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