It is Easter, and the countdown has started till the European Label Forum. This edition comes at a pivotal moment, as shifting geopolitical dynamics and rising economic uncertainty reshape the global trade environment.

Labelexpo Mexico 2025 in Guadalajara delivered a larger event, with double the machinery, higher foot traffic and greater show floor sales than the previous edition.

Webinar date: 23 April 2025 - 10:00 to 11:00 (CET Brussels)

From dissolvable skincare sachets to wooden wine labels and popcorn as packaging filler – innovation in labels and packaging is thriving. At this year’s FINAT European Label Forum, Paul Jenkins, founder of ThePackHub, will unveil a curated selection of cutting-edge developments reshaping the industry. Drawing from a database of over 1,500 innovations annually, Paul will share insights, spotlight untapped opportunities, and explore how sustainability and creativity are driving the next wave of smart, functional and standout packaging design.

Want to know more about consumer behaviour? Come to this year's FINAT European Label Forum in Amsterdam to hear Linda Lichtmess, Research Consultant at Euromonitor International, speak about 2025 consumer attitudes to watch.

As we move further into 2025, Europe finds itself navigating a complex and unpredictable landscape. On the surface, there is cautious optimism, but beneath it lies a series of pressing challenges. The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to disrupt trade routes and supply chains. Energy and commodity prices remain volatile, straining both households and industries. Meanwhile, Europe’s economic resilience is under pressure, with Germany officially in recession, France embroiled in political uncertainty, and post-Brexit Britain still facing economic headwinds. Even traditionally stable governments in the Netherlands and Belgium are feeling the impact of growing polarization.

FINAT is saddened to receive the news about the passing away of its former Board and Committee member Jaume Puigbò of Sinel Systems (now part of Autajon) in Barcelona.

Pioneering technologies, materials and equipment across the label and package printing supply chain will be on display at Labelexpo Mexico 2025 from 1-3 April 2025 at Expo Guadalajara.

In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable business environment, creativity is no longer a "nice-to-have" skill, it’s essential. Whether you are solving complex challenges, identifying new market opportunities, or collaborating across teams, creative thinking helps you stand out and future-proof your career. Yet, many (young) professionals underestimate their own creative potential. Creativity is often seen as the domain of designers, marketers, or artists. The truth? Creativity is a universal skill that anyone can learn, develop, and apply to achieve real-world impact.

The L9 World Label Association (WLA) is proud to present the winners of the Best of the Best awards which were judged by an international panel of judges just before Labelexpo Chicago 2024. Once the main WLA judging had been completed the winning labels are judged again in the following main printing process classes: Flexography, Letterpress, Offset Litho, Combination Printing and Digital Printing.