Much like its packaging sister market, the printed labels sector has witnessed tremendous levels of growth during recent years as brands and retailers seek to help their products stand out in what are often crowded segments. Whether this is producing an eye-catching label for bottles of beer or cider, or even labels that present crucial information on packs of medication, these applications come in all shapes and sizes, with each requiring a quality finish. Here, we speak with companies active in the market and specialist suppliers about growth opportunities in the labels sector, as well as the type of machinery and materials print service providers (PSPs) need to be aware of if they are to move ahead of the competition and capture the most profitable contracts. Driving Demand Starting us off is Baker Labels, a trade label printer that works with companies in all areas of the UK. Commercial manager Jamie Doogan says the label sector is generally considered to be busy and vibrant, seeing as this type of application is an essential component of various industries such as packaging, manufacturing, retail, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. He adds that after the uncertainty of the last four years, Baker Labels is now seeing everyone feeling more confident in getting back to pre-pandemic business. “Several factors are driving the demand for labels in the UK market,” Doogan explains, adding: “For product packaging, the growth of e-commerce and the need for attractive packaging, labels play a crucial role in creating eye-catching designs and providing important product information. Labels are an integral part of brand identity and help in product differentiation, making them a key component in marketing strategies. “In addition, various industries, such as food and pharmaceuticals, have strict regulatory compliance labelling requirements for ingredients, warnings, and traceability, driving the demand for accurate and compliant labels.” With this in mind, Doogan says there is scope for growth in labels, picking out a number of stand-out trends to be aware of. One of these is sustainability, with Doogan picking up on a growing focus on environmentally friendly labelling solutions, including the use of recyclable materials, biodegradable adhesives, and eco-friendly printing processes. LABEL OPPORTUNITIES A diversified market that stretches across a number of industries, we highlight some of the key growth areas in labels and consider the equipment print companies need to succeed MARKET TRENDS / LABEL PRINTING 85 September / October 2023 - Issue 344 www.printmonthly.co.uk ◄ Baker Labels works with commercial printers and print management companies
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