My country's self-adhesive label market continues to grow. According to statistics from the Label Printing Branch of the China Printing and Equipment Industries Association, from 2017 to 2023, my country's self-adhesive label production increased from 5.8 billion square meters to 9.98 billion square meters, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 9.47%. In 2023, the market size of my country's label printing industry was approximately 51.12 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.1%.
Currently, the market demand for labels is becoming increasingly refined and specialized, covering labels for new energy batteries that need to withstand high temperatures and humidity, medical device labels that meet medical-grade standards, and labels for tea cups that combine creativity and cost-effectiveness. At the same time, the diversification of consumer demand places higher demands on label companies' comprehensive solutions and rapid response capabilities.
Technologically, digital printing, digital and flexographic combined printing, and digital enhancement technologies (such as spot UV coating and cold foil stamping) are being applied. AI-enabled automated quality inspection systems and end-to-end digital solutions (such as integrated ERP and MES) are also under development. Furthermore, sustainable development has become a trend, with environmentally friendly materials (such as plastic substitutes) and environmentally friendly inks (such as water-based inks) being widely used.
Industry concentration is gradually increasing, and brand upgrades are driving the transformation of label printing processes from simple printing to complex combination printing to enhance product added value and visual appeal.
Industry events also reflect these trends. For example, the South China International Label Printing Technology Exhibition, held in Guangzhou in March 2026, focused on the themes of digital, intelligent, and sustainable development, showcasing the latest digital printing equipment, AI quality inspection systems, end-to-end digital production lines, and environmentally friendly materials.