Exclusives

Technology demonstrations highlight vibrant Labelexpo Mexico 2025

Nearly doubling in size from the previous edition, Labelexpo Mexico 2025 had more than 200 exhibitors, representing all aspects of the label industry supply chain.

Author Image

By: Steve Katz

Associate Editor

Labelexpo Mexico 2025 took place April 1-3 at Expo Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city and a center for business, industry, technology, and culture. The location – moved from Mexico City, where the event took place in 2023 – is a fast-growing region as well as a thriving hub for label and packaging converters. This was evident in high foot traffic at the show, as it attracted 6,655 converters and industry professionals, marking a 15% increase in visitors since the 2023 edition.

Mirco Mazzarella, Labelexpo Mexico event manager, comments, “Guadalajara has enabled us to expand Labelexpo Mexico to be our largest and most influential to date, providing the Latin American industry with the innovation, technology and intelligence necessary to bolster this fast-growing market. The location and scale of the 2025 edition combined with a high quality of visitors in attendance, ensured more meaningful connections were formed and, consequently, the necessary links to evolve and transform the industry.” 

Show attendees were treated to more demonstrations of running equipment than ever before at Labelexpo Mexico. Nearly doubling in size from the previous edition, Labelexpo Mexico 2025 had more than 200 exhibitors, representing all aspects of the label industry supply chain, including press and finishing equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, prepress specialists, and more.

On the show floor

Mark Andy showcases its award-winning flexographic technology, standalone finishing systems, and other solutions, as the company prides itself on providing “smart, cost-effective, high-quality products and 360-degree service and support to the printing industry and converters.”

Throughout the show, there were live demonstrations of the Evolution Series E5, touted as a user-friendly press backed by Mark Andy’s engineering and technology. Also demonstrated was the Rotoflex VSI-330 finishing and converting system, a VPM 200 Plate Mounter, and Anilox Roll Cleaner.

“Our presence in Mexico is stronger than ever,” said John Vigna, LATAM Sales Manager for Mark Andy. “From the traffic in our booth to the energy at our customer event, we saw firsthand the enthusiasm for Mark Andy technology and support.”

One of the highlights of Labelexpo Mexico 2025 was the formal announcement of Mark Andy’s new service organization in Mexico, powered by a strategic partnership with Canvitech. This move introduces a locally based, Mark Andy-trained technical team, providing in-country parts availability, faster response times, and expert support across flexo, digital, and finishing solutions.

Additionally, the Mark Andy Pro Series was on display at the Domino booth to illustrate how high-speed variable data can be added to flexo printed labels. 

Domino booth visitors had the opportunity to “Experience the Domino difference” at Labelexpo Mexico 2025. Highlights included demonstrations of the Domino N610i digital UV inkjet label press. The press is available in multiple configurations: roll-to-roll, hybrid, and retrofit module.

In addition, the Domino K600i and all new K300 monochrome inkjet printers showcased high-speed variable data & 2D code printing, integrated on the Mark Andy Pro Series flexo press. Visitors also were able to speak with Domino personnel to learn about the 1200 dpi Domino N730i digital UV inkjet label press, also available in roll-to-roll and hybrid configurations.

Rotocon partnered with HS Machinery at Labelexpo Mexico 2025 to present live demonstrations of the Rotocon Chrome RFP 340 flexo press. Key features of the RFP 340 press on display at Labelexpo Mexico include eight printing units equipped with the gearless triple servo sleeve technology, rotary diecutting stations, the S-Drive servo technology, BST auto web-guiding systems and LED UV drying systems. Available embellishment capabilities include cold and hot foiling, embossing, rotary screen printing and flat screen printing. 

Edale a Canon Company, shared the advantages of the FL3 Label & Packaging press – an adaptable machine that boosts efficiency in film, foil, label, and specialty packaging production. The FL3’s modular design handles a wide range of applications, from premium cosmetics to sustainable labels like linerless and double-sided options, as well as film, wraparound labels, in-mold labels, aluminum foils, sachets, tickets, and more.

Nilpeter highlighted the new FB-14 flexo press, also available in a 17-inch model, at Labelexpo Mexico. Officially launched in 2024 and positioned between the classic FB-Line and the advanced FA-Line, the new FB-Line is designed to meet the needs of a new market segment. Built on Nilpeter’s PowerLink software platform, it offers increased automation and digitalization. Additionally, an adaptation kit allows the use of tooling from the classic FB-Line, ensuring great flexibility in application. 

HP exhibited the HP Indigo 6K Digital Press, a versatile printing solution offering high-quality, color-accurate printing across a wide range of applications, including PS labels, sleeves, in-mold labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging. The press supports up to seven color stations, enabling the use of specialty inks such as HP Indigo ElectroInk silver, fluorescent pink, and a comprehensive white ink portfolio. This flexibility allows businesses to produce eye-catching designs and meet various customer demands.

A B Graphic International featured its flagship machine, the Digicon Series 3 at Labelexpo Mexico. This highly modular solution was configured to suit high end embellishment, perfect for hot foiling, embossing and screen printing.  This machine features a high speed screen module for varnish and tactile effects, 50T Big Foot offering embossing and foiling options and a semi rotary flexo unit, all producing eye catching embellishments to make labels stand out.

ABG also has a range of flexible packaging solutions and showcased its Seaming Rewinder (SR) from the company’s shrink sleeve range. This machine converts a flat film reel into single or multiple sleeves, once placed to the final product, it effectively conforms to the shape of the container. The SR utilizes ABG’s own Smart Wheel technology which applies a constant layer of solvent to the sleeve, resulting in less waste, greater consistency and a reliable weld. 

Cartes presented the GT365HFSRD finishing line for high-end label embellishment, configured with flexo coating, conventional screen and hot stamping as well as foil transferring for metallic doming applications and semi-rotary diecutting.

Also on display was the GE362WL, complete with Cartes’ laser finishing technology, what the company says is the the only one on the market with an unlimited lifetime source, to keep stable power and cutting quality. In addition, Cartes showed the GE361L Star, its newest low-end line of laser converting equipment – a more compact model but in the same configuration.

Materials, Consumables, and Software

UPM Raflatac presented its Carbon Action plastic label portfolio, designed to promote circularity and reduce carbon footprint throughout the value chain. The substrate supplier also featured RAFNXT+, a Carbon Trust-verified labeling product aimed at combating climate change, along with a range of FSC and CarbonNeutral-certified direct thermal linerless materials.  

UPM Raflatac also highlighted its comprehensive Label Life service, which offers DEKRA-validated Life Cycle Assessment calculations. This service provides decision-makers with environmental information on label materials, enabling them to make informed, sustainable choices that support their climate targets and business growth.  

Kocher+Beck presented its magnetic diecutting technology, including industry-recognized magnetic cylinders and flexible dies. The company also showcased the latest developments within its GapMaster range, the new GapMaster EM. This new GapMaster EM is reverse compatible with any previously installed K+B GapMaster model. The mechanical adjustment handle is replaced with the EM retrofit gearbox, providing digital technology with maximum precision. The adjustment step ranges from 0.25µm to 10µm.

Nazdar displayed a variety of inks suitable for Labelexpo Mexico 2025 visitors, including UV-LED flexo, UV offset and UV letterpress inks, water-based flexo, UV and LED rotary screen inks, and UV and LED overprint varnishes and adhesives.  Nazdar also launch new products at the show: the new W181 series water-based inks offer benefits for bio and renewable resources, and the new 68500 LED flexo series, designed with the label converter in mind, offering improved economics and is a dual-cure product.

ARMOR-IIMAK showcased its latest thermal transfer printing solutions, designed to meet the evolving demands of industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, logistics, automotive, and industrial marking. SolFree was a key highlight – a solvent-free ribbon manufacturing process that has long been part of ARMOR-IIMAK’s expertise. This process eliminates solvents from production, significantly reducing environmental impact while ensuring exceptional print quality and durability.

Apex North America presented its GTT 2.0 laser-engraved anilox rolls. GTT (Genetic Transfer Technology) eliminates common issues like spitting and foaming, ensuring consistent ink transfer and superior print quality across all substrates. With GTT 2.0, printers can expect reduced ink usage, enhanced color density, and precise control over ink laydown – making it an ideal solution for high-definition label applications.

ACHEM exhibited premium overlamination tapes that protect printed labels from moisture, scratches, and handling while enhancing clarity and longevity. Available in gloss and matte finishes, they come in various thicknesses to suit different applications. ACHEM also offers high-quality double-sided tapes with water-based and solvent-based adhesives, featuring tissue, PET, OPP, PVC, and PE backings. With a range of thickness options, they support applications from general bonding to high-end industrial uses.

CERM featured its latest MIS software innovations, partner integrations, and automation tools designed to maximize productivity. CERM’s newest version updates bring enhanced connectivity and seamless integrations with industry-leading partners, ensuring an extensive, end-to-end workflow. From estimating to production, shipping, and invoicing—CERM streamlines every step, helping you work faster and smarter.

“We continue to push boundaries with AI-driven tools like the Scheduling Optimizer, our smart scheduling assistant, and Lumi, our AI-powered insight engine. These are just a glimpse of how we’re making print production more efficient, data-driven, and future-proof,” said Esteban Garcia, CERM’s business development manager.

Labelexpo Mexico, a biennial event, alternates between Mexico City and Guadalajara. In 2027, it will return to Mexico City from 26-28 May at Centro Banamex.
 
Jade Grace, Managing Director of Labelexpo Global Series, commented, “Labelexpo continues to be the preeminent event for the label and package printing industry around the world, providing our regional communities with the most comprehensive showcase of suppliers, technology and contacts indispensable to drive the industry forward. Seeing this edition nearly double in size and an increase of 15% in visitors is a testament to the relevance of having the entire value chain represented at the event. We will continue to serve our industry and bring the best and most relevant players in the industry.”


Keep Up With Our Content. Subscribe To Label and Narrow Web Newsletters