What is IML In mould labelling technology

IML (In-Mould Labelling) technology is an advanced plastic packaging method where a printed label is fused directly into a plastic container during the injection moulding process. The label becomes a permanent part of the container, delivering superior durability, food safety, and premium shelf appearance.

IML is widely used in plastic food packaging, especially for dairy, frozen food, ice cream, margarine, and ready meals — where branding, hygiene, and sustainability are non-negotiable.

According to Grand View Research, the global IML market was about $2.31 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $3.14 billion by 2030 (≈4.6% CAGR from 2024–2030)

IML stands for In-Mould Labelling (also written as In Mold Labeling in US English).

Unlike traditional labelling methods that apply stickers or sleeves after production, IML integrates the label inside the mold before plastic injection, eliminating adhesives and secondary processes.

The IML process is fully automated and consists of four core stages:

1. IML Label Printing

Labels are printed on polypropylene (PP) film using offset, gravure, or digital printing technologies.

These labels are food-safe, moisture-resistant, and designed to withstand high injection temperatures.

2. Label Placement Inside the Mold

A robotic system places the label precisely into the mold cavity using vacuum or static charge technology. Accuracy here is critical.

3. Injection Moulding Process

Molten plastic is injected into the mold. Heat and pressure permanently bond the label to the container wall.

4. Finished IML Product

The container is ejected fully decorated — no gluing, no post-labelling, no human error.

One cycle = one finished product.

Watch the process in our Factory

• Permanent & Durable Labelling

IML labels never peel, wrinkle, or fade. They are resistant to moisture, oil, freezing, and transport damage.

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• Premium Shelf Appeal

IML allows photo-quality graphics, matte/gloss finishes, metallic effects, and 360° decoration — ideal for competitive retail shelves.

• Food-Safe & Hygienic

No glue, no solvents, no contamination risk. Perfect for direct food contact packaging.

• Cost Efficiency at Scale

Although tooling investment is higher, IML eliminates secondary labelling operations and reduces long-term production costs.

In practice, integrating IML can streamline production. In the Milliken/Plastmore case above, retooling to an IML-capable PP design “reduced factory labor” and removed the need for secondary label machinery

• Sustainable & Recyclable

IML containers are typically mono-material (PP), making them fully recyclable without label separation.

Our case study of a chocolate box redesign found that switching to a clarified PP IML container cut plastic usage by 42% and made the package ~55% lighter vs. the old polystyrene design.

IML is widely used across multiple food and non-food industries, including:

• Dairy packaging (yogurt, labneh, cheese).
• Ice cream and frozen food containers.
• Margarine and butter tubs.
• Ready meals and microwaveable containers.
• Sauces, spreads, and dips.
• Pet food packaging.
• Premium consumer plastic packaging.

If a product is stored in a fridge or freezer, IML is often the best solution.

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Yes — when done correctly.

IML supports sustainability goals by:

• Eliminating adhesives.
• Using mono-material plastic structures.
• Reducing production waste.
• Improving recyclability streams.
• Extending packaging lifespan.

For brands targeting eco-friendly food packaging, IML is a future-proof choice.

Demand for sustainable, high-quality packaging is growing.

Deloitte reports that about 46% of consumers bought at least one sustainable product.

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IML is ideal if you need:

• High-volume production.
• Strong branding and shelf impact.
• Long-term cost efficiency.
• Food-safe and recyclable packaging.

It may not be suitable for very low volumes or short-term promotional runs due to tooling costs.

However, for established food brands, IML delivers unmatched consistency and quality. Use our packaging tool to find your fit package easily.

IML technology is no longer a premium option — it is the industry standard for high-quality plastic food packaging.

Brands that invest in IML gain:

• Stronger brand perception.
• Better sustainability performance.
• Lower long-term production costs.
• Reliable packaging quality at scale.

Once you move to IML, going back feels like replacing automation with manual labor — technically possible, strategically foolish.

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