Labelexpo has announced it will rebrand to LOUPE – which stands for Labels & Outer-Packaging Embellishment.
The change represents a shift in focus for the exhibition to embrace a broader scope of exhibitors including labels, flexible packaging and folding carton.
The first show under the new branding will be LOUPE Americas to be held in Chicago in September 2026.
“Formerly Labelexpo, LOUPE has evolved with the industry,” the company said in a statement.
“The change is a symbol of LOUPE’s position as a driving force of innovation – ensuring it remains the global home for labels with the widened lens towards package printing sectors.
“LOUPE is the global platform for package printing industries, connecting business professionals in labels, flexible packaging, and folding carton sectors. With a stronger focus, LOUPE delivers the insight, expertise, and innovation to help the industry navigate technology shifts, unlock new capabilities, and drive growth.
“The announcement aligns the show with the evolution of the industry, most notably industry convergence: the package printing industry is converging around a set of core technologies – digital, digital hybrid, and in-line production – driven by automation, cloud connectivity, and sustainability.
“Market consolidation: the industry is undergoing rapid consolidation and transformation, creating “one-stop” package printing operations that encompass the full range of packaging formats.
“Disruptive technology: label converters have already diversified into flexible packaging and are identifying new opportunities in folding cartons.
“Labelexpo was launched in 1980 with the inaugural Labelex 80 in London, featuring 44 label industry suppliers. Since then, the portfolio has expanded across the globe, supported by influential specialized editorial from Labels & Labeling. In the past two years alone, the combined Labelexpo portfolio of events welcomed more than 125,755 visitors and occupied 140,919sqm.
“Today, Labelexpo Europe 2025 in Barcelona welcomes over 650 exhibitors covering a wide spectrum of the labels and package printing sector. Data from Labelexpo Europe 2023 showed 40 percent of show visitors registered an interest in flexible packaging and 25 per cent in folding cartons. Over 25 percent of exhibitors at Labelexpo Europe 2025 have portfolios that reach across labels, flexible packaging and folding carton sectors.
“Over the decades, Labelexpo has transformed from a narrow web, pressure-sensitive-focused show to take in new label formats, then flexible packaging and now folding cartons, all driven by the entrepreneurship, agility and service mentality of label converters. Just as today’s label converters are diversifying and bringing multiple technologies together under one roof, LOUPE mirrors that same spirit, uniting the full spectrum of package printing in one place to inspire innovation, efficiency, and growth for the entire industry,” said Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director, Labelexpo Global Series and renowned industry expert.
“The new brand identity revealed today is the culmination of a meticulous research and consultation process involving industry peers and partners. It was important for event organizers to preserve the loyal label audience that always defined the event, while also reflecting changes shaping the industry.
“A loupe magnifier is an indispensable tool in printing shops across the globe. Conceptually, LOUPE confirms the same high levels of proficiency, craftsmanship and accuracy that define today’s print shops. LOUPE stands for attention to detail: magnifying what the eye cannot see; clarity and insight: representing high standards and exceptional quality and precision and craftsmanship: reflecting the art of creating something special
Embedded into the brand, the LOUPE acronym stands for “Labels & OUter Packaging Embellishment,” reflecting the expanded scope of the show while maintaining the core focus on labels. Honouring Labelexpo’s heritage, LOUPE is the leading global source for expert content and live connections in package printing and converting, from labels to flexible packaging and folding cartons. A future-proof identity, with a strong 45-year foundation and a platform ready to welcome a new generation of experts.
“From 2026, our event portfolio will emerge as LOUPE, while our editorial arm, Labels & Labeling, remains unchanged. While labels continue to be our focus, this evolution recognises the broader impact and influence of label technologies across the entire value chain.
“LOUPE will continue to drive the transformation of the labels and outer packaging embellishment industry across all packaging formats. Today, we celebrate a new era with our industry,” Jade Grace, managing director, Labelexpo Global Series.
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