This year’s Labelexpo Europe had a new home in Barcelona. The new FIRA venue is very different from the 1958 World’s Fair venue in Brussels. The move from Brussels to Barcelona was done to better handle the size of the evolved event, including power and air handling to support the equipment and people. Although, as they say, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” and for those in Hall 3 of the new venue, that seemed to be the reality. While the other halls were acceptable, Hall 3 was at least as hot as the old Brussels venue. However, one can see that the potential in Barcelona is there for a much better and more comfortable event when it comes back in 2027. More on that later. With over 650 exhibitors, there is no way I can cover each one. However, there were some very telling directions that could be seen across the event. While the following picture was taken in Ghent Belgium, it accurately reflects the overall atmosphere of Labelexpo.

The state of global economies has been tenuous this year, creating a lot of uncertainty. Speak with almost any hardware manufacturer at the Expo and they will tell you that the first half of this year was depressing at best. While many service providers were selling print and packaging and therefore purchasing consumables and workflow/software solutions, between the confusing tariff situation and multiple conflict zones, they were holding back on equipment purchases. Based on the discussions with many exhibitors at Labelexpo, that may be changing. At Labelexpo, many equipment suppliers on the show floor were almost giddy at the attendee response and willingness to place orders. While the majority of the converter attendees at the event were from EMEA and PAC Rim, in discussions with some, they admitted a reluctance early in the year but are now ready to get back to business. I am looking forward to the upcoming PRINTING United in Orlando, which will be telling for the U.S. printer and converter market’s readiness to purchase.

There is an increased demand for fast, cost-effective packaging solutions. In addition to the long runs, faster and wider digitalized flexo, digital and offset presses are emerging as cost effective solutions for some smaller as well as mid to long runs. Automation and a mix of hybrid technologies in press and converting are developing to address those needs as well. On the show floor, a wide range of solutions could be seen driving automated production with quicker makereadies for printing, die cutting, folder gluers, pouch making, hybrid embellishment solutions, etc. These new solutions are designed to support the service providers as they continue their shift to a product application focus to help them decrease production time and increase margins.