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US label demand to reach $19 billion in 2017

Label demand in the US is projected to reach $19 billion in 2017, with growth accelerating from the 2007-2012 performance based on a strengthened economy. The pressure sensitive segment will remain dominant, accounting for more than 75 percent of the total market. Although pressure sensitive labels will expand at a healthy rate, they will continue to face growing competition from alternative labeling methods for primary packaging, such as stretch sleeve and heat-shrink, and in-mold labels. Among these, heatshrink labels will experience the fastest growth through 2017, with gains attributable to their ability to form-fit contoured containers and their strong visual appeal afforded by 360-degree graphics and maximum promotional area.

Plastic label stock to continue supplanting paper

While paper will continue to account for the majority of label stock through 2017, plastics will continue to expand their share at paper’s expense. The growing use of plastic materials is based on the aesthetic and performance advantages of these labels, as well as the rising utilization of plastic packaging. Additionally, labeling methods that rely heavily on plastic substrates are increasingly popular. A key advantage of film labels is their transparency, which allows products packaged in glass or clear plastic containers to be viewed through the label, achieving the desirable no-label look. The no-label look is also increasingly popular with opaque plastic containers, especially in cosmetic and toiletry applications. Nonetheless, paper label demand will benefit from cost savings and the ability to be coated for enhanced durability

Digital printing to be most rapidly growing technology

The vast majority of labels are printed in some manner before sale to the final user, and additional printing, such as barcoding or addressing, may be done on site by the customer. Flexography is the leading printing technology in the US and is forecast to log above average growth through 2017, driven by its versatility, low cost, and suitability with the large pressure sensitive segment and the faster growing sleeve label segment. However, double digit annual growth is anticipated for digital printing, which will continue to displace traditional label decoration techniques, such as lithography and flexography. Advances will reflect improvements in print quality and speed that will fuel growing adoption of this technology by label converters and printers. Among the advantages of digital printing are increased design flexibility, shortened lead times, and low costs, especially for short run projects, since there are no plate charges or setup fees that add to the cost of traditional commercial printing. As a result, the use of these presses will be driven by efforts to capitalize on trends favoring shorter label runs and mass customization, particularly as product personalization functions as a key marketing tool.

Pressure sensitive labels to offset material downgauging

Although material consumption will be similar to expected volume growth in label production, gains will be moderated by ongoing efforts to lightweight and downgauge label materials, as well as trends favoring less dense stock materials such as polypropylene. At the same time, raw material demand will be aided by the material-intensive nature of pressure sensitive labels due to the incorporation of adhesives and release liners.

Study Scope

This study analyzes the US label industry. It presents historical demand data (2002, 2007, 2012) and forecasts for 2017 and 2022 by raw and stock material (e.g., paper, plastic, adhesives, inks), application method (e.g., pressure sensitive, glue-applied, stretch sleeve and heat-shrink, heat transfer, in-mold), printing technology (e.g., flexography, lithography, screen), and function. The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share, and profiles industry players.

 

Source: http://www.freedoniagroup.com

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