AWA: new, in-depth study of the European label market

Labelstock producers, material suppliers, and all involved in the European product decoration and identification can access new, up-to-date market data in the new fourth edition of Labeling Markets: European Market Study & Sourcebook 2011. The study is now available from AWA Alexander Watson Associates – international publishers, market researchers, and events organizers with a long-established specialization in the label market.

Trends, challenges, and threats
This is an extensive, in-depth evaluation of a key packaging market sector which today represents 31% of global label demand. It is currently experiencing considerable change in infrastructure and technology spread. The report covers all the currently-popular technologies – pressure-sensitive, glue-applied, heat shrink, stretch, and ROSO sleeving, and in-mold labeling. Trends in material usage, such as choice of label facestock – which in Europe remains 60% paper-based, although film facestocks are exhibiting a greater growth rate – are detailed. Opportunities (including added track-and-trace and product authentication features) are examined. Challenges – like the current raft of packaging waste legislation, environmental and sustainability issues, and high raw material prices coupled with availability shortages are also covered, along with the threat to the traditional label from direct-printed packages and flexible pouches.

The report concludes with a directory of industry suppliers – materials suppliers, leading European printers, and equipment suppliers.

A detailed prospectus on Labeling Markets: European Market Study & Sourcebook 2011 is available on the AWA Alexander Watson Associates website, www.awa-bv.com, where it is also possible to order the report online.