Labelexpo Asia 2017 closes with record visitors

Held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Labelexpo Asia 2017 attracted 20,084 buyers.

Expanding its feature content and show footprint, Labelexpo Asia 2017 featured 300 exhibiting companies, including 80 first time exhibitors. The event was used to launch and present flexo and digital presses, with at least 54 working machines demonstrated live on the show floor. For example, the HP Indigo WS6800, Xeikon 3500, Domino N610i and Durst Tau 330E, shown by Fuji Xerox, were presented as part of the Digital Trail feature area at the show.

Other significant machinery presentations included the M5 Excellence in-line UV flexo press from Bobst and Zhejiang Weigang Machinery’s ZJR-330/450 flexo printer and ZX-320/450 intermittent label offset press. Label Source exhibited the YTP-260R6C+1 full rotary letterpress printing machine, while Codimag and IST showed a UV LED semi-rotary offset press. Brotech presented its SDF 520 multi-functional finishing system for digitally printing labels and packaging while Luster Light launched new proofing equipment at the show.

Continuing the demand since the last show in 2015 for more sustainable products and services, UPM Raflatac promoted its RafCycle recycling system and Hangzhou Changli became its first Chinese partner. Avery Dennison displayed its updated products and new technology including cold chain logistics, removable labels, hose packing, as well as promoting green developments for the industry.

In addition to the Digital Trail, Labelexpo Asia hosted its first Smart Zone to highlight new technologies and applications for improving customer appeal and tackling counterfeiting. DPS Innovations, Shanghai Jion Point Information Technology, ST, Thinkgo Technology, Visualnet and Voyanic showcased a range of new active and intelligent label and packaging applications such RFID/NFC labels, nano materials and specialist inks.

James Samuel, events portfolio director, Labelexpo Global Series, commented: ‘It is amazing to see Labelexpo Asia grow in size and stature year-on-year. Strong quality content is always key to a show’s success and our conference program run in partnership with PEIAC and dedicated focus on digital and smart technologies has kept the show fresh and relevant.

‘Asia has the biggest demand for labels by volume and with 42 digital suppliers at this year’s show, it really highlights just how much the market is shifting towards short runs. Again, as we saw at Labelexpo Europe earlier in the year, the other big areas of interest for Chinese printers coming out of this edition, have been automation and digital finishing. This market is fast developing and we look forward to returning in 2019.’

The success of Labelexpo Asia 2017 follows a similar outcome from this year’s Labelexpo Europe 2017. Next year sees the introduction of a number of events to the Labelexpo Global Series portfolio, including the inaugural Gulf Print & Pack Summit in Dubai and Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2018, taking place May 10-12 in Bangkok.

Find out about more industry events in the L&L Events diary