Labelexpo Europe 2025, held for the first time in Barcelona, Spain, in its 45-year history, concluded as the biggest show to date, both in exhibition space and attendance. The event also included the highest international participation.

Show statistics revealed it was the largest Labelexpo event to date, with over 43,000 net square meters of exhibitor space. The event also broke attendance records with over 37,000 attendees. Key statistics include an increase of 18% in top decision-makers, 49% increase on 2023 in South American visitors, and a 28% increase in North American visitors.

Spain dominated the list of top visiting countries alongside Italy, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. 

Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director at Labelexpo Global Series, states, “The move to Barcelona for Labelexpo Europe 2025 is a strategic milestone in the show’s 45-year history. Breaking records in both exhibition space and attendance demonstrates the industry’s continued growth and the global appeal of the new location. We are particularly encouraged by the significant increase in international participation, especially from the Americas, which validates our commitment to creating a truly global platform for the labels and package printing industry. We witnessed an industry embracing automation, sustainability, and the beginnings of AI integration. All signals of a vibrant sector that continues to evolve and innovate.”

Technology & Launches 

Labelexpo Europe 2025 was a hotbed for innovations in automation and sustainability. For flexo, digital and hybrid press technologies, the key themes converged around automation, cloud network integration, and the first developments in AI-driven machine and user interfaces. Several of the digital launches are set to facilitate converters’ entry to digital and enable suppliers to scale with them. 

James Steptoe, technical director at Troika Systems Ltd, comments, “My overall impression of Labelexpo Europe was that it was incredibly dynamic and future focused. The scale of innovation on display – from automation and digital printing to sustainability solutions – highlighted how quickly the packaging industry is evolving. Seeing the latest technology and recognizing how companies are rethinking workflows, efficiency, and environmental responsibility was eye-opening. Moving forward, staying adaptable to change is going to be critical as we navigate newer technologies and methods.” 

Content, Features & Community 

Labelexpo Europe 2025 launched new content and community features by introducing a user-friendly app, rest and work areas, the Gold Concierge Club, the Pulse conference arena, and a community industry run touring the streets of Barcelona.  

The appointment of prominent industry experts, the Labelexpo Ambassadors, saw renowned industry experts delivering keynotes, Q&As and meet-and-greet sessions at the Pulse, covering folding cartons, flexible packaging, materials, sustainability, and AI and automation.

Labelexpo Europe 2025 expanded its sustainability credentials with the Better Stands program, which incentivizes exhibitors to utilize recyclable materials to build stands, and an exclusive partnership with DMP – recycling matrix waste, which is transformed into usable materials. 

Andrew Galloway, event director, remarks, “Our vision for Labelexpo Europe 2025 extended beyond just exhibition space. We wanted to create a more immersive and valuable experience for our community. These initiatives reflect our dedication to the industry we serve, creating not just an exhibition but a comprehensive industry gathering that delivers value at every touchpoint.”

LOUPE 

This year, Labelexpo Global Series announced a major rebrand across the event portfolio, transitioning into the new brand, LOUPE, in 2026, starting with the Americas show in September.  

The LOUPE portfolio remains labels-focused while acknowledging the industry’s expansion and diversification in the past decade into flexible packaging and inline folding cartons.

Jade Grace, managing director Labelexpo Global Series, concludes, “The decision to change the name of the show comes after two years of consideration and consultation with trusted partners, industry associations, and key clients. Over the last decade, we have seen inline and digital flexible packaging become an integral part of Labelexpo shows. Now we see the same trends happening in the folding cartons market with inline, digital and hybrid set to disrupt this key package printing sector. Labels remain at the very core of the LOUPE portfolio, and we look forward to supporting the continued evolution of the industry.” 

The next Europe show will return from October 5-8, 2027, as LOUPE Europe 2027.