Market Outlook into Chinese IML Application

It has been a long time since IML (In Mold Labelling) technology has been put into application abroad and the production of in mold label and labeling machine become mature. Different from the traditional means of labeling packing, IML brings a momentous revolution in labeling packing. IML has been under popular in Europe and America, up to half of developed countries adopts IML at present.

IML Application

IML is designed for blow molding products and its function is to blow marks into mold cavity in the meantime of blowing plastic hollow products via in mold labeling machine. Manufacture of marks and hollow products can be finished simultaneously under high temperature and pressure. Compared with traditional ways, production has been simplified and efficiency enhanced. Below are advantages of adopting IML:

• A stunning and prominent decoration of IML.

• Messages in bottom of container are important as IML may operate on five surfaces of container.

• To attach multiple layers on the surface, IML helps to improve barrier capacity and prolong shelf life of items.

• Free of contamination for products due to statics.

• Film inserted in IML helps to strengthen hardness of plastics.

• IML manufactures containers both for decorating and packing in single operation, free of transport and intermediate storage.

• IML achieves renewal of marks without halting manufacturing.
 

One of IML traits is that material of marks and plastic products is the same—plastic resin, which allows two materials to be melt and combined naturally, featuring water proof, oil proof and mould proof and firmly attached to products. Besides, marks and products can be recycled together, simplifying process and echoing with international tendency of pro-environment. The complicated technology of IML also reduces the possibility of counterfeit; this is why IML is capable of providing a brand protection for manufacturers demanding quality and branding. Therefore, using IML to manufacture plastic hollow products is becoming increasingly popular.

Current Situation of IML in China

The price of blowing machine, equipped with imported IML system is 30~40% higher than Standard machines. The issue of high price delays to some extent the promotion of IML in domestic industry. However, nowadays there is IML machine researched and developed by domestic manufacturer comes in market with 1/2~1/3 price of overseas counterparts. The performance reaches the same level of foreign brands and even outweighs them and products have been put in practice.

To date, domestic IML technology is still in the cradle and the proportion of blowing machine equipped with IML is still low in the whole industry. Considering the marketing potential, IML will be getting promoted and applied in China in the future.

About IML Prospect

IML technology is very mature and it will be applied in a wide range. IML is becoming economical because of its costs saving and techniques of handling. Further improvements have been applied on IML including modified film and its application. Coating or multiple layers of transparent films is enjoying more and more using, for some printing enterprises can conduct printing on both sides.

Many-sided application is becoming important for packaging. Packages are suitable for microwave oven, dish washer and chillers. Molding enables us to design what we desire to plan and apply them on product layout. Plastics with marks have a smooth surface, which makes them applicable for hygiene in food and medicine.