Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations 2017 is scheduled to return to Xeikon’s headquarters in Lier, Belgium from March 28-31. The event will explore the state of the digital printing industry, emerging trends and technologies, and expert testimony from industry leaders.

Members of all areas of the label and packaging industry will examine end-to-end digital production solutions and share practical business and technical information during an elevated conference program. Xeikon is expecting close to 40 industry suppliers to attend, where they will display their diverse product portfolios.

According to Xeikon, about 30 digital applications in labels and packaging will be demonstrated in order to help visitors determine the right strategy for their business in digital production.

“All partners of the Xeikon Café are leading suppliers of software, print media, consumables, digital printing and finishing solutions, and they are highly knowledgeable of the market and capabilities," says Filip Weymans, VP of marketing for Xeikon. "This makes the event an ideal opportunity for printers and converters to witness first-hand the powerful result of partners joining forces.”

The applications on-hand will range from labels and packaging to cartons, pouches and corrugated. These applications will be represented in an array of market segments, including the automotive, food, pharma, health and beauty, and beverage, wine and spirits categories.

“That is exactly what makes the Xeikon Café a unique industry gathering: visitors get the chance to see numerous end-to-end, integrated digital production solutions, all in one place – fully from concept to product,” adds Weymans. “In addition, valuable information on the latest innovations in digital production, trends in brand management and technical novelties will be shared by industry experts, brand owners and printers during the conference. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn, be inspired and gain a better understanding as to which tools and equipment can optimize their digital packaging and label production environment.”

As part of Xeikon Café’s expert speaking panel, Rafi Albo will deliver the keynote presentation. His presentation will include information about trends and technological advancements in the digital printing market. The panels are designed to educate and inspire attendees, along with offering a preview of the future.

Albo’s keynote will look at smart technology and its role in the label and packaging industry. Albo, referred to as the global guru of connected 1-to-1 marketing, has been integrating printed products with online technologies for many years. Combining technologies, such as augmented (AR), virtual (VR) and mixed reality (MR), with fresh ideas, new approaches and creativity, he creates applications that bring a wow effect.

“I have been working with brand companies and printers all over the world for many years now, talking with them and learning about their needs and the challenges for their business," says Albo. "For brands, emotional connections and the sharing of experiences is becoming ever more important. And this creates ample opportunities for printers when integrating new online technologies and fresh ideas. I strongly believe that combining print with online technologies is what offers real added value. I see endless application options in all areas and I have no doubt that such applications will increase, in particular on labels and packaging, due to the high significance of the point of sale and the strong competition among producers."

In addition, the event will feature a Business Conference, with speakers representing both brands and printers. Alongside industry experts, this group of speakers was selected upon their extensive market and business knowledge, and will be covering a diverse range of topics.

Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations 2017 will include industry leaders like AB Graphic International, Agfa Graphics, Avery Dennison, Flint Group, Label Traxx, Lake Image Systems, Meech, Tresu Group, UPM Raflatac, and Yupo Europe.

Yupo Europe has already announced plans to showcase its newest line of versatile papers. Yupo’s tree-free synthetic paper substrates are 100% recyclable, waterproof and chemical resistant, with attributes and properties that offer a premium solution for a variety of digital label and packaging applications.

“We are pleased to take part at the Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations 2017 and share three of our premium substrates in applications with strong growth potential,” says Stefan Vyge, Yupo Europe technical sales manager. “One of many advantages of the Xeikon Café concept is the opportunity to present a variety of digital solutions to a very focused audience – visitors are there, as they recognize digital printing is the future.”

Available in a wide variety of grades, and combined with the benefits of digital in smaller print runs and customized pieces, Yupo papers provide excellent durability, are dimensionally stable for superior ink adhesion, and guarantee bright and colorful printing.

More details regarding the event will be announced in the coming weeks. Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations 2015 included data and trends regarding the global label market. AWA Alexander Watson Associates and InfoTrends explored the state of the industry and where digital printing fits into it going forward.

Weymans believes this year’s iteration will leave its mark on the industry as a whole. “At the Xeikon Café 2017, we are showing realistic ideas that inspire,” he says. “Equipment that is in daily use at converters will be running commercially viable jobs and applications. It is the ideal chance to hear directly from industry suppliers and experts about the latest digital production solutions and learn about the range of digital applications out there. The four-day event will help printers and converters make the right choice for their business in digital printing and in turn, grow the number of solutions they can offer.”