In-mold labels are labels embedded in the plastic of a product. Applying labels directly to plastic is also called in-mold labeling or IML. Labels that are molded into plastic are not removable. They are a permanent part of the product, branded and scratch-resistant. This allows for a sleek, sophisticated appearance and can be used for various products, including household items, electronics, medical equipment, cars and planes, appliances, and more.
In-mold labels have replaced traditional paper labels because they are more durable and last longer than paper labels, making them ideal for both small and large-scale manufacturers. The high-quality label is protected by the hard outer layer of the plastic product itself. It saves money on manufacture since there is no longer an additional layer on top of the label that could peel away or fade over time.
Why Are In-Mold Labels Important?
Cost-effective
They are also more cost-effective than printing directly onto plastic since there is no reduced surface area like you would get with inkjet printing or silk screening. These benefits make in-mold labeling an attractive option for big and small manufacturers, especially since they can be applied to many different types of products.
Help protect your products
In-mold labels help protect your product. They can be used to protect the label itself and the primary surface of the product, depending on the type of label applied. For example, pressure-sensitive labels can be used to provide a protective coating over the primary surface of the product, while solvent-based labels can be used to provide a protective coating over the label.
They add style and visual appeal
In-mold labels are an attractive option for many different kinds of products. They can add style and visual appeal to any kind of package as long as they’re done right. In addition, it’s easier than ever to get custom in-mold labels made with today’s technology, so they’re not just limited to standard shapes and sizes anymore.
Improves overall production
In-mold labeling can improve your overall production process by reducing finishing costs and increasing productivity. Having an in-mold label on your product allows you to eliminate one step in production, which can save time and money overall. This makes them an ideal choice for companies looking to improve their bottom line and make their products more appealing to consumers.
Increased design flexibility
In-mold labels offer an incredible amount of design flexibility. They can be used in many ways, from the traditional placement on a bottle’s body to categories like neck, shoulder, and cap labels. They can also be used for position identification. For example, in a warehouse, in-mold labels can be used as part of a code to indicate where a pallet is located or how to send the pallets on a truck.
In-mold labels are printed on plastic film that is adhered to the mold and then heated while injected into the mold, which permanently embeds the image inside the bottle. The plastic film is then laminated onto a series of ridges and grooves inside the mold. This produces an excellent bond between the adhesive and the surface and an impeccable seal around castings.
Customizable graphics
Since the label is made of plastic, it can be formed into any shape and size desired. This will allow any company to produce bottles with custom logos or other designs while maintaining a clean and uniform appearance throughout their entire product line.
Consistent Appearance
In-mold labeling provides an attractive and consistent appearance across all bottles, even if they come from different production runs or use different materials. The label material itself is also unaffected by slight changes in the material or color of the bottle itself, which means that individual bottles will maintain their appearance without any significant shift in hue or texture.
Key Takeaway
In-mold labels are a specialized kind of label that is placed on plastic bottles during the manufacturing process. The main reason to use them is that they are much more durable than traditional labels. In-mold labels can last much longer in harsh environments and can withstand being washed by hand or in the dishwasher. In-mold labels are typically manufactured using offset lithography, which means the label is printed on a porous material before it is applied. This way, the ink will soak into the plastics and fibers rather than sit on top. This makes it easier for the ink to stay where it should be and not wash off quickly. It also helps give the label a matte finish, which is much more resistant to smudging and other kinds of damage than glossier finishes like those found on traditional stickers.
