XEIKON / Graphic Arts 2020
Food containers with in-mould labels
The label becomes part of the plastic container during moulding.
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Application and process
With in-mould labelling (IML), the label is incorporated into the container during blow moulding, injection moulding or thermoforming. The finished container reaches the filling line already decorated, with no separate labelling step.
Application guide Graphic Arts 2020-ENG, p. 13
Substrate and result
The guide notes BoPP films that are printed, varnished and converted into individual labels. An in-wall label creates a no-separate-sticker effect, helps preserve brand integrity and streamlines the packaging line.
Application guide Graphic Arts 2020-ENG, p. 13
Where digital printing helps
Digital printing enables customer samples for test marketing, can reduce the cost of large labels with high start-up costs, and allows many versions in one run. The guide states there are no start-up or changeover costs on the same substrate.
Application guide Graphic Arts 2020-ENG, p. 13
Comparison limits stated in the guide
The guide claims quality indistinguishable from flexography as a complement to flexo, and cites an offset crossover of 2 100 linear metres or more than 70 000 labels. These are brochure comparison thresholds, not a universal cost guarantee.
Application guide Graphic Arts 2020-ENG, p. 13