Labelexpo-Europe 2013: It is festival time!

70% 0f the world’s population is either Christians (32%) or Muslims (23%) or Hindus (15%). It is a strange fact that for all these 70% people, it is in the last 3-4 months of a calendar year that they are in a state of bliss, elation or jubilation! It is the peak festival time for all these three religions. Christmas, Eid and Diwali are all celebrated with indulgence and fervor. As the year, nears this time; expectancy, euphoria, partying and celebration is on minds of all, young and old. Another relatively young religion as I term it, “The global label fraternity”, also gets into the celebration mode during this time of the year, though this happens once in two years. It is a time when the Label industry gets ready to celebrate their biggest festival or their biggest industry event, “Labelexpo Europe” at Brussels. The industry constituents around the world look forward to this event not only as a platform for knowledge but also a time to network, celebrate and party with industry peers around the world, giving credibility to the saying, “The world is round so that friendship may encircle it!”. Months ahead of the show people start to plan their visit and their programme. It is definitely comparable to the involvement of people in festivals mentioned above, the spirit of celebration is evident. In an effort to put together the industry sentiments, I wrote to industry leaders around the world to express how they feel about this event and what they expect, the kind of response I got is amazing! I wrote to label printers and industry suppliers and almost all either responded or while I write, their responses are still pouring in, I hope I can do justice and mention their responses. Over 60 people have written back already!

Dean Scarborogh
 

Dean Scarborough, Chairman, President and CEO of Avery Dennison Corporation, a fortune 500 company with sales close to 7 billion US Dollars, wrote back conveying the importance of this global event. In just a few words he has emphasized Avery’s commitment to the event and to the imperative changes facing the industry. He says, “We have exhibited in every Labelexpo since the beginning.  Our booth theme is sustainable innovation and will feature many new products that will enable customers to expand their business, just as we have for the past few years.” Jussi Vanhanen, President UPM Raflatac, who has recently resigned from this designation to pursue personal literary aspirations and handed over charge to Tapio Kolunsarka, says, “It is a show that we will never like to miss” he further adds that they will exhibit, thinner and more sustainable standard labelstock products and their industry-leading environmental services along with a number of new specialty labelstock constructions for variety of end-uses. Tomas Rink, President Ritrama Group, the recipient of the 2013 R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award expressed an innovative idea to enhance the value of this august event, “Labelexpo Europe is the greatest show on earth as far as our industry is concerned and that we should spend our moneys to sponsor foreigners to visit this show (cheaper flights and accommodations, less problems with Visas etc…)” He further adds that Ritrama is exhibiting at the show with an important presence and will be presenting their very big range of paper and filmic PSA products. Linerless labelstocks will be an innovative exhibit from them.

The equipment suppliers are the backbone of every successful print show, evolution in technology happens with need for new equipment to implement the innovation of those taking the power to print to another level. The inherent necessity of the equipment suppliers to present their creations to printers around the world needs a platform to showcase their wares. The platform needs to be such that it attracts the global label industry to a single event making it worthwhile for them to witness the change taking place, all at one venue where all the leaders, peers and suppliers are present. Labelexpo provides the possibilities that nurture these needs and no wonder the equipment suppliers are the biggest financial support to such an event. Label press suppliers, lead the exhibitors team from the front and they are committed. Peter Eriksen, Chief Operating Officer of Nilpeter A/S headquartered in Denmark says, “ Nilpeter is always excited about going to the Labelexpo. It is not only a perfect chance to showcase our newest technology, but also an opportunity to meet rest of the industry players. Nilpeter is a long-term key supplier to the printing industry, it is our "duty" to bring new innovation to the Labelexpo show - and contribute to making it the greatest label show on earth!” Marco Calcagni, Sales Director Omet Srl Italy informs that they will showcase their Xflex X6 in a combination of flexo and offset with sleeve technology and that it is indeed the best show on earth to exhibit such innovations. However he feels that to present innovation in the right perspective and to make the desired impact, the show should be held at 3-4 years duration. An interesting advice to the label printers comes from Federico d’Annunzio Managing Director Nouva Gidue Italy, “At Labelexpo Europe the strategies of the whole Label Industry are defined. New trends, new technologies, and the future of our industry are there. Be there as a supplier or as a converter or as an active member of the Label industry and you will be preparing for a meaningful growth of your company.” Bibiana Rodriguez Managing Director ROTATEK Spain reaffirms her commitment, “We will have the same stand as last edition and we will exhibit this time 3 machines, 2 models for a worldwide presentation!”
I could not get the personal comments of Ferdinand ‘Rüesch of Gallus who showcase

Mary Sullivan

benefits of combining digital and conventional printing with Gallus equipment displayed at Labelexpo as he wrote back to say he was travelling. Mark Andy another important and prominent supporter of this event will present several flexo printing solutions including the Performance Series P3 and P5 narrow-web presses at Labelexpo Europe 2013. Mary Sullivan Director Marketing, Mark Andy further adds, "We will also showcase new technology like LED as well as a new version of a mid-web press called Versamax".   No printing event in present times is complete without display of digital printing technologies. Leading from the front in this segment HP has a special hall, all for themselves! When asked if this really was the biggest show on earth, WW Business Development Manager, Labels and Packaging,  Hewlett-Packard Indigo, Christian Menegon says, “I have not been on other planets to be able to compare, but with what I know and have seen, where else can you get all the label industry gathered?” HP will also display not only complete solutions for digital printing of labels, from design to finished product, but also what label converters can think about in terms of business extension to move towards packaging.”  

David Jones

As no marriage is complete without either of the partners being there and active in participation, similarly any equipment has no real value till proper finishing equipment is there. The product has finally to land up at the customer’s shop floor in a state that they can immediately put it to its intended use. It thus becomes necessary to invest in ancillary finishing equipment that enhances the value of the product created on the state of art label presses. These equipment suppliers also are an important part of Labelexpo. Anilox rolls being clean to deliver the correct quantity of ink to the plate is imperative for good printing and for this the anilox cleaning equipment is also an emergent need. David Jones owner of Alphasonics agrees to the fact that the status of Labelexpo, is supreme. He will present his anilox cleaners, a parts washer, a water recycling system and a hand applied chemistry applicator. All of the anilox cleaners have gone through a complete overhaul and now include chemical resistant membrane keypads and lcd displays, but the real improvements are in their new active cavitation technology, which greatly speeds up the whole operation. Vetaphone will exhibit a variety of their VE1A-treater stations and iCorona generators for narrow web. Nicolai Bisguard from the company states, "it is a good exhibition that gives us an opportunity to meet with end-users and especially OEM customers. It is important for us to be present and support our OEMs". As end-user customers of labels get more and more quality conscious and impress upon suppliers to supply 100% defect free labels, it has become a dire need for organized label printing companies to invest in high-end slitter rewinders with defect detection systems on them. Two of the leading suppliers in this category Marco Aengenvoort of Rotocontrol Germany and Chiara Prati of Prati Company Italy responded.


Chiara Prati asserts, “Labelexpo Europe is an exceptional stage
where the elite of label industry worldwide is present” Prati will showcase their STARplus off-line turret as an alternative solution to the traditional slitter/rewinders. It works in-line with any printing and converting machine. The Company will also be making its official entry into the packaging sector with the brand new ALHENA IML series, in one of its most advanced segments: In-Mould-Labelling. According to Marco Aengenvoort of Rotocontrol “it is the main tradeshow we invest in” Rotocontrol will unveil it’s the new DT340FC digital finishing line featuring an automatic knife positioning system and an integrated fully-automatic 4-spindle turret. Also demonstrated will be the DSP340 pharmaceutical inspection machine, the P440S high-speed die cutting machine, the P340 basic high speed slitter, and the company’s flagship RSC 340 high-speed slitter including a 100% inspection system. Innovation and technical up gradation so as to reduce waste, protect the environment and achieve faster production to attain economies of scale, are imperatives for evolution of any product. Montreal, Canada based ETI converting has been in the forefront in developing the liner less self adhesive label technology. ETI will be showcasing its Mini-Cohesio, a servo driven in-line coating technology using 50% less space with 30% shorter web path  and a faster setup time. This innovative technology is ideal to convert an unsupported pre-printed film or paper into finished labels. The 330 mm (13``) web width press with the Pellicut technology enables die-cutting on extremely thin release liners. Also on show will be pre-printed shampoo label being silicone and adhesive coated, as well as die-cut on an 18 microns (0.75 mil) PET liner being converted in one manufacturing process from raw material to finished product at a speed of up to 150 meters per minute (500 fpm). Lars beck President, Kocher + Beck informs that his company will display three new versions of our adjustable anvil cylinder “GapMaster”, “TecScreen“ material and universal use screen mounting tower. He further expresses, “Increasing number of Label shows makes products expensive. As the complete supply chain is suffering from price increases, shows need to be reinvented.” Raul Sylvestre of Lartec says we will display our full existing range. The show he says, is actually the only one worth spending money on. Peter Henderson of Esko responded, "Labelexpo is in my opinion one of the best shows I have attended, one location that is totally dedicated to labels, this is the show that not only reconfirms customers buying decision, but is the footprint for technology in the coming years, it's everything in Labels covering the entire process from consumables to digital to conventional.”

John Hickey

The ultimate test of strength of any show is the visitors, the label printers who are the buyers of what the exhibitors have to offer. The quality and number of visitors decides the importance or success of a print show. At labelexpo it is no different. The show continues to attract the global label fraternity to its showings on an ongoing basis. Printers come from all corners of the world. John Hickey, CEO of the 135 years old Smyth Companies, one of the largest label producers in North America has his focus on digital technologies besides other things at the show, he wrote” Brussels’ show always seems to lead the pack for product introductions amongst Label Expos” The growing interest in digital technologies is reinforced by Sandeep Lal President of another one of North America’s largest label printing companies, Toronto Canada based Metro Label Company. However he would like to comment on whether Labelexpo-Europe is actually the largest on Earth, after he has visited the event. Mikael Dahl, VP/Technical Director, Co-owner AB W.H. Nordvall & Co. Sweden will spend all the days at the show. His interest lies in digital and offset printing equipment and evaluating how as leading label converter they can add value to present business, extending product portfolio to production of flexibles, tubes and carton products. Commenting on the show tagline he says, “Absolutely, the one and only show! It is a pleasure meeting/networking with colleagues and all nice people who join up on this great event, a chance we shouldn´t miss out!” Roland Schreiner, President and CEO of Munich Germany based 130 million Euro Schreiner group agrees to the importance of this show. He expresses “It is always very interesting to see the latest trends and technologies of our industry, especially in digital printing. Besides this, it is very enjoyable to meet the colleagues from all over the world and discuss about the current situation as well as the future.” Nimeesh Lilani of Pacman-CCL Group Dubai defines the show as an “amalgam of the label industry” They look forward to meeting suppliers who normally do not visit their region. Karachi, Pakistan based Hanif Usman from AG-GiGi (PVT) Ltd does not agree this is the largest show however he did not mention what other show he held in comparison. He will look for technologies to produce neck labels. Tehran Iran based Ahmad Kavoosi of Parsian Labeling has a voracious appetite for knowledge and will visit to satisfy that urge. He also looks forward to meet his global label family at Brussels. Sathis Abeywickrama Managing Director Flexiprint Srilanka will visit to look for innovations. Manoj Garg of Gulfscan Sharjah UAE has networking in focus besides new technology upgradation. He feels UAE printers can cater to the growing markets more effectively. Zulqiurnain Ali Khan CEO of Jeddah Saudi Arabia head quartered, Zultecgroup with presence at 22 locations worldwide will be looking for New Presses, Inspection Systems, Auto Turret Rewinders, and Software for Costing and Production.  He feels, “It is a good and informative show.” Ageing is a process that we have to accept as an eventuality and transition of power to the generation next or to a younger and more effective management is a part of commitment that all passionate business persons have towards their business ventures. Last year my friend Helmut Schreiner handed over the reins of the Schreiner Group to his son Roland Schreiner. Now while I was reviewing the responses I came across one from my Australian friend, Allan Dabschek of Austab, he wrote “I am formally retiring from Austab Labels Pty Ltd on 2nd September 2013 after 45 years as the principal. I am not planning to go to Label Expo this year as per settlement and change of ownership etc of the company. Yes it is the Greatest Label Show on the face of our tiny planet. Have a great time when you are there”. Allan has been a regular visitor to all labelexpos, I feel sad I will not see my friend this year at this show.

As regards the Indian presence at Labelexpo Europe, it has steadily grown in the last

Amit Ahuja

eight years. It is a matter of pride for me that my company, Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi was the only Indian exhibitor at the 2005 edition of this event. My colleagues in the industry rightfully picked up the lead and the no. of exhibitors have grown steadily to reach 16 exhibitors this year. Weldon will exhibit yet again through their stationery and manufacturing division. The Indian offering is a complete and diverse mix from equipment manufacturers, material suppliers and tooling suppliers. Indian press manufacturer Multitec will be exhibiting for the second time with a running press, the only Indian press manufacturer to have endeavored to do so. Amit Ahuja Director Multitec informs they will exhibit their Ecoflex VSi, 6 colour press with rail system having cold foil, turn-bar and a newly developed delam-relam system. Leading India film supplier Cosmo films will display top coated BOPP films for PS Labelstock. Clear, white opaque and metalized variances are available in this category. Also available are direct thermal printable, thermal transfer printable, Linerless HP Indigo digital printable and coated BOPP films.  First time exhibitor Anuj Bhargava of Kumar labels says “We shall display our offline re-register rotary die-cutting machine. This is possibly the world’s most compact machine and first ever from India.” Labelstock producer Ajay Mehta Managing Director SMI coated products private limited, Mumbai who will exhibit their entire range, says “There is something in the air, at the Label Show, Brussels which justifies it to be the greatest Label Show on Earth. The vibrancy at the show is amazing and the industry across the world gets together here.” A large number of Indian visitors are expected at Brussels. Many Label printers have responded with similar comments. Narendra Paruchuri heading Pragati Offset Pvt Ltd Hyderabad sums it all in these words” At these shows we never look for anything in particular. This is a good platform for launch of new technologies and we can see, assimilate and guesstimate where and how we can use the technology. I tend to agree with that tag line and that seems to be the reason why like Drupa, most companies would like to have their technologies debut here at LabelExpo.” Leading label printers who responded similarly include Amar Chhajed of Webtech Mumbai, Gururaj Ballarwad of Wintek (ITW) Bangalore, Kuldip Goel Anygraphics Noida, Rajesh Nema Pragati Graphics Indore, Dinesh Mahajan Prakash Labels Noida, Mahendra Shah of Renault Paper Palghar and Ramesh Deshpande Renu Prints Aurangabad. There are others like Jigesh Dani of Maharshi Labels in Ahmedabad who are more specific in their focus to visit Labelexpo and with purchase intentions on their minds. Chandan Khanna heading Ajanta Packaging with production facilities at Daman, Baddi and Sharjah (UAE) surprised all at labelexpo Brussels a few years ago by buying two label presses in one go. When I called him to ask he laughed and says, “Wait for surprises.”

Douglas Emslie

The preview or the review would not be complete without understanding the vision and indulgence of the organizers of this show.  I quote Douglas Emslie, Group Managing Director of Tarsus who own the labelexpo group, “The vision is very simple – to continue offering the best possible show for visitors and exhibitors alike. 2013’s edition will be the largest ever in our 33 year history. We are committed to ensure that we continue to deliver the best content possible. We are in a very strong position when it comes to understanding and addressing what is going on with global and more localized trends in the label and package printing industry. This knowledge is put to the most helpful, relevant and beneficial use it can be for our show visitors and delegates.” When asked about adding more to the fun part for the visitors, he says “Labelexpo Europe is definitely about working hard and playing hard! I always feel that Labelexpo takes over Brussels when the show is on there. What started out as a small, specialist niche event for the label sector in 1980 has become one of the biggest brands in the exhibition world because it has remained true and in sync with its audience. Labelexpo has and always will be entirely focused on the needs of label and package printers rather than the wider commercial print industry.”

 

At this time I would like to also mention the efforts of Finat The worldwide trade

Jules Lejuene

association for the self-adhesive labeling and adjacent industries based in The Hague, Netherlands. The association has been in existence for over 50 years. One of the aims of FINAT from its foundation has been to develop, promote and defend the interests of self-adhesive labeling. This mission has been part of the FINAT articles of Association and no doubt was the explicit wish of the founding fathers in the late 1950s. Over the last 50 years FINAT has done a lot to achieve these aims. Jules Lejeune Managing Director Finat communicates to inform the label industry “As always, FINAT, as the co-hosting partner of Labelexpo Europe will have a prominent hospitality stand in Hall 11 (P40), where members are welcome for refreshments and to use it as meeting point for discussions with fellow members. FINAT’s staff and volunteer leaders will take turns to welcome visitors and inform them about the benefits of FINAT membership, and the added benefits of active participation in committees, projects and events. We will also have a small meeting room that subject to availability can be reserved for limited time slots. At the stand there will be permanent exhibition of winning labels. As at previous occasions, there will be a separate Recycling Desk where label printers and users of labels can learn about the different recovery and recycling programmes for liners and matrix materials across Europe. As special features, each day FINAT will host a special interest session at its stand. Hosts confirmed for these sessions are Tony White (Design & Print), Calvin Frost (liner and matrix recycling) and on the use of FINAT Test Methods. Another special programme (at the Expo conference centre) is a yet to be confirmed industry dialogue lunch session with a leading brand owner on Friday 24 September. Finally, the YMC will be present to welcome future leaders to FINAT.

Isidore leiser

It is a tremendous response and we can expect a great show. The excitement of meeting the industry colleagues is building up and four days of learning, networking and partying will leave nostalgic memories that will last for a long time and linger-on much after the show. One of the best responses to my questions came from my long time friend Isidore Leiser heading the STRATUS group France, listed amongst European leaders in the printed label manufacturing field, with 240 people and a turn-over of 37 Million Euros. Isidore, wrote “Sure I wouldn't want to miss visiting Labelexpo, it is like going the the toy store for a little kid and as for Innovation- I look for new answers to our customers in an increasing competitive market.” The final remark was extremely outstanding! "It is the best show in the world I have been to the Labelexpo show in four other places in the world. Brussels is still by far the most complete and interesting show in the world… and, I absolutely want to see Harveer again.”

Written by Harveer Singh Sahni, Managing Director, Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi, India August 2013

Rocking at Goa! Indian Label Conference a huge success.

The euphoria was visible as the number of delegates consisting of label printers, suppliers from around the world, media persons and also all those remotely connected to label industry, continuously swelled with flight after flight landing at Goa’s Dabolim airport from destinations across India, on the 26^th of July 2013. The party appeared to have begun at the airport itself! Industry friends were shaking hands and hugging each other and expressing happiness in being together for this bi-annual event. The reception and registration process at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Goa was welcoming and warm. It was nice to see the entire LMAI working committee helping incoming guests in registration and giving return gifts, all with a smile. As busloads of delegates continued to pour into the lobby of the hotel; smiles, handshakes and back patting hugs were seen all around. While the LMAI President stood smiling to welcome the incoming guests, one could notice a little nervousness. After-all, this second event under his leadership was twice the size of the earlier event in 2011. For 390 delegates a lot of effort and planning had been done and everything needed to move on smoothly. Suppliers and label printer were meeting their peers and looking forward to two days of fun and fellowship. By 5pm it was time for all to freshen up and assemble in the main hall. The LMAI conference 2013 titled “Print Innovation” had begun!

Vivek Kapoor President

The conference started with a welcome address from Vivek Kapoor, besides welcoming delegates he thanked the sponsors and his team members who worked tirelessly to make this event a success. He also informed about the important activities that LMAI has done in recent times. Important ones are;

1. Donation sent to Uttarakhand PM relief fund

2. Launch of the LMAI website www.lmai.in

3. Launch of the LMAI members directory

4. Support to SIES students seeking jobs in the label industry

5. Subsidy to 60 LMAI members for travel to Labelexpo Europe this year as against only 25 last year (This is an activity spearheaded by the dynamic secretary Ramesh Deshpande)

6. Now the initiative that LMAI is to take up next is on “Sustainability”.

 

 

 

 

Anil Sharma(Avery) & Kamlesh Shah Letragrafix

Anil Sharma, Managing Director Avery Dennison, who were the Platinum sponsors for the event, took the stage next informing the industry about further investments by his company and re-asserting Avery’s faith in the Indian markets. He said the per capita usage of labelstock is the lowest in India and given the size of population and a literate workforce the potential for growth is immense. He set the tone of the conference going by reassuring Avery’s commitment to support innovation in the pressure sensitive label industry.

Peter Henderson Esko

 

Lindsay Rice from Dupont spoke on the evolution of flexo plate making technology and the improvements there in. Peter Henderson of Esko informed about proofing systems and support there-of. Kishore Sarkar of Daetwyler gave an interesting presentation on the usage of doctor Blades with different settings. Christina Nilsson of Flint spoke on benefits of using UV flexo inks. Ajay Mehta of SMI made a presentation on his assessment of the size of Indian label market.

Dupont Team with LMAI president

As the days schedule was coming to an end all the sponsors, without whom an event of this scale was not possible were felicitated by LMAI.

With this, the days working schedule came to an end and the fun part began. There were dancers and performances.

 

Veer Das

The star of the evening was standup comedian Veer Das. He was amazing. Spoke for one hour non-stop and had every one laughing their hearts out. An outstanding performance! As the DJ took over, the younger delegates and not the so young ones who love to dance decided to stay on stage while others moved to the bar, to quench their thirst. They had had a long day travelling and conferencing and laughing out to the non-stop delivery of jokes from Veer Das. Even though the bar was closed a little before midnight so that delegates come back in time for the second day of the conference, yet there were those who refused to leave and were partying till we left.

Ranesh Bajaj of Creed

Surprisingly despite a late night, day two started with an almost full house. Ranesh Bajaj of Creed
Engineers/Vinsak made his presentation on technologies available for Brand security, Tamper evident solutions and anti-counterfeiting options.





Carmen Chua Avery

Carmen Chua of Avery spoke on sustainability solutions for labels and packaging as also the need to reduce the adverse impact on the environment. She reaffirmed Avery’s commitment to sustainability.

Lisa Milburn MD Labelexpo and her team

Over the year,s Tarsus the owners of Labelexpo series of exhibitions have, become close to the Indian Label fraternity and to LMAI. It is a partnership that has been fruitful for both. For this reason senior executives of the Labelexpo group make sure to be present at the LMAI conference. Lisa Milburn the young new Managing Director of Labelexpo group came to attend the conference along with marketing Director Michael Hatton and other members of her team posted in India. She went onstage to make short presentation on LMAI partnership with Tarsus and also on the fast approaching labelexpo Europe at Brussels. It was good to see her mixing with printers and suppliers establishing contacts and reinforcing relationships. The former Managing Director of Labelexpo group Roger Pellow who has been promoted to be the Chairman of Labelexpo Group, has many friends in the industry. Many printers and suppliers missed their “International Labelpal” Roger.

 

Ferdi and wife (Gallus) with Harveer Sahni (Weldon)

Backbone of any printing show is the primary printing equipment producers. They are the biggest exhibitors and the biggest sponsors. This holds true for the narrow web label industry as well. The heavy presence of top executives of all the big label press manufacturers gave credibility to the fact that India continues to be the market for them that grows consistently and continuously. It has like Anil Sharma of Avery said a market that has the lowest per capita usage and there is only one way it can go and that is, up! Ferdinand ‘Rüesch owner of Gallus was present along with his wife, son, Samir Patkar MD India and other team members. The Gallus presentation talked about forces influencing Indian markets.

Paolo (Omet) Pawan(Weldon)

Paolo Grasso Sales Manager Omet made an interesting presentation on how the leading international label press manufacturers innovated to aid evolution of label printing and converting technologies to present day level.






 

Federicio: Gidue

Federico D’Annunzio Managing Director of Gidue spoke on excellence of digital flex. Manohar Dhugga of Mark Andy talked about Innovation & Automation for today's label needs & UV LED. Presentations were also made by Alan Baretto of Nilpeter and Spring XU of Weigang Machinery China. Each time we visit Labelexpo Europe we see the number of Chinese label press manufacturers exhibiting there, keeps on growing.

Amit Ahuja Multitec

A part of us always yearned for our own Indian local machine builders to excel enough to come to the international arena and showcase. A vacuum was always felt. The first Indian to full-fill this gap and the only one so far is Amit Ahuja of Multitec. He made us proud when at the last labelexpo he showcased his press printing at 150 meters per minute without the register moving! He will exhibit at Brussels yet again next month. Amit was also a sponsor at this conference. In his presentation he spoke of his experiences and challenges faced as an Indian press manufacturer pitted against global brands.

Wolfgang Burkard of Kurz

Wolfgang Burkard from KURZ the second Platinum sponsor spoke on boundless opportunities in
label finishing.

Kudos to the extremely focused and indulgent audience! They were the reason for the success of this conference.

Appa Durai: HP

Josep Roca Xeikon

No print show or conference is complete without deliberations in the digital printing. It is a process that is tempting all and appears to evolve fast to make other technologies obsolete some day in the future. Even though digital printing maybe attracting substantial investments from printers around the world, it has a lot of resistance from Indian label printers. Despite the resistance the interest in this technology does not wane. In fact on the contrary, printers continue to study the developments carefully and feel that it is the future. Leading digital printing equipment suppliers including Appa Durai from HP, Josep Roca from Xeikon, Ramprasad from CPG and Mark Huisman from SPG Prints made interesting presentations on the various developments in digital printing.



 

Harveer Sahni with Chiara Prati

Other international suppliers who were not sponsors also made it a point to be present for this event. Chiara Prati of Prati Italy, Marco Aengenvoort of Rotocontrol, David and Hope from Martin Automatic, the Rotometrics team, etc were some of the many others who came.

Federico(Gidue) andMarco(Rotocontrol)

On the sidelines during the coffee an lunch breaks networking was largely evident. 

Naresh Khanna of IPP deliberating

Ramu Ramanathan Printweek

Media also marked their presence!

As the presentations came to an end European dancers emerged, followed by  excellent singing performances by Arshpreet Kaur a “Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa” (Popular TV Programme).

Arshpreet

Arshpreet entertained the audience with fine performance and singing.

Chang

The last performer for the evening was another TV contestant and popular singer Meiyang Chang.

Label industry's favorite dancers Pawandeep (Weldon)
and Sandeep Zaveri (Total Print)

Before Chang’s singing session came to an end he had a crowd on to the dancing floor.

Chandan Khanna Ajanta

The bar was open and the delegates were unstoppable drinking, dancing, networking, striking new relationships and going on as if the night will never end.

Lisa Milburn & Ajay (SMI)

Rupa and Amit Sheth

They danced and made merry and pulled every one close by to the floor.

The competition was forgotten only comradeship and friendship prevailed. It appeared like a global label family was celebrating endlessly! Around 3AM they were still partying when I was thoroughly exhausted and left wondering how long they would go on…

All good things have to come to an end. Next morning it was time to say good bye but I guess some business being in their blood, I could see printers trickling into the breakfast area with suppliers in tow for a meeting before they left. It really was a very busy event and one wished there was time to steal moments to enjoy the destination, Goa! The event management company did a good job. Vivek Kapoor had a genuine smile, now that everything went well. As we checked out of the hotel, delegates who over indulged last night, came somehow half asleep limping toward their coaches to take them to airport on their way back home. Even in their slumber they vowed to come back again for the next conference with more vigour and in bigger numbers. One thing common they communicated to each other alongwith the good bye as they left, was a commitment to meet again soon. Each bye-bye was followed by “See you at Labelexpo Europe”.  

Written by Harveer Sahni, Managing Director, Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi-110008 August 2013