Asia Becomes Leading Region for P-S Label Demand

Pressure-sensitive label growth faces competition from other labeling and packaging options, but it still commands 40% of the overall label market share and grew 3.9% in 2016 over the previous year.

Those figures come from AWA Alexander Watson Associates’ new market analysis, “AWA Global Pressure-sensitive Label Market Study 2017.”

As of 2016 volumes, Asia now represents the leading region for pressure-sensitive label demand at 27%, says the report. That eclipses the developed markets of Europe and North America.

AWA Alexander Watson Associates President and CEO Corey M Reardon, says, “Variable information print (VIP) labels are a strong growth area for the versatile pressure-sensitive label, in line with the increasing requirements of today’s transportation and logistics activities, in terms not only of track-and-trace and stock and inventory management, but also for product authentication—for example, RFID-enabled labels. 

“What is more, online consumer purchasing activities are continuing to drive VIP label developments and usage.  Pressure-sensitive labels are also extremely adaptable in terms of their available application technologies, which can vary from hand-held label printers for individual packs to mass serialization on the label press,” says Reardon.

The report examines end-use markets for p-s labels, setting them in the context of the overall product decoration technology platform. “While glue-applied labels still enjoy substantial usage globally, the new sleeving technologies now enjoy a significant market share and continue to grow, while in-mold labeling remains a niche, but growing market,” Reardon explains. “Direct-to-container digital print is an area to watch, and flexible packaging has the capability to revolutionize the whole product packaging market.”