Labels represent the third largest output value in packaging behind corrugated and flexible packaging. Labels are found on bottles, cans, boxes, products, mail, etc. Historically, wet gummed paper labels have been around for centuries, although self-adhesive label growth started to displace them in the 1980s and has kept growing.

Stretch and Shrink Sleeve labels, having been around since the 1980s and really started to take off in the 90s. It is the consummate label, since it offers brilliant 360° graphics and the ability to contour to sleek container designs appeal to consumers and brands providing more area to communicate the messaging. It provides about $14.0 billion of the approximate total $41 billion label market.

We are now in an era where ecological sustainability is finally capturing the attention of the consumer, brands, and global regulatory bodies, and there is a move toward finding more environmentally suitable solutions for labels and packaging. There are many options becoming available, including recyclable, compostable and biodegradable substrates. For stretch and shrink sleeves the options are not as prevalent. The market is currently segmented into a range of PVC, PET-G, Expanded Polystyrene Films, PE, Polylactic acid films and others, with PVC dominating the market. Beyond sustainability, studies are also finding that people are more comfortable being able to see what is in the container through all labeling as well.