Visitors to the 40th anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe, the world’s biggest label and package printing industry trade show, will be able to deepen their technical knowledge of flexible packaging and self-adhesive labels with the introduction of dedicated expert-led master classes and a workshop. These bring the number of in-depth technical learning programs to four - the show’s most extensive educational schedule to date.
Led by the Label Academy, the industry’s global training one-stop shop, the new master class and workshop will run simultaneously as half-day sessions on Thursday 26 September, from 9am. The new Flexible Packaging master class will be hosted by Label Academy founder Mike Fairley alongside other leading experts and aims to equip label converters looking to enter or expand their production into flexible packaging with the essential technical knowledge required. This includes substrates, design and origination, printing and converting. Participants will learn how ink components interact with drying and curing technologies, and with packaging line demands. Current legislation, including ink migration, will also be addressed.
The new Self-Adhesive Label Materials workshop will be hosted by Labelexpo’s strategic director Andy Thomas-Emans, alongside other experts in the field of self-adhesive label substrates. Participants will learn how self-adhesive laminates are made; the importance of materials and the need for different adhesives; why different laminate constructions are needed, their usage and how to identify them; and use of different self-adhesive test methods. The workshop also provides an insight into the correct methods for handling and storage of unprinted and printed laminates, and management of material waste.
Lisa Milburn, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, said: “We are delighted to offer our most extensive educational schedule yet, with the addition of two new expert-led programs at Labelexpo Europe’s 40th anniversary edition. The show is known for being the place where visitors can top up their in-depth knowledge of the latest technical developments driving progress and see it in action on site.
“Flexible packaging has an annual global rate of around five percent - one of the highest across all printing sectors. The dedicated master class will give label converters a valuable insight into its potential, and they can build on this knowledge by watching live digital and flexo press line demonstrations in the Flexible Packaging Arena. Self-adhesive labels continue to be Europe’s dominant label technology, so it’s vital that those involved in label production keep their knowledge fresh and relevant by taking advantage of this specialist workshop.”
A host of high-profile specialists are lined up to present at the learning programs. They include Alex Knott, senior technical service and development scientist at Dow Chemical Company and winner of the 2018 Label Industry Global Award for individual achievement, who will present on release liner substrates, and Christopher Ellison, FINAT president and managing director of OPM (Labels and Packaging) Group, who will be among the presenters at the Flexible Packaging master class.
Back by popular demand are two more master classes taking place at Labelexpo Europe 2019: Digital Label and Package Printing, and Inks, Coatings & Varnishes. Both will run on 27 September. The digital printing master class will be hosted by Mike Fairley and leading experts from the fields of materials, pre-press printing and finishing technology. The inks and coatings master class is led by Andy Thomas-Emans and offers participants the opportunity to learn how inks, top and barrier coatings, primers and varnishes are being adapted and applied to modern narrow-web converting operations.
Places on the master classes cost €695 (including the relevant Label Academy text book), while workshop places are €595. In either case, bookings include refreshments and lunch. Places are limited, so early booking is encouraged.
