In-mold labeling (IML) is the smallest of the four major groups of labeling formats, accounting for around 2 percent of the total global label volume of 39,500 million square meters (61,250 million msi) in 2006.
Global Label Markets by Labeling Technology, 2006
Source: AWA Alexander Watson Associates
The total global demand in 2006 for in-mold labels is estimated by AWA Alexander Watson Associates at 780 to 800 million square meters (1,240 million msi). Europe is the leading regional consumer with an estimated 350 to 370 million square meters (570 million msi), followed by North America with an estimated 200 to 220 million square meters (340 million msi), representing approximately 25 to 27 percent of total global consumption of IML systems.
However, the two leading regions, North America and Europe, are very different in the composition of the in-mold label products used, with Europe heavily orientated toward an injection molded label (IM-IML) product at 90 percent of the demand, and the North American market focused on an extrusion blow molded label (EB-IML) format representing around 90 percent of demand.