Labelexpo Europe postponed to 2023

The organizing team said it made the decision to move the event dates in light of the significant supply chain pressures the European label industry is currently experiencing, coupled with the fast-evolving situation in Ukraine.

'The decision comes on the back of close consultation with exhibitors, associations and the wider industry, with many directly impacted by the shortage of components and materials,' the company said in a statement. 'These shortages, triggered by the pandemic, have been escalating over recent months with long lead times now disrupting the supply chain in Europe. With the event set to take place in just under two months’ time the lack of forward visibility led the event team to reschedule in the best interests of the label industry.'

Lisa Milburn, Labelexpo managing director, explained: ‘Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge the support we have had from the industry with many committing to Labelexpo Europe in spite of the issues many of them are currently dealing with, we know the decision to reschedule the show will be as disappointing for them as it is for us. This has been a very difficult decision for us to make, we have been working tirelessly to overcome the supply chain issues and produce the show the industry needs, especially in light of the challenges of the past two years. Unfortunately these issues have proven to be insurmountable at this stage so we feel that rescheduling is the responsible decision to make.’ 

Jules Lejeune, managing director of Finat, commented: ‘Finat fully understands and supports the decision that has been taken. Given the existing shortages of chips and components, the current shortages of paper and other consumables to produce labels, and now the major geopolitical uncertainties caused by the situation in Ukraine, there are simply too many hurdles to overcome. Finat remains a proud supporter of the world’s leading trade exhibition for the label and package printing industry. We admire our longstanding partner Labelexpo for taking this extremely difficult decision, and for putting the interests of the industry first.’

Given the rescheduling of Labelexpo Europe, the next major global event for the package printing industry will be Labelexpo Americas which will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago, 13-15 September 2022. 

Other upcoming Labelexpo events this year include Labelexpo Asia (28 June-1 July), Labelexpo India (10-13 November) and Labelexpo South China (7-9 December).