You don’t often hear the words “special” and “in-mold labeling” in the same sentence (except this one, of course). We think that should change. In-mold labels – or IML for short – can do some pretty neat things. You might already know that they’re ideal for branding products and emblazoning safety warnings on durable goods, everything from farm equipment to infant car seats. However, you might not realize how versatile in-mold labels truly are. By molding your label directly into the product, you open the door to 10 significant advantages for both your product and your entire production process.
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1 - You can cover all the curves
Adhesive labels or pressure-sensitive labels come up short when they attempt to, say, cover a contoured jug or a bottle with ridges. Stick-on labels can’t accommodate these curved, molded surfaces. In-mold labels, however, provide seamless, consistent coverage, sticking neatly to the entire surface and improving the finished appearance of the goods.
2 - IML creates a long-term “relationship”
The in-mold labeling process forges a mechanical bond with the product it’s labeling. Because the label and the item are fused, this bond is impossible to destroy. Kids can’t peel these labels off. Counterfeiters can’t reattach them to pirated merchandise. And they won’t separate, fade, wrinkle or become distorted, even in extreme weather conditions.
3 - IML enables 360-degree imaging
In-mold labels are not limited in size or coverage like traditional labels that are merely applied to a product or container. IML gives you an opportunity to catch the consumer’s eye and make a powerful visual statement. This is particularly important with consumer packaged goods. With IML, you can wrap the entire product in brand imagery from top to bottom and tell your product’s story in rich, vibrant color.
4 - They’re great copycats
Whether the surface of your product is textured, glossy or matte, the in-mold label that adorns it will have the same properties. The labels reflect the mold surface’s appearance, which creates a continuity that looks good and conveys consistency and quality.
5 - IML can trim cycle time and costs
You might think that incorporating in-mold labels into your production cycle would take extra time. But you’d be wrong. In fact, in-mold labeling can speed up production, boosting your overall efficiency. Remember, the need for post-mold labeling is eliminated – removing potential bottlenecks in production and your supply chain – so your product moves quickly from molding to filling. If that wasn’t enough, in-mold labels can also reduce the total cost of your molded pieces.
6 - IML makes a good design even better
Labels once had a very utilitarian purpose: identify the product inside the package. They still perform this valuable function, but they do it with more style than ever before. Labels can bring the warmth of a pricey wood grain finish or the stylishness of stainless steel to plastic products for a fraction of the cost of wood or metal. In the hands of an expert designer, they can convey sophistication, ruggedness or familiarity.
7 - They’re recyclable
Like the plastic containers, parts and goods to which they’re fused, in-mold labels can be recycled. So no matter what designs or logos they feature, they’re always a lovely shade of green.
8 - They’re durable
IML packaging is scratch resistant, does not bubble or wrinkle like pressure-sensitive labeling, and can provide barrier properties to extend the shelf life of your product. So, not only are they better looking and better able to withstand harsh environments, IML does a better job of protecting the all-important product that lies within.
9 - Versatility enables efficiency
Thanks to our innovative engineers, we’ve perfected the technology to mold labels to the most popular thermoplastic resins on the market. That’s good news for businesses because a single label can be used in a variety of molding applications. And, as noted above, the flexibility of in-mold labeling makes for greater efficiency and lower costs by having the product decorated right out of the mold, thus eliminating post-molding decoration from your production process. The sheer range of potential applications is astounding. Everything from cosmetics and household items to dairy products, pet foods, collector-edition stadium beer cups – and much, much more – are ideal candidates for IML.
10 - Labels boost the bottom line
You’re shopping for plastic cups and plates for the picnic you’re hosting. Should you go with the plain, no-frills stuff or spring for the goods branded with your city’s baseball team logo? You’ll probably splurge on the decorated items. Most people are willing to pay more for signature goods, and they like the differentiation that custom products offer. One of the most effective ways to enhance the value of your products is to use in-mold labeling to brand the product line.
Wondering whether IML might work for you? Don’t hesitate to ask the labeling experts at Taylor for their insights. Thanks to these 10 advantages, in-mold labeling likely offers an opportunity to raise the performance and profitability of your entire product line.
Understanding in-mold labeling
In-mold labeling (IML) is a labeling method in which a pre-printed decorative film is placed into a mold before the plastic container is shaped into that mold. Plastic pellets or resin are heated and placed into the mold where it merges with the label to create a single product.
In-mold labeling is most commonly used for thin-walled disposable items like consumer packaging that have a shorter shelf life. Companies in food, personal care, household and cosmetic industries often use IML to brand their packaging.
Plastic containers with in-mold labeling are manufactured through two methods: injection molding and blow molding.
Types of in-mold labeling processes
Injection molding (Pictured above) - In injecting molding, the design label is placed into the mold before fusing together with the container. After the plastic pellets are heated, the resin is injected into the mold where it seamlessly combines with the label.
Blow molding - Blow molding is similar to glass blowing. Like injection molding, the label is inserted into the mold before it is combined with the plastic. However, instead of injecting plastic into the mold, it is blown in using an air stream. Once expanded into the desired shape, the label melds to the container.
4 benefits of in-mold labeling
1) Design quality
In-mold labeling provides high resolution colors and images for labels. IML is compatible with a wide range of colors and can be displayed on both sides of the package. In-mold labeling is a powerful platform for enhancing graphic effects, enabling business owners the flexibility to respond to creative design ideas using flat, curved, or 3D-formed graphics.
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The label is fused to the plastic giving the in-mold container a clean, smooth, integrated and unlabeled look as opposed to post-mold labeling (PML). This label remains intact throughout its life and is highly tamper-proof unless the container is cut open.
2) Durability
The water resistance of in-mold labeling makes it a reliable labeling option that can withstand both humid environments and extreme temperature fluctuations (freezing / cooling conditions). In contrast to pressure sensitive labeling, IML is a permanent design method with excellent impact and scratch resistance because it fuses permanently to the container.
A container with in-mold labeling has the potential to be impervious to abrasion and chemicals depending on the hard coatings used to generate the manufactured goods.
3) Environment-friendly
Traditional methods of pressure sensitive labeling require adhesives that are not accepted by every recycling plant. Because both the container and the label are combined without the exterior glue, plastic products with IML can be eco-friendly and fully recyclable depending on the type of plastic resin used to manufacture the product.
Since in-mold labeling containers are completely recyclable, they are eligible to become PCR products which can help decrease carbon footprints and leave a positive impact on the environment.
4) Cost-effective
For mass production, in-mold labeling containers take less time to manufacture because it is produced and decorated in one step to form a single product. In comparison to PML, in-mold labeling is typically more cost-efficient because it is without the expense of time, labor and floor space; IML also reduces inventory like post-mold paper labels and adhesives.
Is in-mold labeling right for you?
While IML has many benefits, in some scenarios conventional labeling may be the best option for you depending on your needs. Here are some factors to consider if IML is the best labeling option for your needs:
High minimum order quantity
Minimum order quantities are typically higher for in-mold labeling compared to traditional labeling methods due to the set-up cost associated with precise positioning and intricate design. For considerable businesses, in-mold labeling is a valuable method because the cost per container is lower in mass production quantities.
Increased lead times
Because IML requires specific mold design and construction for accurate placement and reliability, the time between initiation and completion of the production process can be longer in comparison to other labeling methods.
What materials are used for in-mold labeling?
The two most commonly used plastic types used to manufacture a container with in-mold labeling are high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP).
Common in-mold labeling applications
- Personal care products such as shampoo bottles, deodorants and soaps
- Food packaging including ice cream tubs, yogurt containers, butter tubs and takeaway containers for soups, salads and confectionaries
- Cosmetic tubes for sunscreen, lotions and liquid makeup
- Household products such as bulk cleaning supplies, laundry detergent and fabric softeners
What are some design considerations when using in-mold labeling?
What are your container requirements?
What shape is your container? Round? Square? What surface consistency do you want your container to have? Smooth? Textured? Do you want your container to be clear, glossy, or white? By answering these questions, label suppliers can help determine if the container requires freezer grade, autoclave or ultra-clear resin.
What function will your product be serving?
If your product will be in fluctuating temperature environments, it needs special chemicals that coat and protect the container from harsh conditions so that the plastic remains durable.
How big is your container?
If you choose a portion-sized container, say a 5 oz. jar, the ingredient label will not fit on the body of the container and will need to be placed on the lid or at the bottom.
Where do you want your label printed on the container?
Being mindful of where you are printing your label could prevent distortion to your design. Knowing where the plastic is infused into the mold could help avoid labeling on the lump when the injection ends.
Looking for an in-mold labeled container?
We supply customizable printed tamper evident containers and plastic square pails in addition to our design services and other labeling opportunities. If you’re interested in our in-mold labeling solutions, we provide bulk food service packaging and single serve consumer facing retail packaging.
If you need help putting your idea on paper, we also offer custom design services to meet your packaging needs. Our in-house design team can take your ideas and create designs from scratch so that it's made exactly as you envision it. Once your design is complete, we can customize it to suit the bottle or container you are interested in. Schedule a free IML consultation today! -- Call 630.629.6600 or email us at Design@TheCaryCompany.com.
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