Labelexpo Global Series has announced it will rebrand to LOUPE (Labels & OUter Packaging Embellishment), with the first event under the new name set for LOUPE Americas 2026.
The announcement was made on the opening day of Labelexpo Europe 2025 in Barcelona, marking a strategic shift as the organisation adapts to broader changes within the package printing industry.
According to the organisers, the rebrand reflects three major industry trends: convergence around digital and hybrid technologies, ongoing consolidation among package printing providers, and the adoption of disruptive technologies enabling label converters to expand into new markets such as flexible packaging and folding cartons.
Originally launched in 1980 as Labelex in London with 44 exhibitors, the event has since grown into a global portfolio of trade shows. In the last two years alone, Labelexpo events have attracted over 125,000 visitors across more than 140,000 square meters of exhibition space. This year’s Labelexpo Europe 2025 hosts more than 650 exhibitors, with data from the 2023 edition showing growing interest in flexible packaging (40%) and folding cartons (25%).
“Over the decades, Labelexpo has transformed from a narrow web, pressure-sensitive-focused show to take in new label formats, then flexible packaging and now folding cartons, all driven by the entrepreneurship, agility and service mentality of label converters,” said Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director of Labelexpo Global Series.
He continued: “Just as today’s label converters are diversifying and bringing multiple technologies together under one roof, LOUPE mirrors that same spirit, uniting the full spectrum of package printing in one place to inspire innovation, efficiency, and growth for the entire industry.”
The new brand name draws on the loupe magnifier; a tool widely used in print shops for quality inspection. Organisers say the name represents attention to detail, precision, and clarity – values that align with modern print industry standards.
“From 2026, our event portfolio will emerge as LOUPE. While labels continue to be our focus, this evolution recognises the broader impact and influence of label technologies across the entire value chain,” said Jade Grace, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series.
She added: “LOUPE will continue to drive the transformation of the labels and outer packaging embellishment industry across all packaging formats. Today, we celebrate a new era with our industry.”
Labelexpo Global Series became part of Informa in 2023, a leading B2B event organiser operating more than 800 brands worldwide. The connection to Informa is expected to provide broader access to cross-industry expertise in sectors such as healthcare, food, and beauty – areas increasingly relevant to packaging innovation.
