Detailed introduction to in-mold labeling (In Mold Labelling, referred to as IML)

At present, in-mold labeling technology has developed quite maturely in Europe, with at least 85% to 95% of food packaging using in-mold labeling products, while in China it is still in its early stages. What is certain is that as people's quality of life improves, in-mold labeling technology will be widely used. In-mold labels are labels that are integrated with the plastic products under the action of the mold during the molding process of the plastic products.

In-mold sticker

Paper is printed and made into a trademark. A robot is used to pick up the printed label and place it in the mold. The vacuum holes on the mold will firmly adsorb the label into the mold. When the raw material of the plastic bottle is heated and droops like a hose. , the mold with the label is quickly closed, and air is blown into the hose to make it close to the mold wall. At this time, the temperature in the entire mold is still relatively high, and the solid adhesive of the label that is close to the prototype of the bottle begins to melt and It is combined with the plastic bottle body in the mold, so when the mold is opened again, the plastic bottle body is formed, and the label and bottle body are integrated into one, so that the beautifully printed trademark is firmly embedded on the surface of the plastic product, and the label and plastic bottle are at the same time. On a surface, it feels like there is no label, and the colorful graphics and text are printed directly on the surface of the bottle. This will not only make the label used for in-mold labeling more beautiful, but also improve the wear resistance, high temperature resistance, and waterproof of the label. Moisture resistance, etc.

The main advantages of in-mold labeling:

1. Achieve fully automatic production, improve efficiency and reduce costs

2. Improve the barrier performance of the container

3. Exquisite and high-definition printing quality, surpassing traditional printing process effects

4. The label does not fall off, has a durable color, is not easily damaged, is waterproof and oil-proof, mildew-proof, acid and alkali resistant, friction-resistant, low-temperature resistant, and can be soaked, etc.

5. Simplify the review process and take into account environmental protection

6. The label is embedded on the container and becomes a part of the product, which can achieve the effect of no label and has a certain anti-counterfeiting effect.

7. The in-mold process improves the toughness of the container and saves the amount of resin used in the container.

Main application industries of in-mold labeling:

1. Engine oil industry: including plastic container packaging of lubricating oil, gear oil, antifreeze and other products

2. Daily chemical products industry: product packaging such as shower gel, shampoo, detergent, detergent and personal care products

3. Food industry: packaging of soy sauce, ice cream, coffee, juice, tea drinks, yogurt and other products

4. Pharmaceutical industry: high-end pharmaceutical packaging

Although in-mold labels have not been around for a long time, they are attracting the attention of more and more manufacturers. In Europe and the United States, the development of in-mold labels has begun to enter a stable development track. In China, in-mold labels are growing at 70%. With rapid development, looking into the future, in-mold labels will launch a strong challenge in self-adhesive labels, and will eliminate paper in-mold labels and completely develop in the direction of plastic material labels. Moreover, this kind of packaging effect without label feeling is being affected by Favored by consumers, more and more end customers will use in-mold labels.