This month's Labelexpo Asia reflected current trends in digital presses, anti-counterfeit solutions and sustainability.
The show attracted a record-breaking attendance of 22,104 visitors – an increase of 3.2 per cent on 2013 numbers.
As well as an exhibition of new products, the show included a keynote presentation given by Sharon Xiao from UPM Raflatac and Mingming Sun, senior officer of WWF China’s sustainable paper and palm oil program.
They shared guidance on how to improve operational efficiency and identified environmentally sound products such as the FSC Forests For All Forever branding which can help create environmental awareness with consumers.
There were also overviews of new technology, and a converter panel discussion drew interest.
New product launches reflected how the Chinese market is developing in relation to global market trends and associated applications.
The digital trend was reflected in Xeikon's 3020 press [link], which is dedicated to Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets.
The 3020 has a 10” web width, which is common to the letterpress and offset presses in this market. As a result, converters can use their existing conventional tooling.
There was also a wave of new anti-counterfeit solutions unveiled at the show, with AVT reporting it had received its highest number of enquiries for verification and track/trace vision systems. Exhibitors such as Univacco also debuted sophisticated anti-counterfeit systems.
In addition, the show saw a move towards flexographic press platforms in line with the Chinese government’s commitment to a sustainable future for print. OMET demonstrated its XFlex X4 UV flexo press which combines shaft driven with servo-drive technology, and Iwasaki showed an innovative intermittent flexo press system.
Labelexpo's James Samuel identified a strong shift towards sustainability, particularly as the Chinese government is encouraging converters away from more traditional solvent-based printing technologies towards flexography.
“Business was brisk with many closing big sales during the show including OMET, Xeikon and Zhe Jiang Wei Gang Machinery,” Samuel said.
“The Asian market is experiencing an exciting time of change and we look forward to returning in 2017.”
