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.

Meanwhile, for the third consecutive year, Mactac has been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for recyclability of its pressure sensitive label materials.

Mactac has been awarded Critical Guidance Recognition (CGR) for its polypropylene (BOPP) pressure-sensitive labels with CHILL AT hot-melt adhesive for flexible polyethylene (PE) film packaging materials. The labeling solution exceeded voluntary requirements for APR Design for Recyclability Recognition, meeting the most stringent, industry accepted criteria for design features that affect plastics recycling.

1. Channeled Resources Group examines release liner market
2. Mactac receives more Critical Guidance Recognition from APR
3. CERM acquires cloud-based MIS company
4. General Data acquires International Label Manufacturing
5. Industrial labels market to reach $51 billion by 2020