Labelexpo transforms, as envisioned through the Loupe!

                                       

Loupe

Loupe is a simple, small magnification device used to see minute details more closely. They generally have higher magnification than magnifying glass. It is a small tool in the hands of most precision-oriented printers to check the print registration and quality of print. The magnification of content and its spread to other printing technologies envisioned through the loupe by the new owners of Labelexpo group made them expand the gamut, by renaming this premier event to include multiple segments of printing and packaging and be named Loupe! On the 15^th of September 2025, on the opening day of Labelexpo 2025 at a new venue Fira Gran Via Barcelona Spain, Informa Markets the present owners of the event announced that Labelexpo had been transformed and renamed to be known hereafter as Loupe.

Clive Smith

The Labelexpo exhibitions held in Europe, USA, China and India over the years have come to be referred to as the Mecca of successful label printers around the world. The Labelexpo exhibition was founded by Clive Smith in the year 1979, a year later in 1980 the first Labelexpo exhibition titled Labelex at that time, was held in London’s Royal Horticultural Hall, in a net area of 1000 square meters with just 44 exhibitors. Three shows later in 1985 the show was renamed as Labelexpo Europe and moved to Brussels and in 1998 it was sold to Tarsus who expanded the labelexpo to global destinations including India by acquiring the India Label Show in 2005 and renaming it as Labelexpo India in 2008. After growing the brand multifold in 2023, Labelexpo Global Series was acquired by Informa, the world's largest B2B event organizer, commanding 800+ brands and 14,000 employees across 30 countries. On September 15^th, 2025, Labelexpo not only moved from Brussels, its traditional venue of 20 years and moved to Fira Gran Via Barcelona Spain but also was transformed by the new owners to a different format. From being primarily a label event, it will now encompass the companies in various technologies that include besides labels, flexible packaging, cartons and various forms of packaging. While no mention is made for the total area covered by Labelexpo 2025, but it is mentioned that the show had 650 exhibitors from 138 countries.

Trying to get opinion of visitors, a questionnaire as follows was sent to some visitors and exhibitors;

• What is your response regarding the shift of Labelexpo from Brussels to Barcelona? Is it better or was Brussels better ?
• The shift of management from Tarsus to Informa Markets, was it a better organised event? Your opinion
• The change of name from Labelexpo to Loupe, do you like it? Change of format from labels to packaging.
• If sheet offset is also in the new format,  labels will be a miniscule portion. Your take?

Barcelona

Analysing the responses as an overview; At the very outset it will be pertinent to mention that this was a premium show where largely exhibitors drew value for money. It delivered the results envisaged! 

However, being a predominantly European show, the larger number of visitors appeared to be more from the same region. As per the author’s personal perception there appeared to be a smaller number of visitors than before from the Indian subcontinent. Although the total number of attendees seemed lower, this observation is also based on perception, as Informa Markets has not released an official statement or press release to this effect. The city of Barcelona was amazing, but many would have loved to be on holiday in Spain and not just for an exhibition. As regards the change of venue from Brussels to Barcelona, the industry getting together and the camaraderie amongst peers at Grand Place in Brussels was missing, yet a majority of respondents feel it is a good move, and the show will settle down well in Barcelona. 

While change of management from Tarsus to Informa is a matter of record, in this edition of the show, there were problems in organization of the event. The signages were not only bad but unacceptable. The meticulous planning at Brussels was missing . Even the Gala dinner was a damp affair as compared to the grand sit down, well planned formal dinners at Brussels with great pomp and show. And there were no proper signages leading to the dinner venue. The author had to climb 3 floors to be told by the girl at the door that one has to go down 3 floors and come up another way after checking the wrist badges which we already adorned, even though the main hall was just a few steps from where she was. Not even caring for senior citizens! The air conditioning in the exhibition halls was inefficient  and in Hall 3 it was unbearably hot. Again, it is felt these are transitional glitches and will eventually be addressed.

The labels community at large has expressed that Labelexpo was a preferred name as it was their show and would wish it had continued so. However still, it is understood to be the prerogative of the show owners to change the name. It will probably settle down with time. The change of format from narrow web self-adhesive labels to include flexible packaging pouching in mold labels, and so, is acceptable. In fact, the roll form narrow to mid-web printing and converting appears to be the relevant format to extend the show towards. My last question, “ If sheet offset is also in the new format,  labels will be a miniscule portion. Your take?” drew the strongest response from a majority, “We cannot be a part of such a show where we lose our status as a part of the vibrant label industry.”

Reproduced below are some of the important comments of all the respondents. Producing all comments would make the article too long. 

Kuldip Goel CMD Any Graphics Noida India and past President LMAI: “Our experience of Brussels was better. I would not be repeating visit to Barcelona though I see that  Informa is doing a great job. I do not think  that the change in name is going to impact much, but Label Expo looks better. Label should be treated differently. Inclusion of Sheetfed Offset may make the event loose its uniqueness.”

Isidore Leiser, Owner Stratus Packaging, Brussels, Belgium: “Personally, I like a label show to remain focused on labels. If someone wants something broader, they can always go to Drupa.”

Naveen Talwar, Director Skypack India Pvt Ltd Faridabad India: “I prefer the Barcelona venue; it is closer to airport. It is a cleaner city compared to Brussels. I felt safer. Personally, I feel the show should stick to ‘roll to roll” converting. Sheet fed will make things totally different.”

Raul Silvestre, Lartec, Alicante Spain: “The change of venue to Barcelona is good but it was badly organized. Access for exhibitors was not allowed by own cars. We had to handle all boxes from door 4 to the stand, manually. Very Bad exit doors, only 2 available when the show has a lot to go out. I do not like the change of name and the format change. It should remain an event focused on labels. The change will result in lesser share for label industry visitors to have opportunity to contact and spend time with exhibitors.”

Amit Sheth, Director Intergraphics Mumbai India: “Frankly, the new organiser was not as efficient as the previous one . The signages were missing; the assistance desks in every intersection were missing; the maps of all the halls at each intersection were missing . As for format change from Labels to Packaging, Label being the primary subject should not be unfocussed. Merging packaging up to mid web  is fine but SHEETFED OFFSET OR ANY SHEET FORM MACHINES OR APPLICATIONS SHOULD NOT BE ENCOURAGED.”

Nitin Garg, Managing Director NBG Printographics Faridabad India: “The shift to Barcelona seems to be a good decision and will boost international participation. The event was well organized, with no complaints. This change of name is logical from the management’s perspective and aligns with the broader industry shift from labels to packaging. The success of Labelexpo stemmed from its clear focus on the label industry and the strong connections its management had within the sector across different countries. With the current shift toward packaging, it remains to be seen whether the same success can be replicated, as packaging is a much broader and more complex domain. The core focus should remain on labels.”

Ankit Gupta Managing Director Holostik Noida India: Barcelona was okay for us though I missed the weather and vibe of Brussels. The Expo was organised well but I neither like the change of format nor the change of name. Sheet offset should not be a part of this landmark show. It will lose its unique identity.”

Sandeep Sharma Director at Acme Rolltech Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad India: Barcelona was good as it creates new positive enthusiasm amongst the exhibitors as well as the visitors. Both Tarsus and Informa are good organisers. Except for the air conditioning issue which needs to be taken care of going forward, overall, it was a good show for us.

Nalani Jaichandra Director VeePee Graphics Bengaluru India: ´It is better in Barcelona, much safer than Brussels. The show was well organized but the name Labelexpo was more apt. Yes, this format widens the target market, which will bring in more visitors and as Labels is a part of packaging having everything under one roof will be better. Sheetfed offset should be kept out, the focus should be only on flexo and digital.

Dinesh Mahajan, Managing Director Prakash Labels Noida India: “Barcelona is as good as Brussels! Unfortunately, the event was not that well organized compared to what it used to be in Brussels. The name Labelexpo when spoken gives clear impression of what event we are talking about, though Loupe is not that explicit. Change of format seems all right, but Sheet offset should be resisted to be displayed in this event.

Mahendra Shah, Director at Renault Paper Products Pvt ltd. Mumbai: “After initial adverse reactions, once settled, the venue looks good. Organisational glitches will eventually be taken care of and sure to settle down. As for the name, I would prefer Labelexpo, it connects us to the event. The change of format is way forward. For the sheetfed offset segment, web converting is the future, and they should be visitors to the show.”

Summing up, it is generally felt the venue in Barcelona is acceptable or will gradually settle down with visitors from industry. The organization of the show will improve given the stature experience and capabilities of Informa Markets and the changed format restricted to web converting, preferably up to mid-web, will be widely welcomed but to include sheetfed offset will make it a replication of the many shows like Drupa. The wish to make it to specially focused labelexpo and meet label industry peers will diminish. We will wait to see how Labelexpo, renamed Loupe, will actually transform and find acceptability from the label fraternity.

Note: One day prior to the show that opened on 16th September 2025, on the 15th, Amit Sheth and the author Harveer Sahni, representing LMAI were the judges for World Label Awards and also attended the meeting of L9 the confederation of nine leading label associations of the world.

My short pictorial walk through the Labelexpo 2025:

World label awards judging in progress

With Marco Calcagni of Omet

Innauguration of Brotech AI enabled press

The Judges, after meeting picture

L9 team

Author's book to Ramon Lee

with Umesh Kagade of HP

  

Sandeep Sharma Acme Rolltech

 

with Wolfgang Kos Geiger

The new Omet press launched

WLA Judges Amit and Harveer Sahni 

Wit Appadurai of HP

The Avery Dennison team with Kimoha Dubai team

With Christian Menegon former manager at HP

At Apex stand

With Enrica Lodi of Cartes

With Onno Dean of GSE ink dispensing

Lartec family

Pre-press experts Nalani and Jai

Keren-Label Pack Mexico & Chelsea of labelsandlabelling

Amit and Ashima of Multitec

Indian Labelstock supplier Sticon team

With T P Jain of Monotech

 

Steve Katz LNW USA

                                    

Written by Harveer Sahni, Chairman Weldon Celloplast Limited New Delhi September 2025

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Labelexpo 2025. Evolution of digital labels and packaging equipment!

In the ever changing and evolving technological advancements in label printing and application processes, change remains constant, leaving very little space to remain complacent. One needs to remain abreast of evolution and stay updated and adopt new developments in whatever way possible. Staying stuck to technologies that are undergoing change, longer than necessary with chance of becoming obsolete,  may bring in a feeling of uncertainty and negativity. It does not mean one should immediately forget everything and start changing, but it would be worthwhile to stay abreast and consider accepting indulgence in evolution. In the early 1970s, the author was in process of setting up a factory in the suburbs of Delhi to increase the production of their popular fountain pen inks. Friends in those days cautioned that ball pens are a disruption coming in, however countering that, it was felt fountain pens are here to stay. But what happened is history now, fountain pens are just a show of affluence for some, ball pens rule in mass usage, the fountain pen ink business became negligent and miniscule. Printing technologies in India to produce self-adhesive labels or stickers also transformed from the earliest screen printing manually in sheet form to roll form by letter press, flexo to digital and hybrid. The industry is in that transitional mode of contemplating whether digital will takeover and disrupt. The general opinion in this phase is that both digital and analogue will co-exist as of now. Even digital printing technologies are evolving in multiple tangents. Labelexpo Europe 2025 at Barcelona is around the corner, and it will be good indicator of how the digital label printing and converting is evolving. The author interacted with leading digital label printing equipment providers to understand their presentations at this important show.

At the very outset it is important to understand that while the narrow web label printing has evolved to wider width, it has in its advancement entered the flexible packaging and carton converting arena as well. In the foray into futuristic converting, the digital finishing, embellishment and converting are also undergoing the digital path to evolution. Label printers while considering investments, are not anymore investing into digital presses, limiting themselves to only manufacturing labels, but also considering increasing their capabilities to produce shrink sleeves, pouches, diverse forms of flexible packaging and folding cartons.

HP Indigo: My recent article on Trigon digital Mumbai is an ode to this expanded product range on digital printing and converting. HP Indigo has supported such endeavors and are exhibiting at Barcelona. HP Indigo offers full digital print solutions that enable converters to allocate the right job to the right press. They will showcase the HP Indigo V12 which runs at speeds up to 120 meters per minute and offers full digital print solutions that enable converters to allocate the right job to the right press. Proven to achieve breakthrough milestones in high-volume output, including record-setting runs. HP Indigo 6K+ that combines a new integrated SmartControlSystem, alongside AI-powered PrintOS tools for greater accuracy, reliability and real-time insights. HP PrintOS, AI-powered solutions and automation software tools to streamline production, boost creativity and accelerate growth. HP PrintOS and HP Nio, users can control workflows form order to shipping, turn data into insight and enhance performance across every operator.

Domino will be at booth 3E91 displaying their latest digital label printing solutions. Ajay Raorane Vice president Domino Printech India LLP says,” With the rise of e-commerce and the government’s push to support startups, we expect Increased demand for quick, high-quality label printing. While India still has a large installed base of conventional printing, the percentage growth of digital appears higher due to a smaller installed base. We feel the trend will grow as more installations happen.” Ajay further expressed that with digital also expanding into flexible packaging, it is a very exciting time for the entire packaging industry. He firmly believes that this is a time of transformation. They will exhibit; The Domino N730i, a high-performance 1200 DPI press using their own Brother Bitstar printhead, capable of printing at speeds up to 90 meters per minute. The Domino N610i, monochrome printers, the Domino K600i and the Domino K300, which can print at impressive speeds of up to 150 and 250 meters per minute, respectively. According to Ajay, Digital printing has come a long way. What started as a solution for short runs is now being used for medium and even long runs, where the added value of digital, like variable data printing and image-level personalization, brings real benefits to brand owners.  The presses are getting faster, more reliable, and offer greater profitability for converters. Digital printing can also support sustainability goals by reducing waste, lowering excess inventory, and minimizing obsolescence due to regulatory or consumer changes. This is a time of transformation.

Xeikon will be present in Hall 3 at Labelexpo displaying their Xeikon Titon TX500 20” wide dry toner press, Xeikon PX3300 HD 1200dpi UV Inkjet press, Xeikon LX3000 330mm wide dry toner press. It is a similar range that they displayed at the last Drupa. Vikram Saxena Sales General manager at Xeikon says, “In my opinion buyers for high end digital printing solutions are less, as compared to Europe or North America. Most Indian Label convertors seek low or mid budget digital printing solutions. Lower running cost plays important role for Indian buyers instead of top quality or sustainable solutions.” He further stated that the Indian label printing market will grow by 13.29% CAGR upto 2030 according to Mordor intelligence report and will reach  $4.59 billion by 2030. He stressed the need for awareness regarding sustainability; Indian Label convertors often ignore this point.

Durst Group exhibiting at Labelexpo Europe 2025 Booth E79, Hall 3 showcasing its next-generation digital printing platforms, including both hybrid systems and roll-to-roll configurations. As per the Labelexpo Europe 2025 website, Durst is keeping the details of its new press G3 launch under wraps until the show, describing it as a ‘compact, scalable’ 8-color LED-UV press. Hybrid presses can make use of an almost unlimited combination of digital and conventional print, decoration, and converting units. An example at the Durst stand will be the 9-color 420mm-wide Durst KJET, incorporating the company’s LED-UV inkjet print engine, four flexo units, two multi-purpose lamination units, turn-bar and semi-rotary die-cut. Durst Indian agent Venkatesh Selvaraj mentions, “The technologies being unveiled are both new and forward-looking, developed to meet the future demands of label converters and the full details will be revealed exclusively at Labelexpo.”

Guangzhou PULISI Technology Co., LTD will be exhibiting at Labelexpo Europe Stand 5D81 displaying Two variants of UV Inkjet Digital Press; 1. Hybrid Digital with Flexo to optimise both Technologies in one press and printers can use this combination for value-addition production of Self-Adhesive Labels, Shrink Sleeve, IML and boards. 2. A standalone UV inkjet press designed for the digital segment, utilizing inkjet technology with a resolution of up to 1200 dpi with addition of Online Digital Embellishment possibility, enables users to address various market needs in label production and flexible packaging. Amit Sheth Director at Pulisi says, “Digital printing in true sense has so far not fully evolved as an acceptable technology for both short and medium to long run jobs. Digital is growing but considering its pros and cons, one must learn and then decide as in reality it is not just that at touch of a button you print what you need. There is a lot more to consider.

Monotech Systems Ltd. will be exhibiting at Booth E50 in Hall 5. Showcasing running live, their advanced Track and trace solution – Tracesci® Loop a compact tabletop system for variable data printing, code connected packaging, brand protection and consumer engagement. In addition, they will display high-quality printed application samples from their digital inkjet label press JETSCI® KolorSmart+ and the dSpark digital embellishing and finishing system. T P Jain Managing Director Monotech says, “Digital label printing in India is witnessing steady and accelerated growth with increasing demand for shorter runs, personalization, faster turnaround times, and high-quality output driving adoption across multiple industries. While conventional printing will continue to dominate in terms of overall volume, digital will outpace conventional in percentage growth. Digital label printing is no longer just about speed and quality it’s evolving into a platform for intelligence, security, and brand engagement.”

Arrow Digital will be exhibiting at stand 4A10. Showcasing Arrowjet water-based digital pigment ink label printer with in-line primer coater. It is a futuristic sustainable solution which printers are looking for. This press available in 330mm and 700mm can print at a speed up to 150 meters per minute.

While digital is now growing and if we talk of percentage of growth, it looks robust because at the smaller base number of about 70 to 80 presses from established brands a 15% growth rate translates into just 10 to 12 presses in a year. However, it is interesting to note that in a large customer base, not just the bare population of the country but the printing companies that are operational in the packaging space, digital once the adoption starts will grow fast. Already the widths have grown wider, and the speeds have gone up to 120 meters per minute. The economies of scale may eventually trigger the downward trend in cost of consumables. The preference of going beyond the CMYK regime using Extended Color Gamut (ECG) printing to  reproduce a greater percentage of Pantone spot colors, increases possibilities of catering to a wider range of package printing needs. While it is a fact the digital is just a fraction of the conventional or analogue printing but now that digital is finding acceptance, it will remain an industry to watch.

Written by Harveer Sahni Chairman Weldon Celloplast Ltd. New Delhi S