Newly rebranded LOUPE (full meaning – Labels & Outer Packaging Embellishment) Labelexpo Europe 2025 took place for the first time in the historic Spanish city of Barcelona at a time when the label converting industry is witnessing rapid consolidation and transformation hence enabling label converters to either diversify into flexible packaging and/ or identify new opportunities in folding cartons to become a ‘one-stop’ package printing operations that encompass the full range of packaging formats. With more products, more launches, and more live demonstrations at the world’s largest event for the label and package printing industry, this SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE, adapted from the POSTSHOW REPORT by the organiser – Informa Markets, shows why the 4-DAY event that took place at Fira Gran Via from 16 to 19 September was truly THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH in many ways aside recording the highest number of international visitors since established 45years ago:
Labelexpo Europe 2025, held for the first time in Barcelona in its 45-year history, has concluded as the biggest show to date, both in exhibition space and attendance, including the highest international participation.
Show statistics revealed it was the largest Labelexpo event to date, with over 43,000 net sqm of exhibitor space. The event also broke attendance records with over 37,000 attendees. Key statistics include an increase of 18 percent in top decision makers, 49 percent in South American visitors, and 28 percent in North American visitors. And while Spain dominated the list of top visiting countries alongside Italy, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, thereby confirming the move to Barcelona as a well-thought-out plan.
According to Labelexpo Global Series, Strategic Director – Andy Thomas-Emans; ‘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.’
Technology and Launches
Labelexpo Europe 2025 was a hotbed for innovations in automation and sustainability. For flexo, digital, and hybrid press technologies, the key themes converged around automation, Cloud network integration, and the first developments in AI-driven machine and user interfaces. Several of the digital launches are set to facilitate converters’ entry to digital and enable suppliers to scale with them. To Troika Systems, Technical Director – James Steptoe; ‘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, 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.’
Content, Features, and Community
Labelexpo Europe 2025 launched new content and community features by introducing a user-friendly 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 prominent industry experts, the Labelexpo Ambassadors, saw renowned industry experts delivering Keynotes, Q&As, and Meet and Greet sessions at the Pulse, covering folding cartons, flexible packaging, materials, sustainability, AI, and automation. In addition, the label industry’s finest were celebrated at the inaugural Labels & Labeling Global Awards on the evening of the first day of the show at Festa Barcelona. Labelexpo Europe 2025 expanded its sustainability credentials with the Better Stands Programme, which incentivizes exhibitors to use recyclable materials to build stands, and an exclusive partnership with DMP to recycle matrix waste, which is transformed into usable materials.
Reconfirming the exhibition’s vision, Event Director, Andrew Galloway, noted that, ‘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.’
LOUPE
This year, 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, Managing Director of Labelexpo Global Series, concluded: ‘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 European show will take place from October 5 to 8, 2027, as Loupe Europe 2027.
