Labelexpo Europe 2025, the world’s largest label and package printing exhibition, has marked a new chapter in its 45-year history by moving to Barcelona. The event, hailed as a major success, highlighted the industry’s transformation through automation, sustainability, and artificial intelligence (AI).

A Landmark Move and Global Momentum

Andy Thomas-Emans, Strategic Director of Labelexpo, called the relocation to Barcelona a “significant milestone” for the global label printing exhibition series.

“Record-breaking exhibition space and visitor numbers show the industry’s strong momentum and confirm the global appeal of the new location,” he said.

He noted the surge in international participation, especially from the Americas, reflecting Labelexpo’s mission to build a truly global platform for the label and packaging printing sector.

Focus on Automation, AI, and Sustainability

This year’s edition centered around automation and sustainability, creating a launchpad for breakthrough technologies.
Across flexographic, digital, and hybrid printing, exhibitors showcased how AI-driven systems, cloud integration, and machine automation are reshaping workflows.

Dozens of new digital printing presses and finishing systems made their debut, signaling strong growth in digital transformation and reinforcing supplier–printer collaboration.

James Steptoe, Technical Director at Troika Systems, described the event as “vibrant and forward-thinking.”

“From automation to sustainability, Labelexpo 2025 showed how fast packaging is evolving. Seeing companies rethink workflows and commit to greener solutions was inspiring,” he added.

Thematic Zones and Community Experiences

To enhance engagement, Labelexpo Europe 2025 introduced new interactive zones and community-driven content, including:

• A dedicated official app for navigation and networking.
• Gold Concierge Club for VIP guests.
• The Pulse Seminar Zone featuring expert talks and live Q&As.
• Work and rest lounges for business meetings.
• A 5km fun run around Barcelona’s iconic landmarks before the event’s opening.

The show also featured “Labelexpo Ambassadors”, industry thought leaders who led sessions on folding cartons, flexible packaging, material innovation, and AI automation.

On opening night, the first-ever “Label & Label Global Awards Ceremony” celebrated exceptional innovation and sustainability across the label industry, held during the Festa Gala in central Barcelona.

Advancing Sustainability with the “Better Booth Program”

Sustainability took center stage through the new “Better Booth Program”, encouraging exhibitors to use recyclable materials and reduce waste.
A partnership with DMP ensured that leftover materials were collected, recycled, and repurposed into usable products.

Andrew Galloway, Director of Labelexpo Europe 2025, said:

“Our vision goes beyond hosting an exhibition. We want to create an immersive experience that generates value at every stage and drives positive change across the industry.”

Labelexpo Evolves Into “LOUPE” – A Global Rebranding

In a major announcement, the Labelexpo series revealed a global rebranding under the new name “LOUPE.”
This shift reflects the industry’s evolution beyond traditional labels toward flexible packaging and folding cartons.

The first event under this new identity, LOUPE Americas, will take place from September 15–17, 2026, at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, USA.
It will be followed by:

• LOUPE India: October 29–November 1, 2026 – Noida Expo Centre, Delhi
• LOUPE South China: December 2–4, 2026 – Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center

The next European edition will return to Barcelona from October 5–8, 2027, as LOUPE Europe 2027.

Industry Insight: Evolution With Purpose

Jade Grace, Managing Director of Labelexpo, explained the reasoning behind the rebrand:

“This decision followed two years of deep discussion with partners, associations, and clients. While digital and hybrid printing are reshaping flexible packaging and folding cartons, label printing remains our core and the heart of the future LOUPE series.”

Grace emphasized that LOUPE will remain committed to supporting sustainable growth, cross-industry collaboration, and technological advancement across all areas of print.