Global demand for printed packaging labels, release liners, and sleeving is set to rise steadily over the next five years, according to a new report from industry analyst Smithers.
Valued at US$48.3 billion in 2025, the global packaging labels market is forecast to reach US$57.5 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6 per cent.
In its latest study, The Future of Labels and Release Liners to 2030, Smithers forecasts that global label and sleeve volumes will increase from 83.0 billion square metres in 2025 to 99.1 billion square metres by 2030. Growth will be fuelled by brand owner investment in advanced print technologies, smart packaging solutions, and more sustainable label substrates and liner materials.
Pressure-sensitive labels continue to dominate, accounting for nearly 62 per cent of the market by value. Wet glue labels retain a strong share by volume, but pressure-sensitive formats are expected to gain further ground. Despite ongoing development in linerless label formats, they remain a niche solution. Consumption of release liners is projected to grow from 35.2 billion square metres in 2025 to 42.3 billion square metres in 2030.
Sleeving technologies are also on the rise, particularly in beverage packaging. Shrink sleeves will represent 12.4 per cent of label volume in 2025, with stretch sleeves contributing another 3.1 per cent. Both formats are expected to grow at above-average rates through to 2030, offering more printable surface area for branding.
The largest end-use markets remain soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and food, together accounting for over two-thirds of label volumes. Growth will be driven by increasing consumption in emerging markets, particularly across Asia.
In terms of print processes, flexographic printing retains its lead position, especially on narrow-web presses, with further growth predicted. Offset litho, commonly used for cut-and-stack wet glue labels, is expected to lose share to pressure-sensitive alternatives. Meanwhile, digital printing continues to expand, growing from 7.0 per cent of label volume in 2024 to an anticipated 11.3 per cent in 2030, driven by advances in inkjet, toner, and hybrid press configurations.
Sustainability remains a key focus, with label manufacturers shifting to substrates that improve recyclability, increase energy efficiency, and incorporate post-consumer recycled content. Paper labels and PCR film stocks are also gaining traction.
The full report is now available from Smithers. For more information, visit: smithers.com.
