SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 15, 2025 – At Labelexpo Europe 2025 in Barcelona, Gallus and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) unveiled a next-generation suite of digital and hybrid label printing technologies designed to accelerate digital adoption across the global label industry. With the introduction of the Gallus Five and Gallus Alpha presses—alongside a new Gallus Print Academy—the companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of connected, high-performance printing for converters seeking flexibility, cost efficiency, and industrial productivity.
Hybrid and Digital Innovation to Drive Industry Transition
Gallus’ new hybrid flagship, the Gallus Five, builds upon the proven Labelmaster platform, integrating digital flexibility with industrial-grade throughput. Delivering up to 100 meters per minute at 1200 × 1200 dpi resolution, the system combines high-resolution inkjet printing with inline finishing and modular configurability. The result is a hybrid solution that meets rising demand for shorter runs, faster changeovers, and premium color accuracy—all while reducing total cost of ownership.
Developed jointly with HEIDELBERG, the press features the new Saphira UV05 ink set, a high-pigmentation formulation that cuts ink consumption and covers up to 95% of the Pantone® color gamut. This innovation enables converters to achieve consistent, compliant color performance while lowering consumable costs—a key advantage in high-volume markets such as beauty, pharma, OTC, and household packaging.
Entry-Level Accessibility for Digital Converters
Complementing the hybrid model, Gallus introduced the Gallus Alpha, a compact, value-focused, all-digital press engineered for converters entering the digital label segment. Available in four- or six-color plus white configurations, the 340 mm-wide press delivers 1200 × 1200 dpi resolution at up to 65 m/min, with roll-to-roll simplicity for seamless workflow integration.
Ideal for converters managing short runs and rapid versioning, the Gallus Alpha offers a scalable path toward digital transformation—enabling faster onboarding, agile production, and responsive supply chain management across sectors such as retail, logistics, and pharmaceuticals.
Bridging Conventional and Digital: Gallus Print Academy
Recognizing that digital transformation extends beyond hardware, Gallus also launched the Gallus Print Academy, a dedicated training initiative supporting customers as they transition from flexographic to hybrid and inkjet technologies. Delivered directly on-site, the Academy reduces downtime while offering hands-on expertise to improve operator confidence and process knowledge.
Through this initiative, Gallus aims to strengthen long-term customer relationships and accelerate digital skill development across its installed base—addressing one of the key barriers to widespread digital adoption in the label market.
Executive Perspectives on Market Direction
“Today’s converters need future-ready solutions that deliver industrial speed, accuracy, and workflow automation to run a profitable business,” said Dario Urbinati, CEO of Gallus Group. “With the Gallus Five and Gallus Alpha, we’re enabling smarter, more connected printing at every level from entry-level systems to fully scalable hybrid platforms. Importantly, with the Gallus Five, we are taking the market beyond conventional definitions of hybrid. This isn’t just another evolution in technical capability – it’s a holistic, practical approach focused on removing barriers in even the most demanding areas of the market, accelerating digital adoption, and creating tangible, game-changing opportunities for converters worldwide.”
Strategic Integration Under the HEIDELBERG Umbrella
According to David Schmedding, Chief Technology and Sales Officer at HEIDELBERG, the collaboration reinforces the Group’s strategy as a full-range supplier to the packaging and label industry. “Together, we’re investing in technologies that deliver end-to-end solutions for efficient, highly productive and cost-effective label production. This development reaffirms our growth strategy – the continuous and targeted expansion of our portfolio as a systems integrator for this key market segment.”
Industry Context: Digital Labels Enter a Growth Phase
The global label market continues to expand at a projected 4.0% CAGR through 2030, with digital production outpacing conventional growth. As converters seek to balance customization, speed, and regulatory compliance, hybrid and digital platforms like those unveiled by Gallus and HEIDELBERG are expected to play a decisive role in modernizing operations and capturing new market opportunities.
From ink efficiency and color management to operator training and system scalability, the combined offerings aim to deliver a comprehensive ecosystem for future-ready label production.
Learn more about Gallus’ digital portfolio and the Gallus Print Academy at www.gallus-group.com.