What is an in-mould label (IML)?

There are various ways of placing information and designs on a bucket. This includes in-mould labelling, printing or a sticker. We will be pleased to tell you more about in-mould labelling in this article.

What is an IML?

An in-mould label (IML) is a layer of polypropylene with your design on it. The polypropylene (pp) label is produced on a flat surface. This allows for endless design possibilities. The label is then integrated during the production of a pp bucket. The end result is a bucket and lid that form an attractive and sturdy whole.

Production process

During the in-mould labelling, the label is placed in the mould before this forms the bucket during the production process. The liquid plastic of the bucket combines with the IML. As the bucket or the lid melts together with the IML, they form an inseparable whole.

Advantages of IML

The advantages of an in-mould label are:

• one design for the entire packaging
• a high resolution design in eight colours
• can be used for foodstuffs (including frozen)
• resistance to scratching and does not tear
• recyclable (bucket and IML are both made from pp)

With an in-mould label there are scarcely any technical limits to the design, and a wide range of design solutions can be realised. For example, digital watermarks, RIFD chips, backlight components and smells can be added in the IML.

Steps

We are the ideal place to go if you want an IML. We carry out your assignment through the following steps:

• you supply us with your design or we can design the IML for you
• we make a sample of the IML and a 3D design
• after approval, we produce the in-mould labels and the buckets/lids

The choice of colour, sticker or sleeve, printing or IML depends on many different factors. We will be happy to advise you on the possibilities: make an appointment.