The first Labelexpo in Europe since 2019 is taking place September 11-14 at the Brussels Expo – and for the foreseeable future, the last edition at this venue as organizers have announced a move to Barcelona for Labelexpo Europe 2025. With the long gap between shows, and the finality of the Brussels location, it’s shaping up to be quite an event.

The theme of the show is “The Modern Legends of Print,” and the organizers have announced a plethora of special features and activities. And, of course, exhibitors are eager to come face to face with converters while a host of new products and technologies will be unveiled.

Jade Grace, the newly appointed managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, comments, “We are delighted to be running Labelexpo Europe again and can promise visitors an extraordinary show across nine halls. We will see an explosion of cutting-edge technology launched at the show, everything from prepress to materials, and digital and conventional print and converting technology. Add to this a world-leading series of educational events and our focus on automation and flexible packaging for label converters, and you have an unmissable Labelexpo experience.”

Adds Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director, Labelexpo Global Series, “We are already seeing key technology themes emerging at Labelexpo Europe 2023. Diversification across labels and flexible packaging technologies, digital embellishment, workflow and machine automation, real-time data collection over the cloud, and sustainability across multiple fronts, from LED-UV to more new materials and adhesives choices. This will be a landmark show for the future direction of our industry.”

Introducing the Flex Pack Trail

Labelexpo Europe 2023 will have a brand new feature called the “Flex Pack Trail.” Covering the show floor across four days, visitors to Labelexpo Europe 2023 can follow the Flex Pack Trail at their own leisure.

During the trail, visitors will be able to explore digital and conventional press technologies, flex pack material constructions, coating, laminating, ink and curing requirements, inline and near-line decoration options, QC, and migration testing.

With a key focus on package printing, the Flex Pack Trail will showcase the opportunities that are available for label converters looking to diversify their product offering in the flexible packaging market. Keynote exhibitors include Screen, Nilpeter, Fujifilm, Xeikon, Synthogra, AkeBoose, Thermal Transfer Solutions, Agergaard Graphic Supplies, Hamillroad, Bobst, Lombardi, and Meech International.

Visitors to Labelexpo Europe 2023 will also be able to deepen their technical knowledge of flexible packaging at an expert-led masterclass. Organized by the Label Academy, the flexible packaging masterclass will run as a half-day session on Tuesday, September 12, covering topics such as substrates to the creation of artwork and prepress; printing processes and techniques; inks, coatings, curing and laminating; and converting flexible packaging.
In addition, an update on the FINAT UVFoodSafe project will be presented, and a leading converter will showcase its experience of moving into flexible packaging.

The Dieline comes to Labelexpo

The Dieline Forum is another new feature making its debut at Labelexpo Europe 2023. Organized by Dieline, a global package design community, the two-day conference will bring together high-level industry experts, thought leaders, and visionaries to explore the latest trends, innovations, and sustainable advancements shaping the future of packaging design.

The Dieline Forum will provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage and take part in live discussions, gain invaluable knowledge, and develop meaningful connections with leading
design professionals.

The discussions will explore topics such as the branding strategies and practices that are targeted toward Gen Z and Millennials to how brands are tapping into the power of sustainability. Keynote speakers slated to present include Jemma Wong of PlasticFree.com, Andreu Gadea of Lavernia & Cienfuegos, Jonas Andersson of Brand Union Stockholm, Jo Tulej of Mother Design, Matt Lurcock from Turner Duckworth, Brandi Parker of Here Design, with more to be announced.

Andreu Gadea, industrial designer at Lavernia & Cienfuegos, comments, “It’s an honor to be able to participate by giving a conference at Labelexpo Europe 2023, as it is a world reference event in the packaging industry, attended by the best professionals with the latest innovations. To go hand in hand with the Dieline, one of the most prestigious organizations in the design industry, is a great point of pride for us.”

Continues Gadea, “We will talk about one of the latest projects we have worked on and that has just been released, including the packaging for the new cosmetic line of Ecoalf, a Spanish fashion brand that is an international benchmark in the search for environmentally sustainable materials and processes.”

Jo Tulej, creative director at Mother Design, London, says, “I’m really looking forward to taking part in Dieline’s Forum at this year’s Labelexpo Europe in Brussels. I’ll be talking about how design plays an integral part in driving sustainable innovation and consumer adoption, referencing our recent work for period care brand Cora, which won rebrand of the year at this year’s Dieline awards.”

Brandi Parker, sustainability consultant at Here Design, London, adds, “Which is more sustainable: existential dread or joyful imagination? We have an opportunity right now to change our collective mindsets and own our optimism. We are so excited to share ways to do just that and to help everyone notice the good already happening around them at this year’s Dieline Forum at Labelexpo Europe 2023.”

Andrew Gibbs, Dieline founder, comments, “We are so excited to be back in Europe and can’t think of a better partner than Labelexpo Europe. We are looking forward to seeing our European friends in Brussels for an incredible event with a slate of speakers touching on sustainable innovation and some of the best studio and agency work in the industry today. You can’t afford to miss this one.”