Labelexpo Europe 2025, held for the first time in Barcelona, concluded as the largest edition in its 45-year history, with record-breaking attendance and exhibition space, according to organisers.  

After a review of the statistics, organisers said Spain led the list of top visiting countries, followed by Italy, Germany, France and the UK. Organisers also reported an 18% increase in top decision-makers attending the show, alongside a 49% year-on-year rise in visitors from South America and a 28% increase in North American visitors. The event attracted more than 37,000 visitors and occupied over 43,000 square metres of exhibition space. 

Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director at Labelexpo Global Series, said: “Breaking records in both exhibition space and attendance demonstrates the industry’s continued growth and the global appeal of the new location. We are particularly encouraged by the significant increase in international participation, especially from the Americas, which validates our commitment to creating a truly global platform for the labels and package printing industry.” 

The event featured a range of developments in automation, sustainability, and early-stage AI integration across flexo, digital and hybrid printing technologies. Cloud-based solutions and machine interface innovation were key themes, aimed at improving production efficiency and environmental impact. 

In parallel with the event, the Labelexpo announced a rebrand to LOUPE (Labels & OUter Packaging Embellishment), which will be rolled out across all future events starting with the Americas edition in September 2026. The organisers said the new branding reflects the event’s expansion into adjacent areas such as flexible packaging and in-line folding cartons, while maintaining a core focus on labels. 

Jade Grace, managing director at Labelexpo Global Series, concluded: “Over the last decade, we have seen in-line and digital flexible packaging become an integral part of Labelexpo shows. Now we see the same trends happening in the folding cartons market with in-line, digital and hybrid set to disrupt this key package printing sector. Labels remain at the very core of the LOUPE portfolio, and we look forward to supporting the continued evolution of the industry.” 

The next European event, LOUPE Europe 2027, will take place from 5–8 October 2027.