The global linerless labels market size is projected to grow from USD 1.7 billion in 2021 to USD 2.2 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2021 to 2026. Linerless labels are pressure-sensitive labels without a release liner or adhesive backing. A special coating is applied to the face of the label that prevents adhesion. These labels are made up of three layers: release topcoat, facestock, and adhesive. Linerless labels is widely used and preferred in end-use industries such as food, beverage, home & personal care, pharmaceuticals, and retail, amongst others.

The linerless labels market has thousands of companies that thrive in their domestic market. A few of the major players are, 3M (US), CCL Industries Inc (Canada), R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (US), Avery Dennison Corporation (US), and Multi-Color Corporation (US), among others. These players have adopted various growth strategies, such as mergers & acquisitions, and expansions, to increase their market shares and enhance their product portfolios.

Mergers & acquisitions accounted for the largest share of all the strategic developments that took place in the linerless labels market between 2019 and 2021. Key players such as Elk CCL Industries Inc and Multi-Color Corporation adopted these strategies to enhance their business, market presence, and meet consumer demand.

3M Company is a diversified technology company which manufactures and markets a broad range of innovative products including tapes, adhesives, filtration products, transportation safety products, medical and surgical supplies, skin health and infection prevention products, dental and orthodontic products, packaging and interconnection devices, touch screen and touch monitors, home care products; and consumer and office tapes and adhesives. The company offers its products to a wide range of industries including industrial; safety and graphics; electronics and energy; health care; and consumer. 3M distributes its products directly to users and through various wholesalers, retailers, jobbers, distributors, and dealers. It operates in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and the APAC. The company is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, US.

CCL Industries Inc is a diversified packaging solutions provider. The company’s product portfolio includes aluminum aerosol cans, bottles, varnishes, and extruded plastic tubes. It also offers converting pressure sensitive and film materials for label applications along with package decorating solutions. The company provides multi-layer and surface engineered Bi-Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) films. The company’s products find applications in various markets such as home and personal care, healthcare, food & beverage, agro-chemical, automotive, electronics, and consumer durables worldwide. The company’s business operations are spread across North America, Latin America, Europe, APAC, and Middle East & Africa. CCL is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.