Offset trends
Intermittent/semi-rotary is the most common offset technology on show at Labelexpo Europe 2025. This technology has remained remarkably resilient in short-run high-value markets such as wine labels. Companies showing equipment at the show include Miyakoshi, Weigang, Zonten and Wanjie.
Rotary offset is also represented at Labelexpo Europe 2025, with Rotatek showing a print module from its redesigned Universal 850 rotary offset press. The company promises more information about the relaunch of the Brava semi-rotary press and work on AI modeling of ink-water balance. Comexi, meanwhile, promotes the latest version of its unique offset CI Evolution technology.
We should not forget sheetfed offset technology. Heidelberg will be heavily promoting the latest automation and inline coating and foiling technologies and post-processing systems for its Speedmaster press programs dedicated to wet glue and in-mold labels.
Folding cartons
For folding cartons, inline flexography and rotary offset represent a disruptive alternative to the multi-stage sheetfed offset process which dominates the highly consolidated industrial folding carton industry. The ability to produce a finished carton from the reel and to add multiple decoration and reverse printing steps inline is a true game-changer.
Canon will demonstrate the Edale CartonLine UV flexo press at the show, configured with turnbar cold foil, lamination and flatbed die cutting.
Digital press technology
Key digital trends at Labelexpo Europe 2025 include faster and higher resolution presses, a growing presence of water-based inkjet and a continued move towards LED-UV curing.
Looking at new launches, HP Indigo introduces the 6K+ digital press, incorporating the new SmartControlSystem, which combines AI-powered tools and press self-monitoring to increase machine uptime. This is shown alongside the high-speed HP Indigo V12.
Xeikon showcases its TX500 running live demonstrations with in-line metallization from Kurz. This is also the Labelexpo debut of Xeikon’s PX3300HD high-definition Panther inkjet press.
Durst is keeping the details of its new press launch under wraps until the show, describing it as a ‘compact, scalable’ 8-color LED-UV press.
Konica Minolta presents the prototype of a new AccurioLabel press with an added IQ unit for in-line quality control.
Canon showcases its UVgel Factory for Labels, featuring the wide format Colorado M-series, Fotoba Jumbo Roll JRL 17 and Colex flatbed cutting table for automated roll printing and digital finishing of kiss-cut self-adhesives and labels.
Waterbased inkjet presses are carving a niche particularly in food and other migration-sensitive applications. Epson marks the commercial launch of its SurePress L-5034, operating at 13.5 m/min, while Canon shows the LabelStream LS2000 CMYK+W water-based press. Arrow Systems’ new Memjet-based ArrowJet Bolt Hybrid Pro M includes inline priming and varnishing, operating at up to 150m/min.

Among other digital press introductions, Dantex show its new entry-level PicoColour UV inkjet press alongside the established PicoJet; AstroNova launches the QL-435 1,200 DPI digital press targeted at mid-to longer runs; Dilli shows its flagship Neo Picasso Plus UV inkjet press running with a jumbo winder for longer runs; Jetron demonstrates its D2Roll LB3550 UV inkjet press incorporating digital embossing and opaque white.
Domino shows its latest N730i digital press built with parent Brother’s 1200DPI Bitstar printheads, along with the established N610i.
Screen Europe launches its Truepress Label 350UV SAI-S with an inline primer unit to improve ink adhesion, reduces graininess, and allows for creative texture effects.
Another interesting launch is Epson’s D3000 UV-UIR PrecisionCore printhead, capable of imaging at 1,200 DPI.
Conclusion
Labelexpo Europe 2025 presents label and package print converters with a stunning range of technology options capable of transforming the future direction of their business operations. Automation, the ongoing incorporation of AI, wider, faster, higher resolution, more versatile and capable of being incorporated into wider automation networks. Exciting times indeed!
Author: Andy Thomas-Emans, Strategic Director at Informa Markets Labels & Packaging group.