PRINTING United Expo 2025 returned this year with its strongest showing yet for label printers and converters, underscoring the event’s evolution into a truly comprehensive platform for the entire print industry. Held in Orlando, FL, October 22-24, the event brought together equipment manufacturers, materials suppliers, and software developers from every segment of the printing industry, and labels were well-represented.  

From digital presses to finishing equipment and workflow automation tools, label production has a strong presence across the show floor, signaling the continued convergence of print markets and the accelerating growth of packaging applications. “Convergence” served as a significant theme at PRINTING United Expo 2025.

Digital label presses take center stage

Many PRINTING United Expo attendees gravitated toward the expanding lineup of digital label presses that were on display and being demonsrated, with several manufacturers debuting next-generation platforms aimed at shorter runs, faster turnaround times, and enhanced versatility.

High-speed inkjet had a strong showing, with exhibitors demonstrating presses capable of handling multiple substrates – from traditional PS labelstocks to flexible packaging and paperboard – without sacrificing color consistency or durability. Improvements in drying systems, printhead longevity, and inline quality monitoring show just how far inkjet has come, with many exhibitors positioning their systems as viable alternatives to flexo for a broader range of work.

Domino showcased its N610i digital UV inkjet label press, a machine known for reliability and strong print quality. Also spotlighted was the new N410 digital LED inkjet press, designed for converters entering or expanding in digital with a smaller footprint, and reduced energy/ink consumption.

Screen Americas demonstrated the Truepress LABEL 350UV SAI S press, a UV-inkjet roll-fed platform targeting labels and packaging substrates. The press features a versatile CMYK+W ink set (with optional blue/orange for extended gamut), white opacity (important on metallic and transparent substrates), and production capability of both prime and industrial labels.

Durst’s digital label press made a return to PRINTING United. On display was the Durst RSC E, which prints at 170 fpm (upgradeable to 262 fpm) at 1200×1200 dpi, positioning it as a strong digital-label / short-run alternative to flexo.

Electrophotographic (EP) print engines also made news, with upgraded toner formulations and expanded color options, including metallics, fluorescents, and brand-critical extended-gamut workflows.

Konica Minolta used the show to highlight its growing label and hybrid printing portfolio. Among the technologies showcased were The AccurioLabel 400 — a toner-based label press capable of CMYK printing with a new fifth station for white dry-toner, enabling “true white” label designs that stand out on films and dark substrates. The company’s wide-format and hybrid solutions such as the AccurioWide 250HS, address not only traditional label jobs but also folding carton, corrugated, or large-format packaging markets.

HP delivered a broad presentation of its HP Indigo digital presses, with a clear focus on labels, packaging, and industrial print — reinforcing its commitment to the converging markets of commercial, labels, and packaging.

Finishing systems evolve

Converters looking to streamline production found no shortage of new finishing and converting solutions. Laser diecutting systems drew crowds, as manufacturers such as SEI Laser showcased faster cutting speeds, robust materials handling, and improved accuracy.

Traditional rotary and semi-rotary equipment also saw updates, with new modules for embellishment, cold foil, tactile effects, and varnishing tailored for short-run premium labels. Exhibitors underscored the importance of modularity — giving converters the ability to scale systems as business evolves without fully replacing equipment.

Automation and workflow integration emerge as priority themes

Across nearly all equipment categories, automation was a dominant theme. Vendors showcased advancements designed to reduce operator touchpoints, boost accuracy, and increase overall equipment uptime.

Prepress workflow software—now more tightly integrated with MIS and ERP platforms—featured tools for automated color management, proofing, and job approval. Combined with press-side vision systems and AI-driven inspection technologies, converters were shown what a closed-loop workflow can look like when every component communicates seamlessly.

As labor challenges persist across the industry, exhibitors emphasized automation not only as a productivity booster but as a key strategy for maintaining consistency and reducing the likelihood of errors on press and in finishing.

Materials suppliers highlight sustainability and performance

The materials segment—inks, adhesives, substrates, and coatings—was also strong at the show, with suppliers unveiling sustainable alternatives developed specifically for pressure sensitive and shrink sleeve applications.

Recyclable film constructions, wash-off adhesives, thinner liner materials, and linerless technologies were featured. Suppliers demonstrated paper-based labelstocks engineered for high-performance printing and converting, aiming to give converters more flexibility as brand owners push for improved recyclability and lower carbon footprints.

Ink formulators highlighted advancements in low-migration and food-safe chemistries, critical for converters serving the booming food, beverage, and nutraceutical markets.

Converters attend in force

Exhibitors consistently reported strong booth traffic from label converters—both independent specialists and commercial printers exploring growth opportunities in packaging. PRINTING United’s cross-segment model proved advantageous, drawing visitors from markets including apparel, wide-format, commercial print, and industrial production — many of whom are actively investigating entry into labels.

For traditional converters, the show was an opportunity to evaluate complementary equipment—such as sheetfed digital presses for carton work—or to explore adjacent packaging categories like flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, and in-mold labeling.

Convergence

If one takeaway defined PRINTING United Expo 2025, it was the accelerating convergence of print segments. Label and packaging technologies were interspersed throughout the event, not siloed off to a single hall or zone. The approach mirrors the direction of the market itself: converters are diversifying, brand owners are demanding more agility, and technology suppliers are delivering cross-platform solutions that bridge categories.

For label printers and converters, the PRINTING United Expo 2025 offered a concentrated look at where the industry is headed—faster digital production, more automation, smarter workflows, and increasingly sustainable materials—all wrapped into a single, high-energy showcase.

For more on PRINTING United Expo 2025, check out the L&NW slideshow: https://ajay.lnw.rodmanadmin.com/exclusives/label-sector-well-represented-at-busy-printing-united-expo-2025/