hubergroup addresses converters’ evolving needs at LOUPE Americas 2026
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Press Release
hubergroup addresses converters’ evolving needs at LOUPE Americas 2026
As the leading label event widens its scope to flexible packaging and folding carton, hubergroup Print Solutions arrives with a portfolio built for exactly this development. At LOUPE Americas 2026 in Chicago (September 15-17, booth 505), the international printing ink specialist will present iray, its dual-cure UV flexo system for paper, film, and shrink sleeves, its water- and solvent-based portfolio as well as its offset series for label applications. All these product ranges share a manufacturing approach that keeps production close to North American customers.
The renaming of Labelexpo to LOUPE reflects a shift that converters have long been living: label printers increasingly also produce shrink sleeves, pouches, and folding carton. hubergroup has aligned its North American portfolio with this reality – deliberately reducing complexity rather than adding it.
One dual-cure system for paper, film, and sleeves
At the heart of hubergroup's presence is its UV flexo offering for the North American market: iray, a single dual-cure product that runs on paper, film, and shrink sleeves alike and cures with both conventional UV and LED-UV. For converters, this means one ink system to stock, one system to train on, and one point of contact when questions arise – instead of managing separate product lines for each substrate.
The formulation was developed specifically for North America: its monomer and photo initiator package is tailored to the substrates, presses, and regulatory requirements converters work with in this market. In addition, iray MGA, hubergroup’s global series for food packaging applications, gives internationally active customers the identical product they know from other regions, ensuring consistent results wherever a job runs.
"Our customers don't ask for more products – they ask for fewer things that can go wrong," says Clinton Melius, Director Liquid Inks North America. "Covering paper, film, and sleeves with one dual-cure system takes complexity out of the press room: one inventory, one training, one troubleshooting path."
A wide line-up for packaging needs
Visitors to booth 505 will also learn about hubergroup's water-based system HYDRO-X, a modular ink mixing system, enabling tailor-made solutions across packaging substrates such as paper, cardboard, aluminum, and plastic film. A highlight are the water-based barrier coatings, which improve the oxygen, water, and grease resistance of mono-material structures – a key enabler for recyclable packaging design.
hubergroup’s flexible packaging portfolio is complemented by the solvent-based Gecko series, known for its reliability and excellent printability. Designed to cover a wide range of applications with a minimal number of components, it offers both versatility and operational efficiency. In addition, hubergroup will showcase its expanded NC-free portfolio, underlining the company's commitment to circular packaging solutions.
For offset applications, hubergroup will present its MGA Label series, a comprehensive low-migration ink portfolio specifically developed for in-mould label (IML) production and other demanding food packaging applications. The range includes process inks, ECG inks, spot colours, and a colour mixing system, enabling maximum flexibility and colour consistency. Designed for substrates ranging from thin 50 μm films to boards up to 1,000 g/m², MGA Label delivers the high oxidative drying performance required for efficient production. MGA Label, an ink series trusted by many leading companies in the IML industry, combines packaging safety with reliable press performance.
Developed globally, manufactured locally
Behind the portfolio stands a deliberate manufacturing strategy: formulation know-how flows through hubergroup's global R&D network, while production sits close to the customer. The vehicles for hubergroup's narrow web products are developed and manufactured locally in the United States; the vehicle formulation for folding carton and flexible packaging applications were contributed by hubergroup's R&D team in Germany, Poland, and Italy. Complementing this manufacturing footprint is a strong local service infrastructure, with five regional technical service branches across the United States and a dedicated service hub in Canada. This combination of global expertise, local technical experience, and regional support keeps lead times short and supply reliable – a factor that has gained considerable weight in the North American market.
"LOUPE Americas has widened its lens, and so have our customers," adds Clinton Melius. "Whether it's the switch to LED, the move to mono-material packaging or simply shorter lead times – we look forward to discussing the specific challenges of every visitor at our booth. That personal conversation is what trade shows are for."
About hubergroup
hubergroup is one of the leading international companies in the field of specialty chemicals, built on more than 260 years of experience and continuous innovation. The company combines deep chemical expertise with advanced technology to deliver high-quality materials that serve key industries such as packaging, printing, and manufacturing. Its portfolio includes printing inks, coatings, pigments, resins, adhesives, and chemical additives that meet stringent technical and environmental requirements. Through state-of-the-art production and ongoing research, hubergroup ensures consistent quality while steadily enhancing the efficiency and environmental performance of its processes and products.
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Contact the press
Franziska Feuchtmann hubergroup Global Corporate Communication Phone: +49 89 9003 254 E-mail: franziska.feuchtmann@hubergroup.com
