ROSEMONT, IL–Labelexpo Global Series will rebrand to LOUPE. The first show under the new nomenclature will be LOUPE Americas 2026, set for Sept. 15-17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

LOUPE draws its name from a loupe magnifier, regarded as an indispensable tool in printing shops across the globe. Embedded into the brand, the LOUPE acronym stands for “Labels & Outer Packaging Embellishment,” reflecting the expanded scope of the show while maintaining the core focus on labels. 

“Labelexpo has transformed from a narrow web, pressure-sensitive-focused show to take in new label formats, then flexible packaging and now folding cartons, all driven by the entrepreneurship, agility and service mentality of label converters,” noted Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director, Informa, the show organizer.

“Just as today’s label converters are diversifying and bringing multiple technologies together under one roof, LOUPE mirrors that same spirit, uniting the full spectrum of package printing in one place to inspire innovation, efficiency, and growth for the entire industry.’’

Show management justified the move and cited its driving forces as follows:

• Industry Convergence: The package printing industry is converging around a set of core technologies—digital, digital hybrid, and in-line production—driven by automation, cloud connectivity, and sustainability 
• Market Consolidation: The industry is undergoing rapid consolidation and transformation, creating “one-stop” package printing operations that encompass the full range of packaging formats
• Disruptive Technology: Label converters have already diversified into flexible packaging and are identifying new opportunities in folding cartons. 
  
  Labelexpo, launched in 1980 with the inaugural Labelex 80 in London featuring 44 label industry suppliers. Since then, the portfolio has expanded across the globe. In the past two years, the combined Labelexpo portfolio of events welcomed more than 125,755 visitors and occupied 140,919 sq meters/1,516,840 sq ft.
  
  Jade Grace, the event’s managing director, explained, “While labels continue to be our focus, this evolution recognizes the broader impact and influence of label technologies across the entire value chain. LOUPE will continue to drive the transformation of the labels and outer packaging embellishment industry across all packaging formats. Today, we celebrate a new era.”