The release liners market is estimated to be valued at USD 29.16 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 45.35 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2025 to 2032.
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The release liners market is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising demand in industries such as packaging, labeling, electronics, and healthcare. These liners, which are essential for applications involving pressure-sensitive adhesives, play a crucial role in product protection, efficient handling, and automation. Key growth sectors include e-commerce packaging, medical dressings, tapes, and industrial assembly processes. Material innovations, such as the shift from paper to film-based substrates like PET and BOPP and coatings like silicone are enhancing liner performance. Furthermore, sustainability efforts, including closed-loop recycling programs by players like Avery Dennison and UPM Raflatac, are reshaping the market landscape. As industries push for efficiency and eco-friendly materials, the release liners market demand is set to expand steadily through the next decade.
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From September 2023 to August 2024 (TTM), there were 15 global export shipments of Release Liner classified under HSN Code 39209999. These shipments originated from 5 exporters and were delivered to 11 different buyers. Notably, in August 2024 alone, only one such shipment was recorded worldwide.
The majority of these exports were destined for Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan. On a global scale, the leading exporters of Release Liner under HSN Code 39209999 are India, China, and Italy. India tops the list with 281 shipments, significantly ahead of China with 10 shipments and Italy with 6.
Between October 2023 and September 2024 (TTM), India imported 487 shipments of Release Liner from 78 international exporters, catering to 46 Indian buyers. This reflects a 59% increase compared to the previous 12-month period. Specifically, in September 2024, India received 60 shipments, marking a 150% increase year-over-year from September 2023, and a 25% rise from August 2024. India primarily sources its Release Liner imports from China, the United States, and Italy.
In terms of substrates, film segment is expected to contribute 84.9% share of the market in 2025, owing to its convenience and wide applicability across different industries. Film provides a smooth and glossy surface ideal for high resolution printing. It can be easily cut into various shapes and sizes to suit diverse labelling needs. Being thin and lightweight, film improves packaging efficiency by reducing material costs. It can withstand extremes of temperature and humidity better than paper, ensuring the labels last longer. The non-porous property of film protects printed content from damage by water, chemicals, or abrasion. Its excellent durability allows film labels to be conveniently peeled and reapplied multiple times if required. Plastic film is compatible with both digital and conventional printing technologies. Its barrier properties help preserve the freshness of packaged food and other perishable products. Owing to such superior functional characteristics, film has emerged as the substrate of choice for various labelling applications.
In July 2025, Techlan Ltd introduced Re‑Liner™ Embossed PE Film, a sustainable, high‑performance silicone release liner designed for industrial and commercial applications. The new embossed polyethylene film features a textured surface that enhances air release, reducing bubbles and easing adhesive application, while minimizing buildup on the liner. This is further accelerating the release liners market growth.
In terms of labelling technology, in-mold segment is expected to contribute 32.7% share of the market in 2025, owing to its technical superiority and design flexibility. The in-mold process allows creating labels during plastic molding itself, integrating them seamlessly into packaging components. This eliminates issues of label shrinkage, curling or premature deterioration seen in other technologies. In-mold labels provide crisp, high-resolution graphics on complex contoured surfaces without impairing product aesthetics. They withstand harsh manufacturing environments involving high pressure, temperature, and mechanical stress. The flexible design options allow incorporating tamper-evidence features, compliance codes, and other mandatory information directly onto containers and closures.
In August 2024, Innovia Films, a leading producer of BOPP specialty films, introduced RayoForm™ ELR70, a next‑generation in‑mold film tailored for large-format containers. Featuring a five-layer semi‑cavitated structure with one matte and one gloss side, the film offers reduced density and enhanced stiffness, enabling bigger labels and larger-sheet converting. The product targets applications in paint, food, and industrial sectors seeking durable, high‑performance labeling solutions.
In terms of applications, cloth envelopes & packaging segment is expected to contribute 31.8% share of the market in 2025, owing to its wide scope of applications. Cloth envelopes effectively package various consumer and commercial products needing protection from moisture, dust, or physical damage. Their non-abrasive texture maintains product aesthetics while cotton or synthetic fabric allows the visibility of contents. Moreover, the envelopes are easily printable to add brand messaging or dispatch details. The robust yet lightweight envelopes facilitate cost-effective shipping through regular mail or parcel services. The re-closable feature allows repeated opening-closing without wastage. Cloth packaging finds diverse uses across accessories, textiles, electronics, and several small part shipments. Its breathability maintains freshness of herbs, teas, and other consumables.
For instance, a cooperative of artisans in Karnataka is revolutionizing the packaging industry by manufacturing eco-friendly, fully biodegradable paper-based envelopes and parcels. The initiative supports rural livelihoods, empowers women, and addresses the growing demand for plastic-free packaging in India. Such initiatives are contributing to the release liners market revenue.
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North America has remained the dominant region in the global release liners market over the past few years. The region is expected to account for 35.0% of the market share in 2025. The region is home to some of the largest producers and consumers of release liners globally. Being an early adopter of new technologies, the substrate and label industries in the U.S. and Canada have driven significant release liners market demand. Strong presence of the food and beverage sectors, where release liners find widespread applications, has further augmented the North America market. Availability of raw materials and a stable economic environment have encouraged manufacturers to set up factories within the region. This has made North America a net exporter of release liners to other key markets.
For instance, at Labelexpo Americas 2024, Lecta launched facestock and release liner products tailored specifically for North American labeling needs, including recycled-fiber grades like “Recy,” reinforcing innovation in sustainable liner materials.
The Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest growing market for release liners in recent times riding on swift industrialization across developing nations. Rapid growth of the packaging industry along with increasing consumer goods consumption has boosted the regional demand. Countries like China, India, and Indonesia are global manufacturing hubs and have seen their label and substrate sectors expand multifold. This has translated to the higher uptake of release liners used in various labeling applications. Ease of raw material sourcing and low production costs have attracted many international players to establish facilities within Asia Pacific. Also, strong focus of regional governments towards boosting domestic manufacturing has created a conducive environment for the industry.
For instance, In May 2025, Jindal Poly Films Ltd., a leading flexible packaging player, announced a significant investment of ₹700 crore (~USD 84 million) to expand its manufacturing capacity at the Nashik facility. This includes new production lines for BOPP, PET, and CPP films, increasing annual output by 42,000 tonnes of BOPP, 55,000 tonnes of PET, and 18,000 tonnes of CPP. These films are essential substrates for pressure‑sensitive labels, adhesive tapes, and packaging solutions, applications that heavily rely on release liners.
The United States represents one of the most mature and technologically advanced markets in the global release liners industry, driven by its well-established sectors such as pressure-sensitive labeling, medical device manufacturing, and the automotive industry. As a leading consumer of high-performance adhesives and labeling technologies, the U.S. consistently demands advanced release liner solutions that offer durability, cleanliness, and compatibility with automated processing systems.
China leads the release liners market as the world’s largest packaging and labeling hub. Rapid e-commerce growth, led by platforms like Alibaba, drives high demand for pressure-sensitive labels. Its strong electronics and manufacturing base further fuels use in industrial adhesives, tapes, and die-cut components. Growing healthcare demand for medical tapes and wound dressings also contributes. Supported by initiatives like Made in China 2025 and low-cost production, China remains central to global demand for release liners across label stock, electronics, and medical sectors.
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| Report Coverage | Details | ||
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| Base Year: | 2024 | Market Size in 2025: | USD 29.16 Bn |
| Historical Data for: | 2020 To 2024 | Forecast Period: | 2025 To 2032 |
| Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR: | 6.5% | 2032 Value Projection: | USD 45.35 Bn |
| Geographies covered: |
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| Companies covered: |
Mondi AG, Avery Dennison Corporation, 3M, Gascogne Laminates S.A, UPM Raflatac, Rayven LLC., Loparex LLC., Savvy Packaging Ltd., Dow, Ahlstrom, and Ester Industries |
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The labeling and tape industry has seen significant growth over the past decade owing to the increasing demand from various end-use industries like food and beverages, consumer durables, pharmaceuticals, etc. New product launches, branding, and marketing activities across different industries have fueled the need for innovative labels and tapes. As these labels and tapes require a stable and protective surface which can hold the ink and last for longer periods without smudging or tearing apart, the demand for high-quality release liners has increased substantially.
Key players in the labeling and tapes market are focusing on advanced labeling solutions in order to enhance their brand visibility and customer connect. Self-adhesive labels having liner support have become immensely popular. The food industry in particular has increased the application of labels on their products to communicate important details regarding ingredients, best before dates, manufacturing locations, nutritional information, scannable codes, and certifications. A similar trend is observed in the pharmaceutical industry as well where detailed labeling is mandatory as per international quality standards. Since these labels demand a smooth and durable backing/substrate onto which they can be laminated, the sales of polycoated and super calendered liners have multiplied. Even manufacturing sites have ramped up the in-house labeling of dispatch boxes, pallets, and containers for better inventory management using customized printed labels backed with liners, which is further propelling the release liners market revenue.
The flexible packaging industry is witnessing phenomenal growth on account of increasing preferences of brand owners and consumers towards consumer-friendly packages. Compared to rigid forms of packaging, flexible packages are light-weight, take less space for storage and transportation while maintaining product protection. They can be easily printed, laminated, and converted into pouches, bags, wraps, and sachets using modern machinery. Flexible packages especially find widespread applications in food packaging where they are used as bread bags, candy wrappers, snack bags, cold meat packages, coffee packaging, etc.
As flexible packaging primarily relies on film and paper layers laminated or coated together, release liners play a pivotal role in the converting process. Most flexible packaging structures utilize multilayer films comprising of sealant, base, and release layers. During the lamination of different film layers, release liners are used to carry the top film/coating to the lamination nip without it adhering to the previous layer or to the cast roll.
*Definition: The release liners market comprises products that temporarily protect the adhesive surface of pressure-sensitive label stocks and tapes until the product is ready for application to a surface. Release liners have a silicone coating that allows labels and tapes to be easily removed without effecting the adhesive. Major applications of release liners include labels, tapes, medical products, industrial tapes and hygiene products. The global release liners market has been growing steadily due to increased demand from industries such as food and beverages, automotive and electronics. Key players in this market focus on manufacturing eco-friendly and high-quality release liners.
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About Author
Shivam Bhutani has 6 years of experience in market research and strategy consulting. He is a Market Research Consultant with strong analytical background. He is currently an MBA candidate specializing in Business Analytics from BITS Pilani.
He is adept at navigating diverse roles from sales and marketing to research and strategy consulting. He excels in market estimation, competitive intelligence, pricing strategy, and primary research. He is skilled at analysing large datasets to provide precise insights, helping clients in achieving strategic transformation across various industries. He is skilled in leveraging data visualization techniques to drive innovation and enhance business processes.
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