Organizers of Labelexpo Asia 2025 closed the latest edition reporting 14% visitor growth, reaffirming its reputation as the largest dedicated labels and package printing event in the region. Over 30,560 visitors came from 114 countries, and the show occupied 40,000 square meters of the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

Labelexpo Asia 2025 was elevated by a series of new initiatives designed to connect and promote business growth, innovation, and sustainability. Attendees experienced new technology through the Smart Label Trail and Digital Pouch Factory, engaged with a comprehensive educational program featuring expert seminars and masterclasses, celebrated excellence at the Label Industry China Awards, and maximized business connections in the new Global Connect Hub – a dedicated VIP zone designed for international buyers. 

Technology and exhibitor success on the show floor 

With over 450 exhibitors on the show floor, Labelexpo Asia 2025 delivered on innovation and business opportunities. Highlights included Xeikon unveiling a subscription-model press for the Asia-Pacific market, allowing converters to enter the digital market without making a large capex investment. 

GIP showcased its three main products: the cost-effective Label Smart series, the professional Label Ultra series, and its Falcon mobile digital printing platform. General Inkjet Printing Technology Co., Ltd CEO, Xuebin Huang, described Labelexpo Asia 2025 as a “benchmark event in the label printing industry of the Asia-Pacific region. This exhibition, with its professional organizational structure and abundant industry resources, has established a high-quality platform for technical exchanges and business cooperation.” 

Weigang showcased its Digital + Conventional strategy, which integrates high-speed, digital equipment with stable, efficient conventional flexo technology to deliver smart printing solutions for diverse scenarios. Aegean He, director of marketing and communications, comments, “The results of our participation far exceeded expectations, not only significantly enhancing our brand influence but also injecting renewed momentum for sustained innovation into our team.”

The event also served as HP’s platform to deliver the Asia-Pacific launch of the brand’s new Indigo 6K+ and Indigo 200K presses. Roy Xu, HP Indigo/PWI Digital Print Gr. China General Manager, praised Labelexpo Asia 2025 as a “high-caliber and high-quality event for the digital printing industry. This exhibition not only brought together cutting-edge technologies and innovative concepts but also showcased end-to-end solutions from production to application through pioneering formats such as the Digital Pouch Factory, significantly enhancing in-depth communication and collaboration across the industrial supply chain.”

Other new technology included: Brotech FFX430/530/680 AI-driven eight-color flexographic press, Caisheng CS-J380F intermittent flexographic press, Duowell seventh-generation LF “Optimus Prime”-series flexo press, Epson SurePress L-5034 water-based inkjet label press, Flora new generation ORCA 350 integrated digital printing and embellishment machine, HanGlobal LabStar 330HD Hybrid high-speed label combination press, Hochen intermittent flexographic press, Jota Machinery showcasing servo-driven thermal paper slitting technology, Pulisi WD-790 full-color water-based wide-format digital press, Rhyguan RF-330 flexographic press, Spande’s cost-effective S5 flexo press developed for the mid-range market and the fifth-generation S7 intelligent combination press, Vorey AuraCut A8 intelligent digital label diecutting machine, and Wanjie latest model 350 intermittent flexographic press. 

Kevin Liu, group director, China, explains, “The Asia-Pacific labels and package printing market continues to demonstrate remarkable growth and relevance, driven by the region’s dynamic economic expansion and increasing demand for innovative and sustainable solutions. Labelexpo Asia 2025 has once again proven to be a vital platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and fostering meaningful connections across the industry. The event not only highlights the strength of the Chinese market but also underscores its critical role in shaping the future of global label and package printing.”

Recognizing the best in China

The Label Industry China Awards continued to celebrate China’s strengths, innovation, and sustainability initiatives. This year’s winners were announced during a ceremony attended by more than 300 industry peers on the second day of the show:  

• Achievement Award: Li Dagang, a label printing industry pioneer with an influential career spanning 32 years.
• Converters of the Year: Jiangtian, BSN Group, Sunway, Wellking, Sunway, A.P. Label and Maxim Group
• Innovation Award: Cymmetrik Group for its EcoStrip Water-Activated Peelable Coating, Avery Dennison for rCrush Barley FSC Labelstock, and Hybrid Software Helix for SmartDFE software components.
• Sustainability Award: Cymmetrik Jiangsu and Weigang
• Media Impact Award of the Year: CPP114 Printing & Packaging Network, Guan Guoping of Packaging Zone, Xiaohumei, Yumaxian and Jiangsu Kaitun 

Jury chairman Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director at Informa Markets Labels and Packaging Group, states, “The overall standard of this year’s Label Industry China Awards is impressive. We have seen industry-leading innovation, a real commitment to the development of sustainable technology, and world-class label converting companies, all making it a very difficult decision for the judging panel. The scoring for the shortlisted enterprises was indeed very close, and each final decision embodies the professional judgment of our highly experienced jury team.” 

Sustainability at the show

In addition to demonstrating sustainable label technology on the show floor, Labelexpo Asia 2025 launched its own sustainability initiatives, including the use of dedicated recycling waste bins covering a range of materials and substances. For example, this included exhibitors’ ink waste.

Another important initiative is ensuring recycling of all show floor carpets, with a total of 19,558 square meters saved from landfill. The increased use of LED screens for signage across the show further enhanced sustainability credentials, combined with recycling of all physical show signage, too.

Jade Grace, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, says, “Labelexpo Asia 2025 has been an extraordinary success, reaffirming its position as the largest and most influential event for the labels and package printing industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Our objective continues to be to evolve and ensure our platforms foster meaningful connections to promote business growth, innovation, and sustainability. The overwhelming response from exhibitors and visitors, coupled with the innovative features introduced this year, such as the Global Connect Hub, have set a new benchmark for the event. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue evolving and expanding the show under the LOUPE Asia brand in 2027, ensuring it remains the premier destination for innovation, collaboration, and business growth in this thriving market.”