Linerless Labels Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Composition (Facestock, Adhesive and Others), By Product Type (Primary and Variable Information Print), By Printing Ink (Water-based, Solvent-based, UV Curable and Others), By Printing Technology (Flexographic, Digital, Offset, Letterpress and Others), By End User (Food & Beverage, Home & Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Retail and Others) and Region Forecast 2024-2030

The linerless label market size was valued at US$ 1,892.3 million in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of US$ 2,874.6 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024-2030. Moreover, the U.S. market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of US$ 463.2 billion by 2032. Linerless labels are self-adhesive labels where the paper liner is not present unlike that of traditional labels. They are printed on a roll, and one can cut them to one's desired length. With increasing consciousness about biodegradable and eco-friendly products, manufacturers are more investing in sustainable labeling innovations.

For instance, there is approximately 40% less waste produced by linerless labels compared to the use of traditional PS labels because there is no need for a release liner. A linerless roll contains 25% more labels than a conventional roll due to the absence of the liners. It decreases roll changes and increases productivity. With linerless labels, companies can expect to spend 10-20% less time on labeling since the application process is faster and even more efficient for companies compared to traditional labeling, particularly in high-speed packaging environments. The transport costs of linerless labels can be reduced by as much as 50% since more labels are placed on a roll. That means fewer shipments and therefore less carbon emission. Linerless labels save 20% in printing as machines can now be run for longer hours without the necessity of more frequent shutdown to be serviced of waste caused by the release liner.

In addition, lower material and labor cost increases profitability for the manufacturer which will drive the market in the forecast period. Whereas, high initial costs for adopting new labeling technologies can be a barrier for small and medium enterprises. However, labelling technologies may introduce new scopes to the manufacturers in the market.

Key Players

The linerless labels market share is inclusive of several companies such as Bostik, HERMA GmbH, Coveris Holdings S.A., Avery Dennison Corporation, Hub Labels, Cenveo Corporation, Reflex Labels, 3M Company, RR Donnelley & Sons Company, Raveenwood Packaging and Others.

Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific is the largest market. Asia Pacific demand constitutes 39.4% of the overall global demand for linearless label.
• Based on Composition, Facestock segment holds the 49.3% market share
• Based on Product Type, Variable Information Print segment holds the 56.4% market share
• Based on Printing Ink, Water-based segment holds the 46.5% market share
• Based on Printing Technology, Digital segment holds the 34.2% market share
• Based on End Users, Food & Beverages segment holds the 37.4% market share

Facts & Figures

• There is approximately 40% less waste produced by linerless labels compared to the use of traditional PS labels because there is no need for a release liner.
• A linerless roll contains 25% more labels than a conventional roll due to the absence of the liners. It decreases roll changes and increases productivity.
• With linerless labels, companies can expect to spend 10-20% less time on labeling since the application process is faster and even more efficient for companies compared to traditional labeling, particularly in high-speed packaging environments.
• The transport costs of linerless labels can be reduced by as much as 50% since more labels are placed on a roll. That means fewer shipments and therefore less carbon emission.
• Linerless labels save 20% in printing as machines can now be run for longer hours without the necessity of more frequent shutdown to be serviced of waste caused by the release liner

Key Developments

• In 2023, Avery Dennison launched at Labelexpo Europe, a new decorative linerless technology, as the first step in a bid to transform the pressure?sensitive prime label market.
• In 2023, the company, Sticky Labels, partnered with Chopt Creative Salad Co. in order to obtain linerless labeling solutions on salads that the company is selling. In this regard, by partnering with Sticky Labels.
• In 2019, BIXOLON Co., Ltd a leading global Mobile, Label and POS Printer manufacturer today announced the launch of its NEW B-linerless™ linerless label consumables. 

Linerless Labels Market Segmentation

By Composition: The Linerless Labels industry divisions based on the composition are facestock, adhesive and others. The Facestock is the highest revenue-generating segment as it is the material onto which the adhesive is applied in a label. Essentially, it is the main component of a label and could be made of paper, plastic or any other fabric, depending on the application. Whereas, the adhesive can be protected, not by another layer but by the very next of the label. This will prevent the labels from sticking one with another, thus they can have a roll.

By Product Type: Under Product type, the segment is further sub-divided into primary and variable information print. Primary label segment is growing mainly as it is directly put on the product packaging. This usually contains all the basic information regarding the product, brand, ingredients, and nutritional information available. Whereas another segment that is Variable Information Print (VIP) labeling refers to customized labels that can be printed with different information for every product. This is especially vital for any industry that needs a unique product code or a serial number and batch numbers.

By Printing Ink: Based on printing ink, the market is segmented as water based, solvent based, UV curable and others. Water-based type printing ink gains more importance in the market and holds the largest share in Linerless label market as water-based inks are environment-friendly when compared to the solvent-based inks since they emit less VOCs 2, creating immense demands for products that are sustainable and eco-friendly.

By Printing Technology: In the market, the digital printing technology segment is currently the fastest growing and holds the largest market share. In digital printing, label design and content can be changed quickly so that it is the ideal type of printing for short runs and customized labels. It has reduced the need for having pre-printed labels, and waste is also minimized, hence saving costs for manufacturers.

By End Users: Based on End users, the food and beverage segment has witnessed the highest growth as a food and beverages company demands label provision for packaging including nutritional information, ingredients, expiration dates, and brand name. Thus, Linerless Labels can be the alternative for this industry with being cheaper and more environmentally friendly.