Packaging everywhere

While it's too early to talk official stats, 2013 has started strongly and a five percent increase in visitors is predicted, with hopes of 30,000 through the doors over the four days. It Is already known that Labelexpo Europe 2013 is the show's biggest yet, with 600 exhibitors from 37 countries spread across 31,000 sq m in seven halls.

Those 30,000 visitors will have plenty to see, thanks to a record number of product launches, and some impressive looking stands. There's also big features to visit; from HP's Print Your Future area, where it and 20-plus partners are showcasing end-to-end options for label, flexible packaging and carton printing, to the Inkjet Trail and Package Printing Workshops.

On that note, it is noticeable how much packaging is on show this year. And by that I don't mean the catch-all term including labels. Inks, materials, presses and finishing systems applicable for package printing, especially flexible packaging, can be found across the halls. Sun Chemical in hall 5, Edale in hall 7, Nuova Gidue in hall 11. There are many.

I think this highlights how strongly the label market is looking towards package printing as a way to diversify, and the opportunities that clearly exist for the narrow web market to grow beyond the label.

This is further shown by the large audience that turned out for the inaugural Package Printing Workshop session at Labelexpo Europe 2013, with all paying close attention to Nuova Gidue's digital flexo concept suitable for flexibles, and to Xeikon's process for printing, converting and sheeting digitally printed folding cartons.

Package Printing Workshop sessions take place at 11am and 3pm, each day of the show on the feature area in hall 12.