Labelexpo Europe webinar reveals labels industry landscape change

Listen to the recording of the official Labelexpo Europe 2015 preview webinar presented by Labels & Labeling managing editor, Andy Thomas, and sponsored by HP Indigo, GEW and Zeller+Gmelin. Thomas explained that he believes the move towards automation in workflow will be a very interesting aspect of the world's leading labels and printed packaging trade show.

Mike Fairley, director of business development for Tarsus Group's label and packaging division, said in preparation for the event, 'Digital now looks set to become the dominant press technology for new investment in Europe.'

Thomas agreed, 'This explains why all the major press manufacturers are launching hybrid press models at Labelexpo, and why there is much less development of new conventional presses. There's been a complete change in the manufacturing landscape.'

With a global growth rate between 4-5 percent per annum, and the global label market value estimated to be approaching 80 billion USD, the industry is experiencing great interest from commercial printers around the world looking to find growth and diversification.

Label Academy masterclasses for both digital and conventional printing will be taking place at the show. The Smart Packaging Lab will showcase RFID, NFC, Augmented Reality (AR), active barrier films, 3D imaging technology and printed electronics. The PackPrint Workshop will feature digital printing by Xeikon and conventional printing by Nilpeter. 

Key trends to be reviewed include linerless developments, 4-7-color fixed palette (or expanded gamut or ECG) flexo printing, in-line vs off-line finishing for digital print, process automation from origination to inspection and finishing, entry-level presses vs full automation, intermittent/waterless offset as an alternative to digital, LED-UV developments and the choice between flexibles and film labels.

Read L&L's comprehensive preview of new products launching at Labelexpo Europe 2015 in issue 4, 2015, and read it online here.