New industry trends highlighted at Labelexpo Americas 2024

Labelexpo Global Series has announced new areas highlighting industry topics and trends at Labelexpo Americas 2024, the Americas’ largest label and package printing technology trade show. The show will take place from September 10 to 12 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

The FlexPack @ Labelexpo will feature a focused area for flexible packaging and shrink sleeves, allowing attendees entering this high-value market to see the latest equipment and materials from leading industry suppliers in the flex pack sector.

The new FlexPack @ Labelexpo will highlight key technologies for label converters interested in diversifying into flexible packaging production and traditional wide-web flexible packaging converters wishing to amplify their operations.

Companies confirmed as participating in FlexPack @ Labelexpo include Karlville, Gonderflex, S-One LP, ABG, Mamata, Protect-All, Novaflex, Bonset American Corporation, Sanzip re-closable zipper and Nobelus. In addition, three times a day, attendees will have the chance to attend a short introduction to flexible packaging, presented by HP.

A flexible packaging master class, which will take place on September 10, will guide how label converters can enter or expand into this lucrative market.

Also featured is an RFID experience (radio frequency identification). Attendees will get the opportunity to learn more about the growth of RFID, see live demonstrations of how smart labels are produced, and understand how data is stored, tracked and managed.

The RFID in labels and package printing workshop, which will also take place on September 12, aims to provide the necessary technical knowledge for label and other converters looking to enter the arena of RFID and smart labeling.

Exhibitors will also present new technologies in a 20-minute presentation at the Innovation Stage.

TLMI, the sponsoring partner for Labelexpo Americas 2024, will host an Eco Stage on the first two days of the show, presenting the latest developments in sustainability. The Eco Stage is designed to support a better performing, more environmentally conscious label and package printing industry. Sessions include topics such as tackling the big myths surrounding sustainable packaging, what converters should be concerned about and the key takeaway actions.

Also taking place is a converter leadership lunch on September 10, featuring a wide-ranging panel discussion including Elizabeth Yerecic, executive vice president of sales and sustainability and co-owner of Yerecic Label; Bruce Hanson, CEO of AWT Labels & Packaging; Guido Iannone, chief sales officer and president for Mexico, South Africa and China at All4Labels and Craig Curran, president of Nosco. They will address key industry trends, including sustainability, automation and workforce development.

A breakfast networking session will take place on September 11. The keynote speaker, Katie King, CEO of AI in Business, will discuss how AI and automation are transforming the label and packaging industry. 

On the first evening of Labelexpo Americas 2024, the Opening Night Party will feature the Label Industry Global Awards recognizing key achievements and celebrating excellence in the label and package printing sector.

Tasha Ventimiglia, group director at Labelexpo Americas, said: ‘Flexible Packaging, sustainability, RFID, AI and automation are all key topics that are trending in the label and package printing industry right now, so it made sense to capitalize on these trends at this year’s Labelexpo Americas. FlexPack @ Labelexpo, for instance, will allow attendees to see short-run, added-value flexible packaging, including all the ancillary equipment, thermal lamination, pouching equipment, materials, and coatings required to enter this demanding market. We look forward to showcasing these fast-growing areas of the industry to all attendees.’