Label and Narrow Web

Closing a platform acquisition and scaling it through a disciplined add-on program marks only the midpoint of the M&A lifecycle. The stages that follow – integrating acquired businesses into a high-performing enterprise and harvesting that value through a well-positioned exit – are where returns are either captured or forfeited.

The versatile label and package printing market is increasingly trending toward demands for enhanced durability, visual appeal, and design flexibility. These characteristics are ideally suited for in-mold labeling, or IML. Products featuring IML often involve continuous handling, intensive cleaning, and rigorous logistics, which makes performance imperative.

Tariffs are once again in the news cycle, this time caused by Canada’s “discriminatory treatment of American products.” The administration is threatening a 50% tariff against certain Canadian goods as retaliation. What started on “Liberation” Day last April as a triumphant signature policy move by the administration has devolved into a confusing and embarrassing failure.

For decades, Labelexpo Americas was exactly what its name suggested: the place where the North American label industry came together to see the latest presses, materials, inks, finishing equipment, and converting technologies. And September 15-17, the event returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, but under a new name – LOUPE Americas 2026. The show marks the first North American edition of the event since Labelexpo Global Series became LOUPE Global.

LOUPE Americas 2026 has arrived, and exhibitors are ready to unveil the latest innovations in label and package printing. Across the show floor, attendees will find new presses, finishing equipment, software, substrates, inks, inspection systems, automation technologies, and more – all designed to improve productivity, enhance quality, and expand application possibilities. In the following pages, Label & Narrow Web highlights a selection of products and technologies exhibitors will be featuring.

When your country has Russia as its neighbor to the North (and is occupying a chunk of your territory), it pays to keep a low profile. But the small country of Georgia has a flourishing economy. Its wines have a high and justified reputation, and good wines need good labels. Polyprint Georgia, based in the capital Tblisi, is one of Georgia’s leading converters and has installed an Omet KFlex flexo press.

With the doors opening for the inaugural LOUPE Americas, the event serves as an important reminder of evolving to meet the demands of a changing industry. As label converters increasingly search for ways to boost their book of business, they head to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, USA, with one thing in mind: growth. New technology adorns the halls of the popular trade show, which has rebranded from Labelexpo after more than 40 years.

This month, much of the label industry’s attention will be focused on Chicago, where LOUPE Americas makes its debut and brings the North American label and package printing community together for three days of technology, networking, and plenty of conversations about where our industry is headed. But while all eyes are on Chicago, we shouldn’t lose sight of what’s happening across the pond.

Security labels serve a vital function in the converting space, especially with the rampant rise of counterfeit goods. These labels must accomplish numerous goals, which go beyond surface adhesion and standing out on crowded shelves. Security labels are often relied upon to protect products, brands, and consumers. Protection can occur in a multitude of ways.

A consumer with a serious allergy picks up a jar in the grocery aisle, turns it over, finds a QR code and scans it because that is what the package said to do. Nothing happens. The code is a hair out of spec – printed a shade too light, or crowded too close to the edge of the die – and the phone cannot read it. The prospective buyer puts the jar back and buys the competitor. That customer just had a bad experience with your company.