IMDA announces 2026 award winners

The In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA) has announced the honorees in the annual competition recognizing industry-leading applications in in-mold labeling (IML), in-mold decorating (IMD) and in-mold electronics (IME). The winners of the 2026 IMDA Awards Competition were revealed at the Plastic Product Decorating Summit on September 2 in Sugar Land (Houston), Texas, 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.

The 2026 IMDA Awards Competition is sponsored by InkWorks Printing, Innovia Films, KURZ, MCC Global IML, StackTeck, Sussex IM, Waypoint Marketing Communications, Wipfli and YUPO America.

Ronald B. Schultz Judges’ Choice Award
Winner: Sip in Style with Exquisite Cup
Submitted by: Pura Group

The thing about the Judges Choice Award is that there are no rules. No guidelines. No criteria. Instead, this award is quite simply about the judges choosing their favorite thing in the room. In this case, the use of the hologram as a decorative element and brand security device is seen often in conventional print, but not in an IML application. With Pura Group’s Sip in Style cup, the judges recognized the hologram’s innovative use and visually appealing format.

Best Use of In-Mold Decorating (IMD) – Design Achievement
Winner: Rear Light Concept
Submitted by: KURZ

This rear light concept integrates hidden-til-lit lighting, individually programmable mini-LEDs and decorative rear-end surface design into one automotive component. Technical challenges included integrating the sensitive mini-LED technology to a curved surface and aligning multiple materials and processes in one component.

Best Use of In-Mold Decorating (IMD) – Technical Achievement
Winner: NOTIFIER Alarm Panel
Submitted by: InMold Solutions

There are 62 molded-in LED light pipes in this application, spread over two rows spanning more than 7” in length each. The printed film has 62 dead-front printed circles that needed to align tightly with each individual molded light pipe. As the resin enters multiple gates at one end of the part, it needs to flow fast enough to fill the 8” part completely, but slow enough not to wrinkle the film or wash the ink away. Once the flow rate was figured out, it was discovered that the film was stretching. From a technical challenge standpoint, the judges were blown away!

Best Use of In-Mold Labeling, Blow Mold – Package or Container
Winner: McCarthy Toyota Silver Cooler Box
Submitted by: Ren-Flex Packaging

These cooler boxes were molded with BOPP Clear and laminated to silver IML film for an eye-catching and practical product given by the motor vehicle dealership as a gift to its purchasing customers. The image exposes the silver film with a metalized ink look to compliment the artwork. Instead of having large areas of cold/hot foiling raising registration issues, it is a single pass with direct printing onto the metallized film and a simple BOPP gloss lamination to encase the digital print.

Honorable Mention: Gemini Refined Sunflower Oil 15 Ltr
Submitted by: Ajanta Print Arts

With this entry, Ajanta Print Arts assisted the brand owner in eliminating label application to reduce line stoppages and rework in the customer’s filling plant. The complex non-planar geometry, cut-out integration and vivid print artwork made this a perfect fit for in-mold labeling.

Best Use of In-Mold Labeling, Injection Mold – Package or Container – Design Achievement
Winner: Daisy Cottage Cheese
Submitted by: MCC Global IML

This application can be seen in United States’ tv commercials, with a camera angle designed to showcase the metallic-decorated label. The Daisy cottage cheese container represents a conversion for the brand owner from direct print to IML, transforming an everyday dairy product into a premium on-shelf experience. Metallic IML effects deliver a high-end visual finish not achievable with traditional direct print, and the spot gloss lacquer adds depth, contrast and tactile differentiation.

Honorable Mention: Electrovit Activlab Pharma
Submitted by: MCC Global IML

The Electrovit Activlab pharma vitamin tubes combine functional performance with a premium shelf appearance. The project was developed to create a highly durable and visually attractive package that strengthens brand recognition without compromising label integrity. The full wrap IML also delivers resistance to moisture, abrasion and handling during transportation and use. It’s a small package with a big impact!

Best Use of In-Mold Labeling, Injection Mold – Package or Container – Technical Achievement
Winner: 1ltr Ultra Lightweight Pail (TE)
Submitted by: BRINK Moulds & Automation

This application combines advanced IML with Brink’s high-performance mold and automation platform to deliver a thin-wall IML container where decoration and structure are fully integrated. The solution is based on MCC Global IML’s labels, combined with mold design and automation technology from Brink to ensure precise label handling and consistent production of extremely thin-wall sections at high speeds. The judges kept picking up this entry during the judging process.

Honorable Mention: MONTEGO 1Kg & 3Kg
Submitted by: Ren-Flex Packaging

This dog treat container breaks with conventional clear container usage by assuring the purchaser through colorful descriptive artwork design that the full wrapped label on a black container does indeed contain the product. A transparent lid allows a peak into the container, and the tapered square design allows stackabilty and reuse of the container once dog treats have been used.  The square container is easily stacked and is manufactured in two sizes, giving the consumer a choice for small and large appetites of various sized canines.

Innovative Use in an In-Mold Decorated Product or Part – Innovative Application
Winner: LeciTrailer – Truck Mudguard
Submitted by: 4Labels IML Durable

Unlike traditional IML applications in packaging, this project demonstrates how the technology can be successfully applied to a durable exterior component designed to remain on the vehicle throughout its entire service life. The mudguard is continuously exposed to harsh operating conditions, including UV radiation, rain, mud, road debris, high-pressure washing and constant mechanical stress, while needing to maintain the integrity of the decoration and permanent brand identification. During the development phase, several label materials and constructions were evaluated, but only the final in-mold solution preserved the perfect flatness of the mudguard, a key quality requirement for the finished component.

Innovative Use in an In-Mold Decorated Product or Part – Innovative Design
Winner: Front IQ Light Concept
Submitted by: KURZ

This project from KURZ combines a three-dimensional light sculpture, crystal-based light effects, decorative surface design and functional integration in one large automotive exterior concept. The innovation is that decoration, protection and function are integrated in one IMD step instead of added through several downstream processes.

Innovative Use in an In-Mold Labeled Package or Container – Innovative Application
Winner: Mulino Bianco Bag Clip

Submitted by: 4Labels IML Durable

The bag clip is an accessory intended for repeated consumer use and, therefore, required a decoration capable of maintaining aesthetic quality, brand recognition and pleasant user experience over time. The main technical challenge was integrating an IML decoration with a slightly matte finish onto a small component with a functional geometry, and ensuring accurate label positioning. The judges appreciated the unique application and the challenges inherent with a small part and label.

Innovative Use in an In-Mold Labeled Package or Container – Innovative Design
Winner: Ajanta Print Arts Opti Finish Series
Submitted by: Ajanta Print Arts

The Opti finish series has been presented to clients across different industries for selecting from a range of brand positioning options. The variety of finishes include OPTI DRIP, OPTI METAL, OPTI FEEL, OPTI GLOSS, OPTI FOIL and OPTI CLEAR, and they showcase what is possible with IML beyond traditional print.

Innovative Use in an In-Mold Labeled Package or Container – Technical Achievement
Winner: MultiPail
Submitted by: MCC Global IML

This application redefines the traditional 5-gallon bucket by transforming a commodity product into a multi-functional tool. It integrates six functional features – paint tray, dustpan edge, pour spout, measurement markings, bottom group and an easy-release nesting system. IML was selected to deliver that durable, permanent, high-quality decoration capable of withstanding demanding jobsite environments. And the unique shape created production challenges that had the judges applauding.

Best Use in a Packaging Application of a Prototype Product or In-House Promotion
Winner: Rockstar Cup
Submitted by: Churchill

The Rockstar cup was developed to showcase the possibilities of durable cold foil IML for reusable plastic drinkware. The primary production goal was to combine high-impact visual decoration with long-term durability, advanced functionality and sustainability as it’s made using recycled polypropylene from PureCycle. The IML also incorporates an invisible code with variable data, which can be scanned without being visible to the end user for identification, reuse tracking and more. While this was a limited demo series, the concept has already been adopted in commercial production projects.

Honorable Mention: Sip in Style with Exquisite Cup
Submitted By:Pura Group

It was the hologram that caught the eye of our judges with this cup from Pura Group. Designed to stand out and crafted to last, IML helped Pura Group eliminate traditional production bottlenecks with one-step manufacturing. High-quality printing on the hologram’s surface further enhanced the design for a product that catches the consumer’s eye and adds anti-counterfeit properties by registering direct print to the hologram product.

Sustainable Use of In-Mold Processes – Design Achievement
Winner: MARS Galaxy Jewels Package
Submitted by: iPB Printing

This project demonstrates how premium packaging design and true recyclability can successfully go hand in hand. Developed through close collaboration between MARS, Yespac, BRINK, Arburg and iPB Printing, the packaging replaces a conventional solution with a fully recyclable PET alternative without compromising shelf appeal. The project required the development of new production methods, extensive testing and pilot runs, as there was no existing benchmark for this type of packaging. The result is a highly transparent, premium-quality package featuring advanced in-mold labeling technology for excellent visual performance, high-end graphics, excellent color intensity and a seamless premium finish with end-of-life recyclability.

Honorable Mention: 6 oz IML TRIM Cup
Submitted by: StackTeck Systems

This 6oz cup features several advanced innovations, including StackTeck’s Thin Recess Injection Molding (TRIM) technology, with ultra-thin panels that reduced the part weight by 20%. The cup is molded using PureCycle Technologies’ recycled polypropylene and is decorated with MCC Ultra Gloss/Matt IML labels for high-impact and premium graphics. Together, these technologies provide a more sustainable alternative to conventional virgin PP packaging by reducing material use while supporting recycling and circularity. The result is a lightweight, high-performance package that is 100% recyclable.

Sustainable Use of In-Mold Processes – Technical Achievement
Winner: K-Show 500ml Container (TE) with ICM Technology
Submitted by: BRINK Moulds & Automation

This container was created for K Show. The uniqueness lies in achieving high-quality decoration under extreme molding conditions while also enabling full recyclability of the product. During the molding process, the label must remain perfectly positioned and fully conform to the cavity surface, despite additional material flow introduced by the compression phase. The combination of Brink’s injection compression molding and MCC Global IML’s NextCycle in-mold labels resulted in seamless label integration without distortion in a thin-wall design that is fully compatible with recycling streams.

Honorable Mention: IML Thinwall Packaging
Submitted by: MICOAN Manufacturing LLC

What looks like a common IML application deserved another look from the judges when they examined the cup’s length to thickness ratio. Achieving such a high ratio with thin-wall injection molding requires extraordinary precision in mold ventilation, high-speed injection control and resin flow management. IML integration offered design flexibility without compromising the container. And, despite its extreme thinness, the container is engineered to be dishwasher safe and durable for multiple reuses.

The In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA) is an organization that includes molders, printers, material suppliers and equipment manufacturers that are committed to the development and growth of in-mold decorated products, technologies and markets. IMDA raises the level of awareness and acceptance of in-mold decorated durable products and in-mold labeled packaging by OEMs, brand owners and marketers, integrating the interests of the entire IML and IMD supply chain through its promotional and educational programs. For more information, visit www.imdassociation.com.