1,650 exhibitors. 315,000-plus attendees, representing more than 130 countries. 11 days.

It must be time for Drupa again.

The mega international trade fair for print and cross-media solutions will encompass all 19 expo halls at the Düsseldorf Fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany over an 11-day span from May 31 to June 10. The theme of the 2016 event is “touch the future,” as the show will focus on today’s technologies and innovations as well as highlight trends and preview what’s likely to come in the future.

Following the 2016 event, Drupa will also transition to a three-year cycle with upcoming events scheduled in the years 2019, 2022 and 2025.

Many of the expected 1,650 exhibitors at Drupa 2016 are involved in flexible packaging, so to give you an idea of what new technologies and innovations you can expect to see in Germany from relevant companies, we’ve compiled this handy preview guide:

Bobst (Hall 10, A60): Bobst will be showcasing several technologies and innovations, including new CI flexo, in-line flexo, gravure and digital printing presses, laminators, coaters and metallzers; extended color gamut printing; a high-output digital printing press; and other innovative and effective alternatives to offset printing for flexible packaging. 

Comexi (Hall 10, B20): In addition to highlighting its products for its three main printing technologies (flexo, gravure and offset), Comexi will also launch a new flexo press intended to permit higher automation throughout the printing process. A new printer body for its R2 gravure press and the L20000, a water-based laminating machine designed to complement the HP digital Indigo 20000 press, will also be showcased.

Cosmo Films (Hall 3, A31): Cosmo Films will launch its Luxotique range of premium lamination films, a portfolio designed to meet the needs of luxury packaging and high-end graphics lamination. The films are available in velvet, scuff-free matte and digital variations. In addition to its new Luxotique range, it will have standard and special application lamination films on hand.

ESI (Hall 16, C80): ESI will showcase its cutting-edge EB technology and, along with its co-suppliers and partners such as Comexi, KBA-Flexotecnica, Uteco, Goss International, Toyo Ink and Seigwerk, demonstrate how EB delivers a total solution.

INX International (Hall3, A50): INX will showcase a range of lamination inks for flexible packaging as well as its CGS digital proofing system, a turn-key solution for flexible packaging proofing and mock-up production. Additionally, INX will have regulatory experts on hand to help food packagers understand and stay up to speed on government rules and regulations.

Karlville (Hall 12, A04): Fresh off of a newly announced partnership with HP in “finishing converting,” Karlville will highlight its lamination technologies for HP digital printing at Drupa. Specifically, it will showcase its COMPACT solvent-less laminator as well as new technology for short-run lamination. 

Kodak (Hall 5, F09): Kodak will be showcasing a wide range of new products and innovations, including its new Aqua-Image pressroom chemicals range to enhance printing performance; its FLEXCEL NX System ’16; its new Ultrastream inkjet technology platform; and a new NEXPRESS ZX3900 digital production color press. Live demonstrations and a live demonstration experience room to highlight eco-friendly plate technology will also be a part of Kodak’s offerings.

Memjet (Hall 5, C24): Memjet will feature label and package printing solutions powered by its inkjet technology, as well as updated solutions from OEM partners. For package printing, the Xante Excelagraphic 4200, TrojanThree and Afinia C900 will be on display. For label printing, it will showcase the Afinia L801 and DLP2000, TrojanTwo and New Solution’s NL33 series, among others.

Nordmeccanica (Hall 15, B42): Cited by organizers as “an event you do not want to miss,” Nordmeccanica will host a special press conference that will feature a technology announcement at its booth (Hall 15, B42) on May 31 at 11 a.m. 

Windmoeller & Hoelscher (Hall 15, A41): W&H plans to present a new generation of flexo and gravure printing presses at the event. W&H will also focus on the concept of “Packaging 4.0” and its vision of “Industry 4.0” as it applies to packaging. In addition to running machine demonstrations several times a day, the company will also host an in-house expo simultaneously with Drupa at its new Lengerich technology center.