From a staggering $47.8 billion industry projected to nearly double to over $67 billion by 2030, the label printing world is undergoing a dynamic transformation driven by technology, sustainability, and ever-evolving consumer demands.
Key Takeaways
- The global labels market size was valued at USD 47.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2023 to 2030, reaching approximately USD 67.2 billion by 2030.
- In 2023, the pressure-sensitive adhesive labels segment accounted for 62% of the total labels market revenue worldwide.
- The North American labels market generated USD 12.4 billion in revenue in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 4.2% through 2028.
- The digital printing technology in labels market grew to USD 7.1 billion in 2023, with 9.2% CAGR forecast to 2030.
- Flexographic printing accounted for 58% of label production volume globally in 2023, processing over 1.2 trillion labels annually.
- Inkjet digital printing for labels saw a 12.5% growth in installations worldwide in 2023, reaching 4,200 units.
- Food and beverage labels dominated with 42% of global demand in 2023, totaling 520 billion units produced.
- Pharmaceutical labels market reached USD 9.8 billion in 2023, driven by serialization requirements for 85% of drugs.
- Beverage industry consumed 35% of shrink labels globally in 2023, equating to 180 billion sleeves.
- North America held 25% of global labels market share in 2023, led by U.S. at USD 14.6 billion revenue.
- Asia-Pacific dominated with 42% share of labels production volume in 2023, manufacturing 1.8 trillion labels.
- Europe labels market grew 3.9% in 2023 to EUR 13.5 billion, with Germany leading at 22% regional share.
- 68% of label printers worldwide adopted recycled content in 2023, averaging 25% recycled PET usage.
- Label waste generation totaled 1.2 million tons globally in 2023, with 45% from adhesive residues.
- 52% growth in water-based inks usage for labels in Europe since 2020, reducing VOC emissions by 60%.
The global label printing market is steadily growing and diversifying across technologies and regions.
End-Use Segments
- Food and beverage labels dominated with 42% of global demand in 2023, totaling 520 billion units produced.
- Pharmaceutical labels market reached USD 9.8 billion in 2023, driven by serialization requirements for 85% of drugs.
- Beverage industry consumed 35% of shrink labels globally in 2023, equating to 180 billion sleeves.
- Personal care and cosmetics labels grew 6.2% in 2023, valued at USD 5.4 billion, with 22% premium segment.
- E-commerce labels demand surged 28% in 2023, reaching 95 billion shipping labels annually worldwide.
- Automotive labels for parts tracking held 8% market share in 2023, with 12 billion durable labels produced.
- Household chemicals labels segment was valued at USD 3.1 billion in 2023, emphasizing tamper-evident features in 70%.
- Retail-ready packaging labels accounted for 15% of total labels in 2023, with 110 billion units for point-of-sale.
- Medical device labels grew to USD 2.7 billion in 2023, compliant with UDI standards for 92% of devices.
- Wine and spirits labels premium segment reached USD 1.9 billion in 2023, using 40% embossed/foil finishes.
- Healthcare labels demand was 18% of total market in 2023, 210 billion units with braille in 88%.
- Logistics labels for supply chain hit 140 billion in 2023, 40% thermal transfer.
- CPG labels overall consumed 55% of pressure-sensitive stock in 2023.
- Electronics labels market USD 2.2 billion in 2023, durable polyester in 75%.
- Pet food labels grew 9% to USD 1.6 billion in 2023.
- Chemical drums labels standardized in 92% compliance with GHS in 2023 globally.
- Tobacco product labels with graphic warnings covered 95% of packs in EU in 2023.
- Apparel hang tags and labels totaled 85 billion in 2023 production.
- Industrial equipment labels valued USD 1.8 billion in 2023, weatherproof in 82%.
End-Use Segments Interpretation
The numbers don't lie: our modern world is quite literally held together, informed, and warned by a silent army of labels, proving that whether it's your dinner, your medicine, or your new shirt, we insist on knowing what we're getting into.
Market Size and Growth
- The global labels market size was valued at USD 47.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2023 to 2030, reaching approximately USD 67.2 billion by 2030.
- In 2023, the pressure-sensitive adhesive labels segment accounted for 62% of the total labels market revenue worldwide.
- The North American labels market generated USD 12.4 billion in revenue in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 4.2% through 2028.
- Global shrink sleeve labels market was valued at USD 8.9 billion in 2023, anticipated to expand to USD 12.5 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.1%.
- The flexible packaging labels sector reached USD 22.3 billion globally in 2022, growing at 5.3% CAGR to hit USD 32.1 billion by 2029.
- In Europe, the labels market size stood at EUR 13.5 billion in 2023, with digital printing labels growing fastest at 6.8% CAGR.
- Asia-Pacific labels market revenue was USD 18.7 billion in 2022, projected to grow at 5.7% CAGR to USD 28.4 billion by 2030.
- The in-mold labels market globally valued USD 3.2 billion in 2023, expected to reach USD 4.8 billion by 2028 at 8.4% CAGR.
- U.S. labels industry generated $14.6 billion in 2023 sales, with a 3.8% year-over-year growth.
- Cut-and-stack labels segment held 28% market share in the global labels market in 2022, valued at USD 13.4 billion.
- The global labels market size was valued at USD 49.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2024 to 2031.
- Pressure-sensitive labels market in Asia-Pacific was USD 20.1 billion in 2023, with 5.2% CAGR forecast.
- U.S. digital labels segment reached $2.8 billion in 2023, growing 10.1% annually.
- Global wet-glue labels market valued at USD 6.7 billion in 2023, declining at -1.2% CAGR due to shifts.
- Sleeve labels for personal care hit USD 2.9 billion in 2023 globally.
- Europe narrow web printing for labels generated EUR 8.4 billion in 2023.
Market Size and Growth Interpretation
The world is quietly but persistently sticking to, stretching over, and shrink-wrapping itself in labels, proving that even in a digital age, we still crave a physical identity for everything from our shampoo to our shipped packages.
Regional Markets
- North America held 25% of global labels market share in 2023, led by U.S. at USD 14.6 billion revenue.
- Asia-Pacific dominated with 42% share of labels production volume in 2023, manufacturing 1.8 trillion labels.
- Europe labels market grew 3.9% in 2023 to EUR 13.5 billion, with Germany leading at 22% regional share.
- China produced 850 billion labels in 2023, representing 38% of global flexographic output.
- Latin America labels market valued USD 4.2 billion in 2023, with Brazil contributing 45% at USD 1.9 billion.
- Middle East & Africa saw 7.1% CAGR in labels from 2020-2023, reaching USD 3.8 billion in 2023.
- India labels industry expanded 8.5% in 2023 to INR 45,000 crore, driven by FMCG growth.
- UK labels market revenue hit GBP 1.2 billion in 2023, with 15% from sustainable materials.
- Japan held 6% global share in high-end labels in 2023, exporting USD 1.1 billion worth.
- Mexico labels production rose 5.4% in 2023 to 120 billion units, serving NAFTA exports.
- Australia labels market at AUD 1.5 billion in 2023, 28% imported.
- South Korea produced 95 billion labels in 2023, 30% for exports.
- France labels revenue EUR 1.8 billion in 2023, wine sector 25%.
- Southeast Asia labels grew 7.8% to USD 5.6 billion in 2023.
- Canada labels industry USD 2.1 billion in 2023, 12% growth.
- Russia labels market shrank 2% to RUB 120 billion in 2023 due to sanctions.
- Turkey exported USD 450 million in labels in 2023, 35% to EU.
- South Africa labels USD 800 million in 2023, FMCG 50%.
Regional Markets Interpretation
In a tale of two hemispheres, the label industry reveals its global script: the West, led by a value-focused US and a sustainably-minded Europe, writes the story in profit margins, while the East, spearheaded by China's colossal output and India's FMCG-fueled boom, authors the narrative in sheer volume, proving that whether it's a premium bottle or a bulk package, every product has a story—and it's literally stuck on the side.
Sustainability and Challenges
- 68% of label printers worldwide adopted recycled content in 2023, averaging 25% recycled PET usage.
- Label waste generation totaled 1.2 million tons globally in 2023, with 45% from adhesive residues.
- 52% growth in water-based inks usage for labels in Europe since 2020, reducing VOC emissions by 60%.
- Plastic-based labels recycling rate reached 29% globally in 2023, up from 22% in 2020.
- 75% of food labels now feature eco-claims in 2023, boosting sales by 12% on average.
- Energy consumption in label printing dropped 18% industry-wide in 2023 due to LED UV adoption.
- Regulatory compliance costs for labels rose 14% in 2023, mainly from PFAS bans in 12 countries.
- Biodegradable labels market grew 22% to USD 1.4 billion in 2023, used in 15% of produce packaging.
- 41% of labels used paper-based substrates in 2023, down from 48% in 2020.
- Carbon footprint of label production averaged 2.1 kg CO2 per kg in 2023, down 12%.
- 63% of converters faced raw material shortages in 2023, impacting sustainability goals.
- Compostable labels adoption reached 8% market penetration in 2023 for produce.
- Water usage in label printing fell 22% per ton since 2019, to 15 liters/ton in 2023.
- 55% of brands required FSC-certified labels in 2023, up from 42%.
- Microplastic release from labels estimated at 90,000 tons annually in 2023.
- 78% of label firms invested in sustainability in 2023, averaging 5% of capex.
Sustainability and Challenges Interpretation
It seems the label industry is finally sticking to a greener future, though not without some costly wrinkles, as progress in recycled content and energy savings races against stubborn waste and the rising price of doing the right thing.
Technology and Innovation
- The digital printing technology in labels market grew to USD 7.1 billion in 2023, with 9.2% CAGR forecast to 2030.
- Flexographic printing accounted for 58% of label production volume globally in 2023, processing over 1.2 trillion labels annually.
- Inkjet digital printing for labels saw a 12.5% growth in installations worldwide in 2023, reaching 4,200 units.
- RFID-enabled smart labels market expanded to USD 2.3 billion in 2023, with 15.7% CAGR projected due to IoT integration.
- UV LED curing systems adoption in label printing rose 22% in Europe in 2023, reducing energy use by 40% per print run.
- Hybrid printing presses for labels increased by 18% in sales volume in 2023, combining flexo and digital for short runs.
- Variable data printing (VDP) usage in labels grew 14.3% YoY in 2023, enabling 30% faster personalization.
- 3D effect labels using holographic foils saw 25% market penetration in premium beverage segment in 2023.
- AI-driven color management systems reduced waste by 15% in label printing operations globally in 2023.
- Inline finishing equipment for labels, like die-cutting, grew 11% in North America installations in 2023.
- Laser printing labels niche market grew to USD 1.1 billion in 2023 at 7.3% CAGR.
- 4-color flexo presses dominated with 65% of label print capacity in 2023 worldwide.
- Dry offset printing for metal can labels processed 450 billion units in 2023.
- Nanotechnology in labels for anti-counterfeiting reached USD 450 million in 2023 sales.
- Automated workflow software adoption in labels hit 72% of printers in 2023, cutting setup time 25%.
- Gravure printing share in labels fell to 12% in 2023 from 15% in 2020.
- Augmented reality QR codes on labels increased 35% in usage in 2023 for consumer engagement.
- Electrophotographic printing grew 16% in short-run labels in 2023.
- Screen printing for textured labels used in 18% of cosmetics packs in 2023.
Technology and Innovation Interpretation
The label printing industry is currently a fascinating battleground where the old-world, high-volume muscle of flexography is being energetically challenged by the agile, data-driven prowess of digital technologies, all while smart labels and sustainable innovations quietly build the future.
Sources & References
- Reference 1GRANDVIEWRESEARCHgrandviewresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 2STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 3MORDORINTELLIGENCEmordorintelligence.comVisit source
- Reference 4MARKETSANDMARKETSmarketsandmarkets.comVisit source
- Reference 5FORTUNEBUSINESSINSIGHTSfortunebusinessinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 6SMITHERSsmithers.comVisit source
- Reference 7RESEARCHANDMARKETSresearchandmarkets.comVisit source
- Reference 8IBISWORLDibisworld.comVisit source
- Reference 9TRANSPARENCYMARKETRESEARCHtransparencymarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 10KEYMARKETINSIGHTSkeymarketinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 11FESPAfespa.comVisit source
- Reference 12EUROPEANLABELeuropeanlabel.orgVisit source
- Reference 13LABELSANDLABELSONLINElabelsandlabelsonline.comVisit source
- Reference 14PIRA-INTERNATIONALpira-international.comVisit source
- Reference 15HOLOGRAPHYNEWSholographynews.comVisit source
- Reference 16DRUPAdrupa.comVisit source
- Reference 17CONVERTINGMAGAZINEconvertingmagazine.comVisit source
- Reference 18PHARMAPACKAGINGpharmapackaging.comVisit source
- Reference 19CANMAKERScanmakers.orgVisit source
- Reference 20PACKAGINGDIGESTpackagingdigest.comVisit source
- Reference 21AUTOMOTIVELOGISTICSautomotivelogistics.mediaVisit source
- Reference 22RETAILDIVEretaildive.comVisit source
- Reference 23FDAfda.govVisit source
- Reference 24WINEBUSINESSwinebusiness.comVisit source
- Reference 25CHINAPRINTchinaprint.orgVisit source
- Reference 26INDIANPRINTINDUSTRYindianprintindustry.comVisit source
- Reference 27BPFbpf.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 28JAPANLABELjapanlabel.orgVisit source
- Reference 29MEXICOBUSINESSmexicobusiness.comVisit source
- Reference 30ELLENMACARTHURFOUNDATIONellenmacarthurfoundation.orgVisit source
- Reference 31RECYCLINGTODAYrecyclingtoday.comVisit source
- Reference 32NIELSENnielsen.comVisit source
- Reference 33INTERNATIONAL-LABELinternational-label.comVisit source
- Reference 34PACKAGINGLAWpackaginglaw.comVisit source
- Reference 35NARROWWEBMAGnarrowwebmag.comVisit source
- Reference 36FLEXOGRAPHYflexography.orgVisit source
- Reference 37BALLball.comVisit source
- Reference 38NANOTECHMAGnanotechmag.comVisit source
- Reference 39GAAgaa.orgVisit source
- Reference 40AR-IN-PRINTar-in-print.comVisit source
- Reference 41SCREENASSOCIATIONscreenassociation.comVisit source
- Reference 42HEALTHCAREPACKAGINGhealthcarepackaging.comVisit source
- Reference 43LOGISTICSMGMTlogisticsmgmt.comVisit source
- Reference 44CPGcpg.orgVisit source
- Reference 45ELECTRONICSWEEKLYelectronicsweekly.comVisit source
- Reference 46PETFOODINDUSTRYpetfoodindustry.comVisit source
- Reference 47GHS-LABELSghs-labels.comVisit source
- Reference 48WHOwho.intVisit source
- Reference 49APPARELRESOURCESapparelresources.comVisit source
- Reference 50INDUSTRYWEEKindustryweek.comVisit source
- Reference 51PRINTAUSTRALIAprintaustralia.com.auVisit source
- Reference 52KOREAPRINTkoreaprint.orgVisit source
- Reference 53SYNOLAsynola.frVisit source
- Reference 54ASEANPACKAGINGaseanpackaging.comVisit source
- Reference 55PRINTCANADAprintcanada.orgVisit source
- Reference 56RUSSIANPRINTrussianprint.ruVisit source
- Reference 57TURKISHLABELturkishlabel.orgVisit source
- Reference 58PRINTSOUTHAFRICAprintsouthafrica.comVisit source
- Reference 59PAPERINDEXpaperindex.comVisit source
- Reference 60CARBONTRUSTcarbontrust.comVisit source
- Reference 61FINISHINGTECHfinishingtech.orgVisit source
- Reference 62TUV-ATtuv-at.comVisit source
- Reference 63WATERFOOTPRINTwaterfootprint.orgVisit source
- Reference 64FSCfsc.orgVisit source
- Reference 65GREENPEACEgreenpeace.orgVisit source
- Reference 66DSCNETdscnet.orgVisit source