Sabic and partners join forces to develop bio-sourced in-mould labeling solution

UAE – SABIC is partnering with Taghleef Industries, Karydakis IML and Kotronis Packaging to produce in-mold labeling (IML) made of mono-PP for thin-wall container packaging.

The single-step IML technology achieves a seamless part decoration right in the injection mold, where the label becomes an integral component of the packaging itself.

Dedicated label film types and high-definition printing technology result in a very attractive and cost-effective decorative solution.

Other than using certified renewable PP resins for both the molded parts and the label film, the resulting packaging can be recycled in existing rigid PP recycling streams.

Abdullah Al-Otaibi, General Manager, ETP & Market Solutions at SABIC states: “The demand for in-mold labeled packaging is constantly growing across various consumer market segments, as it provides major opportunities for cost-effective and highly sustainable solutions.

“Together with the responsibly sourced and certified renewable polymers from our TRUCIRCLE™ portfolio, this flexible decoration technology has enormous potential in fully recyclable mono-material packaging with no compromise on shelf visibility and consumer appeal in the retail space.

“At the same time, it can help manufacturers and brand owners reduce their environmental impact and carbon footprint while addressing the need for preventing valuable used plastic from ending up as waste.”

The label material for the IML containers is a biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPP) film produced by Taghleef using a SABIC® certified renewable resin tailored to the BOPP process.

BOPP films are widely used for in-mold labeled injection molding applications in food, dairy and beverages, home, beauty and personal care packaging.

Taghleef offers transparent, white and metalized PP label films, which can all be produced using polymers with bio-based feedstock.

Furthermore, they can easily be customized to meet specific needs of gravure or offset printing for desired haptic textures and visual appearance, from glossy, matt, orange peel or velvet feel to an entirely non-label look.

Monica Battistella, Sustainability Manager at Taghleef, adds: “Our BOPP film range for in-mold-labeling gives brand owners a wide choice of premium packaging finishes to enhance brand differentiation and shelf visibility with a low environmental impact.

“In combination with the sustainable nature of SABIC’s mass balance certified renewable polymer from second-generation feedstock, the exceptional printability, die-cutting, anti-static and non-stick properties of these films deliver maximum value throughout the entire life cycle of the labeled products, including end-of-life recycling.”

The final BOPP label film is supplied to Karydakis, a leading specialist in optimized printing techniques, ink formulations and conversion technologies.

Cut to shape for stacking, the IML labels are finally supplied to Kotronis, a medium-sized family business specializing in injection-moulded containers for food products.

Here, they facilitate the efficient in-mould labeling of cups and tubs in a seamlessly integrated and fully automated, single-step process.

This IML solution will be on display at Taghleef’s Booth 4C35 during Labelexpo in Brussels from September 11 to 14.

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