By Patrick Graber, BOBST Marketing Director, Narrow-Mid Web Printing & Converting Label converters face challenges from many different directions that directly threaten the profitability of their businesses. However, despite pressures on price and severe labor shortages, combined with the need to adapt quickly to new market trends while delivering high quality labels, there are still opportunities to grow for those ready to embrace the world of digitalization, automation and connectivity. Following a contraction of the label market in 2023, volumes returned to more normal levels in 2024, according to Smithers: “The Future of Printed Labels to 2029”. Even better news, the report predicts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in value of 4.6% which is equivalent to 4.4% in volume terms. But competition is fierce, and costs are rising, meaning converters must implement solutions that simplify label production to capitalize on this growth and safeguard dwindling profit margins. Mitigating the skills drain Label converters operate in a dynamic market that requires a high level of agility to respond to brand owners’ demands for rapid turnaround, shorter run lengths, and excellent quality. However, the industry faces a growing shortage of skilled operators and a knowledge transfer gap due to fewer young people entering the field. Without experienced staff to run the presses and operate the finishing machines, the industry must look to technology to maintain standards. One of the major pain points compounded by the skills drain is ensuring color consistency – not only over time but also across different printing technologies and applications. Meanwhile, the increasing emphasis on sustainability, including waste reduction and the use of new eco-friendly materials, adds a significant dimension to an already complex situation. We are seeing the industry addressing these issues from a product and process point of view. The main trend can be observed in digital printing with a move towards automated inline processes. Here, end-to-end or ‘All-in-One’ workflows are gaining ground. Already in use by most medium to large converters, these advanced integrated solutions are capable of producing ready-to-ship labels in one pass with a single person operating the entire line. Digitalization on the flexo front Narrow web flexo technology is also being further optimized by incorporating higher levels of automation and digitalization to improve efficiency and minimize waste, regardless of the machine operator’s skills or qualifications. It is important to note that flexo remains the primary technology for label production in the short to medium term, accounting for nearly 40% of the market volume in 2023 according to Smithers. Operating old flexo presses is an art in itself, so with the number of experienced operators falling rapidly, companies must move to more automated solutions to ensure output quality. BOBST is already well regarded for its highly automated inline flexo presses with innovative features such as DigiFlexo and DigiGap ensuring automatic register and pressure adjustment, automatic job change, and high-performance semi-rotary die-cutting with automatic die-plate change, amongst others. Increasing sustainability with oneECG We are now witnessing a rising interest in oneECG, BOBST’s proprietary solution for extended color gamut printing. Through the digitalization of color information (following a very similar process in digital printing which by default utilizes ECG), converters can ensure highest color repeatability between jobs and between flexo and digital technologies, faster and more efficiently. oneECG for inline flexo not only improves productivity by 67%, but it also has a positive impact on sustainability, reducing setup waste by up to 65%, as well as lowering energy consumption and ink waste. Converters look to oneECG not only to reduce their environmental footprint but also to streamline operations. In combination with automatic job change, flexo machines like the BOBST MASTER M6 become not digital, but highly digitalized. Implementing oneECG in narrow-mid web flexo is particularly effective for applications such as shrink sleeves and other flexible packaging. These are areas where job lengths are reducing but not to the point where digital technology is cost-effective. Mastering digital inline operation The transition to All-in-One operation, where labels are produced on one machine that incorporates digital and flexo printing, embellishment, die-cutting and quality control, is ramping up, driven by the need to deliver exceptional quality at speed with the lowest possible amount of waste and at competitive costs. Configurable with any number of value-adding modules, the DIGITAL MASTER modular platform from BOBST gives converters the capability to produce a much wider variety of superior quality products. Complex applications, such as multilayer labels, highly embellished labels, to name a few, can be much more effectively produced on these presses. By eliminating idle time between processes and reducing complexity in planning, DIGITAL MASTER ensures faster turnaround thereby speeding up time-to-market. Combining multiple processes in one machine also reduces the need for additional equipment, such as offline embellishment machines, and operators, which lowers the overall production costs, simplifies the workflow and optimizes the factory floor. Next-level inspection with ACCUCHECK A key aspect of the All-in-One platform that brings digitalization and automation to a new level is BOBST ACCUCHECK. Much more than a simple inspection system, ACCUCHECK is unique in the industry due to its close integration with the press software which offers full control over the entire process. This is only possible because all the modules have been developed in-house, including the DPU, inspection, calibration, and press software. Time-consuming processes, such as uniformity and color-to-color calibration that used to take hours, can now be performed in a matter of minutes. ACCUCHECK is the first inspection system on the market that automatically sets up every job and synchronizes with the job queue, meaning that the quality of the output is evaluated based on objective parameters. The system also supports the use of less experienced operators to ensure that productivity is in fact increased, while needing fewer people to run the presses. Closing the workflow loop with BOBST Connect In general, the main benefits of digitalization and automation can be summed up as follows: Driving efficiencies and productivity Guaranteeing quality and consistency Mitigating staffing challenges Improving sustainability through waste reduction Enabling a connected workflow With this in mind, at BOBST, we are focusing our efforts on the development of automated, digitalized and connected solutions. The aim is to provide the highest ease-of-operation by leveraging a closed loop workflow infrastructure through Bobst Connect, the cloud-based platform created for a seamless entry into the data-driven world. BOBST Connect enables the connectivity between machines, the digitalization of processes, and the automation of workflows, all in real-time. Converters can view and analyze OEE trends, track job progress, and easily monitor trends over time. This information is crucial for optimizing productivity, improving machine performance, and eliminating waste. This is the BOBST vision – a fully connected workflow from job PDF to final twin PDF, where with every job we print, we learn more to continually improve the way we work. Label production in the future Looking ahead, we foresee that labels will increasingly be produced in a single pass due to the trends discussed above. BOBST’s inline flexo & All-in-One presses are designed to be future proof ensuring that our customers stay ahead of the curve and can adapt to the evolving market needs with confidence. Further ahead, smart factories are on the horizon. While for the moment the concept of fully automated label production is visionary thinking, we are closing the gap step by step. Technology has reached a high standard, the next level in innovation lies in optimizing the processes, streamlining operations and connecting the dots between different workflow steps.

Vinsak along with Rotatek Printing and Packaging Technologies SL are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to engage with customers at the Gulf Print and Pack show at RFECC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 14-16 January who are seeking to expand their production and diversify into the Printing, Packaging and labelling sector. Vinsak will offer its entire suite of Pre press, Press and post press solutions along with itss partners to bring the latest technologies to the Saudi market. In addition to the packaging solutions the escalating prevalence of counterfeit products has prompted brands to adopt brand protection solutions such as hidden features, security inks, and digital solutions to safeguard both the brand and end customers from the threats of piracy. In an official statement, the company, said: “We are excited to showcase our state-of-the-art label embellishment and finishing machine, Label-Decore. Designed with innovation and versatility in mind, this modular solution is a game-changer for label converters. Offering an array of premium features such as embossing, digital foiling, Cast & Cure effects, variable data printing, and more, Label-Decore empowers converters to produce exceptional, high-quality labels. The system can be configured to include Slitter rewinders, die cutting, semi-rotary die-cut and 100% inspection/inkjet system can also be configured as per customer requirements. With major components driven by servo motors, the equipment runs up to 300 meters per minute backed by powerful software and featuring an HMI display for easy job set-up. Vinsak remains committed to its consultative approach with customers, prioritizing solutions tailored to their specific needs rather than simply promoting our own offerings. In line with this commitment, Vinsak has opened Secure Print for Operations & Maintenance, a dedicated service company headquartered in Riyadh aimed at providing comprehensive support for our products in Saudi Arabia. This initiative ensures that we not only deliver equipment but also guarantee maximum uptime and enhanced productivity through reliable servicing. Visit us at the GPP Riyadh at RFECC, Booth D-14.”

Building on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, Gulf Print & Pack 2025 is set to bring new growth opportunities for the commercial print and packaging industry in the Kingdom. Khaled Joundi, Zone Business Director Middle East, Egypt & Pakistan Business Unit Printing & Converting at BOBST, said: "The packaging sector is seeing a rise in demand driven by the growing retail, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. GPP 2025 will be a key platform for Bobst to showcase our latest innovations in packaging technology, particularly in sustainability, automation, and digitalization. With Saudi Arabia's push for innovation, this event will be a touchpoint for us to engage with current and potential customers, demonstrating how our solutions can help businesses navigate these changing demands. For the debut edition of GPP Saudi Arabia, Bobst plans to present a range of cutting-edge solutions to meet the growing demands for efficiency, sustainability, and quality in packaging. We will be showcasing our latest products and technologies designed to help manufacturers optimize their production processes, reduce waste, and enhance the quality of their packaging output. Additionally, we aim to build deeper relationships with local customers, offering tailored solutions for the Saudi market. Our team will focus on delivering on-site consultations to support both existing and new customers.Saudi Arabia’s market is evolving rapidly. Packaging is an essential element of many industries, from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals and electronics, and GPP provides an excellent platform for us to engage with key players in the region. The region’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy aligns with Bobst’s core values of offering environmentally responsible and innovative packaging solutions. With the increasing importance of digitalization and automation in the packaging industry, GPP will serve as a key event to explore new partnerships and expand our presence. "In previous editions of GPP in the UAE, Bobst had the opportunity to connect with a broad spectrum of businesses and stakeholders across the packaging value chain. The UAE, being a regional hub for trade and commerce, provided us with access to key decision-makers from diverse industries. We were able to showcase our innovative products, particularly in the areas of sustainable packaging solutions, digital printing, and automation. This led to valuable business discussions, partnerships, and sales opportunities. Additionally, GPP provided a platform to understand regional market trends, allowing us to adapt our offerings to better meet customer needs in the Middle East. "Bobst’s strategy for growing further in the Saudi Arabian market is linked on building strong relationships with local manufacturers, and offering innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. We aim to focus on the increasing demand for efficiency and sustainability in packaging processes. This involves providing solutions that help customers reduce costs, improve production speeds, and minimize environmental impact. Our strategy also includes expanding our service and support infrastructure in the region, ensuring that we provide ongoing value to our customers post-installation." He concludes, "Bobst continues to innovate and develop new solutions that meet the evolving needs of the packaging industry. Some of our upcoming products include: Digital Printing, Sustainable Packaging Technologies, Digital service solutions ‘Bobst connect’ and Automation and Smart Solutions."

Paramount, a leading player in the label printing and packaging industry, is proud to announce the installation of its new Rotatek Brava 450 machine. The new Brava 450 stands out for its ability to seamlessly handle a variety of print runs with unparalleled quality. The press integrates cutting-edge technology that ensures exceptional print accuracy and color consistency, whether the job involves a small batch of labels or a large-scale production run. This adaptability positions Spanish press manufacturer Rotatek as a frontrunner in delivering high-quality, flexible printing solutions for diverse market needs. Brava 450 offers both web handling systems for the infinite repeats, semi rotary system for short and medium runs and full rotary system for long runs. The semi-rotary system allows you to change repeats fully automatically from the machine’s touch screen panel, there is no need to change format cylinder or use tools, which is critical for short runs in order to keep job costs to a minimum. Founded in 2017, by Sadiq Ali, Paramount has quickly made a name for itself in the UAE market, initially operating from a modest 1200 sqft trading space. The company has grown substantially over the years, with strategic investments in cutting-edge equipment to cater to the evolving needs of its diverse clientele, which spans industries such as FMCG, automobiles, personal care, and more. With the addition of the Brava 450, our production capacity has increased from 1.25 million labels per month to 1.75 million, and we expect to double this volume by the end of 2025,” affirmed Mr. Sadiq Ali, Chairman of Paramount Label Printing Press LLC. Hasnain Mahdi, the Operations Head, highlighted that the Brava 450 has proven to be a game-changer, significantly reducing power consumption by one-third. Additionally, overhead costs, such as those for plates and die-cuts, have also been reduced. The new Rotatek Brava 450 is part of Paramount’s ongoing expansion strategy. We have installed two flexo machines, and a finishing machine in the past, This latest installation further demonstrates Paramount's continued trust in us affirmed Mr. Malkhan Ram, General Manager Sales at Vinsak. Vinsak is a leading supplier of printing and packaging solutions in Middle East, Africa and Europe it has enabled many businesses to succeed by providing them with customized solutions that were well integrated and supported to deliver high returns on investments. Leading Packaging and Label printers in this part of the world have found a trusted and efficient partner in Vinsak. Rotatek Printing and Packaging Technologies SL, established in 1970 in Barcelona, Spain, is a leading international manufacturer specializing in printing web presses. With expertise in labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, security printing, commercial printing, and pharmaceutical inserts, Rotatek boasts a global presence with over 1800 installations worldwide. (www.rotatek.com)

Jithesh Kottayi,Sales & Product Spec Manager of Al Shabak General Trading CO. LLC, in a conversation with PrintWeek MENA, said: "We are thrilled to be part of the second FESPA Middle East exhibition. This event is more than just a platform—it’s a gathering of innovators and problem solvers. For us, it’s an opportunity to showcase our expertise in providing tailored solutions that address real challenges in the market. Last year, FESPA helped us tap into new customer segments, opening doors to fresh opportunities. This year, we aim to build on that momentum, demonstrating how Mactac continues to set the standard in self-adhesive solutions for the region. We’re putting great effort into ensuring our presence at FESPA 2025 is impactful and engaging. Our booth will feature live application demonstrations, allowing visitors to experience the practicality and versatility of Mactac products firsthand. Additionally, we’re focusing on showcasing our solutions for the interior design and architectural sectors, demonstrating how our products seamlessly integrate aesthetics with functionality. Our goal is to leave attendees inspired, informed, and confident in the possibilities our solutions offer. "While we don’t have brand-new products to unveil this year, our focus is on enhancing the understanding and application of our existing portfolio. Sustainability is a key theme for us, and we’re highlighting products that align with eco-conscious practices—an increasingly important consideration in today’s market. Additionally, we’re excited to showcase how Mactac’s solutions can transform interior spaces and support architectural innovations. By focusing on creativity and adaptability, we continue to deliver meaningful value to our customers. "Our strategy is centered around three pillars: innovation, education, and collaboration. We are dedicated to continuously introducing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Middle East market. Education plays a key role in our approach, as we invest in training and workshops to empower customers, consultants, and applicators with the knowledge they need to unlock the full potential of our products. Collaboration with stakeholders ensures we stay agile and responsive to market trends. Platforms like FESPA help us reinforce these efforts, enabling us to grow our footprint and strengthen our leadership in the region."

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of inkjet printing and cutting technologies, announces its participation in FESPA Middle East 2025, taking place from 20th to 22nd January in Dubai, UAE. Building on its significant momentum in the Middle East market, Mimaki will showcase its latest advancements and solutions tailored to the needs of the region’s print professionals at Booth 1-L10. Success in the Middle East and African Market      The company continues to strengthen its position as a market leader in Africa and Middle East. Across the first three quarters of its fiscal year, Mimaki has achieved a growth in turnover of 24.3% year on year in Africa and of 17.2% in the Middle East. In the Sign Graphics sector, Mimaki holds over 40% market share for printers up to 1.8m and leads with 53% market share for printers between 1.8m and 3.2m, according to recent market data. The company also maintains a strong presence in the Industrial segment, with a 45% share in small UV flatbed printers. Arjen Evertse, General Manager Sales, Mimaki Europe, comments, “The Middle East remains a critical market for Mimaki, and in 2025, we continue to lead with over 40% market share in Sign Graphics, while also maintaining a strong presence in the Industrial sector. We’re eager to connect with local businesses at the upcoming FESPA Middle East event and showcase technologies that align with their specific needs.” Innovative Solutions on Display Mimaki’s booth will feature a comprehensive range of products, catering to a variety of printing needs. Making its Middle East debut will be a concept model of the next generation of print and cut systems, designed to meet the specific needs of the region’s market and enable lower running costs. The line-up also consists of the CJV330-160 solvent print and cut solution and an array of Mimaki’s UV printers, including the cost-efficient and reliable UJV100-160Plus, the JFX200-2513 EX, a flatbed printer serving both Sign Graphics and Industrial Products segments, and the versatile UCJV330-160 print and cut system. Additionally, the CG-130AR cutting plotter will demonstrate precision and efficiency, while the TS100-1600 sublimation printer showcases high-quality textile applications. For more information about products and services from Mimaki, visit www.mimakieurope.com.

Jihad Abdeljalil, Managing Partner of Flex-Europa M.E. (FZC), UAE, explained to PrintWeek MENA: "Flex-Europa is thrilled to participate in the second edition of the FESPA Middle East event, an influential platform that brings together the leading players in the printing, signage, and graphic design industries. This event is a key milestone in fostering innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing across the region. The FESPA Middle East event serves as a hub for industry professionals to explore cutting-edge technologies, network with global leaders, and uncover emerging trends. It is particularly significant for the Middle East market, which is rapidly adopting advanced digital printing solutions to meet the growing demands of personalization, sustainability, and operational efficiency. We will be presenting our comprehensive range of digital printing solutions, including high-performance printers, premium substrates, and versatile inks. Visitors can explore how our offerings support high-quality output and operational efficiency for various applications, from signage and branding to digital label printing.Epson SureColor® V-Series UV Flatbed Printers desktop and industrial, LDP T-Rex ET & XT Hybrid 3.20m printer, EPSON ColorWorks CW-C8000 label printer, F.E. Laminator 1700 PRO, Epson Surepress Digital Label Press are our new launches. "Flex-Europa's participation in the debut FESPA Middle East show proved to be highly fruitful, presenting numerous opportunities that translated into real sales. Events like these enable us to connect with a targeted audience, showcase our advanced digital printing solutions, and solidify our presence in the regional market. Through engaging with potential clients and partners, we successfully turned these opportunities into tangible business growth." He concludes: "Flex-Europa is committed to growing its presence in the Middle East by expanding its market footprint, forging strong partnerships with local distributors, and enhancing brand visibility. The company focuses on providing tailored digital printing solutions that meet the unique needs of businesses in the region, including signage, branding, and digital label printing. By actively participating in regional industry events like FESPA Middle East, Flex-Europa continues to showcase its innovations, connect with potential clients, and stay updated on market trends. Additionally, the company prioritizes exceptional after-sales support, including technical assistance and training, to ensure customer satisfaction and foster long-term relationships. Introducing cutting-edge products, such as advanced printers, substrates, inks, and software, further reinforces its commitment to addressing regional demands and driving growth."