In-Mold Decorating Association presents 2016 winners of parts competition

Each year, the In-Mold Decorating Association has a parts competition to showcase the best-of-the-best in in-mold labeling and in-mold decorating. The winners will be honored at the upcoming IMDA Symposium, co-located with the SPE Decorating & Assembly TopCon on June 6 and 7 in Franklin, TN. In the meantime, check them out here.

Best Injection Molded (IML) Package, Gold Award: Easy Open & Hold IML container

Brand owner: Premier Tech Home & Garden; molded and submitted by Polipa North America, LLC; label supplied by Cakirlar

This tailor-made IML package was developed initially to replace classic cardboard packaging by improving the durability and presence of the products and brands. Because of its wide space in the front and back, it shows a great deal of visual information and improves customer perception. The package is sized and shaped for easy grip; a flip-up tamper evident feature is on the lid.

Best Injection Molded Durable (IMD) Part, Gold Award: Laundry User Interface

Brand owner: Electrolux; molded and submitted by Eimo Technology; label supplied by Nissha Printing

This laundry user interface (UI) is an award-winning example of IMD film from Nissha Printing Co. and IMD molding at Eimo Technology (a subsidiary of Nissha USA) in Southwest Michigan. The OEM design group wanted to add a challenging design to the surface of the UI, with the Electrolux logo gradation fading from the outer edge toward the part’s center. The feature is very faint but was a “must have” for this UI; Nissha and Eimo were able to achieve Electrolux’s requirements.

Best Label Design, Gold Award: Sparkle Canister

Brand Owner: Tupperware Indonesia; molded and submitted by Dynaplast; label supplied by Korsini Italy

Tupperware’s Sparkle Canister has an amazing 3D effect. The Sparkle Canister with its Korsini-SAF three-layer, in-mold label passed 125 dishwasher cycles at 85°C. The product design also comes with great functionality. The canister is liquid tight and can keep snacks and crackers fresh.

Best Blowmolded Package, Gold Award: Laban Baladi yogurt container

Brand Owner: Taanayel Les Fermes, which is also the molder; submitted by Verstaete In-Mold Labels, which also supplied the labels

The Lebanese dairy giant and market leader, Taanayel Les Fermes, known for its natural, authentic and traditional dairy products, chose IML for blowmolding from Verstraete IML for its Laban Baladi product range, because it can produce hollow plastic packaging (in the shape of a fresh milk bucket) and decorate the package in one step. That makes it perfect for dairy product packaging, as it is both strong and hygienic. The IML labels from Verstraete IML are moisture-resistant and can withstand temperature fluctuations.

Best Part Design, Gold Award: Scented baby wipes package

Submitted by Inland, which is also the label supplier; molded by Berry Plastics

The scented baby wipes IML part is integrated into a flexible package by offering an easy-to-use, one-handed pop-up dispenser, adding convenience for the consumer. This IML part has both a graphically superior design and custom die-cut shape for functionality. The scented baby wipes part is one of the smallest commercially available cut-and-stack IML application products on the market today.

Best Product Family, Gold Award: Unilever margarine packaging

Brand owner: Unilever America; submitted by Verstraete In-Mold Labels, which is also the label supplier; molded by PSPM Inc., Berry Plastics and RPC Bramlage Wiko USA

The Unilever margarine tubs and lids are a great combination of a packaging upgrade and industry-standard production technology. This project consists of seven sizes: 7.5, 9, 15, 30, 45 and 80 oz.  Thanks to the photographic quality of the Verstraete IML label and the seven different sizes, all four brands have a unique market position. These Unilever margarine tubs and lids experienced an impressive makeover, both in shape, from round to rectangular, and the switch from direct printing to in-mold labeling. The wall thickness was reduced to be compatible with production limits while maintaining demanding technical specifications.

Best Product Family, Silver Award: SelecTE

Submitted by Berry Plastics, which is the molder; label supplied by Verstraete IML

Perry Plastics’ SelecTE product family is a series of premium, non-round, tamper-evident containers with three- and five-sided IML options. This product family allows consumers to see the quality of their food through clear windows, while the brand maintains large graphics real estate inside and outside the container. The total package is fully recyclable since the container, lid and label are all made of polypropylene. The IML can also be clear or printed with metallic ink to help increase the brand’s shelf impact.

Best Prototype Part, Gold Award: IME washing machine control panel

Submitted by Jabil, which is also the brand owner and molder; label supplied by Duratech Industries

Jabil’s novel in-mold electronics (IME) washer control panel incorporates an in-mold label (IML) with capacitive touch electronics printed on a flexible film. The Jabil washer control panel is unique and innovative because it replaces a traditional printed circuit board, eliminating the need for post-molding decoration and hardware for illumination. As a result, production is simpler, less costly and faster. Best of all, the decorative and full functional panel can be easily modified to appeal to changing consumer tastes, language preferences and more.