Global In-Mold Labels Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global In-Mold Labels Market reached US$ 3.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 4.9 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

As in-mold labels are permanent package components, they appear seamless. Owing to their increased durability, the labels can be used in a variety of adverse environments, including low temperatures and liquid exposure. It also helps to maintain crucial descriptions like usage instructions, key ingredients and other product characteristics intact.

The restrict regulatory environment for product labeling, safety requirements and traceability demands pushes global usage of in-mold labels. In-mold labels help brand owners meet regulatory standards by integrating essential product information, regulatory symbols and tamper-evident elements into packaging containers. In 2004, the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act was passed and in 1906, the Food and Drugs Act in U.S.

In 2023, North America is expected to be the second-dominant region with about 25% of the global in-mold labels market. North America has a robust consumer packaged goods (CPG) market, which includes food & beverages, personal care products, pharmaceuticals and household items. The increasing consumption of these items supports the demand for in-mold labels, which provide greater shelf appeal, branding prospects and product differentiation.

Dynamics

Increased Decorating Options

In-mold labeling gives the user with more decorative options than other methods. The labels are strong and resilient, able to endure severe handling and shipment-induced scuffing, give maximum print quality, offer a wide range of appearance and feel options and allow for quick design changes. Manufacturers are increasingly relying on in-mold labeling technologies to improve brand awareness, product differentiation and customer engagement.

Cosmo Films introduced highly tear-resistant synthetic paper, polypropylene films for repositionable and detachable label applications, matte coating pressure-sensitive label stock films, clear in-mold label film, high-speed WAL film and pearlized metalized WAL film in September of 2019. Such products indicate that the in-mold label market is expected to expand during the forecast period.

Growing Advancements in Technology

Technological developments in printing, materials and label manufacturing methods have improved the quality, flexibility and efficiency of in-mold labels. Manufacturers can make high-quality, personalized labels with faster lead times and a lower environmental impact thanks to innovations like digital printing, UV-curable inks and recyclable label materials.

Tadbik announced the debut of the RAIN RFID In-Mold Label in March 2019. The label incorporates a specially built antenna with an Impinj Monza R6-P chip, making it ideal for crates, food & beverage industries and automotive manufacturers. In March 2020, Muller Technology Colorado, based in Fort Collins, CO, introduced the M-Line robot. The combined robotic and automation system significantly improves versatility and adaptability for the manufacture of injection-molded packaging.

High Investments and Complexity

Implementing in-mold labeling frequently necessitates a considerable initial investment in specialized equipment, molds and technology. It can function as a barrier for smaller businesses or those with restricted funds, limiting their ability to enter or expand in the market. In-mold labeling is not generally applicable to all packaging materials or manufacturing methods.

Certain materials, like glass or metal, may not be appropriate for in-mold labeling, limiting its use in a variety of sectors and products. In-mold labeling necessitates perfect coordination among label design, mold manufacture and injection molding operations. Ensuring accurate alignment, adhesion and quality control throughout the manufacturing process can be difficult and may need specialised skills.

Segment Analysis

The global in-mold labels market is segmented based on material, technology, application and region.

Rising Asthetic Value of Packging in Food & Beverage Sector

Food & beverages are expected to be the dominant segment with over 1/4th of the market during the forecast period 2024-2031. With regard to the importance of packaging aesthetics in the food & beverage industry, in-mold labeling is expected to be widely used. Packaging increases the shelf life of items and attracts potential buyers. The improved barrier makes in-mold labeling useful for the food and beverage industries by extending the shelf life of packaged foods.

Muller Technology, a manufacturer of molds and automation solutions for thin wall packaging, stated in September 2022 that their in-mold labelling automation technology would be used in sustainable injection molding packaging. The technology is introduced to produce a 100% monomaterial container composed of totally recyclable polypropylene, together with a wrap-around and bottom polypropylene-based label.

Geographical Penetration

Growing Demand for Customized Labels in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the second-dominant region in the global in-mold labels market covering over 30% of the market. In-mold labels are extremely customisable, which is expected to increase demand for innovative, personalized and premium labels in the region. Companies in the region foresee an increase in demand for in-mold labels, prompting them to enter the market or expand their manufacturing capacity.

In February 2018, Manjushree Technopack predicted an increase in demand for in-mold labels and has been working with suppliers to design label applicators for efficient label application. Furthermore, according to LabelShimbun, shrink sleeves and in-mold labels are likely to see increased label usage in October 2019 when compared to pressure-sensitive labels. The regional companies are using in-mold labeling technologies, which are expected to enhance market growth.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include CCL Industries, Inc., Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH, Coveris Holdings S.A., Huhtamaki Group, Cenveo Inc., Hammer Packaging, Fuji Seal International Inc., Avery Dennison Corporation, Innovia Films Ltd. and Inland.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Lockdowns, travel bans and shutdowns of factories impacted global supply systems. It resulted in raw material shortages, shipping delays and production shutdowns, reducing the supply of in-mold labels and increased lead times for manufacturers. Modifications in consumer behavior during the pandemic, like increasing online shopping and demand for packaged items, had an impact on demand for in-mold labels.

Certain industries, such as food & beverage, personal care and household products, saw increased demand for packaged goods, resulting in the necessity for labels. The pandemic impacted a variety of industries, including automotive, electronics and retail, causing shifts in demand and production levels. Industries use in-mold labels extensively for branding, product identification and labeling. Disruptions in these areas directly influenced the need for in-mold labeling.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

Both Russia and Ukraine are among the major players in the chemical and plastics industries. Ukraine is a major chemical exporter. The disruption of raw material supply from these countries had an impact on global in-mold label manufacture. The disruption caused raw material shortages and price increases, raising manufacturing costs for in-mold label producers globally.

Geopolitical tensions caused by the war prompted different countries to adopt trade restrictions, tariffs or sanctions. The measures disrupted the cross-border movement of goods and services, including in-mold labeling, having an impact on international trade and markets. The conflict produced uncertainty in the global market, causing swings in demand and investment patterns. Uncertainty can harm the market's growth prospects.

By Material

• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• ABS Resins
• Others

By Technology

• Extrusion Blow-Molding
• Injection Molding
• Thermoforming
• Others

By Application

• Food & Beverages
• Chemicals
• Home & Personal Care
• Consumer Goods
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In 2024, Mold-Tek Packaging Limited made an investment in a Durst RSCi 510mm press with priming and varnishing stations to transform digital printing for in-mold labels.
• In 2023, SABIC teamed up with three in-mold labeling experts to show the use of certified sustainable polypropylene resins in mono-PP thin-wall container packaging without sacrificing quality, processability, safety or convenience. The single-step IML method decorates the part inside the injection mold, making the label an integrated part of the packaging.
• In 2023, Multi-Color Corporation, one of the world's major label producers, is happy to announce the acquisition of Korsini, a leading in-mold label solutions provider based in Turkey.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global in-mold labels market segmentation based on material, technology, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of in-mold labels market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global in-mold labels market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 57 figures and 195 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies