A decade of label excellence

A decade of label excellence
17 Oct 2025
Ten years ago, Konica Minolta stepped into the label printing market ready to embrace its immense opportunity and intense competition. Fast forward to today, and the company has installed over 1,700 digital label presses across the globe. It’s a remarkable milestone, one that underscores Konica Minolta’s steady rise as a trusted partner in digital label production.

A market on the move

This collaborative approach supports operations as they navigate the transformation being undertaken by the global label printing market. Trends such as shorter runs, variable data printing, and the demand for sustainable, on-demand packaging, are shaping business demands, customer expectations and operational needs. They were among the topics discussed in detail at the recent Labelexpo.

Developing the right response is vital. It is also set to be rewarding with analysts at Smithers Pira[1] predicting that the booming market will surge nearly 60% over the next decade, reaching $20 billion by 2032.

The industry's growth is being encouraged by:

Consumer Goods Boom: The continuous growth in consumer goods production and consumption across Europe has led to an increased demand for packaging and labeling solutions.
Regulatory Compliance: Stringent regulations, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, have necessitated more detailed and informative labeling, driving demand for advanced labeling solutions.
Technological Advancements: Innovations in printing technologies and materials have opened new avenues for customization and efficiency in label production.
Sustainability Initiatives: Growing environmental consciousness among consumers and businesses has spurred demand for eco-friendly labeling solutions.

Konica Minolta is determined to play a prominent role this growth.

“We are at the forefront of digital label production, which offers exciting opportunities for print service providers,” states Toshi Uemura, Executive Officer and Head of Industrial Print at Konica Minolta Europe. “Konica Minolta’s mission is to enable better communication and society through the power of digital printing. By working closely with our customers, we help them overcome challenges ranging from shorter lead times and smaller job volumes to the shortage of skilled operators and environmental concerns.”

Ten years of innovation

Analysts at IDC[2] attribute this success to the company’s unique “sweet spot” of balancing quality with productivity. This formula has resonated with converters and print providers seeking reliable, efficient solutions without compromising on the visual impact and precision today’s label applications demand.

It has resulted in Konica Minolta’s number 1 market share position in 2024, according to Infosource.

Much of this is due to Konica Minolta's AccurioLabel series of digital label presses that generated a lot of interest at Labelexpo. It has democratized access to high-end label production for small to medium-sized businesses. It has also provided scalability for larger operations. The company's approach combines cutting-edge toner technology, intuitive operation, and seamless workflow integration, making it easier for businesses to pivot into digital or expand their current offering.

The market available portfolio of systems include the easy to use, fully automated with Intelligent Quality Care, AccurioLabel 400. No pre-coating of media is required, there is a fifth colour station with white toner supporting a wide range of print applications, and speeds can be selected depending on media type and colour combinations.

Sebastian Firus, Managing Director, Firus Druck, Germany, explains the impact Konica Minolta’s technology can have: “Nowadays, a machine must be very fast and flexible – and that’s what we get from Konica Minolta. Wineries must be able to reschedule fillings at short notice, that means just-in-time production. As an example, when data comes in at 10:00 in the morning, we can produce so that within a couple of hours the labels are on the bottle. And because we have the workflow from Konica Minolta and the software that goes with it, we can react and produce extremely quickly – all in top quality. It is remarkable.”

Harnessing a booming market

Looking ahead, Konica Minolta is determined to harness the interest expressed at Labelepo, especially in the technology preview of an AccurioLabel prototype set for launch next autumn, and the momentum of a booming market. As it celebrates its ten year anniversary in the label sector, the focus is clearly on the future. Continued investment in technology innovation, service excellence, and customer partnerships ensures the company is well-positioned to empower operations to expand their label opportunities.

Whether you’re just entering the world of digital labels, or looking to scale your production, Konica Minolta’s decade of experience offers a proven path forward.