Package Decorating Trends on Display

Your products live and die by how the package looks on store shelves. How dare consumers be so shallow and only look skin deep! Superficial, I know.

But that’s reality.

That’s why it’s critical to be on top of the latest decorating techniques, technologies, and trends — from a design perspective as well as for packaging production operations.

So what’s going on? Packaging Digest recently asked our colleague Tasha Ventimiglia, Group Director for Labelexpo Americas, for her insights into what to expect in 2024 with labeling and package printing. (Packaging Digest and Labelexpo are both owned by Informa.)

What can we expect at Labelexpo Americas this year?

Ventimiglia: At Labelexpo Americas 2024, attendees and exhibitors can expect to see the very latest innovations that are shaping the future of the label and package printing industry — including sustainable material solutions, short-run flexible packaging, workflow automation, and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

We are proud that Labelexpo has always been an equipment-led trade show, and this year’s event is no exception. The show will be packed with live demonstrations of flexo and digital printing technologies and automated finishing solutions.

Get up close and personal with printing equipment at the show. Labelexpo Americas

What should attendees know before they go to Labelexpo Americas 2024?

Ventimiglia: As well as visiting stands and press and finishing demos, attendees should also plan to take advantage of the inspirational and educational opportunities at the show. There will be a dedicated feature showcasing short run, added-value flexible packaging, including all the ancillary equipment, materials and coatings required to enter this demanding market.

In addition, there will be a focus area for RFID and track/trace solutions, breakfast and luncheon keynotes, a full conference program, and additional masterclasses and workshops.  

What will be different compared to the 2022 edition?

Ventimiglia: One key difference between the 2022 and 2024 editions of Labelexpo Americas will be the powerful return of flexography, which was one of the main areas of feedback from the 2022 visitor surveys. In particular, we see the introduction of three highly automated mid-web 26-inch flexo presses targeted at short-run flexible packaging, wraparound, in-mold, and shrink-sleeve labels.

How many exhibitors will be there? What types of products will be launched at the show?

Ventimiglia: There will be more than 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest digital and flexo press technology, finishing equipment, materials, inks, and preproduction systems.

As noted above, flexo makes a welcome return to Labelexpo Americas 2024. Mark Andy launches a new, wider flexo press and presents a full line up of flexo and digital technology; and Nilpeter demonstrates a 26-inch FA-26 for the first time in the US along with a US-built FB-17 press.

Digital and hybrid print and embellishment technologies will be strongly represented. More product launches will be announced in the coming months.

What are some of the trends and hot topics that attendees can expect to see at the show?

Ventimiglia: Label converters are looking to reduce waste and carbon footprint, automate as much as possible to compensate for skilled labor shortages, and diversify their businesses to follow emerging consumer packaging trends. Labelexpo Americas 2024 tracks these trends — with its focus on flexible packaging, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and sustainability — both on the show floor and throughout our educational content.

What can we expect from global Labelexpo events in the future?

Ventimiglia: We are excited to be part of the global Informa PLC [also parent company of Packaging Digest], the leading international events and digital services group with more than 12,000 employees worldwide. This brings added strength to our global Labelexpo exhibition and summit events to the benefit both of our visitors and exhibitors.

Labelexpo has always tracked ahead of new technologies, and this will continue in the future with a growing focus on areas like robotics and AI-driven process automation. Labelexpo is unique in that it showcases the entire labels and packaging eco-system, including both conventional and digital technologies, and this will be where we continue to differentiate ourselves from other broader shows in the marketplace.

See various label and direct-package printing technologies in operation. Labelexpo Americas