Haidan DongAccording to The Future of Label Printing to 2022, a study conducted by Smithers Pira, the global label market is projected to grow at 2.8-4.4% year-on-year. It is estimated to be worth $34.5-$35.7 billion in 2017 and $39.5-$43.8 billion in 2022. A similar Freedonia Group study finds that North America is currently one of the largest regional label markets.
One type of label that is becoming increasingly popular is roll labels. These are wound around a core as opposed to sheet and slit back labels, which are presented on a flat surface. Roll labels are easier and faster to peel and apply in automated workflows, which is why their popularity is growing throughout many industries.
This means that more customers are now expecting their printers to offer roll labels. However, the label printing market is changing so quickly that it can be hard for small businesses to keep up with trends. So let us break down for you some of the 2018 trends covered in the studies and provide some actionable tips so that you can translate them into profit.
Roll Label Market Trends
1. Shorter Runs
Gone are the days when mass production marked the epitome of success. Clients now want to personalize and assert the uniqueness of each product and brand. This leads to shorter runs in the printing industry. This change poses a significant challenge to roll label printers because roll labels are generally known to be more suitable for higher quantities and larger runs. Fortunately the rise of digital printing has helped many printers adapt.
Tip: The shift to shorter runs could actually give smaller business an edge in competing with big printers who generally require bigger minimum quantities. Take advantage of this by making smaller quantities available to your clients. Consider going digital when possible.
2. Production Efficiency
Clients are now expecting shorter turnaround times in addition to shorter runs. To meet both these expectations, printers are implementing new procedures to streamline job changes and apply automation. Roll labels are also popular products in other industries where this trend is happening because they can be easily integrated into an automated workflow.
Tip: Even small business printers can find ways to increase production efficiency. To help yourself out, check out our article on how to meet tight deadlines where we discuss how to deal with bottlenecks, demand increases, and more.
3. Smart Labels
Labels are not just about brand identity anymore. Smart labels are communicating information in new ways. They:
- work as an anti-counterfeit measure
- provide scannable codes
- collect demographic data
- act as sensors for product storage
- track waste disposal
- and more
Tip: Tapping into the smart labels market requires specialized technology, so before you make an expensive investment, consider your clients’ needs first. Are you able to meet their needs in less costly ways?
4. Sustainability
“Green printing” has been a familiar printing industry trend that applies to the roll label market as well. This includes a rising demand for biodegradable substrates, inks, and finishings. This means that paper labels will likely continue to be more popular than plastic ones like BOPP (polypropylene) and PET (polyester).
Tip: If you’re thinking of making a long-term investment in one substrate, paper is probably your safest choice as a small business printer. To ride the sustainability trend, consider stocks that are:
- 100% Recycled
- Biodegradable
- Tree-free paper
- Fair trade
- Plastic-free
5. Premium Labels
The last trend we’ll cover is the increased demand for special substrates, inks, and finishings. Companies want their brand to stand out from their competitors. Packaging is critical to a generation that shares product pictures via social media, so roll labels could be an integral part of your client’s marketing strategy.
Tip: If possible, provide what your competitors don’t. Offering your clients specialty labels can help elevate you to a supplier of hard-to-find luxury products. This can take your company from small business to specialty business.
What If I Can’t Print Roll Labels?
Printing roll labels can be a costly investment for small print businesses but it is also yielding increasingly high returns. One way to minimize risk is to outsource production.
SinaLite is an example of an outsourcing partner that provides quality roll label printing with a variety of substrates and finishings. With short turnaround times and small minimum order quantities, printing with SinaLite is a great way for small print businesses to keep up with label market trends and thrive.
Do you print roll labels? If so, do you notice any other trends? Share with us in the comments below.
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