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9 minutes ago
- Politics
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Another voter-backed Maine law regulating campaign finance halted, but the case is far from over
A Question 1 campaign sign in Portland. (Photo by Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star) A federal court ruled on Tuesday that the law Maine voters passed in 2024 to set limits on so-called super PACs is unconstitutional — the second time within a few days that challenges to Maine's voter-backed campaign finance restrictions have prevailed. However, in this case, the ruling plays into the ultimate goal of those behind the law. Roughly 75%, or 600,000, Maine voters approved this law, which set a $5,000 limit on donations to political action committees that independently spend money to try to support or defeat candidates, commonly referred to as super PACs. It also requires the disclosure of all donors who contribute toward independent expenditures, regardless of amount. The ruling in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine by U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Frink Wolf concluded both constitute violations of the First Amendment. The lawsuit, which was filed by two PACs (Dinner Table Action, founded by state Rep. Laurel Libby (R-Auburn) and activist Alex Titcomb, and For Our Future, run by Titcomb) was an expected and welcomed part of the plan of those who introduced the referendum. Their hope is to eventually bring the question of the legality of such limits to the U.S. Supreme Court. While the plaintiffs view Tuesday's ruling as an outcome in their favor, those behind the referendum, notably legal scholar Lawrence Lessig who spearheaded it, still have an eye on that path. The state is now expected to appeal, and the ballot question committee also has the option to do so since the court granted them standing as interveners. Maine sued over new campaign finance law, but that was supporters' plan all along Charles Miller of the Institute for Free Speech, one of the plaintiff's two attorneys, told Maine Morning Star he believes this decision and another federal court decision on Friday that a law passed by Maine voters in 2023 prohibiting foreign government spending in elections is likely unconstitutional demonstrate that an appeal doesn't make sense. 'This, combined with the decision from the First Circuit last week, was very clear that the courts across the country recognize the importance of people being able to engage in election-related speech,' Miller said. While the two recent court decisions are topically related, Lessig, a professor at Harvard Law School, told Maine Morning Star they are distinct in key ways. And that no one should be surprised that the district court followed the decisions of all other courts so far. The district court's interpretation of the controversial, landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision on corporate contributions is wrong, Lessig argues, and constitutes the core question he and other supporters hope will now be addressed in the First Circuit Court of Appeals. The ban on foreign spending in elections deals with limiting the ability of certain entities to spend money in Maine elections. However, Tuesday's ruling doesn't involve limits on expenditures, only limits to the contributions to committees that make the expenditures. While this may seem like splitting hairs, it is the very distinction in the Supreme Court's philosophy that Lessig and others behind the Super PAC referendum say makes interpretations of Citizens United v. Federal Election Campaign Act to date flawed. 'Citizens United forecloses limits on contributions to independent expenditure groups,' Frink Wolf wrote in Tuesday's decision. Since Buckley v. Valeo in 1976, the Supreme Court has allowed contributions to be regulated when there is a risk of 'quid pro quo' corruption, essentially a favor for a favor. In the case of elections, if there is a risk someone could be making a donation to a candidate in exchange for a favor, then Congress can regulate that contribution. In 2010, the Supreme Court extended this reasoning to corporations and unions in Citizens United. Three months later, in v. FEC, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that contributions to PACs cannot be regulated either, as long as the PAC is 'independent.' Other lower federal and state courts followed suit but the ruling was never reviewed by the Supreme Court. Lessig doesn't think the Supreme Court will change Citizens United, but he believes the question the Maine referendum raises — whether contributions to a committee that makes independent expenditures can be limited — is not answered in Citizens United. Under the logic of Citizens United, independent expenditures are uncoordinated and create no risk of quid pro quo corruption, but donations to a committee that makes independent expenditures may or may not be coordinated. Therefore, Lessig said, they create the risk of quid pro quo corruption and can be regulated by Congress. Lessig hopes the appeal will be swift so the First Circuit will have an opportunity to take up the question by the fall and issue a decision sometime in the spring. If the court decides in favor of the law, the issue could be in the Supreme Court by the fall of 2026. If the First Circuit rules otherwise, the path to the high court is less direct but still possible, Lessig said. 'The key thing is just stay tuned,' he said. 'I think 600,000 Mainers were correct.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
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9 minutes ago
- Sport
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'Great club legend' Lucas Vázquez ending long stint with Real Madrid
MADRID (AP) — Lucas Vázquez, an important player for Real Madrid during one of its most successful eras, is ending his stint with the Spanish powerhouse. The club and the player said Wednesday that he is not returning for another season. Advertisement 'I'm leaving Real Madrid, but Real Madrid will never leave me," Vázquez said on social media. "Wherever I go, I will proudly say that I had the honor of playing for the best team in the world. Thank you for joining me on the most beautiful journey of my life.' Madrid is preparing a farewell ceremony on Thursday for the 34-year-old Vázquez. 'Real Madrid would like to express our gratitude and affection to Lucas Vázquez, one of the great legends of our club,' it said in a statement. Vázquez is one of the winningest players with Madrid, having helped the club capture 23 titles, including five Champions Leagues and four Spanish leagues. He made 402 appearances, playing mostly as a right back but also as a forward, attacking midfielder and contributing off the bench. Advertisement 'Lucas Vázquez represents in an exemplary way the values of Real Madrid, which has made him one of the most loved players by our fans," club president Florentino Pérez said. "The figure of Lucas Vázquez symbolizes the hard work, perseverance, humility and winning spirit that are essential for success in this shirt. He is a player who has the affection and recognition of all madridistas. Real Madrid is and always will be his home.' Vázquez joined the club's youth academy in 2007 as a 16-year-old. After a season on loan at Espanyol, he made his debut with Madrid's first team in 2015. He did not immediately announce his plans for the future. Advertisement Madrid is coming off a disappointing season by its high standards, losing the Spanish league title to Barcelona and failing to reach the final in the Club World Cup or the Champions League. ___ AP soccer: Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press
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- Business
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Smart Labels Market Accelerates in 2025 Sustainability and E-Commerce Drive Demand Globally
According to a recent analysis by Towards Packaging, the global smart labels market is projected to expand from USD 14.67 Billion in 2024 to USD 42.36 Billion by 2034, recording a CAGR of 11.32% between 2025 and 2034. Ottawa, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global smart labels market size reached approximately USD 16.14 Billion in 2025, with projections suggesting it will climb to USD 42.36 Billion in 2034, according to a report from Towards Packaging, a sister firm of Precedence Smart Labels market is experiencing significant growth due to rising demand for efficient inventory management, enhanced product tracking, and increased adoption of automation across industries. These labels, equipped with technologies like RFID, NFC, and QR codes, enable real-time data access and ensure product authenticity and traceability. Their integration is expanding across sectors such as retail, logistics, healthcare, and food and beverages, driven by the need for transparency, security, and convenience. Additionally, growing concerns about counterfeiting and the rising emphasis on smart packaging solutions are further boosting market adoption. Technological advancements and IoT integration are expected to sustain this momentum. What Are Smart Labels? Smart labels are advanced labeling solutions that integrate technologies such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), NFC (Near Field Communication), QR codes, and sensors to provide dynamic, real-time information about a product or package. Unlike traditional labels, smart labels are interactive and can communicate data digitally, making them essential tools in modern supply chain management, retail, healthcare, and logistics. They serve various functions, including tracking product location, monitoring temperature and freshness (especially in perishable goods), authenticating product originality, and facilitating automatic inventory updates. In the food and beverage sector, smart labels can alert suppliers or retailers if the storage conditions have been compromised, helping reduce spoilage and waste. In retail, they enable faster checkouts and better inventory control through RFID scanning. Smart labels are also crucial for improving transparency, security, and customer engagement. By scanning a smart label with a smartphone or RFID reader, consumers can access product details, verify authenticity, or even interact with brand content. These labels support the broader movement toward digitization and smart packaging, where connected packaging solutions are reshaping how products are managed and experienced throughout their Are Some of the Top Emerging Trends in the Smart Labels Industry Around 2025? IoT, AI, and Blockchain Integration Smart labels are increasingly embedded with IoT and wireless connectivity (RFID, NFC) to enable real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and automated supply‑chain visibility. In sectors like logistics, food, and pharmaceuticals, they provide vital environmental data and product status updates. AI-driven systems streamline label production and optimize workflows, while blockchain integration enhances authentication and traceability, especially in high-risk industries. Advanced Sensor Technologies and Battery‑Free Designs Smart labels now include sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, gas detection) and innovations like battery‑free NFC-powered systems that monitor product freshness, with some designs even capable of proactively releasing antioxidants to extend shelf life. Cutting-edge printed‑electronics and recyclable soft‑electronics inks are improving performance while reducing environmental impact. Sustainability and Eco‑Material Adoption There's a strong shift toward eco‑friendly smart labels using biodegradable substrates, liner‑free formats, compostable adhesives, and upcycled materials to reduce waste and meet regulatory requirements. Interactive Consumer Engagement Via NFC/QR/AR NFC and smart QR or AR-enhanced labels are being widely deployed to deliver dynamic content such as product origin, sustainability credentials, customer surveys, promotions, or recall warnings, strengthening transparency and direct-to-consumer engagement. Personalization and Variable Data Printing Variable data printing enables customized labels, serial numbers, names, promotions, and region-specific details without slowing production. This supports marketing, brand storytelling, and regulatory compliance across markets. Cost-Saving Innovations Developments in printed electronics (e.g., conductive inks and chipless RFID tags) are lowering costs and expanding adoption, making smart labels viable even for high-volume, low-margin goods by offering barcode-like cost structures with RFID-level functionality. Logistics and Compliance Mandates Rapid e-commerce growth and complex global supply chains are pushing the adoption of smart labels for improved order accuracy, tamper-evidence, regulatory traceability, and delivery validation. Industries such as healthcare and food are increasingly adopting them to meet stricter safety and authenticity is the Potential Growth Rate of the Smart Labels Market? Expansion of E-commerce and Logistics The rise of e-commerce has increased the demand for real-time tracking, accurate inventory management, and anti-theft solutions. Smart labels with RFID and QR codes support efficient logistics, faster delivery, and error reduction, offering significant growth potential. Brands can use smart labels to offer consumers interactive experiences, product information, authenticity checks, and promotions. This enhances brand loyalty and offers new marketing avenues. In January 2025, according to the data published by the Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce, it has been estimated retail e-commerce sales in the United States for the first quarter of 2025 were USD 300.2 billion, essentially constant from the fourth quarter of 2024 after accounting for seasonal variation but not price adjustments. An estimated USD 1,858.5 billion was spent on retail in the first quarter of 2025, up 0.4% from the fourth quarter of 2024. Increasing Demand for Supply Chain Transparency Industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and apparel are under pressure to ensure traceability, authenticity, and compliance. Smart labels enable real-time visibility and data sharing, offering value to companies aiming for transparent and secure supply chains. Growth in the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Sector Smart labels are being increasingly used for tracking medicines, ensuring authenticity, and monitoring temperature-sensitive drugs. As regulations around drug traceability and patient safety tighten, demand for smart labels in this sector is expected to surge. Rising Adoption of IoT and Industry 4.0 With the growing adoption of IoT and automation in manufacturing and retail, smart labels serve as critical components for connecting physical products to digital systems. They help enable predictive maintenance, automated restocking, and smarter decision-making. Technological Advancements and Cost Reduction Innovations such as printed electronics, chipless RFID, and sensor integration are making smart labels more affordable and efficient. This opens the door for adoption in cost-sensitive sectors like FMCG and small-scale retail. Sustainability and Green Packaging Initiatives Eco-friendly smart labels made from biodegradable or recyclable materials align with global sustainability goals. As regulations and consumer preferences shift toward greener products, smart labels designed with sustainability in mind will gain traction. Limitations and Challenges in the Smart Labels Market: Lack of Standardization and Limited Awareness and Short Shelf Life, and Reliability Issues Smart labels, especially those with RFID, NFC, or sensor technologies, are more expensive than traditional labels. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often find it difficult to invest in these solutions due to high implementation costs, including hardware, software, and training. There is a lack of global standards for smart labeling technologies, which creates compatibility issues across supply chains and industries. This hampers smooth integration and scalability, particularly in international operations. As smart labels often collect and transmit data, there are growing concerns regarding data privacy and the risk of cyberattacks or unauthorized access. This is especially critical in the healthcare and personal care industries. In many developing countries, awareness about the benefits and applications of smart labels is still low. Infrastructure limitations, such as inadequate digital networks and poor supply chain digitization, further hinder adoption. Smart labels may not function effectively in extreme environmental conditions such as high humidity, electromagnetic interference, or fluctuating temperatures. More Insights of Towards Packaging: NFC-Embedded Packaging Market - The global NFC-embedded packaging market is set to grow from USD 5.87 billion in 2025 to USD 19.22 billion by 2034, with an expected CAGR of 14.13%. Self-Adhesive Labels Market - The self-adhesive labels market is forecast to grow from USD 56.13 billion in 2025 to USD 90.34 billion by 2034, driven by a CAGR of 5.43% from 2025 to 2034. Wet Glue Labels Market - The wet glue labels market is expected to increase from USD 8.04 billion in 2025 to USD 14.06 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.41% throughout the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Food Labels Market - The food labels market is forecasted to expand from USD 76.74 billion in 2025 to USD 116.32 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.73% from 2025 to 2034. Shipping Labels Market - The shipping labels market is forecasted to expand from USD 2.21 billion in 2025 to USD 2.89 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3% from 2025 to 2034. Cryogenic Labels Market - The cryogenic labels market is projected to reach USD 2.16 billion by 2034, expanding from USD 1.25 billion in 2025, at an annual growth rate of 6.25%. Pressure Sensitive Labels Market - The global pressure sensitive labels market is estimated to reach USD 162.41 billion by 2034, up from USD 98.28 billion in 2024. Tamper Evident Labels Market - The tamper evident labels market is anticipated to grow from USD 20.83 billion in 2025 to USD 35.19 billion by 2034. Biotechnology Labels and Packaging Market - The global biotechnology labels and packaging market is undergoing rapid expansion, with revenue projections reaching hundreds of millions between 2025 to 2034. Compostable Packaging Labels Market - The global compostable packaging labels market is experiencing rapid growth, with revenues expected to surge into the hundreds of millions between 2025 and 2034. Shrink and Stretch Sleeve Labels Market - The global shrink and stretch sleeve labels market size was evaluated at US$ 13.51 billion in 2023 and is expected to attain around US$ 27.37 billion by 2034. Regional Analysis: Who is the Leader in the Smart Labels Market? North America holds a dominant position in the smart labels market due to its robust technological infrastructure, early adoption of advanced labeling technologies such as RFID, NFC, and QR codes, and the widespread digitization of supply chains. The region is home to several key players and innovators who continuously invest in research and development, driving technological advancements in smart labeling. High demand from industries such as retail, logistics, healthcare, and the food and beverage sector further accelerates adoption. Moreover, stringent regulations regarding product safety, traceability, and anti-counterfeiting, particularly in the pharmaceutical and food packaging industries, promote the use of smart labels. U.S. Market Trends The U.S. leads due to its early adoption of RFID, NFC, and IoT-enabled labeling solutions across industries. The presence of major smart label manufacturers and tech innovators like Avery Dennison, Zebra Technologies, and Honeywell fuels rapid product development and deployment. Strong government regulations on product traceability, pharmaceutical safety (e.g., DSCSA), and food labeling compliance also boost demand. Moreover, the booming e-commerce sector and high consumer awareness support growth in smart retail packaging and logistics. Canada Market Trends Canada is experiencing growing demand, especially in healthcare, food safety, and logistics. Although smaller than the U.S. market, Canadian companies are increasingly adopting smart labels to improve operational transparency and comply with global traceability standards. Government support for digitalization and sustainability also contributes to adoption. How is the Opportunistic Rise of the Asia Pacific in the Smart Labels Market? Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the smart labels market due to a combination of rapid industrialization, expanding retail and e-commerce sectors, and increasing demand for efficient supply chain solutions. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are experiencing significant technological advancements and digital transformation across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and food and beverages. Rising consumer awareness regarding product authenticity, safety, and transparency is also driving the adoption of smart labels. Additionally, growing investments in smart packaging, government initiatives supporting digitalization, and a rising middle-class population with changing consumption patterns are contributing to the surge. The cost-effective manufacturing capabilities and expansion of local smart label producers further support the region's accelerated growth. China Market Trends China leads the Asia-Pacific smart labels market due to its massive manufacturing base, advanced logistics infrastructure, and strong government support for smart supply chain technologies. The widespread adoption of RFID in retail, logistics, and pharmaceuticals, combined with the presence of domestic tech giants and label producers, drives rapid growth. China's booming e-commerce sector also demands real-time tracking and anti-counterfeit labeling, further propelling smart label adoption. India Market Trends India is emerging as a high-potential market due to growing retail and organized food sectors, digitalization initiatives like 'Digital India,' and increasing demand for transparency in product labeling. The pharmaceutical and food packaging industries are integrating smart labels to meet traceability, safety, and export requirements. Government regulations for pharmaceutical serialization and rising consumer interest in product authenticity are accelerating adoption. Japan Market Trends Japan is a mature, technologically sophisticated market with early adoption of NFC and RFID in sectors such as healthcare, retail, and industrial automation. Strong demand for high-precision, durable smart labels supports use in automotive, electronics, and logistics. Japan's focus on automation, robotics, and IoT-driven packaging makes it a key contributor to the region's growth. South Korea Market Trends South Korea's high-tech ecosystem, strong consumer electronics industry, and rapidly growing e-commerce sector drive demand for advanced labeling technologies. The country is investing in smart logistics and digital manufacturing solutions, making it an important market for smart label applications, especially in export-driven industries like cosmetics and semiconductors. How Big is the Success of the European Smart Labels Market? Europe is experiencing notable growth in the smart labels market, driven by stringent regulations surrounding product traceability, food safety, and pharmaceutical authentication. The region's strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly packaging drives the adoption of smart labels that support efficient recycling and waste reduction. Widespread digital transformation across the retail, logistics, and healthcare sectors is further enhancing demand. Additionally, the presence of major automotive and industrial manufacturers accelerates the use of RFID and sensor-enabled labels for efficient inventory and quality control. How Crucial is the Role of Latin America in the Smart Labels Market? The Latin American market is driven by the increasing adoption of digital technologies in the retail, logistics, and food packaging sectors. The region is witnessing a shift toward modernized supply chain management and improved inventory control, driven by the rise of e-commerce and cross-border trade. Growing concerns about product authenticity and regulatory compliance, particularly in the pharmaceutical and food industries, are driving the adoption of smart labeling solutions. Additionally, government initiatives to boost digital infrastructure, combined with expanding consumer awareness of product transparency and safety, are further supporting the region's gradual yet steady adoption of smart labels. How does the Middle East and Africa lead the Smart Labels Market? The Middle East and Africa are witnessing steady growth in the smart labels packaging market due to rising demand for advanced tracking, authentication, and inventory management solutions across sectors such as retail, logistics, healthcare, and food and beverages. Rapid urbanization, expansion of organized retail, and growth in e-commerce are driving the need for smart packaging technologies that ensure supply chain efficiency and product safety. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in digital infrastructure and smart logistics hubs, encouraging the adoption of technologies like RFID, NFC, and QR code-enabled labels. Additionally, increasing concerns about counterfeiting, especially in pharmaceuticals and luxury goods, along with a growing focus on sustainability and traceability, are contributing to market expansion in this Outlook Technology Insights RFID label technology dominates the smart labels market because it enables rapid, non-line-of-sight scanning of multiple items simultaneously, dramatically improving inventory accuracy and processing speeds. Its durability and resistance to environmental factors such as moisture, heat, and chemicals make it suitable for diverse applications in retail, logistics, and pharmaceuticals. Falling tag and reader costs, driven by large-scale adoption, have further lowered barriers to entry. Integration with IoT platforms and cloud-based analytics allows real-time asset tracking, predictive maintenance, and automated replenishment. Moreover, RFID's ability to store more data than traditional barcodes empowers advanced functions like authentication, anti-counterfeiting, and lifecycle management, cementing its leadership in smart labeling. The sensing labels segment is the fastest-growing technology segment in the smart labels market. Sensing labels offer real-time monitoring of environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and product integrity, which is critical for industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and healthcare. The growing demand for cold chain monitoring, freshness tracking, and safety assurance is accelerating their adoption. Advancements in printed electronics and cost-effective, battery-free sensor technologies are making sensing labels more affordable and scalable. Additionally, rising regulatory standards and consumer expectations for transparency and quality are driving companies to invest in smart packaging solutions that go beyond identification, positioning sensing labels at the forefront of market growth. Component Insights Transceivers are the dominant component segment in the smart labels market. Transceivers play a central role in enabling wireless communication between smart labels and reading devices, particularly in technologies like RFID and NFC. Their ability to transmit and receive data efficiently makes them essential for real-time tracking, inventory management, and authentication processes across industries such as retail, logistics, and healthcare. The widespread adoption of RFID-based systems, where transceivers are a core component, significantly contributes to their dominance. Additionally, advancements in low-power and compact transceiver designs have expanded their integration in smart labels, supporting seamless communication even in challenging environments. Their critical role in connectivity and data exchange ensures transceivers maintain a leading position in the component landscape of the smart labels market. The microprocessors segment is the fastest-growing component segment in the smart labels market due to their ability to enable intelligent, real-time decision-making within the label itself. Microprocessors empower smart labels to perform advanced functions such as environmental monitoring, data logging, tamper detection, and interactive communication with other smart systems or IoT networks. Their use is rapidly increasing in industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and logistics, where enhanced traceability, safety, and compliance are critical. Additionally, advancements in chip miniaturization, power efficiency, and affordability are making microprocessor integration more practical and scalable. As the demand for dynamic, multifunctional smart packaging grows, microprocessors play a key role in transforming labels from passive identifiers into active data-processing tools. Application Insight Retail and inventory is the dominant application in the smart labels market. This dominance is driven by the retail industry's widespread adoption of RFID and other smart labeling technologies to enhance inventory accuracy, reduce shrinkage, and streamline supply chain operations. Smart labels enable real-time tracking of products, automate stock management, and improve customer experience through faster checkouts and better product information. With the rapid growth of e-commerce, omnichannel retailing, and increasing consumer demand for product transparency, retailers are heavily investing in smart labeling solutions. Additionally, major global retail chains are mandating smart label integration for better operational efficiency and anti-counterfeiting, solidifying the retail and inventory segment's leading position in the market. Electronic and IT Assets are the fastest-growing application segment in the smart labels market. This growth is fueled by the increasing need for secure, real-time tracking and management of high-value and sensitive electronic equipment across industries such as data centers, corporate offices, defense, and education. Smart labels with RFID, sensors, and NFC technologies enable organizations to automate asset tracking, prevent loss or theft, ensure regulatory compliance, and streamline maintenance schedules. As the volume and value of electronic and IT assets continue to grow, especially with rising digital transformation and remote work trends, companies are investing more in smart labeling solutions for improved asset visibility, lifecycle monitoring, and operational efficiency, making this segment the fastest-growing in the market. End Use Insights The retail segment is the dominant segment in the smart labels market due to the retail industry's high demand for efficient inventory management, product authentication, and enhanced customer experience. Smart labels, especially RFID and QR code-enabled ones, help retailers track inventory in real time, reduce stockouts, prevent theft, and optimize supply chain operations. With the growth of e-commerce and omnichannel retailing, retailers are increasingly investing in smart labels to streamline logistics, enable faster checkout processes, and improve overall operational visibility. Additionally, consumer demand for transparency, such as product origin, ingredients, and expiration details, is driving the adoption of smart labels in packaging. Major retail chains and global brands mandate the use of smart labels, further reinforcing the segment's dominant position in the market. The healthcare and pharmaceutical segment is projected to be the fastest-growing end-use segment in the smart labels market, outpacing logistics, FMCG, and pilot tracking. This surge is fueled by increasing regulatory mandates for drug traceability and stringent patient safety protocols. Smart labels with RFID, NFC, and sensing technologies enable real-time monitoring of medication conditions, storage temperatures, and supply chain integrity, ensuring products remain uncompromised. These features are especially vital for high-value and sensitive items like vaccines, biologics, and medical devices. As global healthcare systems advance, adoption of smart packaging solutions rises sharply, positioning the healthcare and pharmaceutical vertical as the most rapidly expanding application area in the broader smart labels Breakthroughs in the Market: In May 2025, InPlay, a wireless System-on-Chip (SoC) solution provider, and Identiv, Inc., a global leader in RFID and BLE-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, announced that they are working together to develop a new line of BLE-enabled smart labels for high-value logistics applications. Through this partnership, we are demonstrating our shared dedication to providing creative, scalable solutions for high-value, specialized use cases, including asset tracking, pharmaceutical and food logistics, and cold-chain compliance. In April 2025, Schreiner MediPharm, a multinational functional label solutions company with headquarters in Germany, unveiled NFC-Labels, which provide an extra degree of security against counterfeiting for self-administered injectable medications. The NFC-Labels allow for interactive patient education and support in addition to point-of-use verification. Digital first-opening signals are available with the new NFC labels. In January 2025, Linxens IoT Solutions, a company providing advanced hardware and integrated systems for the Internet of Things (IoT), signed a collaboration agreement with NXP Semiconductors and UnaBiz, revealing its smart label program to transform the Logistics sector and Supply Chains and drive sustainability. Top Market Players Avery Dennison Corporation Invengo Information Technology Co. Ltd. Zebra Technologies Corporation CCL Industries Inc. SATO Holdings Corporation All4Labels Global Packaging Group Linxens Alien Technology Checkpoint Systems Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) R.R. Donnelley and Sons Company Fresenius Kabi Honeywell International Inc. Global Smart Labels Market Segments By Technology RFID Labels Near Field Communication (NFC) Tags Sensing Labels EAS Labels QR Code/2D Barcode Others By Component Transceivers Batteries Microprocessors Memories Others By Application Retail and Inventory Electronic and IT Assets Perishable Goods Equipment Pallet Tracking Others By End Use Logistics Retail Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Others By Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe U.K. France Germany Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea South-East Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East and Africa GCC Countries South Africa Rest of Middle East and Africa Invest in Premium Global Insights @ If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@ About Us Towards Packaging is a leading global consulting firm specializing in providing comprehensive and strategic research solutions. With a highly skilled and experienced consultant team, we offer a wide range of services designed to empower businesses with valuable insights and actionable recommendations. We stay abreast of the latest industry trends and emerging markets to provide our clients with an unrivalled understanding of their respective sectors. We adhere to rigorous research methodologies, combining primary and secondary research to ensure accuracy and reliability. Our data-driven approach and advanced analytics enable us to unearth actionable insights and make informed recommendations. We are committed to delivering excellence in all our endeavours. Our dedication to quality and continuous improvement has earned us the trust and loyalty of clients worldwide. Our Trusted Data Partners: Precedence Research | Statifacts |Towards Automotive | Towards Healthcare | Towards Food and Beverages | Towards Chemical and Materials | Towards Consumer Goods | Towards Dental | Towards EV Solutions | Nova One Advisor | Healthcare Web Wire | Packaging Web Wire | Automotive Web Wire For Latest Update Follow Us: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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AngloGold Ashanti Expands Nevada Presence Through Augusta Gold Deal
On Wednesday, AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Augusta Gold Corp. (OTC:AUGG) in an all-cash transaction with a total enterprise value of approximately 197 million Canadian dollars. The offer includes a purchase price of $1.70 Canadian dollars per share, implying an equity value of roughly 152 million Canadian dollars (approximately $111 million) and the repayment of shareholder loans totaling about 45 million Canadian dollars. The deal reflects a 28% premium over Augusta Gold's July 15 closing price and a 37% premium over its 20-day volume-weighted average. The offer is fully funded through AngloGold Ashanti's existing cash reserves and is not contingent on its shareholders' Warke, executive chairman of Augusta Gold, said the offer provides 'a clearly superior path forward,' citing immediate liquidity and avoidance of dilution and execution risks tied to the Reward Project's future development. The acquisition includes the Reward and Bullfrog gold projects in Nevada's Beatty District, where AngloGold already has a strong presence. Following closure, expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, Augusta Gold will become a wholly owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti, and its shares will be delisted from public exchanges. Augusta's board unanimously approved the transaction following a recommendation from its audit committee. Shareholders representing approximately 31.5% of Augusta Gold's outstanding shares have entered into voting agreements to support the deal. AU has ~$3 billion in liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents of $1.5 billion, at March 31, 2025. Investors tracking the sector may follow VanEck Gold Miners ETF (NYSE:) and SPDR Gold Shares (NYSE:). Price Action: AU shares were trading lower by 1.85% to $46.58 at last check Wednesday. Read Next:Photo via Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI (AU): Free Stock Analysis Report This article AngloGold Ashanti Expands Nevada Presence Through Augusta Gold Deal originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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Caitlin Clark's groin injury puts participation in WNBA All-Star Game in jeopardy
Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark, center left, sits on the bench beside Lexie Hull after sustaining a right groin injury against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday in Boston. (Michael Dwyer / Associated Press) WNBA All-Star weekend is only a few days away, with the anticipation of hometown favorite Caitlin Clark serving as captain of Team Clark for the game in Indianapolis palpable among fans. Nothing like a pulled muscle to mute the buzz. Advertisement The Indiana Fever superstar guard grabbed her right groin and appeared to be holding back tears as she exited with 39.6 seconds to play in a victory against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night. "[Clark] just felt a little something in her groin,' Fever coach Stephanie White told reporters. 'She's being evaluated, we'll see where we are with that, and certainly we'll have another evaluation, probably a conversation in the morning, and see where we are." Read more: Ex-MLB pitcher Dan Serafini found guilty of murdering father-in-law Teammate Aliyah Boston tried to console Clark as she walked to the basket stanchion and tapped her forehead against it before sitting down and covering her head with a towel. She did not speak with reporters after the game. Advertisement This is the fourth leg injury of the season for Clark, who is averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and five rebounds a game. She missed five games — including the Commissioner's Cup Championship — because of a left groin strain and missed five games with an injury to her left quad. She also missed the Fever's preseason opener May 3 because of tightness in her quad. Before this season, Clark, 23, had never missed a game in college or the WNBA because of injury. She played all 139 games at Iowa, then 46 games in a row to start her WNBA career. "It's been challenging mentally, just, you know, staying in it," Clark told reporters July 8 before her return from the left groin injury. "I've been here for hours and hours on hours trying to get my body right and do everything I can to put myself in a position to be available the rest of the year.' The Fever plays the New York Liberty on Wednesday at Barclay Center ahead of the All-Star Game, which will be played Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Fever's home arena. Clark is also scheduled to compete in the 3-point contest Friday. Advertisement Clark and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx were named captains of the All-Star teams and drafted the rosters after getting the most fan votes. Clark finished with a record 1,293,526 fan votes and Collier received 1,176,020. Read more: Shaikin: How to revitalize baseball's All-Star Game? Bat flips Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
