The
eighth edition of Labelexpo Asia 2017 closed in Shanghai earlier this month
with record visitor numbers. Held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre
(SNIEC), the region’s largest show for the label and package printing market
attracted 20,084 buyers, up 19.9% on 2015.
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 many new flexo and digital presses with at least 54 working machines
demonstrated live on the show floor. Unveiled as part of the special Digital
Trail feature area, major digital press launches included HP Indigo’s WS6800,
Xeikon’s 3500, Domino’s N610i digital color press and the Durst Tau 330E UV
digital inkjet press shown by Fuji Xerox.
Other
significant machinery launches included the M5 Excellence inline 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 an LED-UV semi-rotary offset press for the first time. Brotech debuted
its SDF 520 multi-functional finishing system for digitally printing labels and
packaging while Luster Light launched new brand new proofing solutions 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 its solution for putting its sustainability concept
into action and promoting green developments for the industry.
In
addition to the Digital Trail, the show also hosted its first SMART Zone which
highlighted new technologies and applications for improving customer appeal and
for tackling anti-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.”
