drupa 2020 is only about eight months away and the rumors and anticipation are starting to heat up, although if you really want to get a glimpse of the upcoming innovation, head over to Brussels September 24 to 27 for Labelexpo Europe. This is the 40th anniversary of Labelexpo Europe and it should be a bigger and better event than usual. The last Labelexpo Europe in 2017 had almost 700 exhibitors and was visited by companies from over 139 countries. Very much like drupa, it is truly a global event. And don’t let the name fool you: it isn’t just about labels. There is also flexible packaging and of course lots of innovative finishing and media being showcased.

Global label production growth is tracking at about 3% above the global GDP, primarily driven by the rise in the middle class and the increase in mass customization of products. According to Smithers Pira, we can expect significant and extended growth through 2023 across the entire packaging market. This is corroborated with forecasts by TechNavio’s Global Packaging Market 2019–2023 which estimates a CAGR of approximately 6% by 2023. Moving beyond packaging, the 6th drupa Global Trends Report anticipates a continued rise in both revenues and profits across much of the print supply chain.

In order to keep up with those opportunities and increases, the software and hardware equipment manufacturers have been innovating at an ever-increasing pace, so we can expect to see some very exciting solutions on display. Many of these solutions will also be harbingers of the kinds of innovation you will see at drupa 2020. Even if you are not in label or flexible packaging production, this event offers you a preview of things to come—although you may need to connect the dots.