The global printing industry will be gathering at drupa 2016 for what is far and away the world’s largest and most comprehensive printing industry trade show. The show takes place May 31 to June 10 at Messe Dusseldorf in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Drupa is a mega-show, to say the least. It last took place in 2012, as it has been held every four years. After this year’s event, however, in light of how fast printing technology is changing, drupa is moving to a three-year cycle. In 2012, roughly 315,000 print industry professionals from 130 countries attended drupa. In underscoring its importance, Messe Dusseldorf, the show’s organizer, said that 79% of the 2012 visitors were those who play a decisive role in investment decisions, with more than a third of the attendees having immediate investment intentions.

While there are sectors of the printing industry struggling, such as newspapers, books and magazines, the labels and packaging space is thriving. Thus, there are several suppliers targeting the label industry that are enthusiastic about exhibiting at drupa 2016. What follows is a preview of some of new product launches, innovations and te