ROTOCON raises the South African flag at Labelexpo

As Labelexpo Europe 2025 kicks off, ROTOCON will once again demonstrate why it’s one of South Africa’s most trusted label and packaging technology partners. With a powerhouse line-up of global principals in tow, the team is heading to Barcelona not only to observe trends, but to shape the conversations and technologies defining the future of the label industry.

ROTOCON is set to make history in September as the first South African-based printing technology supplier to exhibit at Labelexpo Europe. As the industry gathers at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via from 16-19 September 2025, ROTOCON will join the ranks of international leaders to showcase its cutting-edge innovations – reflecting both its own global expansion and the important role of engineering-led solutions in the label converting sector.

ROTOCON’s appearance signifies more than just a milestone for the company – it represents a defining moment for the continent’s printing and packaging industry, proving that its engineered solutions, widely adopted regionally, can command global attention, credibility and market relevance. ROTOCON’s 200m² stand (4D21) serves as a bold statement of intent: Africa is not just participating in the global label industry – it’s innovating within it.

Global brand sharing

At the heart of this international debut is ROTOCON’s strategic partnership with HS Machinery, an alliance rooted in shared values of innovation, engineering precision and customer-first service. The collaboration between these two brands goes beyond a conventional distribution agreement – it’s a jointly branded alliance that combines German engineering excellence with Asian performance-led production efficiency.

Machines displayed at Labelexpo have been meticulously developed through this partnership, leveraging real-world feedback, rigorous quality control and a unified vision for the future of label converting. Every unit is designed to offer high customisation, top-tier quality and international compliance at a competitive price, meeting the dynamic demands of label printers and finishers worldwide – from high-volume converters to agile, short-run specialists.

Together, ROTOCON and HS Machinery have created a joint offering that blends global engineering with practical market insights, backed by ROTOCON’s international expert service and support network.

Machines in the spotlight

ROTOCON’s line-up of machinery continues to impress with smart engineering and a keen focus on flexibility, automation and future-ready performance. The CHROME 450 flexographic printing press stands out as a modular powerhouse designed for high-end flexo printing. Built with precision and versatility in mind, it enables converters to integrate embellishment options such as cold foil, varnish and screen printing. Its intuitive operation is matched by a plug-and-play architecture that allows automation features to be added or upgraded with ease – a perfect fit for operations looking to scale without added complexity

For converters focusing on digital label finishing, the ECOLINE RDF 340 offers a synergistic complement to their digital printing press. It is tailored to short-run jobs and intricate applications such as multilayer labelling, hot and cold foiling, embossing and screen embellishment. Its modular design allows for easy reconfiguration as production needs evolve, helping operators streamline workflows, increase value-added output and reduce costly downtime.

Rounding out the offering is the ECOLINE RSI 540, a servodriven slitting, inspection and rewinding system capable of running at speeds up to 300m/min. Compact and reliable, this system combines efficiency with ease of use, providing a dependable post-press solution that ensures consistent production of high-quality finished rolls, with minimal maintenance and maximum performance.

These three machines – spanning flexo printing, digital finishing and inspection – illustrate ROTOCON’s ability to deliver an end-to-end production workflow, tailored to local market needs while adhering to international quality benchmarks.

Principals on display

Alongside its own innovations, ROTOCON is proudly amplifying the presence of several global principals it represents in South Africa, each a trailblazer in their respective field. Anytron (stand 5G22) is showcasing its updated ANYJET II and ANY-CUT I systems, offering a complete digital label workflow from file to finish, featuring laser cutting and inline automation.

Domino Printing (stand 3E91) is spotlighting its high-speed, high-resolution K600i and the brand-new K300 monochrome inkjet printers, purpose-built for 2D code overprinting with integrated inspection.

Excelitas (stand 3B13) is presenting its UV curing and IR drying systems tailored for both flexo and digital label printing, including the popular Phoseon Nexus ONE and FireJet UV LED units. DYM Machinery (stand 3D45) will highlight its nonstop productivity tools like the HAU450 butt splicer and SAC450 turret rewinder, designed for seamless narrow web processing.

Meanwhile, EyeC (stand 5B11) is unveiling its AI-driven inspection systems, which provide powerful prepress, press and postpress defect detection and image comparison. See this system live on its ProofRunner Web Highlight, installed on the ROTOCON ECOLINE RSH 340 finishing machine.

SCREEN Europe (stand 5D55) is going live with its Truepress LABEL 350UV SAI-S and PAC 520P presses, highlighting end-to-end digital workflows and sustainable, paper-based flexible packaging solutions.

Pantec (stand 3A30) will feature live demos of its RHINO E and S flatbed hot foil and embossing units, perfect for health and beauty label embellishments with unlimited design freedom.

Finally, UV Ray (stand 3A71) is introducing its new air-cooled MaxLED UV curing lamps and Goliath reflectors – a winning combination for energy-efficient printing on heat-sensitive substrates.

Together, these global powerhouses reinforce ROTOCON’s role not just as a supplier but as a trusted systems integrator – connecting African converters to world-class technologies and shaping the future of label and packaging production.

Come experience innovation

As ROTOCON takes its place among the world’s leading label technology brands at Labelexpo Europe 2025, it aims to demonstrate the potential that arises when engineering, service and vision come together in a meaningful way. It’s not just about demonstrating machines – it’s about highlighting what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation.

Team ROTOCON will greet visitors with true South African warmth, inviting them to experience live demo right at the stand.

Press connection

As part of its Labelexpo schedule, ROTOCON will host a press conference on Wednesday, 17 September from 14:00 – 14:30 at its stand. The session will offer insights into the company’s latest flexo printing and finishing capabilities, co-developed with HS Machinery, and highlight its expanding role as a systems integrator within the global narrow web space. Attendees can expect a hands-on showcase, live interaction with the technical team and a clear vision of where ROTOCON sees the future of label converting heading.

PDF of article»» as featured in PPM

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