Edited by Managing Editor Dianna Brodine
The global labels and release liners market is projected to be worth $47.1 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow across the next five years at a CAGR of 3.6% to reach $56.4 billion by 2030 as brand owners invest in new print technologies, smart packaging and more sustainable label and film stocks, according to The Future of Labels and Release Liners to 2030 by Smithers. Alongside this, the release-liners market is seen leaning toward film-based substrates due to their increase in sustainable options, slowing the growth of market frontrunners glassine and supercalendered kraft paper.
The report quantifies current and future market volume and value by type, print process, end-use application and region.
Label, release liner volume to rise
Label and packaging sleeve volumes are predicted to rise from 83.0 billion sq meters in 2025 to 99.1 billion sq meters in 2030. Pressure-sensitive labels remain the most used solution at 61.9% of the market by value, followed by wet glue labels with a relatively larger share of the market by volume (see Figure 1). Despite increasing investment in linerless labels, these will remain a fringe option, says Smithers, and volume consumption of release liners is forecast to rise from 35.2 billion sq meters in 2025 to 42.3 billion in 2030.
Sleeves present the main market alternative to labels, and analysis shows these are growing in use, especially among soft drinks customers. Shrink sleeves enjoy a 12.4% market share by volume in 2025, and both these and stretch sleeves (3.1%) will grow over the next five years.
Food and beverage remain dominant
Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and food continue to dominate label use, accounting for over two-thirds of the market by volume. All will see steady growth, with significant increases coming from deeper penetration into developing consumer markets, especially in Asia.
Flexo continues as top print process
Flexo remains the most common print process for labels operating on narrow-web machines and accounting for over 40% of output. Its use will grow to 2030, where print volumes for offset litho print are predicted to lose market share as converters move to pressure-sensitive formats. Digital printing (inkjet and toner) accounted for 7.0% of label volume in 2024.
Other report statistics include the following:
- Digital printing is the fastest growing technology for label printing, with a CAGR of 11.9% between 2025 and 2030.
- Flexography still will dominate the printing method for labels with a 39.4% market share in 2030, up from 38.7% this year.
- A volume of 99.1 billion sq meters of labels will be converted in 2030, up from about 70 billion sq meters in 2020.
- Regionally, Asia will have 48.8% of the global volume of labels in 2025. High growth rates relative to other regions mean that to 2030 its share steadily will increase to 52.9%.
More info: www.smithers.com
Specialty papers to rely on advanced materials, bio-based technologies: Future Markets, Inc.
The global specialty papers market stands at a pivotal juncture, driven by sustainability imperatives, technological breakthroughs and evolving consumer demands, according to a report from Future Markets, Inc. (www.futuremarketsinc.com). Flexible packaging remains the dominant segment, reflecting the sustained shift toward convenient, lightweight packaging solutions. However, the market’s innovation lies in the integration of advanced materials and bio-based technologies.
Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are transitioning from laboratory curiosities to industrial-scale production, offering strength enhancement, barrier properties and sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based additives. These materials can improve tensile strength by up to 50% while maintaining biodegradability.
Bio-based barrier coatings represent another major innovation, particularly in response to global food packaging regulations, with seaweed-derived alginates, protein-based formulations and modified starches providing grease and moisture resistance comparable to traditional synthetic coatings.
Security papers are experiencing a technological renaissance through digital integration, incorporating micro-QR codes, blockchain verification and advanced watermarking techniques that combat counterfeiting attempts. The convergence of physical and digital security features is creating new opportunities in authentication and brand protection.
Digital printing compatibility is becoming a standard requirement, with papers engineered for high-resolution inkjet and electrophotographic applications supporting the growth of on-demand, personalized packaging. Emerging applications in electrical papers for battery separators and insulation materials position specialty papers at the intersection of traditional papermaking and energy-storage technologies.
The specialty papers market is transitioning from a mature, commodity-driven industry to a technology-intensive sector characterized by rapid innovation cycles and premium value propositions.