A Q& A with Tasha Ventimiglia, Group Director, Labelexpo Americas
What will be at Labelexpo Americas 2024 which attendees can expect?
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.
Attendees can expect to see hundreds of live demonstrations showcasing the latest digital printing technologies and flexo press technology, finishing equipment, materials, inks, and preproduction systems.
FlexPack @ Labelexpo will feature alongside Labelexpo Americas 2024, a focused area for flexible packaging and shrink sleeves, which will allow attendees entering this high-value market to see the latest equipment and materials from leading industry suppliers in the flex pack sector.
The new FlexPack @ Labelexpo highlights key technology and solutions for label converters interested in diversifying into flexible packaging production as well as traditional wide-web flexible packaging converters wishing to amplify their operation.
Also featured is an RFID experience (radio frequency identification). Attendees will get the opportunity to learn more about the growth of RFID, see live demonstrations of how smart labels are produced as well as understand how data is stored, tracked and managed.
At the Innovation Stage, exhibitors will get the opportunity to showcase their latest technologies in a 20-minute presentation.
There will also be Label Academy masterclasses on shrink sleeves and flexible packaging and a workshop on RFID Technology for Label Converters, aligning with the key trends to be seen at the show. This educational series will provide attendees with expert guidance into how they can enter or expand their label production into new, lucrative markets, add value and streamline their current operations.
In addition, there will be expanded networking opportunities including a converter leadership lunch taking place on 10 September. The lunch will feature a high-level converter leadership panel discussion, followed by a delegate Q&A, alongside an exclusive networking opportunity with peer CEOs and thought leaders from major converting groups.
A keynote breakfast on 11 September will include a high-level keynote session on automation and AI followed by an expert-led panel discussion, alongside an exclusive networking opportunity with industry leaders.
More information can be found on the Labelexpo Americas website: https://www.labelexpo-americas.com/features-and-schedules
What will be different at Labelexpo Americas 2024 compared to the 2022 edition?
One key difference 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.
Flexo makes a welcome return to Labelexpo Americas 2024. Mark Andy is bringing one new flexo press, as well as digital and hybrid equipment and Nilpeter demonstrates a 26-inch FA-26 for the first time in the US along with an FB-14 press, which comes in both 14in and 17in widths.
How many exhibitors will be at the show?
There will be more than 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest digital and flexo press technology, finishing equipment, materials, inks, and preproduction systems.
Digital and hybrid print, and embellishment technologies will be strongly represented. All product launches can be found on the Labelexpo Americas website.
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How will the latest trends in flexible packaging and sustainability be highlighted?
Attendees can expect to see a full one-day conference session which will feature the diversification into new segments such as flexible packaging and cartons. There will also be a masterclass solely focusing on how label and packaging converters can enter or expand their label production into the flexible packaging market, add value and streamline their current operations.
Sustainability will be a key focus of Labelexpo Americas not just from a labels industry perspective, but also from an exhibition organizer perspective. Initiatives include Labelexpo Americas partnering with Convergen Energy on a label waste sustainability program. The program involves the collection of all liner and matrix waste from press and converting line demos and processing of this waste into fuel pellets for commercial sale.
All cardboard and other wastes generated at the show will be recycled through VIM Recyclers and even the carpet for the show will be re-used. The Donald E Stephens Convention Center has also been active in sustainability initiatives, including investment in a fleet of electric fork lifts and donation of surplus food to local charities.
In addition, TLMI will be arranging free sessions on a wide range of sustainability issues on the TLMI Eco Stage stand number 3005 for the first two days of the show.
The show will be packed with hundreds of live demonstrations of the latest digital printing technologies launched by confirmed exhibitors such as HP, Canon, Durst, Bobst, Heidelberg, Screen, Domino, Dantex, as well as flexo and automated finishing solutions.
To register for Labelexpo Americas 2024, visit https://www.labelexpo-americas.com/
