Labelexpo Europe 2025, staged for the first time in Barcelona in the show’s 45-year history, closed as its largest edition to date in both exhibition space and attendance. Organizers reported more than 43,000 net sqm of exhibitor space and over 37,000 attendees, alongside the highest level of international participation so far. Spain led the ranking of visiting countries, followed by Italy, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Key metrics included an 18 percent increase in top decision makers, a 49 percent year-on-year rise in visitors from South America and a 28 percent increase from North America.
Commenting on the move and performance, 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."
The event content reflected these priorities, with a broad emphasis on automation, connected workflows and early deployments of AI within machine and user interfaces across flexo, digital and hybrid presses. Several digital launches were positioned to lower barriers for converters entering digital printing while allowing suppliers to scale alongside them.
Technology and launches
Automation, cloud network integration and first-step AI-driven interfaces formed the core themes in press technology on the show floor. Developments highlighted flexibility for converters, from digital entry points to hybrid configurations that aim to streamline changeovers and data-driven optimization. According to James Steptoe, technical director at Troika Systems Ltd: "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."
Content, features and community
Labelexpo Europe 2025 introduced a user app, expanded rest and work areas, the Gold Concierge Club and the Pulse conference arena, and organized a community industry run through Barcelona. The program of Labelexpo Ambassadors brought recognized experts to the Pulse stage for keynotes, Q&As and meet-and-greet sessions covering folding cartons, flexible packaging, materials, sustainability and AI and automation. The inaugural Labels & Labeling Global Awards took place on the first evening at Festa Barcelona.
Sustainability measures were extended through the Better Stands program, which encourages the use of recyclable materials for stand construction, and via an exclusive partnership with DMP focused on recycling matrix waste into usable materials. Event director Andrew Galloway said: "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."
Rebrand to Loupe
Labelexpo Global Series announced a rebrand of its event portfolio to Loupe from 2026, beginning with the Americas show in September. The Loupe portfolio will remain focused on labels while acknowledging the sector’s expansion into flexible packaging and in-line folding cartons over the past decade. Jade Grace, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, stated: "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 is scheduled for 5-8 October 2027 as Loupe Europe 2027.
