LabelExpo Europe: Sharing Today’s Unsurpassed Print Technology
FOILING
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EMBOSSING
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SPECIALTY COATINGS
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ENVELOPES
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FOILING | EMBOSSING | SPECIALTY COATINGS | ENVELOPES |
After a four-year break, the European LabelExpo for the package printing industry was held in Brussels, Belgium, on September 11-14, 2023. This exceptional, four-day show hosted 35,889 visitors from 138 countries and featured more than 250 flexible packaging, digitalization, embellishment and automation product launches and 637 exhibitors. There were numerous opportunities to connect, network, and share ideas about the latest packaging and finishing industry techniques, materials, and machinery.
LabelExpo Europe offered attendees hundreds of new product launches and live demonstrations, as well as themed areas that emphasized expanding applications in the industry consisting of production workflow, digital, embellishments and conventional press technologies, using Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) for more efficient and sustainable package printing, flexible packaging guidance, technical guidance to improve efficiency and sustainability, and design and branding trends.
Parkland Direct’s Chief Operating Officer, Philip Harrison, and Chief Marketing Officer, Stephen White, shared some of their thoughts and experiences from attending the European LabelExpo. Harrison expressed, “The expo was full of innovation, showcasing sustainable materials, advancements in consumable products, and cutting-edge label technology. Staying updated meant exploring the latest developments in every hall.” White added, “My purpose for this trip was to obtain and explore new, creative ideas and efficiencies on the embellishment side that would benefit both Parkland and our clientele. There was certainly no shortage of creative inspiration!”
One of Harrison’s objectives while at the show was to search for new and inventive equipment. “For those seeking new equipment, the expo was packed from hall to hall with hi-tech machinery. I participated in live demonstrations, interacted with experts, and looked into state-of-the-art machines to gain insight into how the latest technology could elevate and improve our operations,” said Harrison. Overall, he felt the 2023 LabelExpo was an extremely beneficial experience, stating, “The event provided an opportunity to explore various types of printing, make connections, and discover new ideas that emphasized the dynamic nature of the print industry and highlighted the importance of continuous learning and collaboration.”
Many significant topics were addressed at the expo, including digital printing and embellishments of paper-based flexible packaging materials. Parkland Direct agrees that the innovation and growth of these two areas continue to alter the industry on a universal level.
The technology of digital embellishments has come a long way, and the use of it in our industry is becoming more prevalent, which is inspiring to see. There are still many advances and improvements needed in the technology to make it a competitive and viable option for enhanced large-volume direct mail, however, we are excited to see where the future of digital embellishments is headed.
One of the purposes for Parkland’s attendance was to continue the effort to bring proven methods from the label and packaging realm over to the direct mail and large-volume envelope world and maintain sourcing processes and techniques that will allow efficient production on the proper scale. According to White, the LabelExpo was an excellent opportunity to examine this transition further and meet with vendors face-to-face. He said, “The expo was invigorating and inspiring! It emphasized the dynamic nature of the print industry, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and collaboration. I am excited to bring home new, cutting-edge embellishment tactics not currently utilized for envelopes and offer them to our clients. The concepts and technology I acquired at the event will definitely give our clients an edge over the competition and help get their envelopes opened!”
Envelopes That Get Opened®
As a G7 Master Printer, and a leading producer of large-volume, high-quality, litho-printed envelopes, Parkland Direct offers superior print quality and quick turnarounds for embellished envelopes that feature foil stamping, embossing, specialty coatings, scent, fluorescent inks, and more. With no limits on embellishments to represent a client’s brand, Parkland’s process is unlike any other. Our envelopes make direct mail campaigns stand out with incorporated haptics that strengthen brand identity and demand to be opened!
Parkland Direct is devoted to its craft… always moving forward to find innovative ways for clients to get the most out of their direct mail campaigns through dynamic, interactive envelopes. We are vertically integrated with the latest UV-litho printing technology, embellishments, and high-speed envelope-converting equipment available. In today’s continually evolving landscape, having this one-of-a-kind manufacturing platform with no outsourcing provides optimal workflow, helping improve delivery times and control quality.
ENVELOPES >> Printed | Enhanced | Converted >> FASTER
Parkland Direct is passionate about testing new products and creative concepts. Each month, we highlight what is new or trending in the direct mail market as an inspiration for clients to envision what Parkland can produce for their brands.
To see what is possible with print and direct mail, click here and sign up for our free creative mailer program!