The Top 10 Things We're Looking Forward to at Labelexpo

By Cory Francer

It's the first morning of Labelexpo Americas 2016, which means the next three days are your opportunity to experience the latest and greatest in the label industry until the expo returns to Chicago in 2018. In no particular order, here are the top 10 things we're looking forward to at this year's show.

10. Digital Debuts

While much of the talk at drupa 2016 was about the several new digital packaging solutions being unveiled, there is still more to come at Labelexpo. For example, two of the biggest flexo suppliers — Mark Andy and Nilpeter — will each be unveiling a new digital press. Mark Andy will feature its Digital One, a four-color, entry-level digital printing and converting solution, for the first time. Nilpeter meanwhile, will feature its PANORAMA series for the first time in the Americas.

9. All-In-One Fun

In the packaging space, the label segment is where digital printing has taken the strongest foothold. However, just like any other print process, digital printing still requires finishing, which typically has been done off-line. To remedy the situation, several suppliers have developed end-to-end printing and converting solutions, including Mark Andy and Nilpeter as mentioned above, along with MPS through its partnership with Domino, and Durst through its partnership with Omet.

8. The Digital Finishing Experience

Conventional and digital suppliers are making strides in creating hybrid printing and finishing systems, but finishing itself is also becoming digital. This edition of Labelexpo Americas will feature the debut of The Digital Finishing Experience, which will feature equipment from Xeikon and Delta ModTech, highlighting the latest innovations in digital finishing that can help make digital printing more efficient.

7. The Linerless Trail

Is linerless technology the future of the label market? The jury may still be out, but it’s clear that technology is evolving and suppliers are seeking to accommodate the desire to reduce waste. The latest in linerless technology will be displayed throughout the Linerless Trail, featuring exhibits from Appvion, Bostik, Evonik, Henkel, Innovia Films, Maan Engineering, Max International Converters, MPS Systems, Nastar and Ravenwood Packaging.

6. The Label Awards

A fun night is on tap in the Rosemont Theatre as the 2016 Label Industry Global Award winners are revealed. Categories include the R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award, the Award for Innovation, and the Award for Sustainability.

5. Choose Your Own Adventure

This year’s sessions are divided across four separate streams (two per day) to allow attendees to tailor their experience to their needs and interests. The streams include Digital Technologies and Smart and Interactive Products on Tuesday, Sept. 13 and Technical Innovation and Package Printing on Wednesday, Sept. 14.

4. Brand Owner Insight

One of the biggest issues facing the implementation of digital printing in the packaging space is educating brand owners about how the technology can serve their needs. At 3 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 13, Doris Brown-McNally of HP Indigo and Amy Schmidt of Nosco, will discuss strategies in marketing digital to brands. Plus, we’ll get insight into two of most successful digital print campaigns — Diet Coke’s initiative to make every label different and Bud Light’s promotion for the Mad Decent Block Party music festival.

3. Looking Beyond Labels

Labelexpo Americas will feature sessions on other packaging segments.

As the packaging space continues to be the print industry’s strongest growth area, understanding expansion possibilities is essential for converters. Labelexpo will provide sessions on flexible packaging and folding cartons, along with a shrink sleeve workshop to get label converters thinking about how they can achieve a bigger slice of the packaging pie.

2. A Master Class for Everyone

The future of label printing isn’t just about digital. Flexography, offset, screen and other conventional processes are here to stay and are improving in their own right. A conventional-focused master class will help converters stay up to date on how tried and true technology is poised for the future. Plus, a digital master class will cover everything a converter should know about this technology that’s on the rise.

1. It’s All About Efficiency

The theme of Labelexpo Americas is Optimize Workflow, and isn’t that really what business is all about? Sure, checking out the latest and greatest technology is always fun, but if you’re getting beat on efficiency, your business could get left behind. With this year’s event focusing on workflow, Labelexpo attendees are sure to have a leg up when it comes to the speed of their operations.