Page 16 - PWM2026_MARCH EBOOK

EVENTS

LOUPE showcases technologies

shaping the future of labels

T Labelexpo Asia 2025 - demonstrated how core label convert-
he last two Labelexpo shows - Labelexpo Europe and

ing technologies have been adapted to open up new opportu-
nities in the flexible packaging and folding carton markets.
We can expect LOUPE to build further on these founda-
tions.
Flexible packaging has led the way. We have seen at Labelexpo in the
last 12 years the building of a network of suppliers covering all aspects
of flexible packaging relevant to label converters. At the last two
Labelexpo Europe exhibitions, 40 percent of visitors registered an
interest in flexible packaging as well as labels.
HP Indigo still leads the way on the digital printing of flexible pack-
aging, most recently with its 200k press. Now we are starting to see the
evolution of water-based inkjet, with Screen bringing its TruePress
PAC 520P to the show for paper-based flexible packaging and Pulisi
launching a water-based inkjet flexible packaging press at Labelexpo
Asia. Miyakoshi demonstrated a prototype machine in Barcelona,
where FujiFilm was promoting its FP790 technology. At the same
time, we have seen the development of wider, mid-web flexo presses
(670-850mm/26-30in) optimized for the printing of flexible packag- LOUPE, formerly Labelexpo, showcases technologies shaping the future of labels
ing, often configured with extended IR/hot air flexo or gravure units
for water-based coatings and inline lamination. label printer to deliver short lead times, rapid response, value-added inline
We have also seen a growing number of suppliers demonstrating decoration, personalization and mass customization.
offline laminators tailored to the mid-web format, including ABG Folding cartons next
company Enprom, while JetFX demonstrated how tactile digital Folding cartons will be the next package printing market to be positively
embellishment can be added with an inkjet bar at the laminating stage disrupted by core labels technology, and for broadly similar reasons.
in a joint project with Karlville.
Pouch manufacturing has also emerged as an area of growing inter- At the last two Labelexpo Europe shows, 25 percent of visitors registered an
est, with Galaxy, Karville and Zhoutai all demonstrating machines at interest in folding cartons. Industrial-scale folding carton production is over-
Labelexpo shows. whelmingly carried out in a multi-stage operation where offset printed sheets
Materials knowledge is a critical part of the learning journey when are moved between multiple offline processing stations. This involves long
diversifying from labels, because the pouch, sachet or flow-wrap is lead times, considerable work in progress and increased cost and work time
now the primary product container. Synthogra pioneered the supply for each subsequent decoration processes.
of flexible packaging materials to label converters, and its mission has Inline technology allows the production of finished folding cartons in a sin-
been to impart in-depth knowledge about the properties of laminated
structures. Other materials suppliers have followed. Similarly, ink gle pass. At Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona, Canon-Edale demonstrated a
suppliers have tailored their exhibition space to focus on flexible pack- CartonLine press configured with inline technologies well understood by
aging as well as label applications. label converters – turnbar, cold foil, UV flexo print and coating stations,
LOUPE events, formerly Labelexpo, also host exhibitors who spe- cast+cure holographic film application, followed by an inline flatbed die cut/
cialize in barrier coating technology, which is helping to make film crease module, waste ejection and delivery of finished pieces on a shingling
and paper-based flexible packaging more sustainable by eliminating conveyor.
incompatible lamination layers. These are companies like Actega, In principle an inline narrow/mid-web press, flexo or offset, could include
Archroma, Tullis Russell and Sun Chemical. any module common to a label press, including screen or inkjet bar for varia-
Why has flexible packaging proved such a perfect match for label
converters, once the very steep learning curve has been mastered? ble imaging or digital embellishment.
Because buyers of flexible packaging usually deal with wide-web con- For longer runs, rotary cutting and creasing dies can be used for single-pass
verters with long lead times, high minimum orders and long delivery production, a configuration shown by Hontec at Labelexpo Asia.
times. Adapting core narrow and mid-web label technology – digital, Written by Andy Thomas-Emans, Strategic Director at LOUPE Global,
flexo and hybrid – to this market harnesses the skills and agility of the Informa Markets
16 PrintWeek MENA March 2026 www.printweekmena.com