The organizer of Labelexpo Asia 2019, which takes place December 3-6 in Shanghai, has unveiled further details for its themed show floor areas dedicated to flexible packaging production and smart technology. These, along with the main expo, has this ninth edition of the show set to be its most extensive to date.
                      
For the very first time Labelexpo Asia will host a Flexible Packaging Arena. Following a highly successful introduction at Labelexpo Europe 2019 in September, and sponsored again by Xeikon plus Wanjie, visitors will be able to see two press lines in action – a Xeikon 3030 and a Wanjie 660 – showcasing flexible pouch production.  Live demonstrations will be taking place 11am, 1pm and 3pm on days one to three, and at 11am and 1pm only on day four.

The Flexible Packaging Arena is conveniently located within the brand new Flexpack Asia area of the show, displaying the latest flexible packaging technology. This includes in-line presses, the latest innovations in inks, coatings and surface treatments such as corona for flexible packaging and laminating films. Ancillary machines will also be demonstrated, such as high speed slitting equipment for master flexible packaging rolls.

Confirmed Flexpack Asia exhibitors include Guangdong Olger, which is launching the OG330-CL8+1A narrow web satellite flexo, specially designed for flexible packaging products. Other exhibitors include 3G flexo, Epson, GMG, Haozhun, Dongguan Menroland Precision Machinery, Jiangsu Shuangxing, Siegwerk, Taiyo, Yantai Boyuan and Yinjinda.

The returning and significantly expanded Smart Zone, first seen in 2017, is an opportunity to experience labels and packaging that are multisensory, intelligent and interactive. This includes 3D holograms, nano-materials, advanced decoration technology, special inks and RFID/NFC labels. Confirmed exhibitors include Avery Dennison, Guangdong ADA, Guangzhou J-sail, Muehlbauer, Shanghai Jion Point, Trojan Jet, Tysin, Voyantic, Wing Singha and Xinjinglu. In addition, a number of exhibitors elsewhere, including King Label, Lion Inkjet and UPM Raflatac, will be showcasing RFID label solutions.

Lisa Milburn, managing director, Labelexpo Global Series, said: “Flexible packaging and smart labeling are currently two of the largest growth areas in China’s label and package printing market, as consumer demand continues to rise. So we are delighted to able to bring the Flexible Packaging Arena concept to China for the very first time, barely three months after its Labelexpo Europe 2019 debut.

“As we saw at Europe, flexible packaging and smart labeling technologies are developing at pace, so now is the time for converters in Asia to consider upgrading their equipment or diversifying their product offering. The Flexible Packaging Arena within Flexpack Asia and the Smart Zone at Labelexpo Asia 2019 will all give them a unique insight into how they can do that, and be ahead of the game in a highly competitive market.”

Filip Weymans, VP marketing, Xeikon said: “Xeikon dry toner technology has the potential to expand the applications beyond self-adhesive labels - applications which still fit with narrow web converters. Pouches are one of those added value applications. It enables converters to expand their product offering and business potential beyond labels. We see the Labelexpo feature as the ideal platform to educate converters and print buyers on the application possibilities that digital printing can serve today.”

Mr Hu, CEO, Wanjie, said: “Nowadays, special material, medium-small run, high dot reduction rated color labels have become more popular in the label market. After 6 years of extensive testing, Wanjie is bringing its semi-rotary offset press, web width 660mm, WJPS660 to Labelexpo Asia 2019. A multinational plate cylinder with semi-rotary material feeding, allows for a much wider material range, including IML, shrinkable film, non-woven cloth, 400g paper, and 0.4mm PET card. Different printing and converting technology can all be combined in-line. As the leading platform in the label and package printing industry, Labelexpo is a fantastic channel for machine suppliers and printers to access the Wanjie press.”

Labelexpo Asia 2019 provides a platform for over 300 industry leading suppliers companies from the region and further afield to showcase their expertise, products and technology innovations. Chinese exhibitors include: Brotech, HanGlobal, Jinda, KingLabel, Rhyguan, SilkStar, Spande, Taiyo, Weigang, Winbosc, Zhongshan Fuzhou, and Zhongte. Overseas exhibitors include: Avery Dennison, Dilli, Domino, Lintec, Konica Minolta, OMET, Ritrama, and UPM Raflatac.

Entry into Labelexpo Asia is free. Visitors should pre-register on the show website – https://www.labelexpo-asia.com – to receive their full exhibition pass.