Labelexpo Americas 2024 Latest updates
Labelexpo Americas 2024 set for big return
Momentum is building for the 18th edition of Labelexpo Americas, with only one week to go until this year’s show opens its doors from 10 - 12 September at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Over 400 exhibitors are expected to take part, with a key focus on RFID technology, flexible packaging and automation set to be highlighted. Labelexpo Americas 2024 presents more technologies and live demonstrations than any previous show, including new, wider flexo presses, conventional and hybrid technology as well as a wide range of digital label and package printing equipment.
Flexo makes a comeback at Labelexpo Americas 2024. Mark Andy, for example will use next week’s show for the global launch of its new P-series S9 press, engineered for both flexible packaging and labels markets. Using sleeve technology, the press will be available in a 22in as well as 26in format.
Nilpeter’s mid-web FA-26 makes its North American market debut following its launch at Labelexpo Europe last year, when the company made multiple sales off the show floor.
Hontec demonstrates its FlexiCon servo-driven press, available in 350/460/570mm (13/17/22in) web widths, supporting up to 12 colors with capabilities including cold foil, delam/relam and lamination. It operates at speeds up to 150m/min with Industry 4.0 connectivity.
New launches include HP, who marks the US launch of the latest press in its 20000-series, the HP Indigo 200k, which greatly increases productivity over previous generation machines.
Gonderflex demonstrates its P-8009 GFXW single pass thermal laminator-coater-embellishment-slitting machine at the FlexPack @ Labelexpo, co-located with Labelexpo Americas 2024.
A flexible packaging masterclass hosted by the Label Academy will take place on 10 September providing converters with expert guidance into how label converters can enter or expand into this lucrative market.
One of the key suppliers exhibiting at the show will be Voyantic. The company demonstrates turnkey quality control and testing equipment for RFID tag and label production lines and offers advice on RFID technology and systems.
Delta ModTech will feature their Crusader® Converter with patented Island Transfer and Island Placement modules in the RFID Focus Area. This converting system is designed to provide high-speed, high-precision RFID tag insertion while also minimizing waste.
On 12 September, the Label Academy presents a half-day workshop on RFID in Labels and Package Printing sponsored by Avery Dennison. Topics delivered by industry experts include end user mandates, a comprehensive overview of RFID technology, and the equipment required to convert, test and encode RFID labels and tags.
Tasha Ventimiglia, Group Director – Americas, said: “We’re really excited to be returning to the most game-changing event for the label and package printing industry in the Americas. From networking to discovering new products, solutions and technologies in RFID, flexible packaging and automation, as well as a host of educational content, Labelexpo Americas 2024 presents a perfect opportunity for the industry to come together all under one roof to see the latest innovations that are shaping the future of this dynamic industry. We can’t wait to see both visitors and exhibitors alike in Rosemont next week!”
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Labelexpo Americas 2024 unveils one-day conference program
Labelexpo Global Series has announced a new one-day conference program for this year’s Labelexpo Americas, the Americas’ largest label and package printing technology trade show. The show takes place between 10-12 September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
The one-day conference program, taking place on Wednesday 11 September, features six sessions that dive into the key issues and trends impacting the labels and package printing industry in North America.
Morning sessions include a global and regional overview of the US label market presented by Linnea Keen, president at TLMI and Corey Reardon, president and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates; a lively presentation on creative sales techniques and effective customer outreach with Adam Peek, SVP of Sales, Meyers; and an exploration of the consumer trends shaping the future of the label industry presented by David Luttenberger, Global Packaging Director at Mintel.
Afternoon sessions focus on exploring new markets. Topics in these sessions include diversification into new segments such as folding cartons presented by Katrina Edwards, Account Executive at Oliver Inc; and exploring design and branding opportunities through packaging by Vicki Strull, Branding & Design Strategist. Capping the program is a fascinating look at a label and packaging company built from the ground up and catering to the rapidly growing cannabis market. That session is presented by Barbara Fox, CEO of Cannabiz Supply.
Speaking ahead of her session, Fox commented: "I’m excited to speak at and attend Labelexpo Americas 2024, where I look forward to sharing my insights and expertise on the cannabis industry with fellow printing professionals and equipment manufacturers. As cannabis continues to make a significant impact nationwide, it's crucial for the label and packaging industry to be ready for this evolving market."
Tasha Ventimiglia, Group Director, Americas said: “We’re excited to be returning to Chicago for Labelexpo Americas 2024, which is happening in just 2 weeks! The one-day conference program on day two promises to educate attendees on the latest insights affecting the label and package printing market in North America. The program focuses on the areas most relevant to our industry and appropriately helps frame the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
For more information on the one-day conference program at Labelexpo Americas 2024, visit: https://go.labelexpo-americas.com/e/707733/conference-schedule/9w5tgv/2584330768/h/Luo6nUiCI7L1YyrXgYRADsl5vDPAoL35rGyZ41-zQM8
Flexible packaging at Labelexpo Americas 2024
FlexPack@Labelexpo, co-located with Labelexpo Americas 2024, will focus on the complete production chain from materials selection to print, laminating and pouch-making. Andy Thomas-Emans reports.
Flexible packaging will be a key focus at Labelexpo Americas 2024 next month as label converters continue to diversify their product offering and wide web converters seek solutions for the increasing amount of short run work coming their way.
This is a trend we are now seeing across Labelexpo shows around the world. Labelexpo Asia 2023 was the first Labelexpo show to feature a dedicated flexible packaging hall, being effectively a ‘show within a show’. This takes nothing away from Labelexpo’s core focus on label technologies. Rather, these two sectors of the package print industry are entirely complementary.
Why this growing interest from label converters in flexible packaging?
The last decade has seen a quiet revolution in packaging formats as brands have moved more of their premium products into high-value, small-format laminated stand-up pouches as an alternative to labeled containers.
At the same time, label press technology has been evolving towards wider web widths and the ability to handle extensible films. Mid-web presses – defined as in the range 26-30ins - will be a standout machine category at Labelexpo Americas 2024, and for many label converters these are becoming the main gateway into flexible package printing and converting. These presses can be configured with both UV and extended hot air drier units for water-based inks and coatings.
At Labelexpo Americas 2024, Mark Andy stages the global launch of its 26in-wide P Series S9 press for label and flexible packaging markets. Show attendees can also see the US debut of Nilpeter’s 26in-wide FA-26 following its highly successful launch at Labelexpo Europe 2023 when multiple presses were sold off the show floor. Lombardi shows a print unit from its mid-web Invicta press.
Digital printing of flexible packaging has been dominated by HP since the launch of its 30in-wide HP Indigo 20000-series presses at Labelexpo ten years ago. At Labelexpo Americas 2024, HP marks the US launch of the latest press in this series, the HP Indigo 200k, which greatly increases productivity over previous generation machines.
Flexpack Ecosystem
Entering the flexible packaging market requires much more from a label converter than simply installing a press, either digital or flexo. It requires acquiring a wide range of knowledge about the flexible packaging ecosystem, which is a different world from labels. Put shortly, labels are secondary packaging, not in direct contact with the product, while flexible packaging is the primary container of the product.
This means it is essential to come to grips with the required properties of flexible packaging: burst resistance, moisture and light resistance, structural properties, and, increasingly, sustainability profile. Flexible packaging requires an understanding of lamination, multi-layer structures, barrier properties and surface and reverse printing. The finished pack needs to be tested for a range of properties including leakage and pack integrity.
Following printing and laminating, the pouch needs to be formed ready for filling. And depending on the end use, a filling/dispensing spout may need to be incorporated.
To help converters understand all aspects of the flexpack workflow, Labelexpo Americas 2024 has introduced a dedicated ‘exhibition within an exhibition’ called FlexPack@Labelexpo. This will allow show visitors to focus on materials, lamination technology and pouch manufacturing machinery, supported by a half day deep dive flexible packaging masterclass organized by the Label Academy.
FlexPack@Labelexpo will be located in Hall F of the Donald E Stephens Convention Center. Exhibitors will be present to talk about everything from materials - films, zippers, thermal laminates, overprint varnishes for example - to curing technology, laminating technology, slitting machinery, pouch-making and spouting equipment.
Companies currently confirmed in the FlexPack@Labelexpo zone include Karlville, Gonderflex, S-One LP, ABG, Mamata, Protect-All, Novaflex, Bonset American Corporation, Sanzip re-closable zipper and Nobelus. In addition, three times a day, visitors will have the chance to attend a short introduction to flexible packaging presented by HP.
Flexpack equipment
Focusing on the equipment on show, Gonderflex will demonstrate its P-8009 GFXW single pass thermal laminator-coater-embellishment-slitting machine. The Labelexpo machine configuration includes lamination, a single flexo unit for either surface or reverse print and textured cold foil application with an integrated JetFX print bar system, followed by slitting and rewinding.
Karlville Converting and Karlville Swiss partner to demonstrate post-print flexible packaging machinery for pouch making, lamination and slitting in partnership with HP Indigo. The company will showcase its compact thermal laminator for surface print application running a Protect-all MET PET with Nobelus Soft Touch thermal laminate.
Alongside is the Karlville Swiss Compact D, a quick change pouch making machine running Charter MDO PE Mono Material.
S-OneLP demonstrates the Cellcoat Systems T-14 thermal laminator, for which the company is exclusive US and European distributor. S-OneLP also displays its range of flexible packaging films and related primers, including Michelman in-line and off-line primers and water-based varnishes.
Attendees can also see a range of overprint varnishes and coatings helping to achieve bespoke surface effects and protection for printed materials. Available OPVs include water-based, UV, LED, and eBeam varnishes and topcoats.
Companies providing information on different aspects of the flexpack supply chain include, Protect-All, which demonstrates printable barrier films and laminations; Novaflex promoting its laminating systems; and Mamata promoting its pouching machines and Form, Fill, Seal (FFS) equipment.
FlexPack@Labelexpo is also set to attract conventional wide-web flexible packaging converters interested both in meeting existing suppliers and deciding how they will tackle the challenge presented by increasing requests for short run packaging.
It is worth noting that the wide web converting industry generally regards shrink sleeves as flexible packaging – as one more unsupported film application. FlexPack@Labelexpo will follow this categorization, so shrink sleeve materials and converting equipment will be in included in the exhibition zone going forward.
At Labelexpo Americas 2024, ABG will demonstrate new and shrink sleeve systems in the FlexPack@Labelexpo zone. The Turret Seaming Rewinder (TSR750) ensures a weld that conforms to any container shape. Alongside this will be ABG’s Doctoring machine (DR450).
Karlville Converting shows its Plus series shrink sleeve seamer running a Bonset CPET as well as a film printed with Siegwerk inks demonstrating a de-inking application.
Equipment launches at the show continue to grow, so make sure you continue to check www.labelexpo-americas.com
New industry trends highlighted at Labelexpo Americas 2024
The latest trends and technologies in flexible packaging, RFID and sustainability to be demonstrated at the show.
Labelexpo Global Series has announced new areas highlighting industry topics and trends at Labelexpo Americas 2024, the Americas’ largest label and package printing technology trade show. The show takes place between 10-12 September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
FlexPack @ Labelexpo will feature alongside Labelexpo Americas 2024, a focused area for flexible packaging and shrink sleeves, which will allow attendees entering this high-value market to see the latest equipment and materials from leading industry suppliers in the flex pack sector.
The new FlexPack @ Labelexpo highlights key technology and solutions for label converters interested in diversifying into flexible packaging production as well as traditional wide-web flexible packaging converters wishing to amplify their operation.
Companies confirmed as participating in FlexPack @ Labelexpo include Karlville, Gonderflex, S-One LP, ABG, Mamata, Protect-All, Novaflex, BONSET American Corporation, SANZIP re-closable zipper and Nobelus. In addition, three times a day, attendees will have the chance to attend a short introduction to flexible packaging, presented by HP.
A flexible packaging master class will also take place on 10 September will provide converters with expert guidance into how label converters can enter or expand into this lucrative market.
Also featured is an RFID experience (radio frequency identification). Attendees will get the opportunity to learn more about the growth of RFID, see live demonstrations of how smart labels are produced as well as understand how data is stored, tracked and managed.
The RFID in labels and package printing workshop also taking place on 12 September aims to provide the necessary technical knowledge for label and other converters looking to move into the arena of RFID and smart labeling.
Exhibitors will also get the chance to present new technologies and solutions in a 20-minute presentation at the Innovation Stage.
TLMI, the sponsoring partner for Labelexpo Americas 2024, will host an Eco Stage on the first two days of the show, presenting the latest developments in sustainability.
The Eco Stage is designed to support a better performing, more environmentally conscious label and package printing industry. Sessions include topics such as tackling the big myths surrounding sustainable packaging, what converters should really be concerned about and the key takeaway actions.
Also taking place is a converter leadership lunch on 10 September featuring a wide-ranging panel discussion including Elizabeth Yerecic, Executive Vice President, Sales & Sustainability, and Co-Owner, Yerecic Label; Bruce Hanson, CEO, AWT Labels & Packaging; and Guido Iannone, Chief Sales Officer and President, Mexico, South Africa and China, All4Labels and Craig Curran, President, Nosco. They will address key industry trends including sustainability, automation, and workforce development.
A breakfast networking session will take place on 11 September, where keynote speaker, Katie King, CEO of AI in Business will discuss how AI and automation are transforming the label and packaging industry.
Also taking place, on the first evening of Labelexpo Americas 2024, will be the Opening Night Party featuring the Label Industry Global Awards, which recognize key achievements and celebrates excellence in the label and package printing sector.
Tasha Ventimiglia, Group Director, Labelexpo Americas said: “Flexible Packaging, sustainability, RFID, AI and automation are all key topics that are trending in the label and package printing industry right now, so it made sense to capitalize on these trends at this year’s Labelexpo Americas. FlexPack @ Labelexpo, for instance, will allow attendees to see short run, added-value flexible packaging, including all the ancillary equipment, thermal lamination, pouching equipment, materials, and coatings required to enter this demanding market. We look forward to showcasing these fast-growing areas of the industry to all attendees.”
Press technology at Labelexpo Americas 2024
Labelexpo Americas 2024 gives attendees the chance to see a range of new conventional, hybrid and digital press technology. Andy Thomas-Emans reports.
Labelexpo Americas 2024 features an exciting range of flexo and digital press technology, including the first US showing for presses from Mark Andy, Canon, HP, Nilpeter, Durst and Omet.
Flexo bounces back
Labelexpo Americas sees flexography making a big comeback after an absence at the last show, both as standalone presses and in hybrid inkjet configurations.
A key trend at the show is towards mid-web flexography, with both Mark Andy and Nilpeter showing 26in/670mm-wide presses.
We first saw the growing interest in mid-web flexo at Labelexpo Europe last year. The wider web width of these machines allows them to print larger format packaging products including flexible packaging, in-mold labels and shrink sleeves two or more up on the same web.
These products can of course be printed on narrower web machines, but only 1-up, which creates more waste and is less efficient.
Some converters are even using mid-web presses to print multiple lanes of self-adhesive labels roll-to-roll, then slitting and finishing off-line.
It is interesting that HP demonstrates its mid-web format 200k press for the first time with an add-on slitter precisely to allow label converters to adopt this print-and-slit inline and finish off-line PS label workflow.
Similarly, wraparound labels can be produced more efficiently at higher volumes.
So the mid-web press is a highly versatile tool which allows converters to enter new market segments or to be more efficient in markets where they already operate.
Mark Andy will use Labelexpo Americas 2024 for the global launch of its new P-series S9 press, engineered for both flexible packaging and labels markets. Using sleeve technology, the press will be available in a 22in as well as 26in format.
Nilpeter’s mid-web FA-26 makes its North American market debut following its launch at Labelexpo Europe last year, when the company made multiple sales off the show floor.
Labelexpo Americas 2024 also has a lot to offer in the more traditional narrow web flexo widths.
Nilpeter introduces its new FB-14/-17, which sits between the FB workhorse and the more advanced FA-line, offering more automation at an investment level affordable to a broader segment of converters.
Hontec demonstrates its FlexiCon servo-driven press, available in 350/460/570mm (13/17/22in) web widths, supporting up to 12 colors with capabilities including cold foil, delam/relam and lamination. It operates at speeds up to 150m/min with Industry 4.0 connectivity.
Standalone digital
Labelexpo Americas 2024 sees the North American launch of Canon’s
first water-based digital press, the LabelStream LS2000. The LabelStream prints at 40m/min CMYK + White and features a new 2400 x 1200 DPI printhead with ink recirculation and food-safe inks developed specifically for those printheads.
HP demonstrates an HP Indigo 6k press along with a range of associated software services including PrintOS Spot Master, XR Services, security and brand protection, sustainability (with the CO2 calculator), and an extensive customer application showcase.
Domino shows its latest 7-color (CMYKOVW) N730i digital press incorporating 1200 x 1200dpi Bitstar inkjet head technology from parent company Brother Corporation.
Konica Minolta demonstrates its entire labels portfolio, headed up by the AccurioLabel 400, offering CMYK and a new fifth station white dry-toner, the established AccurioLabel 230 digital toner press and the JETvarnish 3D Web 400 web-fed digital embellishment system that integrates spot UV varnish, hot foil stamping and variable data Printing in a single pass.
Hybrid on a roll
Hybrid flexo-digital presses are another key feature of this Labelexpo Americas 2024.
Omet launches into the North American market its new KJet hybrid digital press developed in partnership with Durst and first seen at drupa. The press is built on the modular base of Omet’s K-Flex flexo press and incorporates the latest Durst RSCi digital print engine.
Mark Andy shows a range of hybrid solutions. On the Domino stand is a Mark Andy Pro Series flexo press integrated with a Domino K600i dual UV inkjet print bar and K300 high-speed monochrome variable data printing unit. Mark Andy demonstrates the veteran 2200 flexo press integrated with a Domino IQ-R digital engine based around Domino’s established 7-color N610i technology. Mark Andy also shows the latest version of its Digital Series HD hybrid press with a new front end.
Bobst brings its ‘All-in-One’ Digital Master 340 to the show, featuring integrated control of both digital and conventional print and finishing modules from a single interface. Bobst has updated its Accucheck inline inspection and calibration system to include
automatic quality inspection at job set-up and job queue synchronization along with enhanced automatic nozzle compensation.
Heidelberg/Gallus will use Labelexpo Americas 2024 to launch its Gallus One digital press into a fully-fledged hybrid press. Gallus’ ‘System to Compose’ allows any modules of the Labelmaster press to be combined with the Gallus One. Similarly, a Gallus One print engine can be retrofitted to an existing Labelmaster line. The company has announced availability of a 430mm/17in Gallus One to go alongside the existing 340mm/13in frame, bringing the digital press into line with the Labelmaster format range. Gallus has also announced the addition of Orange and Violet inks to the Gallus One CMYK+W ink set.
Flexo presses and finishing equipment can also gain hybrid capabilities by adding a press-wide print bar, capable of jetting a variable spot varnish, tactile finish, opaque white, spot color or cold foil. At Labelexpo Americas 2024 JetFX demonstrates its print bar both in standalone operation and as part of a laminator adding variable tactile effects to flexible packaging.
Digital Print Inc (DPi) introduces its M7 13in-wide UV inkjet print bar for flexo presses or converting systems. It operates at speeds of 800 fpm with a resolution of 600dpi for printing variable barcodes, text and graphics.
Fujifilm Integrated Inkjet Solutions presents the 46kUV Printbar System UV printbar for label imprinting. Operating at speeds up to 500 fpm(152 m/min) at 1200x600 DPI, the 46kUV printbar is available in 13-, 17-, and 20-inch print widths. Also shown is the DE1024 digital embellishment system which adds gloss or tactile effects to existing analog or digital print production. It can seamlessly integrate into existing label presses and other narrow-web machines.
In-line digital
While flexo presses have added digital capabilities, digital presses are integrating flexo press equipment.
Dantex, for example, presents its PicoJet 1200 digital inkjet technology which can also be configured as a hybrid press including flexo, die-cut, cold foil, lamination, edge trim, back scoring and rotary or shear slitting.
Shenzhen Runtianzhi Digital Equipment Co marks the global launch of the Flora J-350 P8 HD UV inkjet label press which can be configured with inline flexo, cold foil, varnishing and laminating modules.
The press prints at a resolution up to 1200x1200dpi at 100m/min (328ft/min), supporting a CMYK+W+0/V color configuration. Media range is between 0.04-0.35mm on coated paper, synthetic paper or films. The Flora J-350 P8 HD has a maximum roll diameter of 1,000mm.
Pulisi brings its DPIM-330F digital press which can be configured with flexo, cold foil, digital varnish and laminating stations. Mark Andy demonstrates the Digital Pro MAX integration of Konica Minolta’s ACL400 toner engine with semi-rotary die cutting.
Arrow Systems launches its ArrowJet 330R M Series water-based inkjet press with a modular design which allows customers to integrate a range of in-line technologies such as priming, varnish, lamination and slitting. The press prints at 1600x1600dpi resolution.
Anytron showcases its Any-Jet II Plus digital press line, which includes built-in laminating and laser cutting to deliver roll-to-roll labels in a single pass.
Systems integrator General Inkjet Technology (GIT), launches in the US its Label Modular 330HD 1200x1200dpi printhead. The 330HD system can be configured with up to 9 color channels and a maximum printing speed up to 229fpm/70m/min. It can be configured with inline modules including coating, printing, varnishing, foil-stamping and cold-stamping.
Systems for in-house or a label converter’s bureau operation are also on show. iSys promotes its Horizon toner-based label press printing at speeds up to 55ft/min for short run production on a variety of die-cut, kiss-cut or roll substrates. AstroNova and its newly acquired subsidiary, MTEX NS will showcase the TrojanLabel T2-Pro and Atom 3 + Cutmaster technology.
In conclusion, Labelexpo Americas 2024 will be a landmark show to see the key trends in the conversion of labels and flexible packaging. Flexo is differentiating itself with wider and more automated machinery, while narrow web flexo is integrating digital print and decoration technology. Digital is transforming in terms of speed and print resolution and taking full advantage of flexo automation to integrate conventional finishing and imaging technology, both in- and off-line.
Equipment launches at the show continue to grow, so make sure you continue to check www.labelexpo-americas.com