Pressure-Sensitive Labels Market Assessment, By Material [Paper Labels, Film Labels, Plastic Labels, Others], By Technology [Water based, Solvent-based, Radiation, Hot Melt, Others], By Print Methods [Gravure, Flexography, Letterpress, Inkjet, Others], By

Pressure-Sensitive Labels Market Assessment, By Material [Paper Labels, Film Labels, Plastic Labels, Others], By Technology [Water based, Solvent-based, Radiation, Hot Melt, Others], By Print Methods [Gravure, Flexography, Letterpress, Inkjet, Others], By Layer [Liner, Linerless], By Application [Food and Beverage, Healthcare, Cosmetics, Automotive, Chemicals, Logistics, Others], By Distribution Channel [Offline, Online] By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global pressure-sensitive labels market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.03% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 80.55 billion in 2023 to USD 119.28 billion in 2031. One of the major drivers of pressure sensitive labels is product branding. Consumers resonate with the premium appeal of the product through its labeling and packaging. The pressure sensitive labels carry the logo description of the company and the product such as flavor and specialties, list of ingredients used in the product, methods of usage of product and other important information which are major elements of a product, playing an important role in purchase decisions of the consumers. Thus, pressure labels are highly demanded by producers from different industries to package their finished product. Pressure sensitive labels can include interactive elements such as QR codes, augmented reality features, or promotional messages that engage consumers and lead to a rise in demand.

Manufacturers are providing innovative and unique technological solutions for consumers in the pressure sensitive labels industry. For instance, in April 2023, Innovia Films extended its surface technology expertise to material science with the introduction of Rayoface AQBSA, a specially engineered printable coated cavitated BOPP facestock film. Tailored for pressure-sensitive labeling (PSL) applications. This 58-micron thick film features a printable top-coating and a reverse side with an adhesive-receptive coated surface.

Linerless Labels to Dominate the Market

Linerless pressure-sensitive labels are witnessing wide popularity in the market and are replacing traditional liner labels. The linerless labels eliminate the need for a liner, which needs to be discarded after the application of the label leading to increased waste. Thus, the linerless labels reduce waste and promote sustainability by minimizing material usage and disposal. The shift in the consumers’ preferences can be seen as consumers have become environmentally aware and want to do sustainable practices.

A key player recently came up with the same concept to minimize the waste discarded after the label application. For instance, in September 2023, Avery Dennison Corporation announced the launch of AD LinrSave and AD LinrConvert, its ‘first generation’ of linerless decorative label solutions at Labelexpo Europe 2023. These labels were enabled through its patented micro-perforation technology. The solution was a game changer in the pressure sensitive labels industry as it is said to decrease CO2 and reduce label waste and water footprint while certifying the shelf appeal and functionality of pressure-sensitive labels.

Apart from reduction in waste, linerless labels are a popular choice among the consumers as they save money for the commercial users, like saving on material costs and transportation costs, due to lighter weight and less layers. Additionally, they provide faster applications as there is no requirement for removing and disposing off the liner, which results in increased efficiency and productivity during the labeling processes.

Hot-Melt Labels to Dominate the Market

The hot melt pressure sensitive labels are dominating the market due to several reasons such as faster application process, lower material costs, and minimal wastage. Moreover, they offer strong initial tack and adhesion, ensuring that the labels stay in place after being applied. They provide strong adhesion which minimizes the risk of labels peeling or falling off during the transportation and handling processes. These labels lead to dominance as they are durable and more resistant to heat, moisture, and cold environments, as compared to other forms of labels. The durability of hot-melt labels ensures to remain intact with the product throughout its lifecycle, which makes it a preferred choice among the consumers to use in their products.

For instance, in February 2023, LINTEC introduced the development of multi-purpose and durable hot-melt pressure sensitive labels. The company incorporated it into HVT which is their fresh labelstock collection. The offering was designed to cater to a diverse range of applications, including multiple types of display labels.

Sustainability and Circular Economy as a Key Trend in the Market

Pressure sensitive labels are used by the producers of consumer goods, such as toys, boxes, confectionaries, etc. Sustainable pressure sensitive labels are gaining popularity among the consumers who manufacture or market consumer goods with the aim of producing sustainable and environmentally friendly products. The adoption of such sustainable practices demonstrates the consumers’ commitment to corporate social responsibility. It leads to the enhancement of brand’s image and attracts environmentally conscious customers and partners.

For instance, in June 2022, Lecta introduced a new range of Adestor self-adhesive labels. The product line represents the company’s aim towards sustainability, showcasing the advancements towards reducing the harmful environmental impact and fostering a circular economy. The offering includes, Essence Nature Df 90 WS which is created from 100 percent recycled material. Additionally, the labels eliminate the need for commonly used film laminates by incorporating a natural high wet strength layer, resulting in a plastic free label.

Additionally, consumers are preferring labels with thinner facial paper and linerless labels which reduce wastage and fuel the trend of sustainable labels.

Technological Advancement to Change the Face of the Market:

Technological advancements have led to the development of advanced pressure sensitive labels which have been formulated with enhanced properties like improved tack, adhesion, durability and cohesion. These technological advancements in formulation provide better performance and contribute to the growth of the market.

Additionally, advancements have been made to introduce new coatings for protecting labeling from removal or damage, while transporting the goods. For instance, in September 2023, Appvion introduced its Next Generation Technology, a direct thermal coating design that yields high performance, heat stable labels. The latest technology has been used by the company to produce face stocks, namely, Resiste 185, Resiste 15% PCW, Resiste Rx, Wavex PD, and CleanSlate. Resiste 185 is a top coated direct thermal face stock that is resistant to heat and oil which are a problem in retail and logistics label applications.

Key players are introducing alternative release lines by developing environmentally friendly labels, which are both sustainable and durable. Moreover, advances have been made in printing technology, graphic quality, tear resistance, and method of dispensing and application.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Due to increasing focus on corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and reducing the environmental footprint, sustainable pressure sensitive labels are gaining popularity in the market. Recycling being a vital factor, the need of the pressure sensitive labels that can ensure convenient recycling are being demanded in the market.

For instance, in July 2022, CCL Industries Inc. launched EcoStream pressure-sensitive labels in their product line. They are made from a floating and low density polyolefin material which can be easily separated from the heavy PET flakes at the time of recycling.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key participants in the pressure-sensitive labels market are propelling the growth by focusing on product innovation, expansion in manufacturing capabilities for bringing in new technology, and strategic collaborations. The manufacturers are actively innovating and adding the latest products to their product offerings promoting reusable and recyclable products to cater to the evolving needs of the consumers.

For instance, in June 2022, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA broadened its manufacturing capabilities in Mexico with the inauguration of a cutting-edge facility for hot-melt adhesives in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon. Spanning nearly 30,000 square meters, the new plant was primarily focused on producing pressure-sensitive and non-pressure-sensitive hot-melts under Technomelt brand. The product line includes offerings from Henkel's high-performance SUPRA portfolio, engineered for effective bonding of substrates in demanding conditions, as well as Henkel's COOL portfolio, featuring a lower melting point compared to traditional hot-melt adhesives (ranging between 100°C to 120°C).

In June 2023, CCL Industries Inc. announced the acquisition, amounting to USD 44 million of Pouch Partners s.r.l. which is a provider of gravure-printed, and laminated flexible film materials for pouch manufacturing, offering recyclable options. In 2022, the company achieved sales totaling USD 104 million, with an adjusted EBITDA of USD 6.8 million.