For those who joined the Indian packaging and label industry after the COVID-19 pandemic, this was their second edition to Labelexpo India. Many experts have acknowledged the rapidly growing maturity of the Indian flexo label press manufacturers. Their influence and visibility have become significant in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America in the past four years.
Multitec’s film packaging printed on double servo mid-web S2 670 mm 9-color press. Photo PSALabelexpo India, among the most focussed and vibrant shows for the Indian packaging and labeling industry, is estimated to have been attended by around 13,000 visitors in four days. It was organized again by Informa Markets which acquired Tarsus a couple of years ago, in collaboration with the LMAI at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR between 14-17 November 2024.
Sustainability, again, emerged as a key consideration as everyone we talked to chanted the mantra. However, this time the tone seemed more serious and more pieces of this puzzle are coming into place. A key detail is how the OEMs phrased it in contrast to the previous edition in 2022, going from, “We want our solutions to be more sustainable,” to “Most of our solutions are sustainable.” Reduced use of multi-layered plastics (MLPs), utilization of more sustainable inks and substrates, and working with innovative and premium alternatives, were the talk of the show.
Technological advancements were a highlight with elevated speeds of flexo presses with automated processes, AI configuration, security printing, faster curing, quicker turnaround time, and maximum output in a single pass. Digital technologies garnered the maximum attention with the growing demand for short and medium-run jobs. While flexo technology is expanding its market share, many converters are keen to know more about hybrid technologies – dubbing them as a solution for future markets. Monotech Systems’ digital production presses with an in-built flexo station and NBG’s Starflex with an in-line gravure station were among the sought-after technologies.
Henkel India’s Technomelt PS 8011 pressure sensitive adhesives for label stock. Photo PSAMultiple flexo press sales were announced at the show from suppliers including Multitec, UV Graphic, RK Label, NBG, and Webtech. Notable press technology trends included wider and longer presses targeted at flexible packaging and folding carton applications as well as high volume pressure sensitive labels (PS labels), integration of inline gravure units for metallics and whites, and a wholesale move towards LED-UV, with multiple suppliers integrating GEW’s air- and water-cooled systems.
On the digital side, there was a range of new UV inkjet presses. Monotech showed its digital label press while Monotech and Vinsak demonstrated digital embellishment systems. Indian materials suppliers including Jindal SMI focused on sustainable PS materials and reported a high level of interest from converters.
The Avery Dennison stand at Labelexpo India 2024. Photo PSAInternational suppliers took the opportunity to showcase their technologies to the Indian market. Avery Dennison highlighted its sustainable materials solutions, Durst and Konica Minolta showcased digital press technology and Domino launched its new N610i-H integration unit in partnership with UV Graphic Technologies. Ricoh presses were also shown at the Monotech India stand.
HP Indigo demonstrated a 6k press and associated workflows with its partner Technova. Chinese suppliers had a more limited presence at this show, with Weigang and Hontec displaying flexo presses on their India partners’ stands, as did finishing and inspection specialists Brotech and Luster.
Labelexpo India 2024 also held the LMAI Label Awards ceremony sponsored by Gallus-Heidelberg on the evening of day two. Labelexpo India 2026 will take place again at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, between 29 October and 1 November.
