AWA issues new report on growing IML market

The in-mold label market has the most complex market structure and value chain configuration of any packaging decoration technology, notes AWA Alexander Watson Associates. The positioning of the molder between label printer and end user/brand owner is not strictly an additional value chain step, as it basically integrates the supply of containers – not usually a feature of the label value chain – with the labeling operation, which is normally a part of the filling operation conducted by the end user.

In its latest study, AWA In-mold Label Market Report 2024, AWA Alexander Watson Associates estimated that the in-mold label market grew by 1.8% in 2023. For the period 2023-2026 the global market for in-mold labels is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 3.3%.

The report outlines this unique market structure of the in-mold label market; describes the value chain highlighting the key players necessary for the successful implementation of any in-mold label project; and defines the various means of segmenting the in-mold label market to assist in the identification of growth opportunities.

Regionally, Europe claims the largest market share with 56% of production happening there. North America follows with 22%, Asia with 13%, and South America and AME with 5% and 4%, respectively.