What to expect at Labelexpo 2024: Innovations and sustainability driving the label and packaging industry

The label market in India has grown in recent years because of the increasing demand for labels across various products. The label printing industry in India is valued at USD 2.3-billion and is expected to increase to USD 3.6-billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The per capita consumption of labels in India has grown from 0.25-square metres (sqm) in 2008 to one-sqm in 2023.

The sectors driving growth in labels are food and beverages (55%), cosmetics and personal care (17%), home care (15%), eCommerce (10%), and chemicals (3%).

A key trend at this year’s event is eco-friendly solutions. Avery Dennison and Addon FilmTech are working to reduce waste and enhance recyclability. PET-based shrink films, which offer full coverage and design options, are becoming more popular due to their compatibility with recycling processes. Other featured products include post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, non-toxic adhesives, and paper-based labels, designed to meet the demand for environmentally friendly packaging without compromising performance. These materials allow brands to maintain product quality while lowering their ecological impact, responding to a market increasingly concerned with sustainability.

Label production comprises pressure-sensitive labels (70%), shrink and stretch sleeve labels (12%), wet glue labels (10%), and in-mould labels (8%) and is manufactured by around 700 label converters that run one or more six- to eight-station flexo presses. There are about 1,800 flexo presses, 40 of which were installed in 2023. Similarly, there are 77 digital presses, 37 of which were installed in 2023, and one hybrid press (Gallus Labelfire) installed in 2023.

Flexographic and digital printing technologies will play an important role, demonstrating how they are evolving to meet the needs for high-quality, custom labels.

As can be seen from the installation numbers, flexo printing has traditionally been preferred for high-volume runs but is now being improved with dual servo motors, as seen in Multitec's mid-web S2 press, along with innovative anilox systems from Acme Rolltech and Apex. These changes provide greater speed and efficiency with minimal waste, suitable for both labels and flexible packaging. In contrast, digital printing is expanding rapidly, driven by the demand for short runs and customisation. Exhibitors such as Durst, HP, Konica Minolta, and Arrow Digital are showcasing presses capable of producing detailed images, colour gradients, and even white ink on dark or transparent materials.

Hybrid digital presses are becoming more popular by combining digital and flexo capabilities, allowing converters to include custom designs and speciality finishes in a single process. India saw its first hybrid press installed at Letra Graphix in Ahmedabad last year.

Additionally, automation is a significant theme this year. AI and software solutions are becoming more central to production, offering tools for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and quality control. Innovations from companies like Apex’s GTT engraving technology, Flexibiz ERP, and Maxcess India Automation highlight how AI-driven tools and IoT-enabled monitoring can optimise operations, identify potential issues, reduce downtime, and ensure consistent quality.

These developments reflect a broader industry shift towards automation and precision, enabling converters to meet market demands efficiently and sustainably.

Labelexpo visitors can look forward to live demonstrations of advanced flexo and digital printing presses, including dual servo-driven systems like the Multitec S2, which meet both traditional and emerging market needs for efficient, low-waste production. 

From new adhesives to tracking systems, Labelexpo India 2024 promises to be a centre for innovation, offering converters the tools to handle sustainability and customisation demands in a changing market.