Labelexpo India is back after four years. While the Covid-19 pandemic forced the 2020 edition to be deferred, what were your thoughts in 2020?
At the time, we were expecting Labelexpo India 2020 to be a bigger success than the previous edition, which took place in 2018. This was our biggest show ever in terms of exhibitors, technology showcase and visitors. However, as we all know, we decided to postpone the show considering the severe impact of Covid-19 in India. Since the label industry was among the essential industries, we were sure that the industry would grow despite the pandemic. The industry has indeed emerged stronger and more resilient than ever.
 
To be honest, the response for Labelexpo India 2022 has been phenomenal, especially after the beginning of FY 2022-2023. We are amazed to see how excited the industry is about this year’s show. Apart from our regular exhibitors, we are seeing a growing interest from new exhibitors who specialise in flexo and digital printing technologies and will be displaying new developments.
 
As Labelexpo India is taking place after four years, this year’s edition is set to be a much bigger show as more than 250 exhibitors have confirmed their participation. The highly anticipated show will be taking place from 10 to 13 November, 2022 at India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR. The show is also seeing unprecedented number of visitor registrations.
 
What would be the key focus areas during this year’s Labelexpo India? 
This year’s show will feature the changes and trends that the industry observed over the last four years. These include the rise in e-commerce, emergence of start-ups, the developments in food packaging and labeling during the pandemic and commercial printers diversifying into packaging as a result of the multiple lockdowns.
 
These trends will be reflected in this year’s exhibition. You will see new visitors from the commercial printing segment who have already diversified their product offerings, especially in labeling and packaging and would be looking forward to exploring new technologies. This year’s show will feature a strong emphasis on developments in digital printing, including a Digital Embellishment Trail.  
 
What is your assessment of the situation in the label industry in India?
The label industry in India has been consistently growing despite Covid. The pandemic boosted the industry further since it was among the essential service providers. India saw an emergence of new start-up businesses that are demanding high-quality short run labels and packaging which is a new opportunity for label converters. This year’s show will feature several printing and finishing technologies to service these new brands with short run jobs.
 
At Labelexpo Europe in 2019, we saw the launch of ‘Flexible Packaging Arena’ as one of the two new features unveiled at the show. What are we seeing this time around at the Labelexpo India show?
 
Digital Embellishment Trail has been confirmed for Labelexpo India 2022. The trail will highlight the digital embellishment technologies present at the show. This will enable attendees to explore the full range of digital decoration options, both stand-alone and inline, with live demonstrations, sample packs and experts on site. Suppliers like Monotech and Vinsak will demonstrate digital printing and finishing options to produce short run highly embellished labels and packaging. 
 
The last edition of the exhibition saw a good number of launches of new technologies in India. What should the visitors expect this time around and know for this year’s edition? 
Labelexpo India focuses solely on the lucrative label and package printing sector. It brings the leading international suppliers to India and champions cutting-edge printing techniques. As mentioned earlier, Labelexpo India 2022 will focus on the latest technology updates. In this year’s show, visitors will see several new product launches in digital, flexo, finishing, embellishment and more. In particular, the show will feature new product launches in digital technology. The demand for short-run jobs has increased which is leading to new technologies being developed around it.
 
This is an opportunity for label print businesses to take advantage of interacting with leading technology manufacturers and see their latest products under one roof. As the leading label and flexible packaging show in South Asia, Labelexpo India 2022 is the place for the label industry to network and grow. Companies who have confirmed their presence include HP Indigo, TechNova, Monotech, FujiFilm Sericol, Erhardt+Leimer, RK Label Printing Machinery, Miraclon, Domino, Vinsak, SMI, UV Graphics, Maxcess, BST, Pulisi and Multitec.
 
What does the visitor profile for this year's event look like?  
These are very interesting times for the label and packaging industry due to the fact that the market saw numerous changes over the last four years. This year’s event will be visited by printers/converters of labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons, brand owners, label and packaging designers and industry suppliers and manufacturers. We will also be getting visitors from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.
 
This year will also see new visitors from the commercial printing segment due to the diversification to labels and packaging during the pandemic.