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Weigang showcases four presses in Shenzhen

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:04:04 +0000

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Labelexpo Americas 2024: Chinese manufacturers

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:51:39 +0000

Labelexpo 16 December 2024

Labelexpo Americas 2024: Chinese manufacturers

There were more Chinese exhibitors at Labelexpo Americas 2024 than ever before. LL China editor Yolanda Wang asks whether their expectations were met

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.

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Yolanda Wang

China editor

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Arojet launches new press at Labelexpo South China 2024

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Labelexpo South China 2024 breaks all records

Akanksha Meena — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 07:36:48 +0000

Labelexpo South China has made a triumphant return to this key industrial region, with exhibitors reporting record machine sales and high numbers of international visitors.

Held at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center between December 4-6, Labelexpo South China 2024 was attended by 16,157 label and packaging converters, an 84 percent increase over the 2020 edition. At 20,000 sqm, Labelexpo South China 2024 was 45 percent bigger than 2020 with over 200 exhibitors.

There was a strong international presence, with visitors from 77 countries representing 16 percent of all show attendees. More international visitors came from India, CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), Turkey, West and North Africa and Brazil.

Record numbers of press sales were reported from the show floor. Weigang reported ten sales of its digital, hybrid and intermittent offset presses; Pulisi 11 sales of its Aobead digital press with integrated digital varnish; Arojet eight digital press sales; Hongshen and Haotian three each. Reborn sold eight digital die cutting machines and Runtianzhi 14 machines – six for label printing and eight for book production.

HP Indigo also reported a successful event, showcasing an exciting ecosystem of technologies based around its 6k digital press.

Labelexpo South China 2024 saw the global launch of exciting new press technologies, including a highly automated hybrid flexo-inkjet press developed jointly by Spande and General Inkjet Printing, and Zonten showing its first digital press, the ZTD-P5235.

The show demonstrated the strength of China’s PS materials industry, with key trends including sustainability and the continued growth of thermal linerless labels for POS and retail applications.

Labelexpo South China 2024 also featured a packed schedule of educational events, including a candid panel discussion between leading label converters from China, Malaysia and India; a forum on Smart labels and RFID; a masterclass on PS label materials; and workshops on anti-counterfeiting and traceability label technology.

Commented Jade Grace, managing director, Labelexpo Global Series: ‘We were delighted to see the packed aisles from the first day of Labelexpo South China 2024. South China is the heart of the country’s label and package print industry and attracts visitors who do not usually travel to our Labelexpo Asia show in Shanghai. In addition, it was wonderful to see the high numbers of international visitors who made the show a truly global as well as regional event.’

Labelexpo Global Series, group director China, Kevin Liu commented: ‘Labelexpo South China has bounced back from the Covid years to become the region’s leading event for the labels industry, at the same time attracting a growing global audience. I can already say that the 2026 event will be even bigger and will include a wider range of package printing technologies.’

Labelexpo South China will return to the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center in December 2026, with the addition of a second hall doubling the available exhibition space. Record numbers of exhibitors have already rebooked for the 2026 edition.

The next Labelexpo Global Series exhibition in China will be Labelexpo Asia 2025, held between 2 – 5 December 2025 at Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre (SNIEC).

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Labelexpo South China 2024 breaks all records

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Four years since the last event, Labelexpo South China returned stronger than ever, attracting a global audience.

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Four years since the last event, Labelexpo South China returned stronger than ever, attracting a global audience.

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Konica Minolta Mechatronics achieves renewable electricity goal

Selah Zighelboim — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 15:40:59 +0000

Konica Minolta Mechatronics, Konica Minolta's production site for digital printing systems in Japan, has achieved its goal of procuring 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. Consequently, all of Konica Minolta Group’s global production sites that manufacture MFPs and digital printing systems (excluding those of toner) have achieved the goal of procuring 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources.

Konica Minolta Mechatronics manufactures digital printing systems, Konica Minolta's main products. It continues to realize 'production DX,' which combines on-site capabilities — based on production technologies and skills refined in the production and assembly of imaging, optics and precision parts — with digital technology, including automation of production lines.

Konica Minolta Mechatronics installed a solar power generation system at its head office in 2021, which provides about 13 percent of the electricity required by the head office plant. The company attained the goal of procuring 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by purchasing and applying non-fossil certificates with tracking at its four sites in total, including the head office plant, in FY2024.

Konica Minolta has been working to reduce CO2 emissions and has steadily produced results. In 2009, Konica Minolta formulated 'Eco Vision 2050,' a long-term environmental vision. In May 2023, it launched a new vision to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions from the product life cycle by 2050, increasing its goal from an 80 percent reduction.

Konica Minolta is also a member of RE100, a global leadership initiative that brings together businesses committed to sourcing 100 percent renewable energy for their operations. Konica Minolta’s net-zero targets were validated by the SBT initiative, an organization that works to achieve the Paris Agreement, in July 2024.

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Konica Minolta Mechatronics achieves renewable electricity goal

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The production site has achieved its goal of procuring 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources.

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The production site has achieved its goal of procuring 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources.

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Esko, Fiery and HanGlobal form strategic partnership

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 21:04:38 +0000

Esko and Fiery partnered with HanGlobal/Hanlabel to deliver a customized Digital Front-End (DFE) for the LabStar series inkjet digital label presses.

This strategic collaboration integrates Esko’s advanced color management expertise, Fiery’s innovative and powerful DFEs and HanGlobal/Hanlabel’s digital label printing technology.

Together, the companies are addressing the evolving needs of label converters with an end-to-end technology that streamlines production workflows, enhances color precision and accelerates time to market.

The partnership’s centerpiece is the optimized compatibility between the LabStar series digital label presses and the combined Esko-Fiery products. This integration is said to empower label converters with superior automation, color accuracy and connectivity, redefining efficiency and performance in digital label printing.

Announcing the collaboration on the first day of Labelexpo South China, Dries Vandenbussche, director of global partner ecosystem development at Esko, said: ‘By combining the strengths of Esko, Fiery, and HanGlobal/Hanlabel, we are delivering unprecedented value to the label printing industry. Our integrated solution enables converters to achieve exceptional results faster and more efficiently than ever before.’

John Henze, vice president of marketing and sales at Fiery, added: ‘Fiery’s industry-leading DFEs deliver exceptional image quality, including precise rendering of any object – from barcodes to fine lines to text. The seamless integration of Esko’s color management technology into our award-winning Fiery Impress DFE enables Hanglory to unlock the full potential of the Labstar series, providing unmatched control, performance, and output integrity.’

Jeak Wu, general manager of Hanglory Asia and HanGlobal, commented: ‘HanGlobal/Hanlabel is excited to partner with industry leaders Esko and Fiery to revolutionize digital label printing. Together, we are equipping businesses with tools to meet the highest standards of precision and efficiency.’

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Esko, Fiery and HanGlobal form strategic partnership

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Partnership, announced at Labelexpo South China, is set to ‘revolutionize digital label printing’.

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Partnership, announced at Labelexpo South China, is set to ‘revolutionize digital label printing’.

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Labelexpo South China 2024 opens tomorrow

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 22:30:29 +0000

Momentum has been building for Labelexpo South China, the only dedicated event in the region for the labels and package printing industry. The show takes place this week, 4-6 December 4-6, 2024, at Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center.

Over 180 exhibitors are taking part in this year’s show, including General Inkjet Printing, Arojet, Jingle Blue, Youhua New Materials, Hengchengxiang, Jinya, Denchern Machinery, HP, 3M, Yutian Machinery, Reborn and King Label.

Day one features a panel discussion presented by leading international label industry experts covering the impact and response to the restructuring of the global label industry supply chain. Topics include the restructuring of the global label industry supply chain, changing consumer habits after the COVID-19 pandemic and the integration of AI technology into the label packaging industry.

The Digital Printing Forum on day one will cover technology trends, label industry market statistics, innovation through digital intelligence and pre-press process automation.

A Label Academy Workshop on Label Materials Technology, focusing on the construction of self-adhesive laminates, is also taking place. The Workshop will examine face and liner materials, silicone coating technology and designing adhesives for different end-use applications.

Day two features a one-day training session on RAIN RFID encoding hosted by the RAIN Alliance. Forums focusing on RFID smart label technology and anti-counterfeiting and traceability technology are also featured on day two.

On day three, a hands-on social media forum will cover creating a short promotional video, algorithm analysis, traffic acquisition and using AI for label design.

A Smart Label Trail will also be featured at the show, allowing visitors to discover first-hand what is new in the field of RFID technology. A range of suppliers will exhibit products, technologies and services related to the entire RFID label manufacturing and usage process.

Managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, Jade Grace, said: ‘RFID, digital and AI technology are making inroads in the Chinese label and package printing market. We look forward to highlighting these technologies amongst other fast-growing industry trends at the show this week.’

Kevin Liu, group director in China for Labelexpo Global Series, commented: ‘Labelexpo South China 2024 promises to be a show filled with educational content that will inspire and develop the skills of converters of all sizes in industry areas that are shaping the future of the label and package printing industry. I encourage all to participate in these valuable sessions.’

To register, visit: https://www.labelexpo-southchina.com/

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Labelexpo South China 2024 opens tomorrow

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The latest trends in RFID, label materials, digital technology, AI technology and social media promotion are to be demonstrated at the show.

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The latest trends in RFID, label materials, digital technology, AI technology and social media promotion are to be demonstrated at the show.

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Asia-Pacific

Weigang showcases four presses in Shenzhen

Labelexpo Americas 2024: Chinese manufacturers

Printing technology

Finishing technology

Materials

Chinese buyers visit Labelexpo Americas

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