The global release liner market is expected to grow from USD 12.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 15.4 Billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 4.0%, according to a new report provided by MarketsandMarkets, "Release Liners Market by Substrate Type (Glassine/Calendered Kraft Paper, Polyolefin Coated Paper, Clay Coated Paper), Application (Labels, Pressure-Sensitive Tapes, Hygiene), Material Type, Labeling Technology, and Region - Global Forecast to 2029".
Release liners are essential in various industries, serving as protective layers that facilitate the smooth application and performance of adhesive products. Usually, release liners are made of paper and film and their primary function is to protect adhesives from adhering to substrates until they ready to be applied. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the proper usage, storage, and distribution of adhesive products such as labels, tapes, and medical device products.
The increased popularity of the e-commerce industry has created the need for packaging that requires release liners due to their role in the performance and appearance of packaging products. Also, the growth of the healthcare and medical sectors that require enhanced adhesive products for their operations also drives the market. The increased consumption in automotive and electronics industries, which are also users of adhesive solutions, is also responsible for the increase in demand. Furthermore, the growing awareness about sustainable and recyclable products is influencing the development of environmentally friendly release liners which also promotes the market prospects in line with the international environmental policies.
The non-silicone segment is anticipated to be the second-largest material type in the release liners market. This growth is mainly attributed to the rising need for replacement of silicone-based release liners that are widely used in numerous industries. Specifically, non-silicone release liners are much appreciated for their unique benefits, including the relatively low cost, reduced environmental footprint, and suitability for specific applications where silicone may pose challenges. The increasing concern over the health and environmental risks that may be linked to silicone have also contributed to the move towards non-silicone products. Therefore, the non-silicone segment is experiencing a high level of demand, contributing to the overall development of the release liners market.
The Labels segment has long dominated the release liners market and is expected to maintain its stronghold over the forecast period. This growth driven by ever-growing demand across numerous industries including consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. Such labels play a pivotal role in product promotion, instruction, and tracking, significantly increasing requirements for efficient, dependable release liner technologies. Moreover, continuous evolution in labeling techniques combined with e-commerce proliferation continue powering robust expansion in this segment, cementing its place as a catalyst for the verall market's expansion.
The Glassine/Calendered Kraft Paper segment is projected to dominate the release liners industry in terms of market portion during the forecast time period. This segment's importance can be attributed to its superior properties, including high density, smoothness, and resistance to grease and wetness, which render it an ideal substrate for a wide range of uses. Glassine/Calendered Kraft Paper is extensively applied in industries such as food and beverage, healthcare, and customer merchandise, where it serves as a dependable and cost-effective material for labels, tapes, and other sticky goods. Additionally, the growing focus on sustainable packaging solutions has even more fueled the demand for this paper-based substrate, as it is often derived from renewable resources and is biodegradable. As a result, manufacturers and end-users alike are progressively opting for Glassine/Calendered Kraft Paper in their packaging and labeling procedures, driving its development and dominance in the release liners industry.
The release liners market comprises key manufacturers such as are 3M (US), Mondi (Austria), Ahlstrom (Finland), Loparex (US), LINTEC Corporation (Japan), Sappi (South Africa), Polyplex Corporation Ltd. (India), Gascogne (France), UPM (Finland), and Avery Dennison Corporation (US) among others are the major players in the release liners market.