A New Chapter for Labelexpo Europe: The Road to Barcelona

Why Barcelona?

The decision to relocate Labelexpo Europe from Brussels was not made lightly. Brussels has been our home for over 40 years, and it has served us well. But as the show has grown—both in size and ambition—we needed a venue that could match the scale of our vision. Fira Barcelona’s Gran Via offers world-class facilities, excellent connectivity, and a vibrant city backdrop that reflects the dynamism of our industry.

Barcelona provides an international and accessible platform with room to expand, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a city that is already a hub for innovation, sustainability, and creativity. This is not just a move—it’s an upgrade that positions the entire industry for the future.

Labelexpo: Bigger, Bolder, Broader

Labelexpo Europe 2025 is set to be the biggest edition in the show’s history, and that means more space for groundbreaking technology, more opportunities for networking, and more live demonstrations of machinery and automation in action.
Our industry has evolved dramatically in recent years, and so has Labelexpo. What was once a trade show focused almost exclusively on pressure-sensitive labels has now become a comprehensive platform covering conventional, digital and hybrid printing, flexible packaging, and increasingly, folding cartons.

The label converter is no longer “just” a label printer. We’ve seen a growing number of converters expand into flexible packaging and cartons, and Labelexpo has evolved in tandem, bringing in new technologies, substrates, embellishment systems, and finishing equipment that address the full spectrum of package printing.

Technology Highlights to Watch

The countdown to Barcelona is packed with innovation. At Labelexpo Europe 2025, you can expect to see:

•    Live hybrid printing demonstrations combining the strengths of digital and flexo
•    Automation and AI-powered press optimization to reduce waste and improve accuracy
•    Sustainable substrates and recyclable materials taking center stage
•    Laser die-cutting and digital embellishment in action
•    Workflow software integrations that enable end-to-end production visibility

Sustainability and digitization will be key themes across the halls. We're also seeing more development in inline converting systems, web inspection, and real-time color management tools, reflecting how automation is reshaping our production floors.
 

21 Years in Print: A Personal Perspective

As I reflect on my 21 years in this industry, the most dramatic change I’ve witnessed is the digital transformation of print and packaging. Early in my career, digital printing was still in its infancy—an intriguing curiosity rather than a production necessity. Fast forward to today, and it is an essential pillar of many printing operations, powering short-run personalization, faster turnaround, and brand responsiveness.

But beyond the machinery, what’s equally striking is the collaborative mindset that’s emerged across the value chain. Brands, printers, OEMs, and suppliers are no longer working in silos. They’re co-developing solutions, co-investing in technology, and co-driving sustainability goals. This level of synergy is new, and it's a powerful force that’s shaping the future of labels and packaging.

This transformation is reflected in how we design Labelexpo today. It’s not just about showing machines—it's about creating immersive, educational, and collaborative experiences that reflect the way our industry works now.
 

The Bright Horizon

As we prepare for the biggest Labelexpo yet, I truly believe the move to Barcelona symbolizes more than logistics—it’s a metaphor for progress. It's a recognition that the label and package printing industry is global, agile, and constantly evolving. We’re ready to welcome the next generation of technology, talent, and transformation.

I encourage every converter, supplier, and stakeholder to be part of this historic edition. Whether you’re exploring new technologies, seeking strategic partnerships, or looking to expand into flexible packaging or folding cartons, Barcelona is where the future of our industry will be unveiled.