In-mold Label Market

In-mold Label Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034

The global in-mold label market is estimated to secure USD 1,133.9 million in 2024. The industry is anticipated to reach a value of USD 1,501.8 million by 2034. Sales are projected to rise at a CAGR of 2.8% over the forecast period. The revenue generated by in-mold labels in 2023 was USD 1,097.1 million, hinting toward a Y-o-Y growth of 3.2% in 2024.

Injection molding encompasses a significant share of the in-mold labels industry. It dominates the market with 70% of the market share, expanding at 3.0% CAGR through the forecast period. Polypropylene is broadly used in manufacturing in-mold labels, which is anticipated to generate revenue worth USD 1,185.9 million by 2034. In-mold labels with offset printing are leading the market which is projected to generate USD 190.7 million incremental opportunity during the assessment period.

The food industry is a prominent consumer of in-mold labels, capturing half of the value share, and it is set to expand by 1.3 times its current market value by 2034. The industry is set to experience profitable growth during the forecast period. It is projected to create an incremental opportunity of USD 404.7 million and is predicted to rise 1.3 times the current value through 2034.

The growing demand for visually appealing packaging is contributing to the growth of in-mold labels. With the rise of the "no-label" look and multi-colored prints on consumer products, in-mold labels provide an attractive and effective branding tool for businesses. This trend has led to an increased adoption of in-mold labels in product packaging as manufacturers recognize the benefits of this approach.

In-mold labelling offers the opportunity to display more information about the product, which can enhance the brand image of a business. The rise of digitalization in the label printing process has allowed for faster product turnaround rates, shorter print runs, and better flexibility in label design. This trend is contributing to the growth of the market as businesses seek to optimize their label printing processes and improve efficiency.

Global In-mold Label Industry Assessment

Attributes	Key Insights
Historical In-mold Label Industry Size (2023)	USD 1,097.1 million
Estimated Global In-mold Label Market Size (2024E)	USD 1,133.9 million
Projected Global In-mold Label Market Value (2034F)	USD 1,501.8 million
Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034)	2.8%

Key Industry Highlights

360-degree Print Coverage by In-Mold Labels Provides Effective Branding and Attracts Consumers

The in-mold label industry is being propelled by increasing demand from various end-user industries, including food & beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. These industries seek cost-effective labeling solutions that deliver high-quality results. In the current period, decorative packaging and labeling are crucial to creating a strong brand impression. As a result, in-mold labels have become the preferred choice for many manufacturers and are experiencing a rapid increase in demand.

The desirable characteristics of in-mold labels, such as 360-degree printing, enhanced color and texture, and exceptional durability, are fueling its demand among various industries. These labels are moisture-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and better able to withstand temperature changes, making them an ideal choice for many different applications. As a result, In-mold labelling have become increasingly popular among businesses seeking high-quality, long-lasting labeling solutions that can help enhance product appeal and build brand recognition.

In-mold labelling is not only a highly effective labeling technique, but it is also eco-friendly, as it enables the recycling of entire plastic containers. Moreover, the growing adoption of automation and digitalization in the label printing process and technology is driving the expansion of the market. This trend is expected to continue as more companies seek sustainable, cost-effective labeling solutions that align with their environmental and business goals. The burgeoning demand for labels providing efficient brand recognition to a product is further anticipated to drive market growth.

Digital Printing with In-mold Label is a Trend

Digital printing for in-mold label printing is observed to be widely accepted by label printing companies. Although offset printing contributes with the significant share and has the benefit of the low cost of printing a high volume of labels, digital printing is most suitable for small-volume label printers as it provides economic printing for a very low volume of labels, even for 100 labels or less.

Also, digital printing has the capability of variable data printing that is putting various numbers or codes or each label successively. Digital printing is more suitable for low volumes as it fits the requirement of low setup cost for even short runs.

Low Compatibility with Certain Products Restricts Market Growth

One potential hurdle for the in-mold label (IML) industry is the partial compatibility between certain IML label components and the container material itself. While the substrate often matches the container for seamless integration, the paint or coloring and clear coat might not. This incompatibility could lead to premature degradation, impacting the label's lifespan and overall quality.

This concern is heightened by the presence of fully compatible labeling alternatives in the market. Hot stamp foils, heat transfer labels, and screen-printed labels offer complete material compatibility with the container. Additionally, shrink labels provide tamper-evident, full-coverage decoration with a single-step process similar to IML, but without potential compatibility issues.

2019 to 2023 Global In-mold Label Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2024 to 2034

The global market recorded a CAGR of 2.4% during the historical period between 2019 to 2023. The growth of the in-mold labels industry was positive as it reached a value of USD 1,097.1 million in 2023 from USD 996.4 million in 2019.

The in-mold labeling market is experiencing growth due to the increasing demand for product differentiation. In-mold labelling provides a distinct way to set products apart from their competitors while also creating a perception of high quality and luxury among consumers. This is because in-mold labels are typically considered more visually appealing than conventional and blow molded label, contributing to their popularity as a means of product differentiation.

The in-mold label market is benefitting from technological advancements, which are driving higher adoption rates across various end-user industries. Manufacturers are finding new and innovative ways to use in-mold labeling technology, like the implementation of 3D printing to create complex shapes and sizes.

There have been developments in intelligent sensors that can detect defects or tampering during the production or packaging stages, further enhancing the capabilities of in-mold labeling technology. These advancements are contributing to the growth of the in-mold labeling sector as manufacturers seek to leverage new technologies to improve their labeling processes.

3D IML technology combines MuCell technology with IML label technology to provide packages with a unique visual appearance and a soft-touch effect, all without altering the container shape. This approach is designed to create a sensory experience that stands out in the marketplace, offering a distinctive and memorable touchpoint for consumers. Manufacturers are investing in in-mold labeling systems to reduce production time and improve print quality.

Country-wise Insights

The section below covers the industry analysis for the in-mold label industry for different countries. Market demand analysis on key countries in several regions of the globe, including North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and others, is provided. The United States is anticipated to remain at the forefront in North America, with a value share of 87.6% through 2034. In Asia Pacific, China is projected to witness a CAGR of 3.7% by 2034.

Countries	Value CAGR (2024 to 2034)
Canada	2.4%
Brazil	3.6%
Germany	1.4%
Poland	3.0%
India	4.9%
Japan	3.2%
GCC Countries	3.5%

Pharmaceutical Industry in Mexico Considered to Boost the Demand

The pharmaceutical market of Mexico is the second largest market in Latin America. Mexico is known for producing medicines such as anti-inflammatory drugs, cancer treatments, and antibiotics. According to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, pharmaceutical sales in Mexico are projected to be USD 13 billion in 2028. Also, as per the OCED data, health-related spending in Mexico increased from 5.4% in 2019 to 6.2% in 2021. Total healthcare spending in Mexico was USD 1,181 million per capita.

In Mexico, the COVID pandemic has boosted the demand for medical supplies and devices for treating patients and for the safety of healthcare workers. Consequently, Mexico to showcase remarkable growth in the upcoming period and it will account for almost 38.8% market share in 2034, with a growing CAGR of 3.8%.

Compliance to Strict Regulations in United States Fuel Sales of In-mold Label

United States is anticipated to hold 87% of total sales in North America throughout the forecast period and is anticipated to reach up to USD 341.8 million by 2034. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, labeling for food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act is required as the demand for food hygiene, nutrition, and healthcare has grown rapidly. The boom in the e-commerce sector across the United States is mainly driven by rapid technological innovation and ongoing digitalization in the packaging & labeling industries.

Some of the largest food and beverage industry players are based in North America, particularly in countries like the United States and Canada. This region is a hub of high consumer demand for appealing and transparent packaging labels that provide clear information about food ingredients. The in-mold labeling industry has strongly established itself in North America, which is helping the market to grow.

Category-wise Insights

The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. By capacity, the PP in-mold labels is estimated to grow at 3.0% CAGR throughout 2034. The pharmaceutical industry is projected to expand at 3.7% in 2034.

Polypropylene is Extensively Used Material in In-mold Label

Material	Polypropylene (PP)
Value Share (2034)	80.9%

The polypropylene segment dominates the market by accounting for 78.9% revenue share in 2024. The segment is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 3.0% during the forecast period. Polypropylene is an affordable material with superior abrasion resistance properties, which makes it an ideal option for manufacturers. Also, resistance to moisture, chemicals, and acid damage, makes it a highly desirable base material for in-mold labeling, which helps in driving the segment growth. These qualities make polypropylene the preferred choice for in-mold labeling applications.

The low density of polypropylene is also expected to increase its demand among packaging companies. The labels made from this material are lightweight and easy to handle compared to other materials, which makes it an ideal choice for applications where weight is a concern. The wide use of polypropylene for injection molding is also contributing to its high demand. Polypropylene lends itself well to fiber applications in addition to conventional plastic applications, giving it even more usage outside of injection moldings, such as ropes, carpets, furniture, apparel, and others.

Food Industry Consumes Maximum In-mold Label

End Use	Food Industry
Value Share (2034)	51.4%

The food segment accounted for a revenue of USD 200.2 million in the in-mold label industry in 2034. This segment is projected to thrive at a CAGR of 2.7% by the assessment period. The food industry represents a significant portion of the demand for in-mold labels.

Packaging plays a critical role in the marketing of these products, and in-mold labels are highly effective in creating attractive and informative packaging labels. In the food industry, the aesthetic value of packaging is of utmost importance, and as a result, in-mold labeling is anticipated to be widely adopted in this sector. Packaging not only helps to extend the shelf life of products but also serves as a critical tool for attracting potential customers. These factors are estimated to accelerate segment growth.

In-mold labelling consist of a layer of high-barrier material sandwiched between two layers of polypropylene, creating an effective barrier that makes them particularly suitable for use in the food and beverage industry. By helping to extend the shelf life of packaged food, in-mold labels are also helping to reduce food waste significantly.

Several manufacturers are innovating to create in-mold labelled container, which are usually capable of withstanding ultra-low temperatures, making them ideal for storing a wide range of frozen food products. These include products such as ice cream, yogurt, butter, cheese, jam, and other frozen items. This versatility makes in-mold labeling a popular choice for food container production.

Competitive Landscape

The in-mold label industry is a relatively consolidated sector, with a number of well-established players competing against each other, as well as newcomers who are introducing innovative solutions. One of the key players in the sector are giants such as Avery Dennison and CCL Industries who hold the largest market share.

They utilize their global footprint, variety of material knowledge and already existing production systems to supply the market with a broad range of customer requirements. Furthermore, they are researching and developing which targets IML materials introduction to address the compatibility issues and bio-based alternatives.

The players in the IML sector which include Syntegon (formerly Bosch Packaging Technology) and PACCOR are focusing on maintaining the dominance with innovative product offerings. Syntegon, a well known manufacturer of IML machine, provides integrated solutions such as equipment and materials. PACCOR, however, utilizes their knowledge of plastic packaging to design custom IML labeling solutions for the food and beverage industries.

These types of players are rather nimble and they are disrupting the market by providing customized solutions and even more closer collaborations with the customers during the IML process. The competitive play among these players is the driving force for innovation and the feature that moves the industry forward.

Recent Industry Developments in In-mold Label Market

• In April 2023, Multi-Color Corporation announced the acquisition of a leading provider of in-mold label (IML) solutions, Korsini, based in Türkiye-based.
• In July 2023, CCL Industries acquired Creaprint S.L., based in Alicante, Spain, as a specialist in mold label (“IML”) production.
• In March 2023, Sonoco developed new products and invested in production lines to offer high-quality and unique IML products, which was exhibited at Interpack 2023.

Key Players of In-mold Label Manufacturers

• CCL Industries Inc.
• Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH
• Coveris Holding S.A
• Avery Dennison Corp.
• Multicolor Corporation
• Fuji Seal International Inc.
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• Duratech Industries Inc.
• Tasus Corporation
• Aspasie Inc.
• Serigraph Inc.
• Smyth Companies, LLC
• Inland Label and Marketing Services LLC
• Sonoco Products Company
• Berry Global Group
• Winpak Ltd
• Grupo Phoenix (Tekni-Plex, Inc)
• Taghleef Industries
• GRÁFICA RAMI
• Xiang In Enterprise Co., Ltd.
• IML Containers

Key Segments of In-mold Label Market

By Process:

The industry is segregated into blow molding, injection molding, and thermoforming.

By Material:

In terms of material, the industry is divided into polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polystyrene, barrier, paper, and others.

By Printing Method:

In-mold labels with gravure, flexographic, offset, screen, digital, and other printing methods are described.

By End-use:

A few of the important end-use include food, beverage, pharmaceutical, domestic care, cosmetics & personal, and others.

By Region:

Key countries of North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Excluding Japan, Japan, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East and Africa, are covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the future of the global in-mold labels industry?

The global in-mold labels industry is projected to witness a CAGR of 2.8% between 2024 and 2034.

What was the worth of the global in-mold labels industry in 2023?

The global in-mold labels industry stood at USD 1,097.1 million in 2023.

What will the worth of the global in-mold labels industry by 2034 end?

The global in-mold labels industry is anticipated to reach USD 1,501.8 million by 2034.

Which region to showcase the highest CAGR during the forecast period?

Asia Pacific excluding Japan is set to record a CAGR of 4.3% in the assessment period.

Who are the key manufacturers of the global in-mold labels industry?

CCL Industries Inc., Multicolor Corporation, and Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH.