Roll Out the Red Carpet

Published: August 01, 2008, By By Claudia Hine, Managing Editor

If you plan to attend Labelexpo Americas 2008, you'll witness a first for the event, which is being held September 9-11 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Show organizer Tarsus Group has arranged a new feature, the Digital Printing Experience, in Hall F. This pavilion will showcase the latest in digital technology — including live demonstrations — from companies such as HP, Xeikon, Epson, Sun Chemical, EFI, and Konica Minolta. Products on display will include new digital presses, inkjet technology, digitally imaged sleeves and plates, and digitally imaged rotary screens. Other special areas for 2008 include the Converting and Finishing Pavilion, Gather on the Green, and a newly enhanced Smart Label Zone.

Roger Pellow, Labelexpo managing director, says, “Labelexpo Americas provides a unique forum for converters in this market to get together and learn about the latest technologies and to explore new opportunities in the market. As a well-established show, we continuously look for ways to develop the event to satisfy both exhibitors' aspirations and visitors' needs. We are very pleased with the feedback we've had on these new floor additions, and we look forward to another successful show this September.”

Converting and Finishing

Tarsus reports more than 26% of label converters in North America also produce flexible packaging. Past show figures indicate a 50% increase in attendance from flex-pack and folding carton suppliers. So it comes as no surprise that a pavilion devoted to these sectors is planned.

In fact, a conference session about expanding into the flex-pack market is being held on Wednesday, September 10. It will address flexographic presses, inks, adhesives, and other technologies.

Gather on the Green

Environmental issues and advances cannot be ignored, and Gather on the Green was created to satisfy requests for the latest developments in green and sustainable technology. Converters must stay abreast of changing legislation, so this new green pavilion will include suppliers that will demonstrate new materials that help reduce their environmental impact.

Smart Label Zone

To see emerging national and international trends in RFID technology, anti-counterfeiting, brand protection, and time/temperature indicators, visit the Smart Label Zone. Exhibitors in this special area will include bielomatik, Melzer, Muehlbauer, and Grillstone.

Conference Program

A high-level conference, organized in collaboration with the Tag & Label Mfrs. Assn., will look at current trends in both local and global markets, highlighting areas for potential growth and development. Sessions will cover security and brand protection, environmental issues, and pressroom trends.

And the Winner Is…

Now in their fifth year, the Label Industry Global Awards recognize and celebrate excellence in printing and labeling. They include a Lifetime Achievement Award, given to an individual who has demonstrated long-term, key contributions to the development and growth of the label industry. Winners will be revealed at a gala dinner on the opening day of the show.

For more information, visit www.labelexpo-americas.com.

Show Hours

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL
September 9-11
9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.

Best Achievers

Here are the nominees for the Label Industry Global Awards, which will be announced September 9 at Labelexpo Americas 2008.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by Avery Dennison:

• Mike Buystedt, Flint Group Narrow Web
• Ron and Katherine Harper, Harper Corp.
• Neil McDonough, president/CEO of Flexcon
• Ferd. Rüesch, chairman, Gallus Group
• Gary Smith, VP Sales, RotoMetrics

Label Industry Award for Continuous Innovation

Sponsored by Labels & Labeling, Label & Narrow Web, and NarroWebTech magazines:

• 3M Corp.
• CCL
• ExxonMobil
• Harper Corp.
• MACtac
• Mark Andy Corp.
• Sun Chemical

Label Industy Award for New Innovation

Sponsored by Flint Group Narrow Web:

• BST Pro Mark
• EFI Jetrion
• Punch Graphix/Xeikon
• Tailored Solutions

Converter Award for Sustainability/Environmental Responsibility

• Dion Label
• Metro Label Group
• Overnight Label
• Pazazz

Want To Know More?

For more information on label and narrow web technology, visit our website at www.pffc-online.com. Key words to search include Smart Labels, RFID, Green Converting, and Flexible Packaging.