LabelExpo Europe 2011 will be the biggest ever in sq/mts. Physically it’s bigger. We have more exhibitors than before. More than 550 exhibitors.

There are two new major areas at this year’s show. The popular Digital Print Workshops, introduced at last year’s LabelExpo Americas, will make their debut in Europe. With three competing digital printing technologies (Xeikon dry toner, HP liquid toner and EFI inkjet) lined up alongside each other to run the same label job on different substrates from Avery Denision, UPM Raflatac and Herma.

Visitors will be able to assess the advantages and limitations of a technology with regard to substrates, consumables, preparation times and running cost. It is a great place to compare technologies in a neutral environment.

ABG International and Gallus will bring the converting lines as a part of a setup to convert digitally printed webs in line with the HP print engine. If you are thinking about investing in digital, you need to attend this workshop.

There will be samples and tech worksheets and user-questions being answered. There will be a session on freestyle. The printers will print whatever they want on any of the three presses with any substrate. Plus, there will be MIS companies like Radius, Cerm, Labeltrax showing how the MIS systems work. If you got to go digital you must understand MIS as much as label  printing. The best part is, anybody who comes will be able to attend it. It’s free. This is in Hall 9.

Show dedicated to package printing
Our aim is to introduce label printers to opportunities in short-run package printing, including flexible packaging, folding cartons and pouches. Many of these jobs can be printed on narrow to mid web presses. There will be package printing presses and converting systems at the show.

There are many more products being launched in 2011 than eleven years that I have worked in the show. There are eight to nine new presses that will be unveiled apart from a raft of new digital print and converting equipment, advances in press control technology, plant management systems and automated quality control.

On the materials front, there's thin films – including a new die-cut system dedicated to cutting the industry’s thinnest PS substrates. It is a great opportunity for a booming label industry like India. New converting machinery is being launched, machinery which can handle thinner substrates than what is prevalent in the market.

LabelExpo: All about innovation
I don’t think any LabelExpo in the last ten years has had so much of innovation. The key drivers of the industry are digital, sustainability, the short to medium-run scenario and pre-press which is a key issue with regards to an MIS becoming essential for business in the developed markets.

The other key driver is globalisation. My advice to the printers would be to follow the motto of Think Global Act Local. And be innovative. Given today’s industry you cannot stand still. You have to move forward, You have to update yourself about the new innovations and technologies and you have to be at LabelExpo. This is the mother of all shows. We have LabelExpo in India, America and China. There are a lot of demos of live machinery, digital workshops.

LabelExpo will give Indian printers the understanding of how to engage with their clients. They can grab newer ideas and help clients grow their business. This show is all about interacting with the international community. About exchange of ideas. About what suits the business model.

The market in India is maturing
The Indian label industry is growing at the rate of 10% per anum. China is three years ahead, but India is gaining ground. If I was a label printer in India, I would be looking to specialise. Perhaps pharma, or beer or wine. I would make sure I have the best equipment I can afford. I would be looking to establish my business plan and build a team to execute this business plan. So I would be looking to specialise or diversify.

When I say diversify, I mean if I am a pressure sensitive label printer I might be looking at shrink sleeves and invest in technology accordingly. I would be looking at every aspect of my business. Indian label converters are looking to diversify beyond pressure sensitive labels. They are now into all types of labels including shrink sleeve, wrap around and in-mould.

Printers are looking to improve quality and consistency into their businesses.I would be looking at procurement, I would look at the flow of stocks, I would talk to my suppliers to overcome bottlenecks for warehousing and create a steady flow. In this business, everything we do lies on one single question ‘How do I help my client sell more products?’.

The Indian label printing industry is at a cusp. There are many opportunities. There is so much an Indian label printer can do but he needs to keep himself abreast of what is going on in the industry and study the market demands. Investing in technology is a given. But he needs to make the decision after attending tradeshows, attending exhibitions and listening to people and talking to them. You have to invest and be innovative.

If I would have been a label converter, I would have a five-year business plan at least. The technology is moving and changing quickly and five-year plan suits this change. It is at tradeshows like LabelExpo that printers can educate themselves. Education is important, education stimulates new ideas.