Labelling Solutions Trend for in mould labelling here to stay


When it comes to creating head-turning packaging in the food, personal care and consumer sectors, in mould labelling (IML) triumphs over adhesive printed labels for quality, production costs, sustainability and those all-important emotional brand connections. Kevin Heap, packaging expert at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag UKexplains why


F


rom a quality perspective, IML leads the way. An unlimited range of colours, images and graphic designs


can be applied to lids and containers using IML, resulting in photo-like images to create highly decorative and visual shelf displays. Likewise, brand owners can opt for matt or gloss finishes. Shaped packaging containers also lend themselves well to IML, with food and FMCG poised for massive growth. Because injection moulded labels are applied in the mould, it is much simpler for converters and manufacturers to achieve a consistently high-quality finish. Brands are increasingly turning to unique, geometric and asymmetrical packaging forms and shapes to create visual intrigue. Some emerging developments, especially in the cosmetics and personal care markets, include wavy rectangular or bulb-like containers, such as those used for liquid soap. In the food sector, products with dual compartments, such as yoghurt pots or snack dips, are also more commonplace today. It can be more challenging to stick printed self-adhesive labels onto these less traditional packaging styles. However, because injection moulded labels are applied in the mould, it is much simpler for converters and manufacturers to achieve a consistently high-quality finish. Based on global IML volume the injection moulding format (IML-IM) currently dominates at 73 per cent in comparison to 26 per cent for IML extrusion blow


IML graphics, like these produced on El-Exis SP machines in Germany, provide strong brand reinforcement


moulding and a mere one per cent for thermoforming. This reflects the much deeper penetration of the technology in Europe, where, 95 per cent is IML-IM compared to the other IML alternatives. “Despite being around for over two


decades, IML is certainly gaining more traction,” observes independent packaging expert Neil Farmer. “Packaging today has reached a cross roads, where sustainability, innovation and cost efficiencies are all important. Now, more than ever, consumers seek clarity and information such as ingredients and nutritional value, function and safety to be communicated clearly and in a way that is easily understood. It’s all about the seven-second ‘blink of an eye moment’ when purchasing decision is made. By improving the packaging and labelling on products, manufacturers can retain trust and confidence in their brands. IML is one of the techniques to help accomplish this.”


STRONG BRAND REINFORCEMENT Compared to other decorative techniques, IML is also much more flexible. For instance, you can easily


adjust the format of the label to the packaging. It is even feasible to change the artwork during the production process. For markets like confectionery, the adoption of IML is especially beneficial. Eager to eliminate the secondary decoration process, move to lighter weight containers and reduce scrap rates, IML caters for varied tub sizes, seasonal gift packs and anniversary editions, generating full-colour IML graphics easily, to provide strong visual and brand reinforcement with quick processing changeovers. In the personal care market, products once confined to the back of a vanity unit, now take pride of place on the bathroom shelves. For statement or higher-value brands, moulded labels are more resilient. Because the labels do not peel off and are water resistant, for items like shampoo bottles, this helps to enhance the consumer experience. While label substrates have become thinner - most filmic IML labels are around 40 microns - they have also advanced from decorating a small portion or strip of a pack to covering the entire container. For fresher foods, such as baked items, this is a big development as labels can incorporate multilayer barriers and even provide full


14


April 2018


www.convertermag.co.uk


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