This year’s Labelexpo Europe, held in Barcelona from 16-19 September, will be expanded to include folding carton technology alongside labels and flexible packaging. The change has been described as an evolution based on inline and digital technologies which look set to disrupt the traditional folding carton industry.
From its origins in 1980 showcasing self-adhesive labels, Labelexpo has evolved – embracing shrink sleeves, in-mold labels, and flexible packaging. The addition of folding cartons represents the next phase of the event’s evolution.
Folding cartons, traditionally printed on sheetfed presses with multiple offline finishing steps, are increasingly being eyed for transformation via technologies already central to Labelexpo – inline flexo, digital, rotary offset, and hybrid presses. These solutions offer one-pass production, reducing lead times and inefficiencies associated with moving pallets between stations.
The push into folding cartons comes as converters seek to diversify, driven by sustainability pressures and rising demand for short-run, personalised packaging. The upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has accelerated the shift toward recyclable fibre-based materials – a key theme of the 2025 event.
Labelexpo Europe 2025 will feature a dedicated “Master Class” for converters exploring entry into the folding carton market. Exhibitors such as Edale, Actega, and Rotatek will showcase innovations tailored to this segment, while daily presentations and exhibits will address topics like digital embellishment, barrier coatings, and automation.
In 2023, over 25% of Labelexpo attendees expressed interest in folding carton technology. The 2025 event will serve as a “soft launch” for this sector, with full integration expected by 2027.
