In a major announcement that underscores its commitment to shaping the future of digital printing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe is set to unveil its next-generation digital label printing technology at Labelexpo Europe 2025, taking place in Barcelona from September 16–19. The company will showcase a comprehensive production ecosystem that blends advanced digital presses, intelligent software automation, and cutting-edge finishing tools. Konica Minolta will exhibit in Hall 5, Booth G60/E61, alongside its long-time innovation partner MGI Digital Technology.
A Glimpse into the Future: New AccurioLabel Prototype
One of the most anticipated highlights of the show will be the debut of a prototype next-generation AccurioLabel digital press. This new model promises greater automation, productivity, and precision, incorporating real-time colour calibration via an integrated inline IQ unit. It is specifically designed to enhance the efficiency of digital label production, offering a leap in quality control and consistency across jobs. Although not yet commercially available, this prototype signals the direction of Konica Minolta’s future product roadmap in industrial print.
Alongside the prototype, Konica Minolta will continue to showcase its flagship label presses the AccurioLabel 230 and AccurioLabel 400. The AccurioLabel 400, introduced in 2023, continues to gain traction among converters due to its ability to print at speeds of up to 39 meters per minute and resolution of 2400 × 1200 dpi. Its white toner capability, with more than 70% opacity, has made it especially appealing for premium packaging and labels on dark or transparent substrates. The built-in IQ‑520 Intelligent Quality Care System ensures automated colour management, registration, and stability minimizing human error while increasing output consistency.
Integrated Print-to-Finish Workflow
What sets Konica Minolta apart this year is its focus on total ecosystem integration. Working with MGI and finishing partner GM, the booth will demonstrate how digital label production can seamlessly move from print to embellishment to cutting all within a unified, highly automated environment. The MGI JETvarnish 3D Web 400 will be on display, applying spot UV varnish and hot foil digitally in a single pass bringing high-end tactile and visual effects to labels.
In addition, the MGI Octopus Web, a compact, fully digital 4-axis cutter, will be shown alongside the GM DC350Mini Basic, a die-cutting and lamination system built for short-run flexibility. These units, tightly integrated with Konica Minolta’s presses, form a turnkey solution for converters looking to expand their service offerings without significant operator overhead or mechanical complexity.
Smart Software Automation for Industry 4.0
Equally important is the ecosystem’s software backbone, with solutions that drive automation, data insight, and remote production control. AccurioPro Flux Label Impose simplifies label job imposition and versioning, especially valuable in highly personalized or multi-language campaigns. Meanwhile, AccurioPro Dashboard provides real-time visibility into production status, ink usage, job progress, and error alerts essential tools for converters operating in high-mix, low-volume environments.
This suite of workflow tools embodies Konica Minolta’s broader Industry 4.0 strategy aiming to deliver not just high-performance hardware, but also intelligent, self-optimizing systems that reduce reliance on manual inputs and allow for remote management. Such advancements are increasingly vital in a tight labor market and in response to rising demand for fast-turn, customized label production.
Thought Leadership and Guided Innovation Tours
To foster industry learning, Konica Minolta is also organizing daily guided tours of its booth, led by technical experts such as Jon Pritchard, the company’s UK-based Label & Inkjet Consultant. These tours, held at 10:30 a.m. daily, will provide attendees with firsthand exposure to the end-to-end label production workflow—highlighting how real-world converters have successfully transitioned from analogue to digital environments.
On the strategic front, Toshi Uemura, Head of Industrial Print at Konica Minolta Europe, emphasized that the company is no longer just selling printing machines but creating digital-first ecosystems for business growth. He noted, “It’s not just about machines it’s about mindset: think innovatively, create individually, and impress sustainably.”
Implications for the Label Industry
Konica Minolta’s showcase reflects broader trends reshaping the label and packaging sector. With shorter print runs, mass customization, and eco-conscious clients becoming the new normal, traditional flexo and gravure technologies often fall short in agility and cost-efficiency. The company’s portfolio addresses these pain points by enabling print-on-demand capabilities, waste reduction, and shorter setup times.
Furthermore, by offering an ecosystem that combines high-resolution digital presses, smart finishing units, and cloud-connected workflow software, Konica Minolta provides a compelling path forward for converters looking to future-proof their operations. Whether it’s premium wine labels, nutraceutical products, or serialized security printing, the level of automation and customization now available through this ecosystem is redefining what’s possible in digital print.
Final Outlook: More than Machines, a Vision for the Future
As the label and packaging market continues to evolve, Konica Minolta’s strategic shift from hardware provider to solution ecosystem enabler is both timely and visionary. Its participation in Labelexpo Europe 2025 demonstrates not only product innovation but also a holistic understanding of how converters can thrive in a competitive, digitally driven environment. From print to embellishment, from automation to analytics, the company is laying the groundwork for the next era in digital print.
