ORGANISERS of Labelexpo Europe 2025 have celebrated the success of its ‘biggest show to date’ after holding the event in Barcelona for the first time in its 45-year history.
The show saw an increase in both exhibition space and attendance, including the highest ever international participation. A record 37,000+ attendees visited the event. Spain dominated the list of top visiting countries alongside Italy, Germany, France and the UK. Stats also showed a 49% increase on 2023 in South American visitors and a 28% rise in North American visitors.
Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director at Labelexpo Global Series, said, “The move to Barcelona for Labelexpo Europe 2025 is a strategic milestone in the show’s 45-year history. Breaking records in both exhibition space and attendance demonstrates the industry’s continued growth and the global appeal of the new location.
“We are particularly encouraged by the significant increase in international participation, especially from the Americas, which validates our commitment to creating a truly global platform for the labels and package printing industry. We witnessed an industry embracing automation, sustainability, and the beginnings of AI integration. All signals of a vibrant sector that continues to evolve and innovate.”
Labelexpo Europe 2025 was described as a ‘hotbed’ for innovations in automation and sustainability. For flexo, digital and hybrid press technologies, key themes included automation, Cloud network integration, and the first developments in AI-driven machine and user interfaces.
James Steptoe, technical director at Troika Systems Ltd, said, “My overall impression of Labelexpo Europe was that it was incredibly dynamic and future focused. The scale of innovation on display – from automation and digital printing to sustainability solutions – highlighted how quickly the packaging industry is evolving.
“Seeing the latest technology and recognizing how companies are rethinking workflows, efficiency, and environmental responsibility was eye-opening. Moving forward, staying adaptable to change is going to be critical as we navigate newer technologies and methods.”
The show introduced new content and community features including an app, rest and work areas, the Gold Concierge Club, the Pulse conference arena, and a community industry run touring the streets of Barcelona.
The appointment of the Labelexpo ambassadors saw industry experts deliver keynotes, Q&As and meet & greet sessions at the Pulse, covering folding cartons, flexible packaging, materials, sustainability, and AI & automation. Label sector excellence was celebrated at the inaugural Labels & Labeling Global Awards on the evening of the first day at Festa Barcelona.
The show’s sustainability credentials were enhanced by the Better Stands program, which incentivises exhibitors to utilise recyclable materials to build stands, and an exclusive partnership with DMP – recycling matrix waste, which is transformed into usable materials.
Andrew Galloway, event director, added, “Our vision for Labelexpo Europe 2025 extended beyond just exhibition space — we wanted to create a more immersive and valuable experience for our community. These initiatives reflect our dedication to the industry we serve, creating not just an exhibition but a comprehensive industry gathering that delivers value at every touchpoint.”
Labelexpo Global Series announced a major rebrand across the event portfolio, transitioning into the new brand, LOUPE, in 2026, starting with the Americas show in September. The LOUPE portfolio remains labels-focused while acknowledging the industry’s ‘expansion and diversification’ in the past decade into flexible packaging and in-line folding cartons.
Jade Grace, MD Labelexpo Global Series, said, “The decision to change the name of the show comes after two years of consideration and consultation with trusted partners, industry associations and key clients. Over the last decade, we have seen in-line and digital flexible packaging become an integral part of Labelexpo shows.
“Now we see the same trends happening in the folding cartons market with in-line, digital and hybrid set to disrupt this key package printing sector. Labels remain at the very core of the LOUPE portfolio, and we look forward to supporting the continued evolution of the industry.”
The next Europe show will return from October 5-8 2027 as LOUPE Europe 2027.
