Polyoak switches to DoubleSided IML for its Melrose WedgesPolyoak switches to DoubleSided IML for its Melrose Wedges

Verstraete is known for its innovations in labels for in-mold labeling applications, and its DoubleSided IML introduced earlier this year has proven to be a big hit. The advantages to Verstraete's DoubleSided IML is that it allows printing on both sides of the label creating additional space for product use information, recipes, and information mandated by law.

Two of the early adopters of Verstraete's DoubleSided IML were Galbani and Maison Raymond. Recently, Polyoak Packaging, one of the leading plastic packaging suppliers in South Africa, adopted this technology for Melrose Wedges, a popular cheese spread in individual packaging. The packaging was launched in Cape Town and is now found throughout South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Zimbabwe, said Verstraete's information.

Polyoak recently won the Afristar Award with this innovative packaging. Polyoak chose this technology from Verstraete because of its innovative design. "In its choice of materials, efficiency of the production process and the advanced printing and finishing processes," noted a Polyoak spokesperson. "The result is a quality product and first-class service."

Previously to using Verstraete's DoubleSided IML, the Melrose Wedges containers were decorated with self-adhesive labels on the top of the lid and on the base of the tub. Polyoak purchased the labels from an external supplier, stuck them on the packaging and supplied everything to the producer. This created an intensive process that the producer wanted to simplify, said Verstraete. Additionally, they were looking for a total branding and packaging solution. The objective: greater visibility of the Melrose brand on store shelves.

In addition to shorter production time and lower production costs as the process is less labor intensive, the DoubleSided IML labels offered a solution to comply with new South African legislation which makes it obligatory for producers to put more information on labels. The DoubleSided IML labels offer twice the printing area as compared with a traditional label, noted Verstraete.

Recycling is not a problem as both the packaging and the IML label are fully recyclable.