In 2026, Kingfisher Labels will officially arrive at 30 years in business. It should come as no surprise, then, that we’ve seen the label printing process change in huge ways over the last three decades. These days, ‘flexo’ (flexible relief plate) printing is the norm, and the depth and breadth of this medium increases each year.
Label technology has advanced steadily to reach its impressive modern state—a state of frequent innovation, elevation and improvement. And since we’re always eager to deliver the best possible final product to our customers? That’s a state we do our best to remain in, too.
Let’s explore some recent flexo trends gaining traction in our industry…
Modular Systems
The increasing availability of modularity in label printing enables more efficient and responsive production, from changing substrates to integrating features such as lamination.
Modular printing systems are scalable, customisable and easy to adjust. They evolve in response to customer requirements, rather than being rigidly confined to a step-by-step process with built-in reliance.
Automation and AI
Many label converters in 2025 are investing in automating certain processes that can be automated without compromising product quality (e.g., prepress work and colour management).
In this way, human time and skill are freed up for other tasks. Some of this automation includes Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in the sphere of monitoring and error detection.
Hybrids and Digital Competition
Digital printing methods are improving. This improvement offers two primary benefits to users of flexo technology.
For one, it opens up the hybrid press market for digital/flexo efforts to combine effectively. For two, digital’s increasing cost efficiency creates competition that drives flexo to new, innovative heights (think more automation, better on-press imaging, and improved computer-to-plate processing).
Sustainable Solutions
As we noted when discussing ways to modernise your labels, sustainable label production is now the preference of many consumers.
The term can be used to apply to both the raw materials used and the methods employed—from eco-friendly substrates and inks to investments and innovations aimed at enhancing efficiency and minimising the production process’s carbon footprint.
Diverse Substrates
New packaging materials are introduced to the market every year, ranging from unique textures to compostable substrates.
Flexo tech must evolve and adapt to keep up with this diverse range of potential print surfaces, which is why we’ve seen a recent investment in improving, for instance, tension and pressure control systems.
Smart Labels
Whether it’s RFID, QR, or NFC, ‘smart labels’ that incorporate tech are becoming increasingly common.
Some of these smart labels are easier to account for in design and production than others, but either way, adjustments are being made as they become more widely used for the purposes of supply chain transparency and/or customer interactivity.
Contact us if you’d like to discuss some of these trends and how they might improve your self-adhesive labels.
One last thing?
Our Second Memorial Walk
On June 27th, we embarked on our second annual Martin Jackson Memorial Walk, fundraising for the Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity. Once again, we raised over £4,000.
As per the JustGiving page:
“Last September, we walked as a team from the Kingfisher premises in Yate to the Bristol Royal Infirmary in the centre of Bristol. Whilst the distance was a challenge, we really enjoyed coming together and spending the hours sharing memories and stories of Martin.
It has been decided that this will become an annual memorial walk where we will continue to raise funds for Martin’s chosen charity, the Bristol Heart Institute.
To make it even harder, we will also be cycling the distance from Yate to Blackburn (Martin’s home town) to raise additional funds. The total distance will be just short of 200 miles.”
Donations are still open for those who would like to contribute to this cause that’s so close to all of our hearts.