IML Plastic Tub Lid with Tamper Evident Closure for Frozen Food

Frozen food packaging requires structural durability, permanent labeling, and consumer safety assurance under demanding conditions such as low temperatures, moisture, and repeated handling.

This case study presents how Plastmore’s injection-molded plastic tub and lid, produced with In-Mold Labeling (IML) and a tamper-evident breakable closure system, delivers a reliable, food-safe, and visually consistent packaging solution throughout the entire product lifecycle — from filling to freezer to consumer use.

 • Permanent label integrity in freezer conditions

 • Secure tamper-evident closure for consumer confidence

 • Clear, durable food information display

 • Stable shelf appearance and functional performance

Frozen food and ice cream packaging is exposed to:

 • Freezer temperatures (typically –18 °C)

 • Moisture and condensation

 • Mechanical stress during transport and storage

 • Consumer handling at retail and at home

In many cases, conventional adhesive labels and non-secured lids fail under these conditions, leading to:

 • Label peeling or loss of information

 • Compromised tamper evidence

 • Reduced consumer trust

 • Increased risk of complaints or product rejection

 • Low-speed line products due to packaging challenges.

The customer required a packaging solution that could:

 • Maintain permanent label readability.

 • Ensure tamper evidence until first opening.

 • Provide a secure and breakable closure system.

 • Withstand freezing and thawing cycles.

 • Preserve a clean and professional shelf appearance.

 • Support food safety and traceability requirements.

Plastmore developed an injection-molded plastic tub and matching lid, both designed for frozen food applications and integrated with In-Mold Labeling (IML) technology.

Key Packaging Features

IML Label:

The label is placed inside the mold and fused with the tub during injection molding, becoming a permanent part of the container.

 • Plastic Lid with Tamper-Evident System:

The lid includes a breakable tamper-evident band that clearly indicates first opening.

 • Secure Closure Mechanism:

The lid locks firmly onto the tub rim, ensuring seal stability during storage, transport, and handling.

Label Performance

The IML process ensures that the label:

 • Does not peel, bubble, or fade

 • Resists moisture and condensation

 • Maintains high contrast and legibility

 • Protects printed information from abrasion

Critical food information such as:

 • Nutritional values

 • Ingredients and allergens

 • Storage instructions

 • Recycling symbols

 • Batch and traceability data

Tamper Evidence & Consumer Safety

The breakable tamper-evident closure system provides:

 • Clear visual confirmation of first opening

 • Protection against unauthorized access

 • Increased consumer confidence at point of sale

 • Compliance with common food safety expectations

Once opened, the tamper band breaks cleanly, making any prior opening immediately visible.

Material & Sustainability Considerations

 • Tub and lid produced from food-grade plastic

 • IML label compatible with the base material

 • Reduced need for additional labeling materials

 • Clean structure supporting recycling processes

Sustainability is achieved through design efficiency, not added complexity.

Results & Performance

 • Stable label appearance in frozen conditions.

 • No label detachment or deformation.

 • Reliable lid engagement and breakable tamper evidence.

 • Consistent shelf presentation across distribution channels.

 • Improved consumer trust through visible safety features.

 • Speeds are achieved through durable packaging.

In frozen food packaging, performance, safety, and clarity are essential.

Plastmore’s IML plastic tub and lid with tamper-evident breakable closure delivers a packaging solution that combines durability, permanent labeling, and consumer protection, making it suitable for demanding frozen food and ice cream applications. 

Explore our ice cream packaging

Plastmore specializes in injection-molded plastic food packaging with In-Mold Labeling (IML).

Our solutions are engineered for real production environments, focusing on quality, safety, and long-term performance.