Episode 271 - Labels, Packaging and the Next Wave of Digital Print: Insights from Keypoint Intelligence at Labelexpo Barcelona
Show Notes:
In this special edition of the FuturePrint Podcast, recorded just after a bustling week at Labelexpo in Barcelona, we sit down with three leading analysts from Keypoint Intelligence: Jeff Wettersten, Charles Lissenburg, and Marc Mascara. Together, they unpack the latest trends shaping the labels and packaging industry, drawing on insights from across the show floor.
Jeff takes us on a journey through the evolution of Labelexpo, from the introduction of inkjet presses in 2008 to the latest Chinese technology making waves in 2025. He highlights three dominant themes: productivity, embellishment, and the shift from “low-volume” to managing real industrial volumes with digital presses.
Marc brings a fresh perspective from the packaging and labels advisory service, spotlighting capacity utilisation and the next generation of younger product managers shaping the industry. He also points to hybrid printing and high-resolution 1200 dpi heads as areas gaining real momentum.
Charles rounds off the discussion by reflecting on the overall atmosphere in Barcelona—improved venue, strong attendance, and an unmistakable sense of optimism despite recent market headwinds. He also stresses the growing importance of workflow software and data-driven productivity in enabling converters to scale profitably.
The conversation also explores the rapid improvement of Chinese OEMs, the future of AI in workflows and customer service, and the risks and rationale behind the Labelexpo rebrand to LOUPE.
This episode is a must-listen for converters, OEMs, and brand owners who want to understand where the labels and packaging industry is heading. Expect straight-talking analysis, insider observations, and a snapshot of how digital print is evolving into a mainstream production tool.
FuturePrint Events:
FuturePrint TECH: Industrial Print: 21-22 January '26, Munich, Germany