Labelexpo Americas 2022 | 111Reuniting at LabelexpoThis year’s Labelexpo unleashes all the technology suppliers have been developing over the last three years. Andy Thomas-Emans looks at key technology trends to look out for at the shows the frst Labelexpo show in three years, Labelexpo Americas LED-UV has an increasingly prominent place in both fexo and presents an opportunity for label converters to see the major inkjet curing, and there are signifcant new launches at the show, technology developments that have taken place since then. including the frst global reveal of GEW’s AeroLED air-cooled aThe rise of digital embellishment has been one such trend. After LED-UV system. We will also see the launch of dual-capable lamps digital printing, digital embellishment will be the next big game able to cure both LED and conventional UV inks, which will help changer for label converters and package printers. converters introduce LED into their existing workfows. Digital embellishment means replacing analog coating, Automation, Industry 4.0 and AI are other key trends to watch decoration and converting processes with digital. This can range for at the show. AI is making rapid strides, particularly in machine from simply replacing a fexo varnish plate with an inkjet-applied learning for inspection systems, and automation is impacting just varnish to digital foiling, digitally-applied tactile effects, simulated about every aspect of the label converting business from tool embossing, debossing and laser die-cutting — all fully variable with selection to job planning and factory management.on-the-fy job change and no tooling. On the materials and consumables side, sustainability is the key The Digital Embellishment Trail at Labelexpo Americas 2022 will trend at this year’s show. Materials suppliers are not only about enable attendees to explore the full range of digital decoration using more recycled material in labelstock or using forest-certifed options, both stand-alone and inline, with live demonstrations, paper grades; the industry is also talking about adhesive and ink sample packs and experts on site. Suppliers like Prati and Cartes technology enabling the recycling of containers by releasing cleanly will demonstrate complete ‘lights out’ lines for fully digitized and and without residues. TLMI will focus on many of these trends and automated fnishing, including inkjet modules, laser die-cutting and on liner recycling in its dedicated sustainability zone. turret rewinds. Labelexpo Americas 2022 also includes an extended conference Digital printing sees some exciting new technology at the show. and education program amplifying the technology trends seen on This includes the worldwide launch of the HP Indigo V12 press and the show foor. The two-day conference program explores some the Domino N710i, with Durst showing a 20in-wide UV inkjet press of the label and package printing industry’s key technologies and printing four colors at 328ft/min. This all looks set to challenge trends, including Industry 4.0, automation, supply chain challenges, fexography in terms of raw speed and productivity on 4-color work. mergers and acquisitions, the changing industry landscape, and Low migration ink sets and an increasing range of additional colors product diversifcation.are other key inkjet trends at the show. Two in-depth master classes will cover digital embellishment and We will also see the titans and founders of the conventional self-adhesive label materials.narrow web press industry accelerating their own shifts towards Finally, this show will be the frst machinery exhibition to bring digital and hybrid technologies. Mark Andy is a prime example as together the label and packaging industry since the start of the the company reveals its new Digital Pro Max digital press, building Covid pandemic. The Labels & Labeling team look forward to being on its long standing partnership with Konica Minolta. there. Jul - Sep 2022