Labels in the US by Application Method, Stock Material, Market and Printing Technology

High Value Products & Technological Advancements Fuel Growth

Gains will be driven by increased focus on labels as sophisticated marketing and track and trace tools, leading to growth for value-added label types. Ongoing improvements in converting techniques and printing technologies will lower costs and increase penetration of these higher value labels.

Key Findings in the Labels Study:

Dominant Pressure Sensitive & Dynamic Heat-Shrink Label Segments Drive Gains

Growth in the US labels market is largely determined by the pressure sensitive segment, which accounted for 76% of total demand in 2016. Pressure sensitive labels will continue to displace glue-applied labels going forward, though at a slower pace than that of the last decade. Emerging opportunities include specialized labels – such as RFID-enabled varieties and extended content labels – and clear plastic types that achieve a no-label look in primary packaging applications.

Heat-shrink labels are expected to grow at an above average rate going forward and will compete with pressure sensitives, particularly in food and beverage markets. Though these labels are more costly to produce, advancements in digital printing are expected to lower costs and expand heat-shrink labels’ range of applications wherever superior aesthetics are required for product differentiation.

Advances in Digital Printing Will Continue to Create New Opportunities

Digital printing will continue to grow at the fastest rate of any label printing technique through 2021. Growth will be driven by a trend toward customized packaging for short-term product promotions and customized marketing, as digital printing is the most cost effective print method for short runs.

Demand for digitally printed labels will also be supported by increased regulatory activity, particularly in the pharmaceutical market, which sometimes requires frequent changes to information presented on labels. Digital printing’s versatility and minimal prepress preparation times allow adjustments to be made cost-effectively.

Secondary Labels & Mailing & Shipping Labels Remain Fastest Growing Markets

Variable information labels in secondary and mailing and shipping applications are expected to post strong growth. Gains in secondary labels will be largely driven by value-added track and trace labels in transportation and distribution markets, as well as increased retail activity.

Mailing and shipping labels will benefit from the continued growth of e-commerce. Address labels for individually packaged items instead of bulk shipping to stores, as well as a trend toward printing return labels, will boost demand.

Study Coverage

This study presents historical demand data (2006, 2011, and 2016) and forecasts for 2021 by application method (pressure sensitive, glue-applied, heat-shrink and stretch sleeve, in-mold, heat transfer), stock material (paper, plastic), market (primary packaging including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and toiletries; secondary; industrial; mailing and shipping; decorative), and printing technology (flexography, lithography, digital, screen, gravure, letterpress, variable information printing). The study also evaluates company market share and offers analysis on industry competitors including Avery Dennison, CCL Industries, Fort Dearborn, Green Bay Packaging, LINTEC (MACtac), Multi-Color, RR Donnelley, UPM-Kymmene, and WS Packaging.

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Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

OVERVIEW

Key Findings

Labels Demand Overview

Historical Market Trends

Demand Forecast

Pricing Trends

Raw Materials

Technological Trends

Overview

Barcoding Trends

Smart Labeling

Competitive Technologies

Regulatory Issues

Overview

Food & Beverage

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

Environmental Considerations

Overview

Substrate

Ink

Adhesive

Liner

Certification Bodies

Global Demand Trends

US Foreign Trade

APPLICATION METHODS

Key Findings

Application Methods Outlook

Pressure Sensitive Labels

Pressure Sensitive Labels: Demand Forecast

Pressure Sensitive Labels: Characteristics & Applications

Pressure Sensitive Labels: Growth Opportunities

Fast Growing Pressure Sensitive Products

Extended Content Labels

Linerless Labels

RFID & Other Smart Labels

Pressure Sensitive Labels: Suppliers & Products

Glue-Applied Labels

Glue-Applied Labels: Demand Forecast

Glue-Applied Labels: Characteristics & Applications

Glue-Applied Labels: Suppliers & Products

Heat-Shrink & Stretch Sleeve Labels

Heat-Shrink & Stretch Sleeve Labels: Demand Forecast

Heat-Shrink Labels

Heat-Shrink Labels: Demand Forecast

Heat-Shrink Labels: Characteristics & Applications

Heat-Shrink Labels: Materials Trends

Stretch Sleeve Labels

Stretch Sleeve Labels: Demand Forecast

Stretch Sleeve Labels: Characteristics & Applications

Heat-Shrink & Stretch Sleeve Labels: Suppliers & Products

Heat-Shrink Suppliers & Products

Stretch Sleeve Suppliers & Products

In-Mold Labels

In-Mold Labels: Demand Forecast

In-Mold Labels: Characteristics & Applications

In-Mold Labels: Suppliers & Products

Heat Transfer Labels

Heat Transfer Labels: Demand Forecast

Heat Transfer Labels: Characteristics & Applications

Heat Transfer Labels: Suppliers & Products

Other Labels

Other Labels: Demand Forecast

Non-Shrink Wraparound Labels

Heat-Seal Labels

Gummed Labels

Foam Labels

STOCK MATERIALS

Key Findings

Stock Materials Outlook

Paper Labels

Demand Forecast

Application Methods

Types

Plastic Labels

Demand Forecast

Application Methods

Types

Other Stock Materials

MARKETS

Key Findings

Markets Outlook

Primary Packaging Labels

Primary Packaging Label Outlook

Food Processing

Food Processing: Demand Forecast

Food Processing: Application Methods

Beverages

Beverages: Demand Forecast

Beverages: Application Methods

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals: Demand Forecast & Regulatory Factors

Pharmaceuticals: Application Methods

Cosmetics & Toiletries

Cosmetics & Toiletries: Demand Forecast

Cosmetics & Toiletries: Application Methods

Other Primary Packaging

Secondary Labels

Secondary Labels: Scope

Secondary Labels: Demand Forecast

Overview

Retail Growth Opportunities

Other Secondary Label Growth Opportunities

Industrial Labels

Industrial Labels: Scope

Industrial Labels: Demand Forecast

Industrial Labels: Application Methods

Mailing & Shipping Labels

Scope

Demand Forecast

Decorative Labels

Decorative Labels: Scope

Decorative Labels: Demand Forecast

Other Markets

Scope

Demand Forecast

PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES

Key Findings

Printing Technologies Outlook

Flexography

Flexography: Demand Forecast

Flexography: Characteristics & Technologies

Lithography

Lithography: Demand Forecast

Lithography: Characteristics & Technologies

Digital

Digital: Demand Forecast

Digital: Characteristics & Technologies

Screen

Screen: Demand Forecast

Screen: Characteristics & Technologies

Gravure

Gravure: Demand Forecast

Gravure: Characteristics & Technologies

Letterpress

Letterpress: Demand Forecast

Letterpress: Characteristics & Technologies

Variable Information Printing

INDUSTRY STRUCTURE

Key Findings & Industry Composition

Market Share

Overview

Label Stock Producers

Label Printers & Converters

Competitive Strategies

Acquisitions & Divestitures

Cooperative Agreements

Marketing & Distribution

List of Industry Participants

APPENDIX

Scope

Methodology

Sources

Associations & Agencies

Related Freedonia Group Studies

Definitions

Abbreviations

Macroeconomic Assumptions

Economic Environment

Demographic Trends

Consumer Spending

Manufacturers' Shipments

Business Establishments

Packaging Industry Overview

List of Tables

OVERVIEW

Table 2-1 | Label Demand, 2006 - 2016

Table 2-2 | Label Pricing, 2006 - 2021

Table 2-3 | Raw Material Use in Labels, 2006 - 2021 (million pounds)

Table 2-4 | Advantages & Disadvantages of Competitive Technologies

Table 2-5 | Recent Regulations Impacting Food & Beverage Label Markets

Table 2-6 | Recent Regulations Impacting Health & Pharmaceutical Label Markets

Table 2-7 | US Foreign Trade in Labels, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

APPLICATION METHODS

Table 3-1 | Label Demand by Application Method, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 3-2 | Pressure Sensitive Label Demand by Material, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 3-3 | Selected Pressure Sensitive Product Launches

Table 3-4 | Glue-Applied Label Demand by Material, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 3-5 | Glue-Applied Label Suppliers & Production Capabilities

Table 3-6 | Heat-Shrink & Stretch Sleeve Label Demand by Type & Material, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 3-7 | Heat-Shrink Label Types: Drivers & Restraints

Table 3-8 | Heat-Shrink Labels: Production & Printing Technology Key Trends & Characteristics

Table 3-9 | Stretch Sleeve Label Suppliers & Production Capabilities

Table 3-10 | In-Mold Label Demand by Material, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 3-11 | In-Mold Label Demand by Molding Process, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 3-12 | In-Mold Label Suppliers & Production Capabilities

Table 3-13 | Heat Transfer Label Demand by Material, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 3-14 | Heat Transfer Label Suppliers & Products

Table 3-15 | Other Label Demand by Material, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

STOCK MATERIALS

Table 4-1 | Label Demand by Stock Material, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 4-2 | Paper Label Demand by Application Method, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 4-3 | Paper Label Demand by Type, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 4-4 | Plastic Label Demand by Application Method, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 4-5 | Major Label Resins: Advantages & Selected Applications

Table 4-6 | Other Label Demand by Application Method, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

MARKETS

Table 5-1 | Label Demand by Market, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 5-2 | Primary Packaging Label Demand by Segment, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 5-3 | Food Processing Label Demand by Application Method, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 5-4 | Food Processing Label Uses by Application Method

Table 5-5 | Beverage Label Demand by Application Method, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 5-6 | Pharmaceutical Label Demand by Application Method, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 5-7 | Cosmetic & Toiletry Label Demand by Application Method, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 5-8 | Other Major Primary Packaging Segments: Application Methods & Key Trends

Table 5-9 | Other Primary Packaging Label Demand by Application Method, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 5-10 | Secondary Label Market: Scope

Table 5-11 | Secondary Label Demand by Segment, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 5-12 | Industrial Label Demand by Application Method, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 5-13 | Mailing & Shipping Label Demand, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 5-14 | Decorative Label Demand, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 5-15 | Other Label Markets Demand, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES

Table 6-1 | Label Demand by Printing Technology, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 6-2 | Flexographic Label Demand by Type, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 6-3 | Lithographic Label Demand by Type, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 6-4 | Digital Label Demand by Type, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 6-5 | Screen Printed Label Demand by Type, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 6-6 | Gravure Label Demand by Type, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Table 6-7 | Letterpress Label Demand by Type, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

INDUSTRY STRUCTURE

Table 7-1 | US Label Sales by Company, 2016 (million dollars)

Table 7-2 | Competitive Strategies in the US Labels Industry

Table 7-3 | Selected Acquisitions & Divestitures

Table 7-4 | Selected Cooperative Agreements

APPENDIX

Table 8-1 | Relevant Industry Codes

Table 8-2 | Abbreviations & Acronyms Used in Study

Table 8-3 | Macroeconomic Indicators, 2006 - 2021 (billion 2009 dollars)

Table 8-4 | Population & Households, 2006 - 2021 (million persons)

Table 8-5 | Personal Consumption Expenditures, 2006 - 2021 (billion dollars)

Table 8-6 | Manufacturers' Shipments, 2006 - 2021 (billion dollars)

Table 8-7 | Business Establishments, 2006 - 2021 (thousands)

Table 8-8 | Packaging Supply & Demand, 2006 - 2021 (billion dollars)

List of Figures

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 1-1 | US Labels Market

OVERVIEW

Figure 2-1 | Key Trends in the US Labels Market

Figure 2-2 | Label Demand, 2006 - 2016 (million dollars)

Figure 2-3 | Plastic Resin Raw Material Demand in Labels, Share of Total, 2006 - 2021 (million pounds)

APPLICATION METHODS

Figure 3-1 | Key Trends in Label Application Methods

Figure 3-2 | Label Demand by Application Method, 2016 (billion dollars)

Figure 3-3 | Pressure Sensitive Labels: Key Advantages & Fastest Growing Markets

Figure 3-4 | Glue-Applied Labels: Key Advantages & Markets

Figure 3-5 | Heat-Shrink Labels: Key Advantages & Markets

Figure 3-6 | Stretch Sleeve Labels: Key Advantages & Markets

Figure 3-7 | In-Mold Labels: Key Advantages & Markets

Figure 3-8 | Heat Transfer Labels: Key Advantages & Markets

STOCK MATERIALS

Figure 4-1 | Key Trends in Label Stock Materials

Figure 4-2 | Paper & Plastic Share of Total Label Demand, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Figure 4-3 | Paper Label Demand, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Figure 4-4 | Plastic Label Demand, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

MARKETS

Figure 5-1 | Key Trends in Label Markets

Figure 5-2 | Label Demand by Market, 2016 (billion dollars)

Figure 5-3 | Primary Packaging Label Demand by Segment, 2016 (billion dollars)

Figure 5-4 | Food Processing Label Demand, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Figure 5-5 | Beverage Label Demand, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Figure 5-6 | Pharmaceutical Label Demand, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Figure 5-7 | Cosmetic & Toiletry Label Demand, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Figure 5-8 | Retail Label Demand, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

Figure 5-9 | Industrial Label Demand, 2006 - 2021 (million dollars)

PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES

Figure 6-1 | Key Trends in Label Printing Technologies

Figure 6-2 | Label Demand by Printing Technology, 2016 (billion dollars)

Figure 6-3 | Flexographic Printing: SWOT Analysis

Figure 6-4 | Lithographic Printing: SWOT Analysis

Figure 6-5 | Digital Printing: SWOT Analysis

Figure 6-6 | Screen Printing: SWOT Analysis

Figure 6-7 | Gravure Printing: SWOT Analysis

Figure 6-8 | Letterpress Printing: SWOT Analysis

INDUSTRY STRUCTURE

Figure 7-1 | US Label Stock Market Share, 2016 (billion dollars)

Figure 7-2 | Label Stock Market Share: Leading Supplier

Figure 7-3 | Label Stock Market Share: Second Leading Supplier

Figure 7-4 | Label Stock Market Share: Third Leading Supplier

Figure 7-5 | Label Stock Market Share: Fourth Leading Supplier

Figure 7-6 | US Finished Label Market Share, 2016 (billion dollars)

Figure 7-7 | Finished Label Market Share: Leading Supplier

Figure 7-8 | Finished Label Market Share: Second Leading Supplier

Figure 7-9 | Finished Label Market Share: Third Leading Supplier

Figure 7-10 | Finished Label Market Share: Fourth Leading Supplier

Figure 7-11 | Finished Label Market Share: Fifth Leading Supplier

APPENDIX

Figure 8-1 | Annual Growth in Real GDP, 2000 - 2016, Compared to 1980 - 2005 Average (percent)

Figure 8-2 | Annual Population Growth, 2001 - 2016 (percent)

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Labels in the US by Application Method, Stock Material, Market and Printing Technology

High Value Products & Technological Advancements Fuel Growth

Key Findings in the Labels Study:

Dominant Pressure Sensitive & Dynamic Heat-Shrink Label Segments Drive Gains

Advances in Digital Printing Will Continue to Create New Opportunities

Secondary Labels & Mailing & Shipping Labels Remain Fastest Growing Markets

Purchase Labels in the US by Application Method, Stock Material, Market and Printing Technology by the Section