AWA announces PS and IML market reports

AWA recently has expanded its portfolio of label market reports with the publication of AWA Pressure-sensitive Label Market Report 2026, AWA In-mold Label Market Report 2026, and AWAreness Report Global Influx: Analyzing the Impact of Overseas Imports on North America and Europe 2026.

In 2025, the global pressure-sensitive label market recorded an annual growth of 2.5%, signaling a slightly slower growth after a bullish market of 2024. The strong growth observed in 2024 was largely driven by the resolution of excess inventory across the value chain, which had previously weighed on market performance. This normalization supported a more balanced supply–demand environment entering 2025. Over the course of 2025, the market exhibited a generally stable growth trajectory, with a modest strengthening in the second half of the year.

Asia is the largest regional market for pressure-sensitive labels, followed by Europe and North America.

IML

The largest regional market for In-mold labels is Europe, with a 56% share of global IML volumes. The European focus is on IML-IM formats. North America, with a 22% regional share of the global IML market, is focused on IML-EB technologies, but with a potential for rapid growth via the IML-IM technology.

Asia lags as a regional IML market, with a 13% share of the global total. Issues of value chain integration are a problem in many Asian economies for the use of IML formats, but are being addressed by rapid investment in new molding technologies.

The South American IML market, at 5% of the global market, is in the early days of development, as is the African and Middle Eastern market, where IML-EB technologies have greater potential. The global market for in-mold labels is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 2.3% in 2025-2028.

AWA also organizes the AWAVirtual IMLCON – In-Mold Labeling Seminar 2026 on June 17, 2026.

The impact of overseas imports on North America and Europe

By popular demand AWA has also updated its AWAreness Report that analyzes the impact of overseas imports on North America and Europe. This report provides a retrospective update on the import-export dynamics currently being observed in the pressure-sensitive label market, specifically observing the impact of Asian exports to Europe and North America. Market implications for Europe and North America that are discussed include pricing pressures on local producers, supply chain and distribution shifts, and investment in intelligent labels and enhanced packaging.

AWA also organizes the AWAVirtual Seminar: Low-Cost Chinese Imports and the MiddleEast Conflict on June 4, 2026.

Strategic insights for business planning
AWA says its reports offer valuable information for businesses looking to make informed decisions in the labeling and product decoration market. With reliable market forecasts and expert analysis, the reports helps companies identify growth opportunities and refine their strategies for the years ahead.