From Labelexpo to LOUPE: the Power of Connection Remains
“In today’s climate, the value of trade shows and industry associations is clear. They are not dividing lines, but bridges.”
After an impressive edition of Labelexpo Europe, it is time to reflect. This year’s show attracted more exhibitors than ever before, and welcomed a record number of visitors. Yet, the true story goes beyond numbers. Behind the stands and networking moments lies a broader transition: from Labelexpo to its new brand identity, LOUPE. What remains is the connecting power of the international label community.
Looking Back at Labelexpo Europe
The final day of the show carried a sense of nostalgia. Exhibitors were dismantling their stands, champagne bottles were being uncorked, and visitors were wrapping up their last meetings. For many in the industry, this was a special edition: the last time Labelexpo would take place in its familiar form.
Preliminary figures confirm the event’s success. With over 150 new exhibitors joining the network, the label and packaging industry continues to grow and innovate.
A Changing World
At the show, FINAT and Informa Markets commemorated the 35th anniversary of the Labelexpo Europe partnership. The context in which this event took place is very different from the early years. Where the 1990s and 2000s were marked by open borders, free trade, and digital connectedness, today we face geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and digital disruptions.
It is precisely in such a climate that trade shows and industry associations prove their value. By bringing together people, knowledge, and ideas, they provide a foundation for dialogue and collaboration.
The Strength of the Label Community
Labelexpo once again highlighted the core values of the label community: a strong sense of belonging, an ongoing drive for innovation, deep-rooted knowledge sharing, and a shared commitment to sustainability.
These values also form the foundation for the next step: the launch of LOUPE. While the name changes and the scope is widening, the essence of the community remains. LOUPE stands for sharpness, focus, and the power to look ahead together.
Acknowledgements
The 2025 edition was a success not only thanks to the impressive figures, but above all thanks to the dedication of many people. A special word of thanks goes to Jade Grace and the team at Informa Markets, who delivered a successful show despite the challenges.
FINAT members also played a vital role. Volunteers supported at the stand, partners such as CELAB Europe and its new project manager Marius Tent demonstrated concrete sustainability initiatives, and the association’s collaborative spirit was felt throughout.
FINAT was also prominently represented on stage during the AWA Seminars preceding the event as well as the Pulse Arena at the show, with Stijn Billiet, Marius Tent, Marika Knorr and Pablo Englebienne as sustainability panellists and or speaker on Day 1, our past President Chris Ellison sharing the 25-year journey of the OPM Group (awarded as converter of the year at the Festa Barcelona party) from labels into flexibles, and FINAT Printer-2-Printer (P2P) seminar moderator Will Parker highlighting the label industry’s potential to enter into inline carton printing and converting.
A special thanks goes out to our President Philippe Voet and Vice-President Dana Kilárska for their support as ambassadors of the association during the event, as well as my colleagues on the FINAT team: Jakovina, Elke, Pablo, Karla, Stephanie and Luc for their role in making FINAT’s presence and expertise noticeable.
Looking Ahead: LOUPE and the Next Gatherings
With the introduction of LOUPE, a new era begins for the label industry. The FINAT community however will not have to wait long before meeting again. In May 2025, the European Label Forum (ELF) will take place in Seville, followed in November by the P2P Seminar 2025 in Milan.
Both events reflect the central message of this transition: coming together, learning, and working towards a sustainable and innovative future for the industry.
Labelexpo may disappear in its familiar form, but the community that made it thrive will continue. With LOUPE as its new brand, the international label industry remains sharp and connected.