Labelexpo Europe 2025: Industry experts highlight digitalization, sustainability and regulation as key trends

Ahead of Labelexpo Europe 2025, in Barcelona, Spain (September 16–19), we speak to five labeling and printing companies that will be exhibiting at the trade show about key labeling innovations, sustainability strategies, and regulatory challenges shaping the industry.

The representatives of Flint Group, Fujifilm, Herma, Hubergroup Print Solutions, and UPM Adhesive Materials tell Packaging Insights about their solutions for recyclability, LED curing, digital printing, and resource efficiency.

“In the past few years, a steady theme that has gathered pace is to design packaging that is recyclable and ensures the highest possible recycling outcomes in terms of quality,” tells us Ashley Drew, manager of Sustainability for EMEIA at UPM Adhesive Materials.

“By developing labels that help promote recyclability of the container, we are helping high-value materials to stay in circulation for as long as possible.” 

Other trending topics she points to are regulations such as the EU’s Deforestation Regulation and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

“UPM Adhesive Materials offers label materials for specific end-uses, including FMCG, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and industrials, that will be presented at Labelexpo. Visitors to the stand will learn how the company supports circularity, decarbonization, and digitalization.”

Herma’s InNo-Liner solution for shipping labels without backing material (Image credit: Herma).Milos Kojic, head of B2B Marketing at Herma, says that the PPWR is pushing companies to optimize recycling and resource use. He also notices a strong demand for “premium finishes and tactile effects” in wine and spirits labeling.

“At Labelexpo, we are showcasing several innovations in self-adhesive materials. These include the new InNo-Liner solution we developed for shipping labels without backing material.”

Herma will also present an expanded range of exquisite papers and films for wine and spirit labels, certified wash-off materials for both PET and high-density PE packaging, and its new lightweight PP flex films. “Most of our innovations are designed to combine efficiency with sustainability.”

LED curing for printing 

A spokesperson for Hubergroup Print Solutions, highlights UV flexo printing as a key development to look out for at Labelexpo.

“A combination of new regulations, shifting sustainability expectations, and evolving curing technologies is reshaping the industry. At Hubergroup, we have placed these developments at the center of our ink innovation strategy, particularly through our iray product portfolio.”

Hubergroup’s iray MGA LED ink series is optimized for food packaging and LED curing (Image credit: Hubergroup).The company spokesperson explains that the packaging industry is increasingly turning to LED curing as a more consistent and environmentally friendly alternative to mercury lamps. For this reason, Hubergroup has developed a new generation of its iray MGA LED ink series, optimized for food packaging and LED curing.

“The series is intended to meet both the upcoming regulatory requirements and the growing demand for safe, high-performance ink systems.”

According to the company, its iray solutions are easy-to-handle, sustainable products, and offer “a comprehensive service concept.” The packaging expert says  the solution supports customers with the implantation of its ink systems, as well as with challenges such as switching to another curing technology, process efficiency, and reducing CO2 emissions and waste volumes. 

Migration and sustainability 

Flint Group’s spokesperson says the company’s solutions at Labelexpo are specifically designed to address “the most pressing trends” in the packaging and labeling industry.

Flint Group’s Flexocure Leap can help brands navigate regulatory changes for food packs (Image credit: Flint Group).“With migration risks in sensitive packaging and label applications and food safety regulations more stringent than ever, demand is rising for innovative technologies like Flexocure Leap. This product is engineered to simplify migration compliance for converters and brands, ensuring packaging preserves food safety and brand integrity.”

Environmental sustainability also remains at the forefront of market priorities. “Solutions such as EkoCure and Evolution, and the new VIVO ColourMatch module enable printers and converters to meet increasing expectations for responsible resource use, label recyclability, and sustainable production,” adds the spokesperson.

“EkoCure’s support for energy-efficient curing, Evolution’s impact on bottle and sleeve recyclability, and VIVO ColourMatch’s enhancement of color consistency, reuse of press return inks, and press efficiency, all respond directly to the industry’s push for improved efficiency, reduced waste, and lower environmental footprint.”

Fling Groups says it helps the industry navigate regulatory complexity and market expectations for sustainable performance.

Fujifilm will present its water-wash flexo plates (Image credit: Fujifilm).Digital, customizable solutions 

Fujifilm will be presenting a range of packaging solutions at Labelexpo Europe this year, spanning analogue and digital technologies. A company spokesperson tells us that sustainability is one of the biggest trends the company is targeting.

“Our water-wash flexo plates, LED UV ink systems, and low-energy, high-performance toner technologies are among the innovations we’re presenting at Labelexpo that combine high-quality performance with a strong focus on environmental responsibility.”

In the analogue zone, visitors can see Fujifilm’s developments in flexo plate production with a new range of Flenex water-wash plates, along with the next generation LuXtreme LED UV system and CuremaX inks and varnishes, both designed to deliver “sustainable, energy-efficient” production.

Converters are under growing pressure to deliver shorter runs, faster turnaround times, and greater levels of personalization, the spokesperson adds. “Our digital solutions, from the Revoria presses and Jet Press FP790, to the Jet Press 750S and imprinting solutions, give printers the flexibility to adapt quickly, produce customised work cost-effectively, and ultimately say yes to more jobs.”

UPM Adhesive Materials will present labels promoting container recyclability (Image credit: UPM Adhesive Materials).In the digital zone, the company will showcase the expanded capabilities of the Jet Press FP790 and its water-based inkjet press for flexible packaging that offers an alternative to flexo.

The Jet Press 750S B2 inkjet press is increasingly relevant for folding carton applications, according to the company spokesperson.

“We will also showcase our new 5Uper Colour press, the recently launched Revoria SC285S, which offers five-color printing in a single pass with exceptional quality and flexibility. Our imprinting solutions will also be on display, demonstrating their adaptability across various packaging applications.”

“At Labelexpo, we’re demonstrating that, with analogue, digital, and sustainable technologies, Fujifilm offers a solution for every packaging printer. More than just a supplier, Fujifilm is a long-term partner for packaging converters, helping them to meet today’s demands and prepare for the future.”