Sustainability will take centre stage at Labelexpo Europe 2025, the leading event for the label and packaging printing industry. The trade fair, which takes place from 16 to 19 September at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, will welcome over 650 exhibitors.
Innovation and sustainability
In addition to consumers’ environmental concerns, the EU regulation on packaging and packaging waste is impacting the industry, prompting converters, brand owners and designers to rethink materials, processes and compliance strategies. The Pulse Arena in Hall 7, Stand 7B27, will highlight the regulation and look at how label converters can benefit from diversifying into flexible packaging and folding cartons.
Andy Thomas-Emans, Strategic Director of the Labelexpo Global Series, commented: “The label and packaging printing industry is actively responding to sustainability pressures, while at the same time new opportunities are opening up with automation and the growing influence of AI. Many brands are switching from plastics to technical paper and paperboard packaging, so label converters need to think about how this could impact their business in the future. Trends in this area include the use of technical coatings to create recyclable mono-material packaging as an alternative to laminated cartons and multi-layer flexible packaging.”
Circular economy and sustainability
This year, the trade fair is announcing a partnership with DMP Europe. Based in Cluj, Romania, DMP recycles label matrix waste that is collected at the show and turned into reusable items.
Claire Sacker, Operations Director, Labelexpo Global Series, commented: “The partnership with DMP is unique as it is a truly circular solution: from recycling to reintroducing expanded categories of plastic waste that are considered non-recyclable and would otherwise end up in landfill or incinerators. The resulting material is fully recyclable and reusable.”
Jade Grace, Managing Director of Labelexpo Global Series, said: ‘Labelexpo Europe 2025 will not only be the biggest event yet, but will also demonstrate that innovation and sustainability are not just concepts, but realisable and profitable pillars that are essential to the future of our industry.’
Labelexpo Europe
Labelexpo Europe, which takes place every two years, is part of the Labelexpo Global Series and its largest event. Since the first event in 1980, it has established itself as the leading global industry platform for label and packaging printing professionals and is renowned for its live machine demonstrations. The show brings together manufacturers and suppliers of the latest technologies with printers, brand owners and designers.
