Labelexpo Americas 2024: Chinese manufacturers

In the past, ‘Made in China’ was the equivalent to ‘low price, poor quality and less innovation’.  But after ten years of development, Chinese brands are now being recognized by more and more international clients. This phenomenon also exists in the label printing industry.

During the 18th edition of Labelexpo Americas, 92 Chinese exhibitors took part and showcased their latest products at this, the largest dedicated trade show for the Americas label and packaging industry.

Printing technology

At Labelexpo Americas 2024, digital was a key trend.

Runtinazhi launched its Flora J-350 P8 HD UV inkjet label press, printing at 1,200x1,200 DPI resolution at speeds up to 100m/min (328ft/min).

‘The machine on our stand is a hybrid configured especially for the America market,’ said Sunny Yu, vice-general manager of Flora. This is the second time Runtinazhi has taken part in Americas show, the first being pre-Covid.

The results of the show have been beyond our expectations,’ said Yu. ‘But printers want to have local service. So we were also looking to contact distributors to provide after-sale service for our press.’ 

"After 10 years of development, Chinese brands are now being recognized by more and more international clients. This phenomenon also exists in the label printing industry"

GIP, exhibiting for the first time at this show, debuted its Label Modular 330HD with 1,200 x 1,200 DPI printhead and up to 9-color channels with a printing speed of 70m/min. 

‘GIP is a new face in the label digital press area,’ said Jason Ge, deputy general manager.  ‘We launched our digital press in 2023 and now have over 50 installations in China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Italy, South Africa, Brazil, Russia, Vietnam, Singapore and Canada. America is an important region with big potential. During this show, we did gain many leads and we have booked the next Americas show.’

Pulisi showed its 520mm-wide Aobead DPIM-330F hybrid press for the first time in the US. Modules include pre-digital flexo printing, flexo cold stamping, digital cold foil or digital varnish, slitting, laminating and defect quality management.

Olive Liu, general manager of Pulisi, shared that, ‘There are 200 Aobead presses installed now, of which 40 are overseas. The press on our stand was sold to a Mexican converter and we received four other orders at the show.’

For conventional presses, Hontec showcased its FlexiCon modular, servo-driven press, 350mm wide and printing at speeds up to 150m/min. Features included cold foil, delam/relam, lamination, glue killing, double-side printing and more.

Hontec is a loyal follower of Labelexpo Global Series. The company launched its first flexo press at Labelexpo Europe 2023. During this show, Hontec also promoted its LS-350 laser diecutter, operating in-line with a flexo unit for cold foil, register printing, lamination and a semi-rotary die-cutter for longer runs.

Other press suppliers like Weigang, Zonten, Bengraphic and Jingle, also promoted their flexo presses.

In addition to flexo printing equipment, Wanjie showed its intermittent offset technology, which has been very successful in countries like Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Latin America.

Finishing technology

AKO showcased its Alpha series finishing line, with two flexo units, rotary die-cutting unit and non-stop turret rewinding. The machine operates at speeds up to 120m/min. 

‘The machine is modular in design and can be equipped with an automatic packaging module, going from printed material to finished product, all in one line,’ said Arrie Han, sales manager of AKO.

Brotech, a loyal follower of Labelexpo Global Series, showcased its SDF Plus 370 finishing system, which features a new modular platform-based design and can switch workflow direction according to the application. Brotech also launched a varnish embellishment module powered by five Xaar 2002 printheads enabling high-build tactile effects (over 100 microns) and digital cold foiling.

Ramon Lee, general manager of Brotech, shared that the company took ten orders during the show. ‘We are looking forward to the next Labelexpo in Barcelona.’

Rhyguan introduced its Top-Plus series label converting and finishing machine, which adds spot varnish and semi-rotary die-cutting to digitally printed labels. Rhyguan recently acquired the SMAG group and works with distributors in Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. Half its machines are exported. 

First time exhibitor Iecho, showed its 350mm-wide LCT350 laser die-cutting machine. 

Finishing machine supplier Daba is also a new face to Labelexpo Americas. The company showed its automatic 4-spindle turret rewinder, die-cutting and slitting machines. Alex Xu, general manager of Daba, said ‘80-90 percent of our business comes from outside China. We received many leads during this show.’

"This is our fourth time taking part in this show. The Americas market is very important for us. Of our overseas sales, one-third are in the US"

Darui launched its K1 Toner label printer, with 1200x1200 DPI resolution and S5 modular digital die-cutting line. The company was also looking for agents. ‘This is our first time attending the Americas show and we are very optimistic about the potential of this area,’ said Alice Yang, general manager for overseas sales at Darui. 

Golden Laser showed its LC-230/350 laser die cutting system, which can process a wide range of materials including PP, BOPP, synthetic paper, PET and coated paper.  ‘It’s our second time taking part in this show. Half our business now comes from overseas,’ said Rita Hu, Americas sales manager of Golden Laser.

Hoaco showed its RFID label processing system, which integrates die cutting, laminating, waste removal, CCD registration, and inspection into a single, streamlined process. 

Materials

Among the Chinese exhibitors at Labelexpo Americas, material suppliers accounted for the largest proportion.

Fangda promoted its range of adhesives, functional coatings and self-adhesive laminates.

‘This is our fourth time taking part in this show,’ said Richard Wang, overseas sales manager of Fangda. ‘The Americas market is very important for us. Of our overseas sales, one third are in the US.’ Fangda has a joint venture company in Canada. 

Another loyal follower of Labelexpo, Jinda, is focused on materials with FSC and GRS certifications, including recyclable, biodegradable and compostable materials.

‘Every two years, we meet here in Chicago with old and new clients,’ said Leo Deng, market director of Jinda. ‘After Covid-19, we clearly feel the change in this market. It’s a challenge for us but with good opportunities at the same time,’ 

Dawnsens is a specialist materials supplier. They showed their flash-spun nonwoven materials - 100% high density polyethylene (HDFE), which is used in printed labels, wristband and sport bib numbering.

‘We started to follow Labelexpo from Europe 2023, then the Asia show, then this Americas show. Every time, the effect is fantastic,’ said Bill Lian, sales manager of Dangs. 

Yuehele showed a variety of label materials including linerless thermal paper, coated paper, PP, PE, PET and PVC. 

Jinwanzheng showed a range of products including prime labels, blood bag labels, and washable/removable labels.

‘During the past three days, we received hundreds of leads. The results were beyond our expectations,’ Sebastian Li, general manager of Jinwanzheng told L&L.

Ink supplier Super Color promoted its UV flexo inks, including products for self-adhesive labels, shrink sleeves and tubes, low-migration inks, low-halogen inks and lightfast inks. Andy Liu, overseas sales manager, shared,‘it’s our first time to attend Labelexpo Americas. We already have clients in Europe, Southeast Asia, Canada and Mexico and we want to explore the Americas market as part of our development plan. We have booked a bigger booth in the next Americas show in 2026.’

Another Chinese ink supplier is BIC. ‘We are exploring overseas business with Labelexpo and now 20 percent of our business is exports,’ shared Nancy Zhang, general manager of BIC.

Yozho is a silicone supplier with a 20-year history. ‘Our customers are going out to explore business all over the world, and we want to keep up with them,’ said Angela Wang, overseas sales manager of Yozho. There first overseas’ step was taking part in Labelexpo Europe last year.

Nexqo, founded in 2010, provides one-stop RFID and NFC solutions for applications in the hospitality, warehouse management, transportation and retail sectors. 

Tysin is a specially RFID/NFC label and tag supplier, with 50 percent of its business overseas.

While feedback from the show was good, Chinese exhibitors said they are worried about the possible impact of a trade war, as well as delivery problems. Seeking an agent to provide after sales service or establish a distribution center was a key part of their future plans.

Chinese buyers visit Labelexpo Americas

The Chinese Packaging Federation (CPF) organized a group of over 30 buyers from China to visit the 18th edition of Labelexpo Americas. The group focused on digital and flexo printing technologies and RFID and flexible packaging features at the show.

Xu Wencai, chairman of CPF, said: ‘More and more Chinese businesses have a strong interest in the American market, not only the industry suppliers, but also label converters.’

David Dai, general manager of Super Labeling, a Chinese label converter, added: ‘This is my second visit to this show. I came here for the first time six years ago before the pandemic. This exhibition features some key trends like RFID, flexible packaging and automation, which are the potential growth points for the industry.’

First time visitor Che Hongxia of Beijing Chaohong, commented: ‘I’m interested in flexo printing technology. I know that in the American market, flexo has a very high market share, which is completely different than in China. I want to learn why flexo printing technology is so popular here and what are the differences in customer requirements. During this visit, I’m deeply impressed by the high efficiency and automation of flexo presses, especially Mark Andy technology.’

This delegation also visited two local flexible packaging converters before arriving at the show, and they showed a strong interest in automation and cost control of local enterprises.