Labelexpo Europe 2025
All about the PPWR
Labelexpo Europe will take place in Barcelona from 16 to 19 September. The focus will be on the megatrends of "digitalisation" and "neo-ecology" and their impact on the industry. The digital transformation is being driven by AI and automation, while neo-ecology is focussing on sustainability, driven by the EU packaging regulation (PPWR). And Labelexpo Europe 2025 takes this development into account.
Andy Thomas-Emans, Strategic Director of the Labelexpo Global Series, commented on the trade fair: "The labelling and packaging printing industry is actively responding to the pressure created by the PPWR. At the same time, automation and the growing influence of AI are opening up opportunities for new innovations." The Pulse Arena, located in Hall 7 / Stand B15, was initiated to put the spotlight on the impact of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation). Label converters must deal with this in order to benefit from diversification into flexible packaging and folding cartons. The Pulse Arena will also provide a glimpse into the future of AI and automation. Andy Thomas-Emans adds: "Many brands are switching from plastics to paper and fibre-based materials and this is something that label converters need to look at more closely. Trends also include the use of technical coatings to produce recyclable mono-material packaging as an alternative to laminated cartons and multi-layer flexible packaging." Also new this year is the area of folding carton and flexible packaging printing and processing. The focus here is on inline flexo, offset and digital printing technology. A visitor survey at Labelexpo Europe 2023 showed that 25 per cent of all trade fair visitors were interested in folding cartons and 40 per cent in flexible packaging. The organiser took this as an opportunity to focus on these topics.
Put in the LED UV light
Zeller+Gmelin's trade fair appearance (Hall 5 / Stand 5G47) is also orientated towards current trends in the labelling industry. The printing ink specialist from Eislingen is responding to two key developments in particular. The first is the change from classic UV curing to LED UV technology and the second is the increasing influence of legal measures. The company will be presenting solutions for both at the trade fair. The majority of the new products are designed for use in the rapidly growing LED UV segment. By deciding in favour of LED-UV technology, print shops are initiating a transformation process with complex effects in various production areas. Zeller+Gmelin has many years of experience in this field and has new developments in its range, including the Uvaflex LED FCM Y581 (for food packaging) and Uvaflex LED Y580 series (for non-food applications) as well as the Toracur W580 series for waterless offset printing.
At the same time, the printing ink manufacturer has revised its product range to fulfil the future requirements of the 21st Ordinance amending the Consumer Goods Ordinance. The legislation, commonly known as the Printing Inks Ordinance, was published in December 2021 and will come into effect on 1 January 2026. The latest revision means that ink series such as Uvaflex FCM Y81, which has been the standard for food applications for years, will also comply with the German Printing Ink Ordinance.
UV specialist Hoenle will be exhibiting in Hall 3A / Stand 109 LED UV curing systems from the LED Powerline series, which are designed not only for label printing but also for the increasingly important flexible packaging market. With LED Powerline Web, the company is presenting an LED curing system that is characterised by flexibility, efficiency and a compact design. The system is available in two wavelengths. For example, a UVA version for curing printing inks and a UVC version that is ideal for cross-linking UV coatings, silicones and adhesives. The system therefore covers a wide range of industrial applications. A significant advantage is the water cooling, which even in continuous operation under demanding production production conditions to ensure consistently high and uniform performance. The hybrid concept makes it easy to switch from conventional UV to LED technology in existing processes. LED Powerline Web enables the optional use of both conventional UV lamps and LEDs without compromising system integration.
Secure adhesion - even when wet
Herma is expanding its Hermaexquisite range for wine and spirits labels at Labelexpo (Hall 3 / Stand A46) with three new adhesive materials. Three high-quality paper grades are used for the new adhesive materials. Hermavelin Natural White (grade 301) is a natural white, smooth, uncoated and wet-strength adhesive label paper. Hermagloss 85 (grade 247) is a white pressure-sensitive label paper with a glossy coating on one side. Both grades have FSC Mix Credit certification. Another new addition to the range is Hermapaperwise Natural (grade 705), an uncoated, natural-coloured label material made from agricultural waste. The range comprises a total of 23 different paper and film materials, many of which have a textured surface. They are predominantly equipped with the multi-layer adhesive 62W. It was developed for use on wine and spirits bottles and ensures reliable adhesion, even when chilled and wet. Wine cooler tests in the laboratory confirm these properties. With the 62W adhesive, the company offers a good alternative to hotmelt in terms of process technology, without compromising on adhesion. "This significantly reduces problems such as adhesive bleeding or tool contamination," says Hendrik Kehl, Product Manager at Herma. The adhesive is also certified by ISEGA for direct contact with food. (hw)
