Global label market reaches 76 billion sqm

The global label market reached approximately 76 billion sqm in 2025, a 2.8 percent increase over the prior year, according to the newly published AWA Labeling and Product Decoration Market Report 2026.

Now in its 20th edition, the report covers all major label formats, including pressure-sensitive, glue-applied, sleeve and in-mold labels. Pressure-sensitive labels accounted for 39 percent of global volumes, glue-applied labels for 35 percent and sleeve label technologies for 20 percent.

The report describes 2025 as a year of muted demand following a challenging economic environment in key regions, with high uncertainty weighing on the first half of the year. The second half, however, delivered stronger results than anticipated as markets adapted to new trade policies and economies outperformed expectations.

Looking ahead, the global label market is projected to maintain a compound annual growth rate of 2.8 percent between 2025 and 2028. The report includes regional market analyses, profiles of label technologies and end-use segments, and market forecasts intended to support business planning and investment decisions across the labeling and product decoration industry.