AWA bringing insight, data to label and packaging industry with two events

AWA Alexander Watson Associates will explore some of the label and package printing industry’s biggest trends in November. AWA will host two events, complete with insight from leading experts and the newest data impacting the industry. The International Sleeve Label Conference & Exhibition (held November 17-18) and International Linerless Label Conference & Exhibition (held November 19-20) will take place in Chicago, IL, USA.

AWA has designed the schedules and programs to bring together the entire value chain, from material suppliers and equipment manufacturers to converters, printers, retailers, logistics providers, and brand owners.

The Sleeve Conference focuses on growth opportunities in sleeve labeling, recyclability, materials innovation, converting technologies, and brand-owner requirements. Meanwhile, the Linerless Conference is dedicated to accelerating the adoption of linerless labeling through collaboration and knowledge sharing across the value chain.

“Attendees will gain access to the latest market intelligence, technology developments, sustainability initiatives, and real-world case studies,” explains Corey Reardon, president and CEO, AWA. “Perhaps most importantly, both conferences provide a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders and discuss practical solutions to the challenges and opportunities facing their respective markets.”

AWA’s role is to serve as an independent source of market intelligence, business insights, industry education, and networking opportunities for the global labeling and packaging community.

For more than five decades, AWA has supported the label and packaging industry through market intelligence, advisory services, conferences, seminars, and authoritative reports covering release liners, product decoration technologies, and RFID and smart packaging.

“One of our greatest strengths is its ability to bring together stakeholders from across the value chain who would not normally sit around the same table,” says Reardon. “By combining market intelligence with industry events and networking platforms, AWA helps identify emerging opportunities, address market challenges, encourage collaboration, and support the adoption of new technologies and sustainable solutions.”

Sleeve growth

As was evidenced at LOUPE Americas, label converters are increasingly exploring new growth avenues. In recent years, more and more label converters have adopted shrink sleeve capabilities.

According to AWA, the global growth rate for all sleeve label formats in 2025 over 2024 is estimated at 3.7%. Overall, the global market for sleeve labels is forecast to increase at a CAGR of 3.6% for the period 2025 to 2028. Volume growth will remain with the heat-shrink TD sleeve technology, with a CAGR of 3.8%, compared to an estimated CAGR of 2.0% for stretch sleeves, 2.4% for ROSO MD sleeve labels, and an estimated annualized growth rate of 1.7% for RFS MD sleeve labels.

“Growth is being driven by demand for premium shelf impact, 360-degree decoration, and increasing sustainability-focused innovations such as recyclable and floatable sleeve solutions,” says Reardon. “For converters, sleeve labels represent an attractive growth opportunity, but success requires expertise beyond printing. Material selection, shrink performance, application requirements, and collaboration across the value chain are all critical.”

Plus, the Sleeve Label Conference will bring together organizations such as CCL, BW Packaging, Bonset America, Innovia Films, Verst Logistics, Steinhauser, APR, Brook + Whittle, MCC Label, Flint Group Packaging Solutions, Inland Packaging, Taghleef Industries and Checkpoint system, alongside other leading suppliers and converters.

Expanding into linerless

The quest for sustainability has contributed to the growth of linerless labeling. That is not the sole reason, though.

Linerless labels offer several inherent advantages. By eliminating the release liner, they reduce material consumption, decrease waste generation, improve transportation efficiency, and allow more labels per roll, reducing downtime and increasing operational productivity.

AWA’s research shows linerless labels currently represent approximately 6% of the global pressure sensitive label market, indicating significant growth potential. “We are seeing increasing interest from logistics, retail, food service, e-commerce, and packaging applications as companies continue to look for solutions that support both operational efficiency and sustainability objectives,” states Reardon. “The market has matured considerably over the last decade. What is particularly interesting today is that adoption is no longer being driven solely by sustainability goals. Companies are increasingly recognizing the productivity, cost, and supply chain benefits that linerless technologies can deliver.”

The Linerless Label Conference will include contributions from companies such as Epsa Procurement, Optimum Group (Belona), ETI Converting Equipment, Iconex, TSC Printers, Maan Engineering Group, UPM Adhesive Materials, Mondi Group, Appvion, Avery Dennison, Flint Group Packaging Solutions, and Bluestar Silicones, among others.

A particular highlight will be a keynote by Karel van den Brink, Procurement & Supply Chain Specialist, who will share practical insights into driving linerless adoption in logistics and packaging.