Pressure Sensitive Labels Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, By Type (Linerless, Release Liner), By End User, By Printing Technology, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 To 2030

Pressure sensitive labels are frequently used for branding, identification, product labeling, packaging, and security in a variety of industries, including, cosmetics, logistics, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and retail. These labels are versatile, cost-effective, and can be tailored to meet specific needs. Pressure sensitive labels or self-adhesive labels do not need heat, solvent, or water to be applied and can stick to various kinds of surfaces. In most cases, these labels are composed of three layers: a face stock, which is the printable material; an adhesive layer; and a release liner, which is the backing material that protects the adhesive until it is applied.

Pressure sensitive labels can be bifurcated into release liner labels and linerless labels. Release liner labels have a backing material called release liner on them which is carried until the label is ready to be applied. The release liner protects the adhesive and keeps the label from sticking to each other or any other surface until it is ready for the intended use. Most common types of release liners are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) release liners and paper release liners. PET liners are made from polyester film and are slimmer than paper liners. They are used in high speed automatic labeling machines and are ideal for applications such as labeling beer cans. Paper release liners contain a silicon coating to stop the label’s adhesive from sticking to the paper below. They have good tensile strength but aren’t used for wet applications. Paper liners are extensively used as they are more economical to use.

Flexography, digital printing and offset printing are three of the most extensively used printing techniques for manufacturing pressure sensitive labels. Flexographic printing uses flexible, rotary plates that apply ink on a variety of substrates such as paper. This technique is useful for large orders as it allows for a faster printing process with less room for misprints or other errors. Digital printing allows for easy variations in design and customization of labels. It allows for short run labels or small batches and is more affordable when it comes to dealing with small quantities. In terms of printing materials and adhesives that can be used, offset technique lacks versatility when compared to the other two techniques. This technique can only be used to print on sheets and not rolls, unlike flexography or digital printing.

The rise in demand for branded and packaged products has enabled the food & beverage industry to emerge as a leading end user for pressure sensitive labels.Another driver for the demand for such labels are increasing anti-counterfeiting measures being taken by businesses. Pressure labels help in such endeavors via barcode tracking and radio-frequency identification (RFID).

Prominent players in the market are undertaking strategies such as product launches, partnerships, geographical expansion, and acquisition. For instance, in April 2023, Avery Dennison launched AD Xerolinr, a phenol-free direct thermal linerless label which is useful for reducing waste, driving productivity and sustainability.

Pressure Sensitive Labels Market Segmentation

• By Type

  • Release Liner

  • Linerless

• By Printing Technology

  • Flexography

  • Digital Printing

  • Offset

  • Lithography

  • Letterpress

  • Screen Printing

  • Gravure

• By End User

  • Consumer Durables

  • Home & Personal Care

  • Retail Labels

  • Food & Beverages

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Others

• By Region

  • North America

  • South America

  • Europe

  • Asia-Pacific

  • Middle East & Africa

Key Players

• Avery Dennison Corporation

• CCL Industries

• 3M

• Coveris

• UPM

• Constantia Flexibles International GmbH

• WestRock Company

• Fuji Seal International, Inc.

• Fort Dearborn Enterprises

• Technicote