the flexographic press manufacturer's reach in Southeast Asia through a partner offering sales, installation and service support.

PT Samafitro, a Jakarta-based industrial printing and finishing provider, will distribute Edale's LabelLine and CartonLine platforms to label and carton converters across Indonesia. The company already carries Canon technologies and brings deep experience in digital and packaging printing.

'We're thrilled to partner with Samafitro,' commented Ryan Barrett, head of sales APAC for Edale. 'Their strong presence and local service capabilities make them ideal distributors for Edale in Indonesia. Together, we'll be able to serve converters more effectively, bringing the technical support, flexibility and innovation Edale is known for directly to the Indonesian market.'

Tjhin Bui Phin, president director at PT Samafitro, added: 'We are excited to represent Edale's LabelLine and CartonLine presses in Indonesia. Their flexographic technology complements our commitment to delivering advanced, end-to-end printing systems. We look forward to helping converters across the region benefit from single-pass capability, robust support and become the preferred option for their production line.'

The distribution agreement follows Edale's recent showcase at Labelexpo Europe 2025, where it demonstrated its CartonLine FL6p press with live production of integrated carton applications.

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2 months ago

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Edale appoints Indonesian distributor

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Canon-owned press manufacturer partners with PT Samafitro for Southeast Asian expansion.

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Canon-owned press manufacturer partners with PT Samafitro for Southeast Asian expansion.

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Jaakkoo-Taara invests in HP Indigo 35K

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 22:04:47 +0000

Finnish printing company Jaakkoo-Taara has invested in an HP Indigo 35K digital press with a Tresu iCoat II in-line coating unit to strengthen its folding carton production capabilities for the pharmaceutical industry, with delivery and installation scheduled for March 2026.

The press will be used for pharmaceutical carton production, meeting demands for quality, consistency and regulatory compliance. The investment supports Jaakkoo-Taara's strategy of combining operational excellence with advanced digital print technology.

'This is a natural next step for us to widen our digital printing capabilities,' commented Thomas Brusila, managing director at Jaakkoo-Taara. 'The HP Indigo 35K gives us the quality, color stability and process control required for pharmaceutical production, while also offering the flexibility and efficiency we need to support our customers' evolving requirements.'

The HP Indigo 35K is designed for short and medium run lengths of folding carton and packaging production. With print quality, repeatability and support for a wide range of substrates, the press enables converters to deliver consistent results. Combined with the Tresu iCoat II in-line, Jaakkoo-Taara gains capabilities for in-line spot coating, supporting functional and aesthetic requirements of pharmaceutical applications.

The investment represents the start of a new partnership for Visutech, the Nordic supplier that sold the press.

'We are very pleased to welcome Jaakkoo-Taara as a new customer to Visutech and HP Indigo,' noted Max Liljegren, sales executive for labels and packaging at Visutech. 'The HP Indigo 35K is a powerful platform for folding carton production, offering proven reliability, color control and scalability. We look forward to supporting Jaakkoo-Taara as it brings this press into production and continues to grow its business.'

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2 months 1 week ago

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Jaakkoo-Taara invests in HP Indigo 35K

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Finnish printer adds digital press with in-line coating for pharmaceutical folding carton production.

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Finnish printer adds digital press with in-line coating for pharmaceutical folding carton production.

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Rotatek to showcase Universal 850

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:17:13 +0000

Rotatek will showcase the Universal 850 printing press at an open house running from January 12 to 16 at its manufacturing facility in Barcelona, Spain, where attendees will experience the company's factory operations and interact with its production, management and research and development teams.

The Universal 850 is a versatile rotary press that combines offset and flexo sleeve technologies, delivering high-quality printing across pharma inserts, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, folding cartons and in-mold labels (IML).

The live demonstration will feature the Rotatek Universal 850 configured with seven offset and two flexo printing stations, alongside the Rietstack 850 off-line die-cutting system for a fully integrated IML production workflow.

'Rotatek Universal web-offset printing combines the core advantages of flexo and sheet-fed offset while eliminating their limitations, delivering a superior quality, economical option for high-performance in-mold label production,' stated Rotatek.

The press features Rotatek's patented interchangeable light offset sleeve system, which enables fast format changes. Job changeovers are completed by simply removing and replacing sleeves, reducing downtime and eliminating the risk of material breakage during transitions.

The Universal 850 offers format flexibility up to 1016 mm repeat lengths and lower origination costs, with offset plates significantly more economical than flexo plates or rotogravure rollers.

'The major point in the resurgence of offset presses for flexible packaging is the elevated demand for low cost and short time span of origination with the help of offset plates,' said Ranesh Bajaj, managing director of Rotatek-Vinsak. 'The live videos at our manufacturing site will help visitors to get an overview of our commitment and potential for innovation. We are going to welcome 100 giant flexo converters to our open house event.'

The open house targets new IML producers and companies planning to enter the packaging segment, large sheet-fed offset printers looking to transition to web-fed efficiency, flexo converters seeking to reduce plate costs and achieve return on investment within three to four years, and packaging producers requiring long repeat lengths or focused on increasing capacity while reducing waste, labor and production costs.

Registrations are currently open at the Rotatek and parent company Vinsak's website.

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2 months 3 weeks ago

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Rotatek to showcase Universal 850

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A hybrid press combines offset and flexographic sleeve technologies for IML production.

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A hybrid press combines offset and flexographic sleeve technologies for IML production.

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Edale unveils refreshed press range

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:28:25 +0000

Edale has announced a refreshed portfolio of flexographic label and folding carton presses aligned with parent company Canon's branding and design aesthetic.

The lineup comprises four models: LabelLine FL4e and LabelLine FL4p for labels, and CartonLine FL6p and CartonLine FL7p for folding cartons. The range is organized into two performance tiers: Essential (e) for daily production and commercial agility, and Precision (p) for premium applications, higher volumes and advanced automation.

Edale CartonLine FL6

'With LabelLine FL4e and FL4p, and CartonLine FL6p and FL7p, customers can quickly identify the press that fits their reality today; our Essential range for dependable day-to-day production, or Precision, for when they're scaling into premium applications, higher volumes and added automation,' stated Lachlan Buirds, managing director at Edale.

The LabelLine FL4e is a 430mm narrow-web label press designed for short to medium runs with fast changeovers. The LabelLine FL4p offers widths of 430mm to 570mm with advanced registration control and optional in-line embellishment.

The CartonLine FL6p operates at 600mm to 650mm and integrates in-line print, varnish, embellishment, die-cutting, and stripping. The CartonLine FL7p handles larger formats from 760mm to 1000mm. Both CartonLine configurations can be specified to run carton and label work.

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3 months 1 week ago

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Edale unveils refreshed press range

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The four-model lineup adopts Canon branding and a two-tier performance structure.

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The four-model lineup adopts Canon branding and a two-tier performance structure.

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Edale appoints sales director

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:56:00 +0000

Edale has appointed Rob Brown as sales and marketing director ahead of the launch of its refreshed CartonLine and LabelLine ranges in 2026.

With almost three decades of experience, Brown most recently served as sales director NW Europe and export at OKI Europe. He brings experience from senior roles focused on driving customer, market and application understanding.

'As we prepare for a major 2026 push with our new CartonLine and LabelLine platforms, Rob will be key to shaping our global go-to-market strategy. His track record in building high-performance sales teams and bringing complex technical products to market aligns perfectly with Edale's ambition,' stated Lachlan Buirds, managing director at Edale.

The company is scaling its investment in automation, single-pass carton production, workflow intelligence and global customer support.

'Edale is perfectly positioned to help customers future-proof their business for where the market is heading, more automation, more single-pass capability, and more converters broadening their offering across labels and cartons. I'm excited to help shape a global strategy that turns Edale's technology into a real competitive advantage for our customers,' Brown commented.

In his new role, Brown will lead Edale's worldwide sales operations, marketing strategy and channel partnerships, driving growth across the label and folding-carton segments.

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3 months 3 weeks ago

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Edale appoints sales director

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Rob Brown joins as the company prepares to launch refreshed CartonLine and LabelLine ranges in 2026.

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Rob Brown joins as the company prepares to launch refreshed CartonLine and LabelLine ranges in 2026.

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Koenig & Bauer showcases Rapida 76

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:50:22 +0000

Koenig & Bauer has demonstrated the Rapida 76's flexibility for commercial, label and packaging printing at an open house in Radebeul, Germany, where the B2 press showed live job changes between complex commercial, label and folding carton jobs while processing board up to 1.0 mm thick at 18,000 sheets per hour.

The press utilizes automation components from the Rapida 106 'Royal Class', including simultaneous makeready processes and the sidelay-free infeed system DriveTronic SIS, which reduce job changeover times by up to 30 percent and drastically reduce waste.

'This open house has made one thing absolutely clear to me: the time for compromises in the B2 format is over,' stated Markus Weiß, CEO of Koenig & Bauer Paper & Packaging Sheetfed Systems. 'We have consistently transferred the proven high-end technology of our Rapida 106 Royal Class to this format. The result is a machine that resolves the either-or in this segment.'

Nearly 100 printing professionals from across Europe attended the event, where users confirmed the press's performance in practice. Matthias Herrmann, managing director at Schmidt & Buchta, emphasized the machine's reliability in a high-performance environment with an average of 19 commercial job changes per day, while Oscar Pepermans, owner of Rutgers Printing & Packaging Solutions in the Netherlands, highlighted that the investment provides a significant competitive advantage.

The press features inline quality control systems including QualiTronic ColorControl and PDFCheck, which ensure color accuracy from the first sheet and reduce makeready time by up to 30 percent per job. High-end double coating units and cold foil packages enable premium finishing in a single pass.

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4 months 1 week ago

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Koenig & Bauer showcases Rapida 76

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The B2 press demonstrates rapid switching between label and packaging jobs.

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The B2 press demonstrates rapid switching between label and packaging jobs.

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Kartongbolaget invests in Fujifilm Jet Press 750S

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 22:53:43 +0000

Swedish packaging specialist Kartongbolaget has enhanced its production capabilities with a Fujifilm Jet Press 750S, which the company invested in at drupa 2024 and installed in December.

Founded in 1944, Kartongbolaget employs 48 staff and offers a full-service approach covering proofing to short-run, highly customized packaging with fast turnarounds. The investment marks the company's first collaboration with Fujifilm.

Visutech's field service engineers installed the press, ensuring seamless start-up and local service support as Fujifilm's distribution partner in the Nordics.

'We installed the Jet Press 750S in December 2024 and began production in January,' commented Joakim Johansson, CEO of Kartongbolaget. 'Not only did it relieve pressure on our offset equipment for shorter runs, but it's also been a game-changer in terms of speed and flexibility, especially when responding to urgent customer deadlines. Our start-up customers benefit from cost-effective short runs with the flexibility to scale, while our more established brands value the fast turnaround and high quality work delivered on demand.'

The press reproduces 90 percent of the Pantone range, enabling accurate proofs before full runs. Johansson highlights improved uptime compared to the company's previous digital press, along with robust sheet transport and machine stability.

'As a business committed to sustainable practices, we also saw the Jet Press 750S as a strong asset to our environmental strategy as it supports our zero-waste ambitions and helps us deliver a clearer, more powerful message to our eco-conscious customers,' Johansson added.

The press will be central to Kartongbolaget's continued evolution, allowing faster planning and greater flexibility while reinforcing its position as a packaging supplier in Scandinavia.

'We're delighted to welcome Kartongbolaget as a valued new customer and it's fantastic to see the Jet Press 750S already having such a positive impact,' stated Tommy Segelberg, segment manager of Fujifilm Digital Packaging & Inkjet EMEA.

Alexander Tormachen, service manager Nordics at Visutech, noteed the importance of reliable service and local expertise for customer success, with field service engineers ensuring smooth installations and long-term uptime.

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4 months 4 weeks ago

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Kartongbolaget invests in Fujifilm Jet Press 750S

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Swedish packaging specialist enhances production flexibility with digital press investment.

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Swedish packaging specialist enhances production flexibility with digital press investment.

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Elopak to add third production line at US plant

Adyasha Sinha — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:17:32 +0000

Global packaging company Elopak has added a third production line at its Little Rock, Arkansas, plant in response to demand for its sustainable Pure-Pak cartons.

Announcing the news at Elopak’s quarterly results presentation, CEO Thomas Körmendi said: 'This is a significant achievement. Just four months after officially opening in Little Rock, we are already adding two new production lines. This is a testament to the quality of our low-carbon, sustainable Pure-Pak cartons, which are resonating with brands and consumers alike. I’d like to thank all our colleagues at Little Rock and our Americas team for their hard work, dedication and incredible levels of effort, which are clearly paying off.'

The new line will cost 30 million USD to bring online and will produce a mix of smaller Pure-Pak cartons, including school milk cartons, to better serve the needs of Elopak’s customers and grow with them.

In April 2025, Elopak opened its Arkansas plant with production capacity selling out before a single carton had left the factory floor. In September 2025, the company announced it was investing in a second production line ahead of schedule to compensate for higher-than-expected demand. Production on this line is predicted to start in 2026.

Elopak’s first-ever US production plant represents a total investment of 128 million USD. It employs around 100 people and produces Pure-Pak cartons for dairy, juice, plant-based drinks and liquid eggs.

Expanding the company’s footprint in North America is a significant part of Elopak’s ‘Repackaging tomorrow’ strategy, which seeks to double revenue to 2 billion EUR by 2030.

Elopak reported its highest quarterly EBITDA to date of 49.1 million EUR in the third quarter of 2025, corresponding to a 17.0 percent margin. Organic revenue grew by 1.2 percent year-over-year to 289.7 million EUR, driven by continued momentum in the US, with sales growth of 18 percent on a constant-currency basis. The US plant in Little Rock delivered its first profitable quarter, marking a key milestone in Elopak’s strategic expansion.

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4 months 4 weeks ago

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Elopak to add third production line at US plant

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The new line will cost 30 million USD to bring online and will produce a mix of smaller Pure-Pak cartons.

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The new line will cost 30 million USD to bring online and will produce a mix of smaller Pure-Pak cartons.

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