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LABELEXPO AMERICAS 2024 PREVIEW: LABELS AND PACKAGING INNOVATION ON SHOW
Labels & packaging innovation on show at Labelexpo Americas 2024
The leading event in the Americas for the labels and package printing industry Labelexpo Americas 2024 returns this September, showcasing a range of cutting-edge innovations.
Labelexpo Americas, the only dedicated event in the region for the labels and package printing industry, is taking place from Tuesday 10 September until Thursday 12 September in Chicago.
Hundreds of live demonstrations of flexo presses along with digital technology and finishing equipment will be on display, along with education content and networking sessions that aim to bring the international package printing community together.
The show feature areas will also include a Flex Pack Factory, a focused area for flexible packaging and an RFID Zone and Innovation Stage, focusing on automation, RFID technology application and development.
Other highlights include the Opening Night Party featuring the Label Industry Global Awards, an evening to honour organisations and individuals who have excelled in the label and package printing sector within the past two years.
With just a few weeks to go, some of the industry’s leading manufacturers have announced the new products and technologies they will be unveiling. Here’s a roundup of some of the products not to be missed.
A B Graphic International (ABG)
A B Graphic International (ABG) will be showcasing a range of cutting-edge innovations designed to enhance productivity and efficiency. Key highlights include the NSU Lite, a new addition to ABG’s non-stop winding range. This new system will be demonstrated in-line with ABG’s 4th generation converter platform and the recently launched Vectra AutoSet Turret Rewinder, demonstrating seamless integration and nonstop capabilities.
Additionally, ABG will present its flagship Digicon Series 3, including the ABG Connect workflow system. This system exemplifies ABG’s commitment to automation and streamlined processes, allowing users to experience significant improvements in operational efficiency. A full beverage specification Digicon will also be on display.
Providing a comprehensive overview of ABG’s extensive product range, live demonstrations of several key solutions will be available. These include SRI’s, a DigiLite, DigiLase and Shrink Sleeve solutions, each designed to address specific industry challenges and enhance production capabilities.
Durst
Durst North America is anticipated to showcase a captivating lineup at this year’s Labelexpo Americas 2024. The brand-new hybrid KJet, launched at drupa earlier this year, will be presented alongside the globally recognised Durst Tau RSCi, and Durst’s award-winning Software and Solutions.
Making its American debut, the KJet is an impressive end-to-end solution that combines OMET’s dual servo flexo printing units with Durst’s state-of-the-art RSCi inkjet technology. Modules for finishing and further processing (such as cold foil stamping or die-cutting units) can be integrated into the KJet, offering flexibility and an enormously broad application portfolio. In addition, the configuration of the KJet can be tailored to the specific requirements of each customer.
Returning to Labelexpo Americas is the Durst Tau RSCi. Designed for an industrial level of productivity, this printer offers the highest quality, in the most economical way. Available in printing widths of 330, 420 or 510mm, the printer is a real productivity workhorse with printing speeds up to 100m/min. The printer can be equipped with the double white feature, increasing productivity when printing with white ink at highest opacity to 80m/min.
Durst Software & Solutions will round out the lineup. The software ecosystem ranges from web shops and online graphics editors to comprehensive workflow and analytics solutions, and ERP/MIS systems, all to help improve and simplify business.
Flint Group
Flint Group is gearing up to introduce attendees to the latest advancements in print technology. Products highlighted at the event include Evolution De-inking Primer and Caustic-Resistant Overprint Varnish (OPV), which enhance sustainability in packaging by improving material yield during the PET bottle recycling process. This range is designed to increase the amount of material that can be reclaimed, increasing the feedstock and availability of recycled material.
Narrow web printers will learn about the dual-curing EkoCure ink series, which eases the transition from UV mercury to UV LED curing. This range enables printers to achieve high-performance printing while minimising their environmental impact and includes the EkoCure ANCORA range approved for food contact materials.
Flint Group’s Ultra Clear Dual Cure Coatings will also be highlighted at Labelexpo Americas. With these products, narrow web printers can harness the advantages of UV LED curing to provide the necessary clarity and protection for label and packaging requirements. These unique coatings can cure under both UV LED lamps and UV lamps containing mercury, simplifying LED adoption without increasing complexity.
Anna Niewiadomska, marketing manager narrow web at Flint Group, said with sustainability being a key focus in the label and packaging sector, Labelexpo Americas offers a fantastic opportunity for attendees to explore Flint Group’s solutions that enhance sustainability credentials.
“Our products, such as the EkoCure inks and Ultra Clear Dual Cure Coatings, reduce energy consumption through UV LED curing, while Evolution maximises recycling potential. Flint Group’s offerings are designed with sustainability at the forefront. We encourage anyone interested to contact us and schedule a meeting today. We look forward to welcoming narrow web printers and converters at the Flint Group stand.”
FUJIFLILM
FUJIFILM Integrated Inkjet Solutions is a provider of inkjet equipment and services most commonly used for digital printing. FUJIFILM integrates inkjet directly into label and narrow-web presses as well as other processes. FUJIFILM’s featured label products include:
• The 46kUV Printbar System: FUJIFILM’s UV printbar system for label imprinting. Add variable data, including highquality text and codes, at speeds up to 500 feet per minute (152m/min) at 1200x600 dpi. The single-pass printing system adds variable data printing capability to existing production lines. The 46kUV features the Samba printhead, which leverages the accuracy and precision of Silicon MEMS (Si-MEMS) with the reliability and life of sputtered PZT in an ingenious parallelogram shape to deliver breathtaking image quality. The 46kUV is available in 13-, 17-, and 20-inch print widths.
• The DE1024 Digital Embellishment System: The DE1024 adds gloss or tactile effects to existing analogue or digital print production. It can seamlessly integrate into existing label presses and other narrow-web machines. Communicate the value of products with labels that set the product apart from its rivals.
HP
After achieving great success at drupa this year, HP will be at Labelexpo Americas to showcase some of its latest innovations in label and flexible packaging printing technology and to demonstrate how converters can bring the value of HP Indigo digital print to any job, enabling them to grow faster and diversify into new businesses like flexible packaging and shrink sleeves.
With the widest L&P portfolio of presses and the ‘HP Indigo First and Flexo-second’ mindset, HP Indigo customers can bring on-demand high-quality digital print to any job with broad print versatility regardless of its length. Plus, by assigning each job to the right press, they can increase efficiency, sustainability and improve TCO.
At the show, HP will exhibit the HP Indigo 200K Digital Press with an add-on slitter and the HP Indigo 6K Digital Press. This comprehensive portfolio, along with the HP Indigo V12 Digital Press, offers customers a wide range of options, leading to above market growth of HP Indigo users. HP Indigo digital press fleet is part of an E2E approach including the Digital Pouch Factory, ABG Non-stop Winding and converting. The HP PrintOS software suite helps converters automate the entire production line and produce higher volumes thanks to its complete ecosystem across leading industry players.
The HP Indigo 200K is the only proven digital press for flexible packaging. Fifteen per cent of HP Indigo’s label converters are using the HP Indigo 200K and 25K to diversify their business and tap into digitally printed flexible packaging, the fastest-growing segment in print. Moreover, thanks to the add-on slitter solution, converters can use the HP Indigo 200K for high productivity PS label printing, print, slit on the press, and convert on their narrow web asset.
At the booth, visitors will also be able to see live demonstrations of the best seller and the industry-standard for digital label production, the HP Indigo 6K Digital Press. Plus, adjoining stations such as PrintOS Spot Master, to show how to reach spot colours within minutes and streamline the print process, or automated workflow solutions to demonstrate how Intelligent Automation can address key customer challenges such as labour shortages, waste reduction, mass customisation, and on-demand production.
The booth will also present other solutions such as XR Services, Security and Brand Protection, Sustainability with the CO2 calculator, and an extensive customer application showcase.
Hybrid Software
Hybrid Software will showcase major new products and technologies at Labelexpo Americas 2024. Product highlights are set to include:
• MyCLOUDFLOW SaaS Workflow Solution: a 100 per cent cloud-based solution based on CLOUDFLOW, offering quick access through a secure environment, strong data protection, and immutable backups. It provides easy scalability without local IT support.
• Broadest 3D offering in the industry: Enhanced CLOUDFLOW’s ProofScope tool with a 3D approval system using iC3D technology for visualising labels and embellishments on 3D shapes. Also showcasing Capture3D for precise artwork distortion on shrink sleeves and metal packaging.
• MyPACKZ SaaS PDF Job Editor: A cloud-based prepress application derived from PACKZ software, offering packaging prepress tools in a hosted SaaS model for improved efficiency, quality, and reduced error rates.
• SmartDFE Digital Front End: An awardwinning digital front end for highspeed label and packaging presses, integrating CLOUDFLOW workflow, AI-accelerated RIP, ColorLogic’s color management, and OPC UA connectivity.
• Xitron’s Navigator DFE and Flexo Suite: The award-winning digital front end for high-speed inkjet label applications, and the full-featured flexo workflow featuring SmartFlexo, the hybrid screening technology that combines excellent highlight reproduction with solid ink densities you have to see to believe.
OMET
OMET will present the entire range of label and flexible packaging printing machines at Labelexpo Americas 2024. During the event, a free shuttle will also connect the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center to OMET Americas Inc. Innovation Center, in just a few minutes, with attendees to be offered the opportunity to view live demonstrations on OMET KFlex17”.
Boasting an innovative design and advanced technology, the KFlex, available in 17” and 20” models, introduces a revolutionary approach to flexographic printing platform, making it the most flexible and user-friendly in the industry. The machine features the exclusive SWITCH System, allowing for rapid response to production needs and process optimisation across the entire line. Alongside its advanced performance and exceptional printing quality, the KFlex ensures maximum productivity and versatility to the printers.
During demonstrations at the Innovation Center, the KFlex will be equipped with an in-line RFID antenna insertion system provided by Tamarack, leader in RFID equipment solutions, addressing the growing demand for RFID solutions in the market. Additionally, the machine is equipped with a full UV LED system, reducing energy consumption by more than 60 per cent, promoting environmental sustainability.
At the OMET booth, the XFlex X7 26” printing module for flexible packaging will be displayed. This machine combines the best features of XFlex X6.0 and VaryFlex V2, offering various printing combinations and special effects for high-value end products. XFlex X7 is ideal for flexible packaging and shrink labels, thanks to the advanced XFlex flexo unit technology, motorised printing pressures, and Multivision camera on each printing unit with On-the-Fly registration.
Additionally, at the OMET booth, visitors can also experience the OMET Virtual Tour, a virtual tour through the places where OMET technology is developed: from the new OMET headquarters to the Printing production department, and the permanent showroom Innovation Park.
Screen
Screen will also be present at Labelexpo Americas 2024. Owing to sales success, customer demos and installations, there will be no equipment on the stand but, plenty of print samples and technical information is available. Also, Screen America’s Chicago Inkjet Innovation Centre is 15 minutes’ drive from the Rosemont exhibition centre, at Elk Grove where technologies such as the Truepress JETL350 SAI label press can be seen working.
Local Screen managing director Peter Scott said: “The USA trade show calendar is difficult this year, with Printing United Las Vegas unintentionally rescheduled from October, to be on at the same time, 10-12 September. Labelexpo is a great event but, keeping in mind the hugely successful European drupa show in June where Screen had a major presence, the pressure on manufacturing and installations is real for us globally, hence no equipment is available on the floor of Labelexpo, but can be inspected nearby at our Inkjet Innovation Centre.”
In the USA and Americas, Screen provides inkjet solutions for a variety of label and packaging applications including prime and industrial labels, paper pouches and flexible packages. Screen’s Truepress LABEL 350UV SAI Series is the flagship digital label press and features up to seven ink channels, CMYK plus white, orange and blue inks for an unbeatable vibrant colour gamut. The recent addition of a primer station further expands the number of label substrates that can be printed on the L350SAI.
At Labelexpo Americas, visitors to the Screen booth will also be able to inspect print samples from the new Truepress PAC520P – a 520mm web press designed to reduce reliance on plastic flexible packaging in favour of paper – including barrier papers. Printers serving the food and confectionery industry now have a new source for their paper packaging solutions, that addresses sustainability with a 100 per cent recyclable solution that virtually eliminated plastics and microplastics, reduces energy use and enables efficient, nimble shorter print runs that can be versioned and personalised.
Print samples on the new Screen Truepress PAC830F using water-based inks will also be available. Applications for this 830mm web packaging press include gusset bags, standing pouches and centre-seal packages using film or plastic.
Screen Americas invites all Labelexpo attendees to inspect print samples and engage in a conversation about how Screen can help ‘Create Their Future’ in label and packaging print.
Screen label and packaging solutions are distributed in Australia by Jet Technologies.
