After many years in Brussels, Labelexpo Europe will head to its new home in 2025 – Barcelona. The label and package printing industry is atwitter at the prospect of venturing to a new, vibrant city. From September 16-19, the industry will descend upon the Barcelona Fira, which is a mere 15 minutes from the city’s international airport.

So far, the excitement has been palpable among industry leaders. “Times change along with the requirements of visitors and exhibitors, and I have to say Gallus is delighted that Labelexpo Europe is moving to the Fira in Barcelona in 2025,” states Dario Urbinati, CEO, Gallus Group. “Barcelona is a real destination city with excellent transport links, and the facilities at the Fira exhibition center are outstanding, with a commitment to sustainability. This signals a new period in the history of Labelexpo Europe.”

With a new venue, Labelexpo Europe will look to add to its eye-popping numbers from 2023. The final year in Brussels saw 35,884 visitors flock to the show, alongside 637 exhibitors. Attendees hailed from 138 countries. The industry expects a record-breaking turnout this year.

“This will be the biggest Labelexpo Europe show to date and encompasses the full range of package printing and converting technology for the labels, flexible packaging, and folding cartons markets,” says Andrew Galloway, group director EMEA, Labelexpo Global Series.

The 2025 event will highlight cutting-edge digital and conventional printing presses, finishing and converting systems, sustainable substrates, RFID and security solutions, automated equipment, new software, and so much more. Attendees can expect to witness live demonstrations of the latest machinery and materials, learn about global label trends and technologies, and network with the world’s leading suppliers and experts. 

The July/August issue of L&NW kicks off the pre-show coverage. In this issue, we will highlight many of the specific products and technologies that will grace the show floor. For example, following the success at Labelexpo Americas 2024, Martin Automatic, ETI Converting, LemuGroup, and Lundberg Tech will be showcasing a live production line – highlighting the value of automation and collaboration.

“Together, Martin, ETI, LemuGroup, and Lundberg Tech are demonstrating – in real time and in the most difficult of circumstances – what no one else has dared or dreamed of doing – creating labelstock and converting it live at a European trade show,” remarks Gavin Rittmeyer, VP of sales and marketing, Martin Automatic.

To learn more about what industry leaders are bringing to this global event, turn to page 62. To see the technology in action, make plans to visit Spain in September. Labelexpo Europe promises to deliver more innovation than ever before.

Greg Hrinya, Editor

ghrinya@rodmanmedia.com