In–mould labelling is a revolutionary technique and one of the emerging decoration trends in the industry
The term IML accurately describes the technique: a pre-printed polypropylene label is placed in a mould and shaped as the final product. The molten polypropylene then blends with the label and takes on the shape of the mould. The result is that the label and packaging become one and no post decoration of the product is needed.
There are several different techniques in the production process:
Injection
moulding
The material is injected into the mould under high pressure.
Blow
moulding
The heated liquid mass is injected or stretched into the mould. Suitable for liquid containers such as water bottles or bottles of cooking oil.
Thermoforming
A thermoplastic sheet is heated and takes the shape of the forming tool. Suitable for butter containers.
Some of the advantages of this technique are:
- Shorter production time, lower production costs
- Environmentally friendly – the packaging and the labels consist of the same material and can be fully recycled
- Labels are scratch, crack and wrinkle resistant
- IML labels can resist high temperature
- It is easy to differentiate a product on the shelf – the same packaging can be decorated with a wide range of different materials, inks and lacquers
- If the right raw material is being used, IML labels can be very durable
There is a lot of variety with IML and over the years, our company has successfully developed durable glossy white and durable glossy transparent options.
