LOUPE Americas 2026 opened in Rosemont, Illinois, yesterday, with the first event under the new LOUPE banner bringing 430 exhibitors together across 181,000sqft net of exhibition space.
The show includes 112 new exhibitors and represents a broader remit covering labels, flexible packaging and in-line carton converting. The expansion comes as the industry contends with rising cost pressures, uncertainty around upcoming regulation and questions around the pace of innovation, themes highlighted during the opening-day press conference.
Technology remains a major focus of the exhibition. Trends identified from the show’s press conference include greater automation and digital integration in flexo, expanded colour gamut (ECG), and the increasing application of AI across production workflows. Brotech, AVT, Dantex and CERM are among the companies demonstrating AI-related technologies, while Konica Minolta, Durst and Rotocon are presenting North American launches.
RFID and smart packaging are also prominent themes in the conference programme, alongside sessions examining AI’s impact on packaging manufacturing. The programme also reflects the industry’s focus on diversification, with sessions addressing opportunities in flexible packaging and applications beyond traditional labels.
Flexible packaging has a larger presence at this year’s event, with Mark Andy and ABG-Galaxy among the exhibitors showcasing related technologies. HP is also presenting its Indigo Flexpack Factory ecosystem. Folding cartons are described as an emerging area, while coating technologies are being positioned across labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons.
Sustainability is another thread running through the show, including a live sustainable-label production project involving eight industry suppliers and technology companies.
Tasha Ventimiglia, Group director, Americas, commented: “From AI and RFID to sustainability and diversification, we’re connecting future shaping technologies with today’s packaging realities.”
