Labelexpo Europe 2013 — biggest ever and refined, say exhibitors

Lisa Milburn, managing director, Labelexpo Global Series said, “This is the biggest show that we have done so far. We had the largest delegation from Japan, India, Brazil etc. Over 600 exhibitors participated in the show this time with one of the largest number of machine launches. It was a conscious effort to move the show too weekdays taking into consideration the feedback we received at the previous edition. We have expanded our visitor base and that has resulted in significant increase in the footfall.”

If you dissect the show this year, three core themes resonated throughout the four days: sustainability, linerless or less liner, and digital inkjet printing.  Broadly substrate manufacturers were focused on PET23 or PP based liner products, while press and converting machine manufacturers towed the line of less wastage and eco-friendly solutions. Two technologies that grabbed interest of the industry were the Core Linerless Solution from Ritrama, ILTI and Prati as well as a new converting machine from ETI Converting.  “We wanted to create a mix of solutions which will offer something for everyone. We also wanted to help label printers who wanted to broaden their in to packaging printing,” said Milburn.

Labelexpo also saw over 50 digital inkjet presses for label market. “The digital classroom and the inkjet trail have been well received. It can be quite daunting for a visitor to see lot of technologies and decide what works for them. So the Inkjet Trail saw leading manufacturers juxtapose their digital presses and provide a comparative analysis for the visitor,” she added.

As we talked to several of the 17 Indian exhibitors present at the show, most of them confirmed a pocketful of orders to be processed.  Abhay Datta of UV Graphics shared that the company has confirmed bookings of over 40 machines at the show. Press manufacturer, Multitec shared that it had several serious discussions which they were confident of selling. Precise Graphics, which showcased its video plate mounter at the show, also confirmed orders for around 10 of its mounters mainly from European customers. “We had not expected the video plate-mounter to be the show stopper for us. With the response we have received here, we will have to put the machine in mass production,” said Sanjeev P Atre of Precise Graphic India.
 

KD Sahni, director – stationary division, Weldon Celloplast, said, “It was the second Labelexpo Europe for Weldon Celloplast. Last year, it took us time to establish and explain our brand propositions to the visitors. However, this year, we could build on the momentum created by us since our debut exhibition. Interestingly, there were many companies who have approached us for ventures and long-standing deals. We are contemplating the offers.”

Corona treatment machine manufacturer, IEEC PBJ, showcased its new series of corona treatment machines with touch screen and remote access options for the customers. Die specialist, Diehard Dies made its debut presence count. Iqbal Bhagat of Diehard informed us that they are in talks with several OEM manufacturers who have approached them. “Overall we have been nearing our 80% production capacity at the units, and therefore, are planning to expand our production facility,” he said.

While exhibitors like Multitech and Precision Graphics shared the credit of the good figures with Rupee devaluation, others like UV Graphics resist from overtly put it as the single biggest reason for the spurt in sales. Overall, the sentiments were that the show was bigger and refined.

The next Labelexpo is Labelexpo Asia which will be held in Shanghai and in 2014 followed by Labelexpo India. Over the last couple of editions, Milburn shares, that Labelexpo India has emerged as one the top four Labelexpo series organised by the group across the world. “The planning and strategising for the show has already begun. We expect to make a big splash in this edition of the show and tap into the growing market base in India,” she concluded.