When you first enter the label industry, you have some revelations.  The first one, of course, is realizing that narrow web labeling is, in fact, a comprehensive industry in and of itself. Part packaging and part printing, it’s many nuances truly make it interesting from multiple perspectives, as it incorporates both design creativity and advanced manufacturing processes.

One of the big revelations I had when I started here took place when I learned about in-mold labels, aka IML. I asked, “Wait, that’s a label?”

To my eyes at the time, those plastic detergent and yogurt containers were adorned with the graphics and lettering directly printed on it – somehow. Had no idea that an actual label was manufactured into the plastic. And once I learned more, I gained a greater appreciation for in-mold labels and the advantages they provide.

IML offers brand owners several benefits. These include enhanced durability, visual appeal, and design flexibility. They also offer sustainability advantages – something that’s become a chief concern for both consumers and brand owners alike.

Many IML materials are made from recyclable plastics, and the in-mold manufacturing process is said to generate less waste compared to traditional labeling methods. Also, since in-mold labels literally become part of the packaging, there’s no need for additional adhesives or secondary processes that contribute to environmental waste. Additionally, the efficiency of the IML production process can lead to a reduced carbon footprint. Fewer materials and resources are needed in comparison to conventional labeling, where separate labeling and packaging processes can generate more waste and emissions.

You can say IML is something of a sub-niche to the packaging industry niche that is narrow web label converting. Within the world of IML are suppliers and converters that specialize in the format, and there is even an association dedicated to supporting it – the In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA).

Let’s take a moment to join the IMDA and celebrate in-mold technology. The IMDA annually recognizes industry leaders in IML, in-mold decorating (IMD) and in-mold electronics (IME) by announcing the winners of the IMDA Awards Competition. The 2024 honorees were revealed at the Plastic Product Decorating Summit on September 19 in Milwaukee, WI, with entries judged based on overall design and complexity; integration of the in-mold element into the part or package; functionality; and innovation in the use of materials and processes. Manufacturing difficulty and complexity of the part, label, design or mold also were considered.

This year, there were a number of entries featuring packaging and durable goods submissions that were new to in-mold – brand owners working with label printers, automation providers and molders to convert existing applications to in-mold. This echoes the increasing trend toward sustainable processes and recyclable products.

Let’s take a look at few examples of what the IMDA deems this year’s best in-mold labels:

Best Label Design for IML Application
Winner: Galaxy Chocolate Milk Cup, submitted by label printer
MCC Verstraete

The judges recognized this project for its instant consumer appeal. Entering the refrigerator shelves in the Middle East, a new market for Galaxy chocolate milk, the brand wanted to go all-in in terms of shelf appeal. That’s why MARS aimed at a high-quality, premium packaging with an IML label combining three label upgrades: Metallic IML (foil), Matte IML and UltraGloss IML. The result is a luxury effect that stands out from the competition.

Honorable Mention: Icelandic Provisions Berry Medley Skyr; submitted by label printer Inland Packaging

Receiving honorable mention, this project from Inland was recognized because of the difficulty in applying spot color, a process not apparent to the consumer but recognized by those in the know. The original design for this product involved paperboard labels wrapped around a white tub. To enhance sustainability, Icelandic Provisions adopted IML. This also allows for more intricate and vibrant designs. The Icelandic Provision labels encompass a multitude of spot colors to showcase crisp, clean text and sharp lines.

Best Use of IML – Traditional Aesthetic
Winner: General Mills Yoplait Greek Yogurt; submitted by label printer Inland

Honored by the judges for its efforts in replacing another packaging form with an IML container, General Mills Yoplait Greek & Protein yogurt cups took a big step when making the decision to switch to in-mold labels. The judges recognized that not only was this a design change for the customer and the consumer, but also a new packaging type in an existing product line. The brand has traditionally used shrink sleeve packaging, but as the markets expanded and continued to develop, they chose to switch to a more sustainable packaging type that also allowed for a higher degree of decoration.

Honorable Mention: Hiland Dairy Crema Mexicana 16 Oz.; submitted by Winpak Portion Packaging; labels printed by MCC Verstraete

The judges were excited to see this new product line launch from Hiland Dairy – Winpak’s first IML customer. This is an entire line of new IML products for the cultured dairy and dips product provider, with a total of 30 new SKUs. Hiland Dairy wanted to switch from an offset printed cup and lid to a decorated container with improved graphics. The new product line launched in January, and Winpak is now running two shifts per day, five days a week.

Best Use of IML – Technical Achievement Winner: Mean Girls Popcorn Bucket Submitted by: Churchill Container; labels printed by General Press

The metallic label and two-sided printing caught the eyes of the judges when they saw the Mean Girls Popcorn Bucket. The typical collectible theater popcorn bucket usually features a horizontally composed version of the same poster artwork you’ll find in online banner ads and outside of the movie theater. Mean Girls’ unique cult following, quotability and meme-worthy content made it ripe for something totally different. Clear resin and LTZ metallic film with a limited print on the outside gives this bucket all the glitz and glam of the film, while the full color inside print carries all the meaty content superfans will eat up (once they finish their popcorn, of course).

Honorable Mention: Grillo’s Pickles; submitted by label printer MCC Verstraete

The nonconventional form of the Grillo’s pickle container caught the eye of the judges and is enhancing the consumer experience of its packaging by introducing a leak-proof screw top. The unique sidewall design necessitated the use of IML to register the graphics with the hand grips.


Steve Katz is the former editor of Label & Narrow Web and is now a regular contributor. He is focused on helping companies in the label industry share their news and tell their stories. Follow him on twitter @LabelSteve.