In-mold labelling is typically considered one of the most niche label application methods, accounting for just 2% of the labeling market share. Compared to the nearly 40% market share of PSL, IML seems like a small sector of the industry, but it’s expected to grow to more than USD 4 billion by 2026 and demand is increasing steadily.

‘Demand for IML is principally driven by consumers and brands. IML is common in a number of consumer goods sectors: motor oil, laundry detergent, dish washer pellet packaging and food packaging, and we can expect brands in various sectors to use IML more and more, especially as they find trusted partners to work within the supply chain,’ explains Lindsey Barbee, National Account Manager, AR Metallizing. Since IML film labels do not cause contamination during the recyclability process, this is also a motivating factor for a number of brands with strong sustainability initiatives,’ adds Lindsey.

While consumers typically enjoy the finished IML application and brands appreciate the practicality of IML packaging, getting all players to work together to achieve a perfectly labelled vessel is a top priority.

‘When introducing our papers and films for IML applications to anyone on the supply chain, we often field questions related to application and performance at all points along the supply chain,’ explains Lindsey. ‘Breaking this down, we might see paper or film efficiency on printing presses being a key concern for printers, so we formulated our coatings to dial in on desired coefficient of friction (COF), which helps with flow through converter equipment and maximizes impression per minute. For bottlers, we address questions or potential issues such as waste ratios on label lines and label pinning techniques.’ she adds.