Packaging printing will be a key focus at Labelexpo Europe this September.
Held in Brussels, the show is attended by label and packaging printers, brand owners and designers, who will peruse label and packaging printing solutions from over 600 exhibitors.
Labelexpo Global Series MD Lisa Milburn says 53 per cent of exhibitors will show products for flexible packaging while 32 per cent will feature products for folding cartons.
The REVO team, consisting of Nuova Gidue, Flint Group, Apex International, AVT, DuPont, Esko, UPM Raflatac and packaging converter Adare Group, will demonstrate how low-migration UV flexo inks can be used to convert flexible packaging. Currently most food-grade flexible packaging is printed with either solvent or water-based flexo inks, or with solvent gravure. UV has been considered problematic because the photo initiators can migrate if not fully cured. The REVO team claims to have developed a technology to guarantee every metre of film within a roll has been fully cured, and brand colours are consistently matched by a seven-colour process ink set.
The show's Packprint Workshop will give practical insight into how printers can diversify and grow their business. Xeikon will show its 3500, used for digital folding cartons, and Nilpeter will demonstrate its FA* flexo press for flexible packaging capabilities.
The Smart Packaging Lab will focus on opportunities in intelligent and active packaging while the inaugural Packaging Design Studio will give visitors a chance to network with creative designers.
HP Indigo and partners will present packaging printing solutions with the return of the Print Your Future feature area. Visitors will be able to see a wide range of applications including flexible packaging, shrink sleeves and labels, alongside new advanced colour management tools and inks. Both the HP Indigo 20000 and WS6800 Digital Presses will be on display.
