What Will It Take to Survive?

This notwithstanding, some top-notch research is available for those who wish to understand trends and market dynamics in specific markets. In its study, “Labeling Markets North American Market Study and Sourcebook 2008,” Alexander Watson Associates BV (www.awa-bv.com) of The Netherlands, establishes the value of the global label market in 2007 at $72 billion, with North America accounting for 28 percent of that total. The study also notes that the growth rate for labels in North America has declined from previous levels to a yearly average of 2.6 percent, with sleeves growing at 5.8 percent and pressure sensitive’s growth rate at only 1.7 percent. An updated global review is soon to be published by AWA to address how the label market has changed with the recent economic events.