Labelexpo Europe 2025, taking place from 16–19 September at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, is set to deliver a reimagined experience with a broadened technology scope, a new location, and a distinctly festive atmosphere.
The world’s largest event for the label and package printing industry is gearing up for its most ambitious edition yet. For the first time, Labelexpo Europe will showcase technologies not only for labels and flexible packaging, but also for folding cartons – marking a major evolution in the show’s 45-year history.
With a “Festivals” theme and over 650 exhibitors – 15 per cent of them first-time participants – Labelexpo Europe 2025 promises to be more than just a trade fair. According to show organiser, Informa Markets, it will be a “celebration of innovation, convergence and community,” in a rapidly evolving market.
Adapting to an evolving industry
The move from Brussels to Barcelona signals more than a change of scenery. It reflects the broader convergence occurring across the label and package printing sectors, with digital and inline flexo technologies now being used across multiple formats including flexible packaging and folding cartons.
Organisers say the decision to broaden the scope of the event was driven by demand. At Labelexpo Europe 2023, more than 40 per cent of visitors expressed interest in flexible packaging, and over 25 per cent in folding cartons. The 2025 edition directly addresses this interest, by incorporating exhibitors and sessions focused on these formats.
Fira Gran Via, one of Europe’s most modern and expansive exhibition venues, will house the enlarged show. Its eight interconnected halls provide 240,000 square metres of space – 15 per cent more than the 2023 show – allowing for a larger exhibitor base, new demonstration zones, and a smoother visitor experience.
Folding cartons take the spotlight
One of the most significant developments visitors to the show will experience is the strong presence of folding carton technology on the show floor. Inline and digital processes, often using the same platforms that print labels, are poised to reshape the folding carton industry, and Labelexpo 2025 provides a timely platform for this disruption.
A host of equipment suppliers will showcase solutions targeted at folding carton production.
UK-based Edale, represented in ANZ by Rodden Graphics, will exhibit its CartonLine inline flexo press with cold foiling and inline semi-rotary flatbed die-cutting. Actega will highlight its barrier coating technology, Tec-ni-Fold will launch a new inline creasing module, and Rotatek will demonstrate a print station from its Universal 850 rotary offset press. Other well-known suppliers such as Omet, represented in ANZ by Currie Group, and Kocher+Beck, will also feature folding carton solutions.
More than a quarter of the exhibiting companies already operate across both the labels and folding cartons segments, offering products from inks and coatings to dies and workflow systems – highlighting the increasing integration across the packaging print value chain.
Driving automation and sustainability
As the label and package printing industry grapples with labour shortages and tightening regulatory requirements, automation and sustainability have become critical focus areas. Labelexpo Europe 2025 will present the latest automation technologies that help drive efficiency, reduce waste and support compliance with regulations such as the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
“Labelexpo Europe 2025 is the arena where the industry can collectively address these transformative challenges,” said Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director of the Labelexpo Global Series. “Sustainability has become a defining priority – not just in Europe, but worldwide – as legislation drives the shift to circular models.”
Exhibitors will present automation solutions across all production stages, including prepress, print, converting, and logistics. These will be complemented by materials and systems designed to reduce environmental impact – from recyclable substrates to resource-efficient presses.
Learning and connecting: education on the show floor
One of Labelexpo’s long-standing strengths is its focus on industry education, and the 2025 edition builds on this with an enriched offering.
The Pulse Arena in Hall 7 will be a central hub for discussion and learning, with each day devoted to a different theme: PPWR and regulation, sustainable packaging, flexible packaging and folding cartons, and automation including AI. Presentations and panel discussions will be followed by networking sessions for peer exchange.
The Label Academy will run a series of masterclasses targeted at both seasoned professionals and newcomers:
Folding Cartons for Label Converters offers guidance for businesses looking to diversify, covering market trends, production technologies, materials, converting and gluing systems, and case studies.
RFID Technology in Packaging explores implementation strategies, cost considerations, and market applications.
Automation in Label Production examines how AI, robotics, and smart systems are changing production processes, with a particular focus on end-of-line automation.
A sustainable and inclusive show
True to its theme of transformation, Labelexpo Europe 2025 is adopting sustainability measures that extend beyond product showcases.
As part of the Informa PLC group, the show follows the Better Stands program for stand reuse and prioritises renewable energy – powered in part by Fira’s rooftop solar plant. A new partnership with DMP Europe, supported by CELAB and FINAT, will see printed label matrix waste collected and reprocessed into reusable industrial products.
Accessibility has also been prioritised. The venue offers unobstructed access for wheelchairs, braille lift panels, accessible toilets, and the NaviLens system for the visually impaired. On-site wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and designated parking further improve inclusivity, while excellent transport links – just 13 minutes from the airport – ensure ease of access for international travellers.
As package printing evolves, Labelexpo Europe offers a timely and expansive view of the future – blending innovation, sustainability, automation and community in a bold new format. Whether your focus is labels, folding cartons or flexible packaging, Barcelona will be the place to be.
This article was first published in the July-August 2025 print issue of PKN Packaging News, p38.
Find out more about Labelexpo Europe here.
