Given the release liner’s importance in the structure of a pressure sensitive label, the market for these products has historically been one of stability. However, the numerous challenges of the past five years, from the pandemic to paper mill closures to supply chain disruptions, have impacted the release liner space in a significant way.

“During this time, the surge in demand for release liners, coupled with limited supply, forced customers to take drastic measures,” states Ginnie Gandy, sales manager, Release Liner, Channeled Resources Group (CRG). “Many overstocked materials as a precaution, accepted sharp price increases due to rising pulp costs and production constraints, and quickly adapted to alternative liner grades when their usual products became unavailable.

Looking ahead to 2025, Gandy notes that the market appears to be stabilizing, with an ongoing emphasis on domestic production. However, potential tariffs could significantly impact the market dynamics, but the exact impact is currently uncertain.

“As of today, US-based manufacturers are increasingly focused on reducing their reliance on overseas suppliers, prioritizing domestic production for both base paper and silicone coating,” she adds. “In 2024, the market experienced downward price pressure as demand softened, prompting suppliers to lower prices in a bid to retain or grow market share.”

In addition to domestic supply, there are several other trends affecting the release liner market. “Sustainability is a key focus for the label market when it comes to release liners, but other industries like tape, medical, and automotive have been slower to adopt these practices,” notes Gandy. “However, change is gradually occurring, with these markets beginning to follow the label industry’s lead.”

There are initiatives currently underway to promote sustainability, though. The industry is transitioning to thinner caliper papers where feasible, prioritizing recyclability and exploring alternatives to landfill disposal, and moving away from non-recyclable grades, such as poly-coated release liners, in favor of more eco-friendly options. 

Beyond trends, there are a number of factors to keep in mind when selecting a liner. During the height of the supply chain challenges, many converters opted for filmic liners as paper procurement became difficult. Both products offer a host of advantages and disadvantages.

According to Gandy, paper release liners are more cost-effective than film liners, making them an economical choice. Plus, they’re easier to recycle, aligning with sustainability goals. Paper liners can also perform well under higher temperatures compared to some films. 

As far as disadvantages, paper liners absorb moisture, which can affect performance and stability in humid environments. They also require more silicone coating for effective release properties, increasing production costs. Paper is more prone to shrinking or expanding due to changes in humidity or temperature, as well.

On the other hand, filmic liners are less sensitive to moisture, making them ideal for humid or wet environments. Film also maintains its shape and size under varying conditions, offering consistent performance. Additionally, film is durable and less prone to tearing during handling or application, and it requires less silicone coating, which can reduce costs in production. From a caliper control standpoint, films offer excellent thickness uniformity, which is crucial for precise applications. Film liners are typically smoother and produce less debris during processing, too.

On the downside, films are generally more expensive than paper liners.  They also lack stability when exposed to heat and can deform or lose integrity at high temperatures. When factoring in sustainability, film liners are harder to recycle compared to paper. They may be less flexible than paper, depending on the application, as well.

“Choose film release liners when you need durability, moisture resistance, and precision but are less concerned about cost and recyclability,” explains Gandy. “Opt for paper release liners when cost and recyclability are priorities, and the application does not involve high moisture exposure or require extreme dimensional stability. Each choice depends on the specific needs of your project and environmental considerations.”

One key area to keep an eye on in the future is recycling viability. While release liners can be recycled, they must first be separated from other non-paper materials – a process that requires dedicated infrastructure and funding, notes Gandy.

“Unfortunately, most liner users, whether in production or at the end-user stage, lack the resources to effectively separate and collect liner waste,” she states. “Efforts are underway within the industry to tackle this challenge. Avery Dennison, for example, has developed its AD Circular program, which focuses on collecting and recycling liner waste. Similarly, CRG is making strides by converting release liner by-products into fuel pellets through its partnership with Convergen Energy.”

From an industry perspective, numerous outlets are collaborating to address these collection barriers. Organizations like TLMI and the Liner Recycling Initiative have launched regional pilot programs aimed at identifying recycling mills and establishing best practices for managing liner waste.

“These programs are designed to support both small and large end users in setting up operational systems for recycling release liner,” says Gandy. “Importantly, any manufacturer generating liner waste can participate in these initiatives.”