BARCELONA — Labelexpo Europe 2025, held for the first time in its 45-year history in Spain, recorded record attendance.

Statistics revealed it was the largest Labelexpo event to date, with over 43,000 net sqm /462,848 sq ft of exhibitor space. The event also broke attendance records, attracting some 37,000 attendees. Key metrics pointed to an increase of 18 percent in top decision makers, 49 percent increase on 2023 in South American visitors and 28 percent increase in North American visitors. Spain dominated the list of top visiting countries alongside Italy, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. 

Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director at Labelexpo Global Series, said: “We witnessed an industry embracing automation, sustainability, and the beginnings of AI integration. All signals of a vibrant sector that continues to evolve and innovate.”

For flexo, digital and hybrid press technologies, the key themes converged around automation, cloud network integration and the first developments in AI-driven machine and user interfaces. Several of the digital launches are set to facilitate converters’ entry to digital and enable suppliers to scale with them. 

James Steptoe, technical director at Troika Systems Ltd, commented: “My overall impression of Labelexpo Europe was that it was incredibly dynamic and future focused. The scale of innovation on display – from automation and digital printing to sustainability solutions – highlighted how quickly the packaging industry is evolving. Seeing the latest technology and recognizing how companies are rethinking workflows, efficiency, and environmental responsibility was eye-opening. Moving forward, staying adaptable to change is going to be critical as we navigate newer technologies and methods.” 

In recent months, Labelexpo Global Series announced a major rebrand across the event portfolio, transitioning into the new brand, LOUPE, in 2026, starting with the Americas show in September.  

Jade Grace, managing director Labelexpo Global Series, concluded: “The decision to change the name of the show comes after two years of consideration and consultation with trusted partners, industry associations and key clients. Over the last decade, we have seen in-line and digital flexible packaging become an integral part of Labelexpo shows. Now we see the same trends happening in the folding cartons market with in-line, digital and hybrid set to disrupt this key package printing sector. Labels remain at the very core of the LOUPE portfolio, and we look forward to supporting the continued evolution of the industry.” 

The next Europe show will return to Barcelona, Oct. 5 – 8 2027 as LOUPE Europe