Labelexpo Europe 2025 opens next week at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, marking a milestone in the show’s 45-year history with an expanded remit that spans label production and outer packaging embellishment. Organizers report a record exhibitor line-up, with more than 650 companies confirmed, and a program designed to highlight innovation, education, sustainability and community. On the show floor, visitors can expect advances in conventional, digital and hybrid press technology and tighter integration with digital workflows. The new Pulse Arena brings daily expert presentations focused on sustainability and regulatory topics such as PPWR, as well as diversification opportunities into flexible packaging and folding cartons, and the future role of AI and automation. The Label Academy will offer master classes on Folding Cartons for Label Converters and RFID Technology. Sustainability is embedded across exhibits and operations, including the Better Stands initiative by parent company Informa Group Plc and a partnership with DMP Europe to convert label matrix waste generated at the show into reusable items such as industrial bumpers and pallets. Community events include a pre-show industry run on 15 September, Festa Barcelona on 16 September featuring the inaugural Labels & Labeling Global Awards, and a dedicated Girls Who Print event. Special features include the Label Trail, developed by Avery Dennison, Cerm, CarbonQuota, Esko, Grafisk Maskinfabrik, Kurz, Scribos and Xeikon, and a live automated production line demonstrated jointly by Eti, Martin Automatic, Lundberg Tech and LemuGroup to produce labels for European converter Mirmar.
Technology focus
The show will present press technology reaching new performance levels across conventional, digital and hybrid configurations, alongside closer integration with digital workflows. Highlights span new developments in flexography, hybrid presses, rotary and semi-rotary offset, flexible packaging, folding cartons and digital press platforms. Organizers also expect visible advances in machine automation and a range of options that can reshape converting operations through automation and the incorporation of AI. As Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director, Labelexpo Global Series, stated: "Labelexpo has always been the definitive platform where the latest industry breakthroughs have been showcased. As we approach the next edition, we're seeing sustainability and automation join forces as the primary drivers of innovation. Automation technology, increasingly powered by AI-driven machine learning, is transforming production while positively impacting sustainability."
Education program
Debuting at Labelexpo, the Pulse Arena provides an on-floor stage for education and networking, addressing current challenges with daily presentations by industry experts. The program centers on sustainability, including PPWR, and explores diversification into flexible packaging and folding cartons, as well as the future interplay of AI and automation. The Label Academy will deliver specialized master classes on "Folding Cartons for Label Converters" and "RFID Technology," offering in-depth content on high-growth segments relevant to label converters expanding their capabilities.
Sustainability initiatives
Sustainability features prominently throughout the event. In addition to exhibitors presenting sustainable materials and technologies, the show invests in a dedicated educational stream at the Pulse Arena. A keynote by sustainability expert Dr. Leyla Acaroglu will examine the intersection of design, business and innovation. Operationally, the Better Stands initiative, developed by Informa Group Plc, encourages use of recyclable materials in booth construction. An exclusive partnership with DMP Europe will divert printed materials from landfill by transforming label matrix waste generated at the show into reusable products such as industrial bumpers and pallets. Jade Grace, managing director, Labelexpo Global Series, commented: "Sustainability isn't just a feature of Labelexpo Europe 2025. From exhibitors’ showcase of sustainable materials and technologies to dedicated educational sessions, the show creates meaningful conversations about the future of our industry. I'm particularly proud of the operational commitments through initiatives like Better Stands and the partnership with DMP Europe, both of which transform what would be waste into valuable resources. These efforts represent Labelexpo Europe 2025’s vision for a truly circular label and the wider outer packaging embellishment industry, where innovation and environmental responsibility work hand in hand."
Community and networking
The program includes multiple opportunities to connect, including a pre-show industry run on 15 September, Festa Barcelona on the evening of 16 September with the inaugural Labels & Labeling Global Awards, and a Girls Who Print event. Labelexpo ambassadors, drawn from across the sector, will deliver keynotes, Q&A sessions and meet-and-greet activities on folding cartons, flexible packaging, materials, sustainability and AI and automation. Andrew Galloway, group director EMEA, Labelexpo Global Series, said: "The community spirit at Labelexpo Europe 2025 goes beyond business—it's about creating enduring connections that drive our industry forward. The show remains the space where businesses expand and deals are made, in addition to providing a fertile environment to grow connections that matter."
Special exhibitor features
The Label Trail, developed by Avery Dennison, Cerm, CarbonQuota, Esko, Grafisk Maskinfabrik, Kurz, Scribos and Xeikon, provides an end-to-end exploration of modern label production with emphasis on carbon measurement, sustainability and smart packaging. In addition, Eti, Martin Automatic, Lundberg Tech and LemuGroup will jointly run a fully operational automated line producing real labels for European converter Mirmar.
Practical information
Labelexpo Europe 2025 runs from 16 to 19 September at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona. An expo pass costs €95. Registration and further information are available via the show website.
