Visitors to the first edition of Labelexpo Europe since 2019, the world’s largest label and package printing trade show, will be able to deepen their technical knowledge of flexible packaging, sustainable labels and packaging, and wine labeling technology at three expert-led master classes during the four-day event.

Organised by the Label Academy, the industry’s global training one-stop shop, the in-depth master classes will run as half-day sessions on Tuesday 12, Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 September, from 9.45am.

First up is the Flexible Packaging Master Class, which aims to equip label converters looking to enter or expand their production into this highly competitive market with the essential technical knowledge they need.

Topics include: substrates, such as paper, metallic foil, films and multi-layer constructions; creation of artwork and pre-press; printing processes and techniques; inks, coatings, curing and laminating; and converting flexible packaging.

In addition, an update on the Finat UVFoodSafe initiative will be presented, and a leading converter will showcase their experience of moving into flexible packaging.

Speakers include: Nanette Thomas, CEO and owner, Synthogra; Jan de Roeck, director - industry relations and strategy, Esko; Alberto Redaelli, sales manager, Lombardi; Jonathan Sexton, UVFoodSafe Group lead, Finat/Sun Chemical; plus Steve Baker, managing director of converter Baker Labels, and son Harry Baker who heads up its BakPac flexible packaging division.
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Expert speakers will also join from HP, Michelman and Karlville.

Secondly, the Sustainable Labels and Packaging Master Class will provide essential guidance for converters seeking to bolster their green credentials in order to become more efficient with their resources, contribute to a circular economy and meet EU regulations.

Different aspects of the label production process will be covered, including sustainable inks and coatings, PS labels, flexible packaging, options for matrix waste, turning liner waste into an opportunity, and using blockchain to record and meet sustainability criteria. The impact of Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations and Design for Recycling guidelines will also feature.

Speakers include: Pablo Englebienne, regulatory affairs and sustainability manager, Finat; Federico D’Annunzio, founder & CEO. Traent.com; Pierre Dogliani, R&D innovation manager NW Europe, Flint Group; Karsten Kejlhof, chief commercial officer, Lundberg Tech; Ophélie Gourdou, project manager, CELAB; and Jan‘t Hart, project manager HolyGrail 2.0, AIM (European Brands Association). Sustainability experts from All4Labels and Avery Dennison will also take part.

The final master class, brand new for 2023, is the Wine Labeling Technology Master Class, which will show converters what they need to know in order to move into this highly lucrative sector. Attendees will discover how to meet current, and incoming, EU regulations, and different aspects of the wine label production process will be explored.

This includes: specialist inks, coatings and embellishment techniques; paper substrates; printing technology and making the right machinery choices; and the branding perspective on creating the perfect wine label.

Speakers include: Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, secretary general, CEEV (European Committee of Wine Companies); Susana Fajardo, product manager, wine spirit & craft beer, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives; Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director, Labelexpo Global Series; Stefano Pistoni, senior manager, business development, wine, spirits & beverage, EMEIA region, UPM Raflatac; Mark Walkling, product manager, ECP Packaging & Narrow Web Labels, Europe, Sun Chemical; and Uffe Nielsen, CEO, GM.
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Expert speakers will also be joining from Kurz, among others.

Jade Grace, portfolio director, Labelexpo Global Series, said: “We are delighted to offer an in-depth technical learning program at the long-awaited Labelexpo Europe 2023. The appetite for updating technical knowledge – and then seeing it in action on the show floor – has never been stronger, and with such a fantastic high-profile speaker line-up, we can’t wait to welcome the industry back to Brussels in September.”

“The dedicated flexible packaging master class will in particular give label converters a valuable insight into the exciting opportunities, and they can build on this knowledge by visiting showfloor exhibitors specialising in flexible packaging on the FlexPack Trail.”

Nanette Thomas said: “Flexible packaging, image and looks are so important for both brand owners and us as consumers. The knowledge and choices of what to pick is very difficult. We all want to improve our impact on the environment and at the same time take care of the products we pack. Working one layer at a time makes sense to achieve the impact we need. The same goes for the designers and printers producing labels and packaging, and this flexible packaging master class will really help navigate the many options, especially when it comes to choosing the right materials.”

Steve Baker added: “After almost 50 years producing self-adhesive labels, Baker Labels expanded into the digitally printed flexible packaging market in 2020. In the three years since we launched our BakPac flexible packaging division, we’ve been on a steep learning curve. Where there are many crossovers with label production, there are also many new challenges to overcome. It has been a very interesting and exciting journey for us, and we really look forward to sharing that experience at the flexible packaging master class during Labelexpo Europe 2023.”

Pablo Englebienne said: “Sustainability is at the top of the agenda of legislators, with a whirlwind of regulatory changes at the EU level taking place within the framework of the European Green Deal. In my presentation I will discuss how these changes are set to impact business in the packaging industry, with a specific emphasis on label printing.”

Karsten Kejlhof added: “Our solutions help label companies work towards a more sustainable production – and we are therefore looking forward to discussing sustainability and production efficiency at the Labelexpo Europe Sustainable Labels and Packaging Master Class."

Ignacio Sánchez Recarte said: “At the end of this year, with the entry into force of the new EU wine labelling rules authorising the use of e-labels for the communication of product mandatory information, the wine sector will face the biggest innovation in the last decades in the field of labelling. Labelexpo represents a perfect forum for CEEV to promote the collaboration of the whole wine supply chain for a smooth adaptation to the new labelling environment.”

Master class places cost €595 (including the relevant Label Academy text book in the case of flexible packaging), which also includes refreshments and lunch.

As places are limited, attendees are strongly encouraged to book as soon as possible.

To view the full program, visit www.labelexpo-europe.com/features-schedules 

Show visitors will also be able to build on their industry knowledge by attending the two-day Dieline Forum and Awards 2023. Focusing on sustainability, conference sessions will highlight the strategies and practices capturing the hearts and wallets of Gen Z and Millennials set to shape an eco-conscious future.