In-Mold Labeling

SABIC and partners introduce first in-mold labeling solution with certified renewable polymers for food packaging containers. SABIC, a leading company in the chemical industry, has partnered with three experts in the in-mold labeling (IML) field to demonstrate the use of certified renewable polypropylene (PP) resins in high-quality mono-PP thin-walled container packaging without compromising on quality, processability, safety or convenience. Single-stage IML technology provides flawless component decoration in the injection mold, where the label becomes an integral part of the packaging. Specialized label film types and high-resolution printing technology result in an attractive and cost-effective decorative solution. In addition to using certified renewable PP resins for both molded parts and label film, the resulting packaging can be recycled in existing rigid PP recycling streams. Abdullah Al-Otaibi, General Director of SABIC ETP and Market Solutions, stated: "Demand for in-mold labeled packaging is continuously increasing across various different consumer market segments, as it provides significant opportunities for cost-effective and highly sustainable solutions. Together with responsibly sourced and certified renewable polymers in our TRUCIRCLE™ portfolio, this flexible decoration technology has tremendous potential in fully recyclable single-material packaging without compromising on shelf visibility and consumer appeal in the retail space. At the same time, it can help manufacturers and brand owners reduce their environmental impact and carbon footprint, while also meeting the need to prevent valuable used plastic from becoming waste." The label material for IML containers is biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, produced by Taghleef, which supplies film solutions to customers worldwide, using SABIC certified renewable resin adapted to the BOPP process. BOPP films are widely used for in-mold labeled injection molding applications in food, dairy and beverage, household, beauty and personal care packaging. Taghleef offers clear, white and metalized PP label films that can be produced entirely using bio-based polymers. Additionally, they can be easily customized to meet special requirements for engraving or offset printing for desired tactile textures and visual appearance ranging from glossy, matte, orange peel or velvet feel to a completely label-free appearance. Monica Battistella, Sustainability Director at Taghleef, adds: "Our BOPP film series for in-mold labeling provides brand owners with a wide range of first-class packaging coating options to increase brand differentiation and shelf visibility with low environmental impact. Combined with the sustainable nature of SABIC's second-generation feedstock-derived mass balance certified renewable polymer, the exceptional printability, die-cutting, anti-static and release properties of these films provide maximum value throughout the entire life cycle of labeled products, including end-of-life recycling." As part of the current cooperation, the final BOPP label film is supplied to Karydakis, a leading specialist in printing techniques, ink formulations and conversion technologies specifically optimized for PP-based in-mold labels. The company's sophisticated process delivers high-quality labels pre-printed with captivating designs and brand elements to comply with end-customer specifications and provide seamless integration with containers during the molding process. Giorgos Karydakis, General Director of Karydakis IML S.A., stated: "With this collaborative initiative, we are demonstrating the applicability of bio-based materials in the production of high-quality IML labels. We are providing our customers with a wide range of attractive printing options for cups, trays, jars, shakers and buckets in sizes from 50 ml to 50 liters, including additional digital watermarks with material information in line with the European HolyGrail 2.0 initiative for intelligent automated mechanical recycling." Augustinos Kotronis, General Director of Kotronis Packaging, explains: "In-mold labeling offers significant productivity advantages because it creates a permanent, tamper-resistant bond in the mold with the container, eliminating the need for self-adhesive labels applied separately to the finished packaging product. In addition, SABIC's renewable container material complies with all relevant international standards for food contact applications, while demonstrating excellent processability on our machines, including high flow for low wall thicknesses. It also meets our targets for reducing both CO2 emissions and fossil fuel consumption." IML labels cut for stacking were ultimately supplied to Kotronis, a mid-sized family company specializing in injection-molded containers for food products. There, they facilitate efficient in-mold labeling of cups and trays in a seamlessly integrated and fully automated single-step process. Source