IML AND IMD | TECHNOLOGY
A different retail environment and functional decoration are driving new developments in IML and decoration technology, writes Mark Holmes
Decoration and function: in-mould technology advances
Changing consumer shopping habits and the need for thin-wall packaging that stacks easily on shelves are having an increasing influence on in-mould labelling (IML) technologies in injection moulding. IML specialists are now working with brand owners and moulders to meet these requirements. In addition, decoration is increasingly also required to be functional. Injection moulding machinery manufacturers are working with suppliers of decorative materials and equipment to produce injection moulded parts that both look good and fulfil a function. There are two main market requirements for IML and decoration technologies in plastics injection moulding, according to Swiss-based Müller-IML. “Brands want a product that stands out on the shelf, while stores want a product that takes up less shelf space,” says Taras Konoval, Director of Sales and
www.injectionworld.com
Marketing-North America. “We have been using our in-house product development engineers on more projects recently. Customers come to us with concepts and we develop them to be mouldable and run with high efficiency with IML. In addition to a new, attractive look, brands also want as little plastic in the product as possible. This has in- creased the importance of our MoldFlow software to design containers that are as thin as possible and have the design features that make the IML process such that there is low scrap. “The two main drivers are sustainability and millennials. We are seeing big growth in single serve containers. Millennials do not purchase large volume containers as previous generations did. They live in smaller apartments and homes that have limited refrigerator and storage space. They buy product for a meal for a couple of days and not
Main image: Volume production touch panel with PolyTC sensor film from PolyIC on a curved plastic front panel
June 2019 | INJECTION WORLD 15
PHOTO: POLYIC
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