Andrew Galloway, group director EMEA, Labelexpo Global Series, answers Packaging Scotland’s questions about the long-running Labelexpo Europe event, which takes place in Barcelona from September 16-19
Q) Why should people visit Labelexpo Europe 2025?
A) Labelexpo Europe remains the leading global event for the label and package printing industry and is set to make history with its 2025 edition. It is already the largest event in its 45 years with this edition encompassing the full range of package printing and converting technology for labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons.
Q) What’s the history of the event?
A) Our very first exhibition took place at the Old Horticultural Halls in London in May 1980. Back then, it featured 44 exhibitors – label converters, machinery and materials suppliers. Since then, the event has constantly adapted to new package printing technologies. The early Labelexpo iterations, which includes the move to Brussels in 1985, focused on what was then the new technology of self-adhesive labels converted inline on narrow web presses.
As labels expanded into new formats, such as shrink sleeves, wraparound and in-mold labels, Labelexpo adapted to showcase these technologies.
The next big evolution for Labelexpo was the addition of flexible packaging, which happened around a decade ago with the launch of the 30 inch-wide HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press. Flexo press manufacturers then developed wider ‘mid-web’ presses in the 26-30 inch/670-800mm range better adapted to handling these larger packaging formats. We are now seeing a similar convergence of print technologies between labels and folding cartons with the potential to open up new markets for label converters and other market disruptors.
Labelexpo’s move into wider packaging printing technologies is supported by visitor data showing that over 25% of visitors at the 2023 event registered an interest in folding carton technology, while 40% expressed interest in flexible packaging.
Labelexpo Europe has grown with the industry: from 44 exhibitors in 1980 to over 650 exhibitors expected on the show floor in Barcelona this year.
Q) Is there anything new for 2025?
A) Labelexpo Europe 2025 is bigger, bolder and broader with more space for groundbreaking technology, more opportunities for networking, and more live demonstrations of machinery and automation in action.
The 2025 edition marks a significant evolution by highlighting the presence of folding cartons alongside labels and flexible packaging. Currently, around one fifth of all Labelexpo Europe 2025 exhibitors already supply a wide range of products to the folding carton industry and over 25% have portfolios that reach across labels and folding cartons, including inks, coatings and lamination, dies, prepress and workflow systems.
Q) What was the reason behind relocating the show to Barcelona?
A) The move to Barcelona represents more than just a change of location: it signals the show’s expansion in pace with the label and package printing industry.
The choice of venue has aligned to accommodate such growth. Fira Gran Via Barcelona is one of Europe’s largest and most modern exhibition centers, featuring eight interconnected halls spanning over 240,000 square metres, allowing the show to welcome more exhibitors and visitors than ever before. It offers enhanced space and facilities to accommodate the growing exhibition, which has already expanded 15% compared to the 2023 edition.
Q) What do you expect some of the key focus areas to be this year?
A) Expect a spotlight on folding cartons, automation and sustainability at Labelexpo Europe 2025.
The Pulse Arena, a special feature area covering key challenges and opportunities faced by the label and packaging printing industries, is located at Hall 7 – Stand 7B27.
The first day of the programme opens with a spotlight on PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) and its implications; then focusing on sustainable labels and packaging, flexible packaging and folding cartons, AI, and automation. Label Academy will host master classes and dedicated sessions on folding cartons, RFID and automation in label production.
Q) What trends are you seeing in the label and package printing industry currently?
A) Key trends shaping the industry include the convergence of inline and digital technologies across labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons; automation of production and factory processes, and a strong focus on sustainability to meet the EU’s circular economy goals and brand mandates.
Q) What advice would you have for exhibitors to help stand out at such a busy event?
A) In addition to taking advantage of all the marketing support offered by Labelexpo Europe 2025 and engaging with account managers for visibility opportunities, there are three areas which will help exhibitors stand out on the show floor.
Exhibitors should focus on promoting sustainable solutions, and, given the expanded technology focus of the show, should ensure they highlight solutions covering folding cartons alongside labels and added-value flexible packaging.
Q) Is there anything about the event that would surprise people?
A) As Labelexpo evolves and expands with our industry, we will share major show news during the event. So, watch this space! We also want to provide our industry with a refreshed, dedicated platform to network and celebrate the great community we are all part of. The festival of innovation on the show floor moves to the streets of Barcelona as Time Out Market Barcelona is transformed into Festa Barcelona, a networking and celebration space for show visitors and exhibitors.
• Labelexpo Europe takes place at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona from September 16-19, 2025. Registrations are now open: an expo pass costs €95, with an early bird discount reduction to €75. International visitors can benefit from partner airline deals and preferential hotel room booking rates available on the Labelexpo Europe 2025 website.
