01 Growing Adoption of Linerless Labels Brands and packaging companies are increasingly adopting linerless labels to reduce material waste and improve packaging efficiency. Unlike conventional pressure-sensitive labels, linerless formats do not use a separate release liner that must be discarded after application. This can reduce waste, allow more labels to fit on a roll, and lower storage and transportation requirements. The technology is becoming particularly useful across food, retail, logistics, and e-commerce applications. In May 2026, UPM Adhesive Materials introduced New Wave, a recyclable label material designed for rigid HDPE and polypropylene packaging. The solution has received RecyClass recognition for compatibility with natural and white HDPE recycling streams, supporting brands seeking packaging that is easier to recycle. This development reflects the growing focus on reducing the environmental impact of labels throughout the packaging lifecycle.
02 Increasing Use of Smart and Connected Labels Printed labels are also evolving into digital information tools through QR codes, RFID, NFC, and serialized identifiers. These technologies allow brands to connect physical products with digital information covering authenticity, traceability, recycling instructions, and consumer engagement. In June 2026, Avery Dennison expanded its AD Pure RFID inlay portfolio with new designs that use up to 95% less plastic than conventional PET-based inlays. The technology supports item-level identification while reducing material use. These developments show how recyclability, traceability, and digital connectivity are becoming increasingly important in modern printed-label solutions.
01 Rapid Advancement in Digital Label Printing Technology Digital printing is becoming increasingly important for label converters as brands request shorter production runs, faster turnaround, variable information, customized designs, and frequent packaging changes. Unlike conventional processes that require extensive setup, digital systems can make shorter runs more economical while reducing setup time and material waste. Improvements in UV inkjet, automated quality inspection, color management, and workflow software are therefore supporting print label market growth.As converters seek faster and more flexible production, the need for advanced digital printing systems continues to strengthen print label market demand.
01 Performance Limitations Under Extreme Environmental Conditions Labels used on frozen foods, chemicals, automotive components, outdoor products, and refrigerated goods can experience moisture, heat, freezing temperatures, abrasion, and changing environmental conditions. Standard adhesives and face materials may lose adhesion, become damaged, or become difficult to scan when exposed to conditions they were not designed to withstand.These application-specific requirements can increase material and testing costs, potentially influencing the print label market size, particularly for products requiring specialized climate-resistant materials.Developing labels that maintain adhesion, print quality, readability, and durability across widely varying environments remains an important restraint for manufacturers.
01 Rapid Expansion of RFID-Enabled Smart Labels RFID technology is transforming labels from basic identification tools into connected sources of product information. RFID-enabled labels can help retailers and manufacturers track inventory, authenticate products, improve supply-chain visibility, manage stock levels, and support automated checkout and logistics processes.Smart labeling has become one of the important print label market trends, particularly as retailers and consumer brands expand digital identification across individual products.Reducing the technical and investment barriers associated with RFID production can help converters enter the smart-label segment and strengthen their print label market share.
01 Balancing Sustainability with Label Performance A major challenge for the print label industry is developing materials that support packaging recycling without compromising adhesion, appearance, printability, moisture resistance, or product information. Labels can interfere with recycling when adhesives and face materials do not separate correctly from bottles or containers during recycling processes.Converters and material suppliers must therefore redesign label constructions alongside rapidly evolving packaging regulations and brand sustainability requirements.Meeting sustainability requirements while maintaining reliable performance across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal-care, and industrial applications will remain an important challenge for label manufacturers.
In August 2026, Avery Dennison launched AD Fusion, a new RFID label program for label and packaging converters. The solution provides label materials with pre-inserted RFID inlays, allowing converters to produce smart labels without investing in specialized RFID insertion equipment.
In August 2026, Crown Labels expanded its digital label printing capabilities by investing in Domino’s N730i digital label press. The addition strengthens its ability to handle shorter production runs, multiple product variations, and customized label requirements while improving production flexibility.
In June 2026, Epson introduced a new ColorWorks color label and badge printer for low-volume and on-demand applications. The printer enables businesses to produce customized full-color labels when required, helping reduce their dependence on inventories of pre-printed labels.
In June 2026, CCL Industries completed the acquisition of Sleever International. The deal added shrink-sleeve labels, specialty films, and application equipment to CCL's operations, strengthening its capabilities in labeling solutions for consumer packaged goods and healthcare products.