Ashe reports successful Labelexpo Europe 2025

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

The UK-based manufacturer’s Opal Series ALCL features a new, heavy-duty unwind station that can handle increased-diameter master rolls of up to 1,200mm at a width of 540mm. The new fully rotary die-cutting unit, featuring the latest adjustable anvils, is servo-driven and allows for a range of different repeat patterns.

The Opal Series ALCL also features a new matrix-stripping system with precision-edge, automated slitting back to the matrix rewind. The autoset glueless four-spindle turret rewinder removes the need for operator intervention as it sets itself and requires no tooling change when adjusting core size. The machine runs at a guaranteed continuous production speed of 250m/min.

‘The new Opal Series ALCL brings converters more potential applications thanks to its wider width and quick set, and is 20 percent more efficient compared to previous models,’ said Matthew Godbold, sales director for wide web machinery at Ashe Converting Equipment. ‘It optimizes productivity and efficiency with better throughput and fewer skills required by an operator to set the machine.’

Several deals were signed on the show floor, according to Godbold, including with 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,’ added Godbold. ‘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.’

Also on display was Ashe’s 800mm duplex center-wind Solitaire slitter, which operates at 600m/min and is dedicated to flexible packaging applications, printed both digitally and by in-line flexo.

‘We are seeing increasing interest from label converters in our mid-web slitters, as they move into applications such as flexible packaging,’ said Godbold. ‘Our wide web slitters, too, are increasingly installed by label converters who prefer to buy master rolls from their material suppliers and slit them down to their required press widths, thereby maintaining greater control and flexibility over their production.’