Labelexpo returns to Bangkok

Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2025 wrapped up on a triumphant note, consolidating its position as the region’s premier label and package printing event with a 40 percent growth over its 2023 edition. 

Held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) from May 8 to 10, the show attracted over 195 exhibitors across 5,459sqm of floor space, demonstrating the robust health and expansion of Southeast Asia’s label 
printing sector.

The 2025 edition marked a significant milestone for the Labelexpo Global Series’ youngest regional show, which first launched in 2018. The event expanded to 5,459sqm of floor space, representing a 40 percent increase from the previous edition in 2023. 

Among the exhibiting companies were industry heavyweights, including Domino, Jet Technologies, Konica Minolta, Durst and Nilpeter, alongside emerging technology providers and regional suppliers.

The growth trajectory reflects the increasing importance of the Southeast Asian market for global label and packaging suppliers, as well as the region’s expanding manufacturing base and consumer markets. Growing regulatory pressure and brand owner requirements for sustainable packaging are accelerating the adoption of eco-friendly materials and processes. Regional converters are increasingly investing in sophisticated printing technologies to meet evolving market demands. 

Sustainability takes center stage

A defining characteristic of this year’s show was its unprecedented focus on environmental responsibility. The event featured a dedicated Spotlight on Sustainability initiative aimed at helping visitors discover sustainable materials and innovative operational processes. This strategic emphasis addresses growing consumer and legislative demands for environmentally conscious packaging technologies across the region.

“Asia is very driven towards high quality because of its history with offset printing. So, having a 1,200 x 1,200 DPI machine here is really quite important”

Event organizers partnered with BITEC, a sustainability multi-award-winning venue whose commitment is guided by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including energy saving and resource conservation. The organizers have committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, implementing various sustainability measures across venue selection, catering and accommodation recommendations.

A new show feature, Spotlight on Sustainability Trail, highlighted products, technologies and materials that move the needle on sustainability in Southeast Asia and across the globe. Companies at Labelexpo Southeast Asia showcased various sustainability initiatives focused on waste reduction, material innovation and energy efficiency. 

Lundberg Tech demonstrated automated waste handling systems that make production leaner and more efficient by managing label and flexible packaging waste, while Armor-IIMAK introduced thinner thermal transfer ribbon films that allow customers to use 12 percent less plastic PT film per roll.

Material innovations included Kurz Thailand’s ‘Slim Program’ featuring foil with 50 percent thinner PET carrier to reduce waste while extending roll length, and K Laser Technology’s sustainable cold foil and hot stamping products that remove plastic film while maintaining holographic effects.

Yupo showcased in-mold labels without backing paper that enable bottle and label recycling together, with its ‘Clean Sort’ technology allowing label separation during grinding for ink-free recycled resins.

Recycling advances were demonstrated by Materials in Works, which upcycles label liner waste into pulp for paper product manufacturing to address a major regional landfill waste stream, and Cosmo Films, which focuses on post-industrial recyclable and post-consumer recyclable films plus sustainable laminated structures using compatible materials.

“Despite the price-sensitive market, there is a growing demand for higher quality labels, leading to investments in European machinery”

Press Systems Group promoted energy efficiency through Asahi water-washable plates requiring no detergent and UV LED technology for lower energy consumption. The common theme emphasized resource reduction, waste elimination and circular economy principles across the label and packaging supply chain.

Beyond product showcases, the event’s comprehensive approach to sustainability extended to visitor wellbeing, providing a mindfulness lounge and a prayer room in a fully accessible venue.

Technology highlights and machinery demonstrations

The show floor buzzed with live machinery demonstrations spanning the complete label and packaging value chain. Labelexpo Southeast Asia event manager Richard Quirk notes that the show floor was ‘filled with machinery demonstrations, from advanced digital and hybrid presses to innovative finishing solutions’.

Digital printing innovations were prominently featured, with several exhibitors showcasing next-generation UV-inkjet and variable data printing technologies. 

Arojet promoted its X6 high-speed variable data UV digital printing machine, boasting printing speeds of up to 300m/min with a nozzle frequency of 50KHZ. The system delivers 600 DPI lengthwise resolution and crosswise resolution adjustable from 200 to 1,200 DPI.

Domino delivered a performance boost with the newly launched high-speed productivity mode for its N730i digital label press, responding decisively to surging customer demand for faster, more efficient label printing capabilities. The revolutionary feature propels maximum print speeds to an impressive 90m/min, delivering a substantial 20 m/min leap from the standard 70m/min performance.

The company is expanding its presence in Asia’s rapidly growing digital printing market, emphasizing cutting-edge high-resolution capabilities and strategic local service initiatives that put output-driven technologies at the forefront.

‘Asia is very driven towards high quality because of its history with offset printing. So, having a 1,200 x 1,200 DPI machine here for the major areas in Asia is really quite important,’ says David Ellen, digital printing director at Domino. ‘We are very pleased with the interest we’ve had in this machine here at the show. Its high‑resolution printing capabilities are really important in the entire region, including Japan, Korea and Australia.’

“Regional, forward-thinking printers are now eagerly embracing flexo and exploring innovative technologies to dramatically improve their capabilities, capacity and efficiency”

The N730i press on display featured Domino’s advanced R-Scan monitoring and inspection system, which automatically stops the press when defects are detected. This intelligent technology enables operators to remedy errors immediately, dramatically reducing label rejection rates while maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste.

‘I’m very pleased that we’re exhibiting with our parent company, Brother, and we see Southeast Asia as a growth market. If you look at the figures globally, clearly, Asia is growing,’ says Ellen. ‘As the adoption of digital printing increases, we aim to be a part of it and drive our brand recognition. This way, when the adoption level rises, we’ll be a key player in the industry. We’ve taken the opportunity to use our parent company, Brother, to provide service in the region. We need to make sure that we have local service, which is supported by a global company. And I think that 
is absolutely fundamental.’

Meanwhile, Durst Group promoted its powerhouse Tau 340 RSC E, featuring a versatile 6-color configuration (CMYKW+orange) that delivers production speeds of up to 52m/min, with an upgrade potential to 80m/min. The press achieves true 1,200 x 1,200 DPI resolution through its advanced Dimatix Samba G3L printhead, offering a precise 2pl minimum drop size that creates smooth gradients and razor-sharp images. Automated nozzle compensation technology boosts uptime while slashing service costs.

Durst promoted this machine alongside its comprehensive integrated software ecosystem: Durst Workflow Label, Durst Analytics and the newly introduced Durst Hawk AI. This intelligent camera-based system detects and corrects issues such as missing nozzles in real time, requiring zero operator intervention.

The company highlighted its dynamic engagement with customers across Asia, including Japan, Southeast Asia and Australia. The company emphasized how healthy competition drives innovation and accelerates investment in inkjet technology.

‘We had a lot of good conversations, I must say, not only with Thai customers, but also with business from across the entire region. We spoke with customers from Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia,’ says Thomas Macina, sales director for labels and flexible packaging at Durst.

Macina notes the exciting proliferation of inkjet printing technologies at this year’s Bangkok event: ‘I think digital labels and packaging are growing quickly in Asia. I believe that with inkjet technology, we can offer significant value to our customers by migrating jobs from flexo to inkjet. We had several discussions with our customers who are in between these two technologies and wonder whether to move, still maintain with the analog or move to digital. All of them are trying to figure out what else they can do in terms of applications and how to increase their efficiency. We can support this with a combination of our software and machinery. We make substantial investments in our R&D. We have introduced LED technology to support our sustainability commitments, aiming to use less energy, reduce downtimes, and decrease consumables.’

‘Customers are also looking beyond that for other added value. That’s one of the things we’re showcasing in a booth, especially in software development, workflow, and the entire ecosystem. We are also going beyond that to showcase with customers more and more applications and business possibilities Durst machines bring to any printer,’ adds Bernard Sun, head of business development for Asia at Durst Group.

Flexographic technologies also remained a strong focus, with first-time exhibitor Jet Technologies showcasing the Omet iFlex press in a 10-color configuration, featuring servo-assisted pre-register and register setting devices that enable machine setup in just one to two minutes for 10 flexo units.

‘Omet is a very well-known brand throughout Europe, North America and Australia, but in Asia, we had an exciting opportunity to introduce it from the ground up,’ says Jack Malki, director of Jet Technologies and the regional distributor of Omet machinery. ‘The iFlex is perfectly positioned as an entry-level press, and we identified it as the ideal gateway to bring printers from the letterpress market into the flexo revolution. We are enthusiastically rolling that out to other parts of Southeast Asia, and it’s been incredibly well received and remarkably easy to service.’

‘I think it is a truly fascinating machine, particularly for this dynamic region, because it delivers powerful simplicity,’ says Marco Calgagni, sales and marketing director at Omet. ‘This versatile machine opens up tremendous possibilities for small companies and growing businesses to enter exciting new markets, as it can produce self-adhesive labels plus shrink sleeves and small packaging. We believe there is enormous potential in the Southeast Asian region. Some countries, such as Indonesia, boast populations of nearly 300 million people, creating a massive demand for packaging and price-sensitive labels. While the current volume per square meter remains relatively low compared to other countries, the demand is growing dramatically. What we see as particularly exciting trends in the region is soaring demand for pouches, especially here in Bangkok, and also in the Philippines, China 
and Indonesia.’

“Southeast Asia represents a remarkably untapped market when it comes to flexo, because this market was traditionally rooted in letterpress technology”

According to Calgagni, Southeast Asia represents a remarkably untapped market when it comes to flexo, because this market was traditionally rooted in letterpress technology. However, forward-thinking printers are now eagerly embracing flexo and exploring innovative technologies to dramatically improve their capabilities, capacity and efficiency. 

He notes that the energetic involvement of the young generation brings a fresh approach to production and demonstrates genuine readiness to embrace new technologies.

Nilpeter returned to Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2025 to showcase its products to a strong growing market. The company presented its FA-17 flexo press, designed to meet the evolving needs of the label and packaging industry.

Erik Blankenstein, sales director at Nilpeter Asia, says: ‘Labelexpo Southeast Asia is an important event for Nilpeter, as it allows us to connect with customers and partners in one of the world's fastest-growing markets. We are showcasing our latest innovations and discussing how our solutions can help printers optimize their production.’ 

The FA-17 flexo press offers flexibility, automation and print quality. Key features include advanced automation that reduces setup times and enhances overall production efficiency. The press delivers exceptional print quality, ensuring high precision on various substrates, including self-adhesive labels and flexible packaging. Designed with operators in mind, the FA-17 features a streamlined interface and intuitive controls for easy operation.

Finishing and converting technology electrified the show floor with breakthrough innovations. 

Portuguese manufacturer Lemorau made a spectacular debut at Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2025, proudly showcasing its Smart-L Premium die-cutting machine, masterfully engineered for pre-printed labels and delivering a high-quality combination of precision, flexibility and efficiency through both full rotary and semi-rotary die-cutting capabilities. The company celebrated a triumphant show with exciting sales to Singapore and Canada.

‘Despite the price-sensitive market, there is a growing demand for higher quality labels, leading to investments in European machinery,’ notes Susana Teixeira, CFO and sales manager at Lemorau. The company highlighted a fascinating shift in the market’s preference for digital over analog technology, emphasizing the remarkable efficiency and cost-saving benefits of its advanced finishing processes.

Jet Technologies generated excitement with the dynamic debut of the JetiQ brand, a powerful collaboration between Jet Technologies and Polly Automatics, featuring the JetiQ M370 finishing machine. The M370 model boasts a range of innovations, including two semi-rotary flexo stations, a robust flat-bed die-cutting station and the Versatex Digital Print Bar, specifically designed for digital varnish and high-build varnish applications.

‘The Xaar’s print bar is capable of digital embellishment up to 200-micron high Braille,’ says Malki of Jet Technologies. ‘It can also print 20 to 30 micron embellishments at 70m/min, so it’s been a wonderful addition, and added tremendous value to finishing. Everyone loves it. Whatever label you have, whatever packaging you have, it does look dramatically better with embellishments such as a high build or a digital foil. There’s incredible interest and installations happening throughout the region.’

Strong exhibitor sentiment

Exhibitor feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many companies reporting successful on-site business transactions and valuable networking opportunities. 

Aegean He from Weigang says that ‘the event exceeded our expectations. Not only did we finalize on-site machinery sales, but we also held highly productive meetings with clients and potential agents from Japan, India, Thailand, South Africa, Australia and beyond.’

The quality of attendees was particularly notable, with exhibitors highlighting the strong concentration of decision-makers and buyers who have immediate purchasing authority.

This reflects the maturation of the Southeast Asian market and the growing sophistication of regional label converters.
The robust attendance and exhibitor participation underscore several key trends in the Southeast Asian label printing market. The region continues to attract global brands establishing local production facilities, driving demand for high-quality label printing capabilities.

Looking ahead

Labelexpo’s Richard Quirk emphasizes that the show ‘has cemented its position as the ASEAN region’s premier stop for label and package printing technology’, noting that sustainability represents ‘the next pillar of change in the industry’.

Jade Grace, managing director for Labelexpo Global Series, highlights the event’s delivery of ‘an innovative and sustainable event, which has grown both in business and quality of visitors commanding real buying decision power’.

The success of Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2025 positions the show as an increasingly important fixture in the global label printing calendar, reflecting the dynamic growth and technological sophistication of the Southeast Asian market. With sustainability emerging as a central theme and exhibitor confidence remaining high, the foundation has been laid for continued expansion in future editions.

The next Labelexpo Southeast Asia is expected to build upon this momentum, further cementing Bangkok’s role as a crucial hub for label and packaging innovation in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.