US Machine Glazed Kraft Release Liner Market 2025-2035
The US Machine Glazed Kraft Release Liner market is a critical segment within the specialty paper industry, offering high-gloss and durable backing materials essential for labels, tapes, graphics, medical applications, and industrial uses. Machine glazed kraft release liners are preferred for their superior strength, smooth surface, and optimal release properties, making them ideal for a range of adhesive products. The market is experiencing robust demand due to the proliferation of e-commerce, increased packaging needs, and the drive for sustainable, recyclable liner solutions. Rapid technological advancements in pulping and coating, as well as growing investments in eco-friendly packaging innovations, are further catalyzing market expansion. From 2025 to 2035, the sector is set to witness notable growth and transformation, propelled by key industrial players adopting advanced manufacturing technologies and reinforcing supply chain efficiencies.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Growing adoption of sustainable and recyclable packaging materials, driven by consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. Companies like
are heavily investing in eco-friendly kraft release liner solutions with improved recyclability.
Rising demand in the label and packaging industry due to growth in e-commerce and stringent labeling requirements, with Avery Dennison expanding its release liner product lines to serve this fast-evolving demand.
Key Trends
Enhanced focus on developing ultra-lightweight machine glazed kraft liners to reduce material consumption and transportation costs, with UPM-Kymmene launching new lightweight product variants.
Integration of digital printing and advanced coating technologies, as seen with Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s recent adoption of state-of-the-art release coating and print-ready liners catering to personalized packaging.
Key Opportunities
Leveraging recycled pulping techniques to create high-performance sustainable liners, supported by recent product launches from Sappi Limited targeting the circular economy.
Expanding applications in medical and hygiene industries, with Daio Paper Corporation introducing machine-glazed liners explicitly designed for sensitive applications in healthcare.
Key Challenges
Fluctuating raw material costs and supply chain disruptions impacting profit margins, which Felix Schoeller Group reported as a major challenge in their 2024 financial release.
Technical difficulties in producing consistent quality when increasing recycled content, as encountered by Twin Rivers Paper Company’s recent scaling of eco-friendly liner production.
Key Restraints
High initial investment costs for advanced machinery and coating technologies, highlighted by Mitsubishi HiTec Paper’s recent CAPEX report.
Strict environmental regulations pertaining to chemical pulping and waste management processes, which pose compliance burdens, particularly noted in Nippon Paper Industries’ latest sustainability disclosure.
In 2025, the US machine glazed kraft release liner market by type is led by the unbleached segment, owing to its increased use in sustainable applications and growing preference for natural, recyclable materials among manufacturers. The bleached and semi-bleached types continue to gain traction for premium and specialty applications, while recycled and clay-coated variants are seeing moderate adoption as companies target eco-conscious consumers and specific industrial needs. Virgin liner maintains a strong presence due to its superior strength and consistency demanded by key end-users.
Labels hold the largest share in the US machine glazed kraft release liner market by application in 2025, driven by the immense growth in the packaging and logistics sector spurred by e-commerce and retail. Tapes and industrial applications follow closely, benefiting from expanded manufacturing activity and infrastructure development. Medical and hygiene segments are showing rising adoption due to stringent health and safety standards, while graphics benefit from the adoption of premium visuals and branding by consumer goods companies.
From 2020 to 2035, the US machine glazed kraft release liner market is projected to grow steadily, reaching significant milestones as demand in labels, tapes, and medical applications rises. Adoption of sustainable packaging, advancements in pulping and coating technologies, and expansion into specialized industrial uses continue to fuel revenue growth. From an estimated 450 Million USD in 2025, the market is set for a compelling trajectory, supported by widespread adoption across diverse user segments and continuous product innovation.
The market’s year-on-year growth rate is projected to remain positive, with slight moderation as the industry matures. The period between 2025 and 2030 is expected to demonstrate peak growth rates, supported by intensified sustainability mandates and evolving application areas. While growth may stabilize slightly post-2030 as the primary drivers mature, ongoing product innovations and expansion into medical and hygiene applications support consistent, above-average sector performance.
The regional market share analysis for 2025 indicates the dominance of the Midwest and Northeast, owing to these regions' strong manufacturing bases and high demand from industrial, packaging, and medical sectors. The South and West maintain robust shares as well, reflecting ongoing investments in logistics, food, and pharma, as well as an increasing number of printing and graphics businesses leveraging release liners for custom and branded products.
Major players in the 2025 US market, including Mondi Group, Ahlstrom-Munksjö, and UPM-Kymmene, command significant market shares owing to extensive production capabilities and innovative product portfolios. These companies continuously invest in technology and sustainability to maintain their competitive edge. Smaller entrants and specialty manufacturers are gradually increasing their influence, fueled by targeted application innovations and agile supply chain strategies.
In 2025, large packaging conglomerates and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies constitute the major share of buyers for machine glazed kraft release liners, followed by label printers and converters, and then healthcare providers. These segments display strong purchasing influence owing to their scale, application variety, and continuous need for reliable, sustainable and innovative liner solutions to support branding and regulatory requirements.
June 2024: Mondi Group launched a new line of recyclable machine glazed kraft release liners tailored for e-commerce packaging solutions.
July 2024: UPM-Kymmene Corporation unveiled ultra-lightweight release liner products, targeting logistics and retail markets.
August 2024: Ahlstrom-Munksjö completed an expansion of its Illinois facility, boosting capacity for advanced coated and medical-grade liners.
September 2024: Avery Dennison introduced a bio-based release liner range for label converters in North America.
October 2024: Sappi Limited announced a strategic collaboration for R&D in recycled kraft liner technologies, enhancing circular economy business models.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Alice
Senior Research Consultant
Alice is a Senior Research Consultant specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Packaging. Alice brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Alice has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
