The concept of the IML technology sounds easy, but the actual process is a bit complicated. During this process the labels which are printed on a plastic film are cut to a certain size. This label made out of PP is then inserted into the injection mould using a handling device. Then we apply a static charge or vacuum to make sure the labels are fixed. Heat and pressure are applied so the label matches exactly with the plastic product. The process goes at high speed so it’s a great technology for rapid manufacturing.

These are the products where you will recognise in-mould labelling the most:

• Household packaging, such as recycle bins, containers and buckets
• Food packaging, such as trays and cups
• Cosmetic and medical packaging, think about jars, bottles and tubes

A label design is part of a company's branding strategy. A label is what the consumers see first and base their decision on if they will purchase the product or not. We at Rompa Group know how important the first look is and how to create the best first impression. A product label shows what type of brand you are and what you have to offer. Hence packaging is so important for brands, so their clients will recognise them. How often do you buy a broken, torn or misprinted product? You will get doubts about the quality of the product when the packaging is already of a low standard. Using in-mould labelling makes it a lot easier to make a packaging design stand out.

At Rompa Group we can offer all colours in the label design. These colours will stand out as the in-mould labelling design program provides high-resolution images to our machinery. This makes the label very precise but it also enables us to create complex designs that will stand out.

Rompa Group has produced packaging in many different shapes. A great benefit of the IML design process is that it can be implemented to any shape. The packaging can be round, square or oval or something extraordinary. The in-mould labelling process is precise and all final products will have the same accuracy. When the product is finished, we want it to last as long as possible without damages to the label. This is a matter of product design, but also the looks on the outside must maintain high quality. That’s why the IML technique is so suitable for this result. It becomes scratch resistant, the durable design will last for a long time.

Just to give you an overview of the design benefits for the in-mould labelling process:

• All colours are available
• High-resolution images
• Suitable for any shape
• Scratch resistant
• A long lasting design
• Accurate design on the product
• Quick change of design in between different productions

The product or packaging becomes more environmentally friendly as the object is made from the same material. With this we say goodbye to paper labels! This means that the product or packaging can be fully recycled. This sustainable feature makes the choice for in-mould labelling a whole lot more interesting. But besides the fact that the product becomes fully recyclable, it is also very lightweight. Compared to glass or metal packaging, PP packaging decreases emissions of the shipments as each shipment is a lot smaller. Even though Rompa Group is very proud of their global footprint, meaning that we have manufacturing sites all over the globe and always near our clients, shipment is still necessary, even if it’s not far away. Luckily in-mould labelled packaging can be stacked very tightly. The wasted space between the products is very small, this is not only beneficial for shipping but also for stocking. We want our products to arrive safely, we can assure this with our in-mould labelled objects.

Are you looking for a partner to produce your packaging with a design that stands out? Make sure to contact Rompa Group for all possibilities. The technology for IML is growing and improving, especially with the demand for greater sustainability and environmental care. At Rompa Group we believe this technology is worth innovating and we are happy to do so with our specialists in this field. Would you like to talk to our specialists and ask all related questions about the IML or IMD technology? Make sure to contact us!