Driving label market success in 2025 – trending technologies at the forefront of change

Brand owners demand faster turnaround times alongside impeccable quality, while economic pressures and skilled labor shortages create operational challenges. However, by embracing the right technologies, and the support of a partner like BOBST, converters can position themselves for success in this high-pressure landscape.

The power of automation
With skilled labor shortages impacting printers of every size and category, automation has become essential rather than optional. Today's label converting equipment from BOBST incorporates automated features that reduce operator intervention while maintaining consistent quality. The BOBST ACCUCHECK system, for example, provides 100% inline inspection at full production speed, combining quality control with advanced calibration capabilities to guarantee zero-fault labels and simple operations.

Hand in hand with evolving automation, digital workflows are revolutionizing how label converters operate. BOBST Connect, a digital cloud-based platform, enables real-time production monitoring, and data-driven decision making. This connectivity enables label converters to optimize their operations, reduce waste, and respond to customer demands with greater agility.

Integration for enhanced efficiency
With speed and cost control both high on the agenda, efficiency will remain a key success factor for label printers. The age of siloed production processes is ending, and today's most successful converters are embracing integrated solutions that combine multiple processes in a single pass.

BOBST All-in-One platforms that combine digital and flexo printing with embellishment and finishing in a single pass are gaining traction, enabling converters to produce ready-to-ship labels more efficiently while reducing touch points and potential for error. In further advancements, Extended Color Gamut (ECG) printing, through platforms like BOBST OneECG, is revolutionizing production efficiency by eliminating the need for spot color inks. This technology enables the reproduction of a wide range of colors using a fixed seven-color palette, dramatically reducing changeover times and waste while maintaining color consistency.

Sustainability through technology
Environmental considerations are increasingly driving technology choices, particularly as global legislation becomes more complex. The latest equipment for label converters offers features that reduce waste through better quality controls, lower energy consumption and support the use of sustainability-focused materials. As regulations tighten globally, having technology that enables sustainable production while maintaining quality and efficiency becomes crucial for future success.

Future-proofing through flexibility
Perhaps most importantly, tomorrow's successful label converters need technology that can adapt to changing market demands. Modular systems that can be upgraded and expanded as needs evolve help protect technology investments while ensuring converters can seize new opportunities as they arise and scale with confidence. A great example of this approach is the BOBST DIGITAL MASTER series range of All-in-One presses that can be upgraded to evolve alongside the label business.

As we move through 2025 and beyond, technology will play an increasingly vital role in label converting success. The key lies in selecting solutions that not only address today's challenges but provide the flexibility and scalability to meet tomorrow's demands. By embracing automation, integration, and digitalization, while maintaining focus on sustainability and adaptability, converters can position themselves for continued growth in an evolving market.

The most successful converters will be those who view technology not just as a means of production, but as a strategic tool for business transformation. With the right technological foundation in place, converters can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver the quality and service their customers demand – while building resilience against whatever challenges the future may bring.

BOBST offers a complete and connected portfolio of inline flexo, digital and All-in-One presses. The range of machines is highly automated in each one of its components, providing profitable packaging printing, modular solutions and an open architecture workflow. The full-fledged portfolio of modular solutions is available for dedicated demonstrations at the new BOBST Competence Center in Florence. Book a demo here.

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