IN-MOLD DECORATING ASSOCIATION

Real Experts, Real Answers, Real Value

THE IN -MOLD MESSENGER

CHARTER

MEMBERS

Arjobex America

CBW Automation

Distinctive Plastics

General Press Corp

Global Packaging

Netstal Machinery

Nypro Inc.

StackTeck

Treofan America

Vibrant Graphics

Inside This Issue:

Media Sponsors

Sustaining Sponsors Gold Sponsors

• 11th Annual Awards Competition Winners

• World Packaging Organisation (WPO)

• 2017 IMDA Symposium/TopCon

• Scenes from the IMDA Symposium

• Workshop Recaps

• President’s Message

• Promote your Business

• Calendar

• New Members/Sponsors

• PackExpo LV—IMDA Booth C-1348

July, 2017

Volume 11, Issue 2

Continued page 2

2017 IMDA Awards The In-Mold Decorating Association has announced the winners of its 11th annual Awards Competition. The 2017 Awards winners were honored at the IMDA Symposium/SPE TopCon on June 19, 2017, in Lincolnshire, IL, USA.

The winning entries will be on display in the PMMI Showcase of Packaging Innovations™ as well as the IMDA booth C-1348 at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, September 25-27, 2017. We invite you to visit us in Las Vegas to see these prize-winning in-mold labeled and decorated products.

The IMDA Proudly Presents the Winners of the 2017 IMDA Awards.

Best Label Design, Gold Award Düfa Zeolit Paint Bucket Submitted By: Kayalar Kimya Brand Owner: Düfa Molder: Etkin Plastik Label Supplier: Korsini-SAF

This is not your standard bucket for mineral paint. Everything about it is unusual, starting with its well balanced industrial-size oval shape with integrated handle that’s easy to hold for larger hands. While graphics are simple, they’re also elegant in shades of gray with spot UV coating that adds to the premium quality complemented by a artistic burst of color.

Best Label Design, Silver Award SNO-BALLS TO-GO Submitted By: Verstraete In-Mold Labels/Berry Plastics Brand Owner: SNO-BALLS TO-GO Molder: Berry Plastics Label Supplier: Verstraete In Mold Labels

Packaging producer Berry Plastics has many years of experience and expertise in optimizing and developing packaging. Berry suggested IML packaging to brand owner Sno-Balls as an alternative to their previous packaging. The result is an IML package beyond Sno-Balls’ wildest dreams: Their product stays in perfect condition in the freezer and the contrasting IML labels from Verstraete IML attract attention on store shelves. The combination of Matte and UltraGloss IML is the perfect answer. Matte IML gives the packaging a Matte and natural look, while UltraGloss IML provides a high-gloss finish that intensify the colors. The contrasting combination of the two look and feel options highlights the details in the artwork of the IML label.

Volume 11 Issue 2

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Best Injection Molded (IML) Package, Silver Award Vibs & Wöw Oxo IML Container SuperLock® Pots Submitted By: RPC Superfos Pamplona Brand Owner: Cool Vega Molder: RPC Superfos Pamplona Label Supplier: Korsini-SAF

This packaging solution is a combination of an injection and autoclave-resistant, oxygen barrier IML labeled pot and injection molded twist lock system lid decorated with a standard IML label. The system’s most important features are the autoclave-resistant oxygen barrier properties which protect the product’s organoleptic characteristics, the pot´s transparency which shows the natural and fresh product´s quality at the final sales point and the easy opening and closing system for the end user. Convenience food products stay fresh far longer in the RPC’s SuperLock® pot. The combination of Korsini-SAF’s autoclave resistant oxygen barrier IML on all surfaces and a membrane seal with O2 barrier properties ensures an almost non-existent oxygen transmission rate. By using RPC Superfos’ plastic packaging with Korsini-SAF’s in-mold labelling, the product can be fully branded on all surfaces for an attractive and excellent look. Increased shelf life makes this package competitive with products in glass jars.

Best Injection Molded (IML) Package, Gold Award Vegetarian Paté Submitted By: Sonoco Brand Owner: Allos Schwarzwald GmbH Molder: Sonoco Label Supplier: Rahning GmbH

For its line of 100% plant-based, meat alternative spreads, the Tartex brand uses specially designed PermaSafe® IML packaging by Sonoco. This solution combines maximum convenience and long shelf life with an eye-catching appearance at the point of sale. Allos Hof-Manufaktur produces the organic “Brotzeit” spreads at the company's site in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. Sonoco worked in close cooperation with Allos Hof-Manufaktur to develop a customized packaging solution designed to be user friendly and re-sealable. The label, which is supplied by Rahning GmbH, features a special matte finish developed by Sonoco for a natural, paper-like feel. These qualities underscore the naturalness of the product and give it an appetizing appearance. After sterilization, the spreads have a twelve-month shelf life without refrigeration, providing a modern and consumer-friendly alternative to metal cans.

2017 IMDA Awards Winners (cont’d)

Best Thermoform IML Package, Gold Award Pillsbury Peanut Butter/Chocolate Frosting Submitted By: Verstraete In Mold Labels Brand Owner: J.M. Smucker Molder: Tech II Label Supplier: Verstraete In Mold Labels

As a leader in the consumer packaged goods industry, J.M. Smucker partnered with Tech II and Verstraete IML to launch a new and exciting Pillsbury Peanut Butter/Chocolate Frosting product. Utilizing Tech II’s uniquely shaped Apol-lo™ thermoform in-mold labeled (T-IML) container, this package provides visibility of the product, an oxygen barrier layer to increase product shelf life, picturesque graphics and is fully recyclable.

Best Prototype Part, Gold Award Crystal Coaster Submitted By: Zomazz Brand Owner: Zomazz Molder: Unique-Skill Precision PTE Label Supplier: Zomazz

The ZoMazz Crystal Coaster began life as a proof-of-concept part to demonstrate our ability to incorporate crystals from Swarovski (through our exclusive partnership with the Austrian crystal manufacturer) into the ZoMazz Digital-IMD process. Utilizing a clear film with crystals attached to the molded side allows for the secure display of crystals, as well as the appearance of different colored crystals based on the imaged color of the clear film. Our proprietary crystal placement/adhesion technology, combined with the ZoMazz Digital-IMD process, results in an eye-popping yet durable decoration for any brand or product.

Best Injection Molded Durable (IMD) Part, Gold Award Telescopic Cylinder Cover for Industrial Trucks Submitted By: Guarnitec SRL Brand Owner: Hyva Molder: Guarnitec SRL Label Supplier: Korsini-SAF Italy

This award winning IMD part is a Dust Cover for Front End Telescopic Cylinders used on industrial trucks. HYVA required a replacement for the older silk screen low quality print labels with a more attractive resistant Cover, made to withstand both extreme weather conditions, with superior UVA and abrasion resistance. Molder Guarnitec SRL answered this challenging request making the Cover visually more attractive with Korsini ’s two-layer high resistant label, adding a strong reflecting silver band behind the logo. The end result is increased visual and functional quality with decreased production time.

Volume 11 Issue 2

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2017 IMDA Awards Winners (cont’d)

Best Part Design, Gold Award Artemis Spectrum™ Sideplate Submitted By: Zomazz Brand Owner: Logitech Molder: Unique-Skill Precision PTE Label Supplier: Zomazz

The Sideplate is an interchangeable insert for the right and left sides of Logitech’s Artemis Spectrum™ wireless surround-sound gaming headset. It can be switched out by the consumer, providing literally endless possibilities for customization and branding with maximum flexibility. New graphic designs can be produced by switching out labels without so much as a tool or resin change, and can be on store shelves in just weeks to coincide with game launches. Manufactured to exacting tolerances to fit the curve of the headset, the Spectrum Sideplate featuring ZoMazz Digital-IMD graphics gives the brand owner and the consumer maximum flexibility to customize with a minimum investment of resources.

Best Part Design, Silver Award Eila® Lactose-Free Panna Cotta Submitted By: Verstraete In Mold Labels Brand Owner: Valio Ltd Molder: RPC Superfos Label Supplier: Verstraete In Mold Labels

The Finnish leading dairy producer Valio Ltd presented a lac-tose-free panna cotta in a specially developed package that allows the consumer to serve this dessert quickly and attrac-tively. A new customized pot with a convenient click-and-push feature at the bottom was developed by the well-known packaging company RPC Superfos. Valio was looking for premium quality and opted for an IML decoration. The IML labels of Verstraete IML are strong, hygienic and resistant to moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Best Product Family, Gold Award Pauluns & Lovemade Oxo IML Container SuperLock® Pots Submitted By: RPC Superfos Besancon Brand Owner: Orkla Food Molders: RPC Superfos Besancon Label Supplier: Korsini-SAF

Delicious baby food and soups packed in plastic packaging solutions with oxygen barrier protection. Thanks to RPC Su-perfos’ re-closeable SuperLock® solution, ambient shelf life of up to 24 months is possible for a wide range of products including baby food, ready meals, soups, sauces, nuts, jams, vegetable spreads and pickles. The SuperLock® solution in combination with Korsini-SAF's autoclave resistant oxygen barrier labels allows for post filling sterilization up to 120° C for 80 minutes, decoration flexibility and prolonged shelf life, all of which gives a great advantage for commercial purposes. You can choose to have decorations made anywhere on all surfaces and also decide to leave some space undecorated for transparency. The end-user gets the visual impression and feel of glass – as well as all the great properties of plastic. This means it is possible to get a product placement in retail stores under ambient temperatures alongside competing products sold in glass. And like glass products, the pot can be re-used at home multiple times, which adds value to the product.

Best Product Family, Silver Award Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage Motor Oil Submitted By: WS Packaging Group Brand Owner: SOPUS Products Molder: Graham Packaging Label Supplier: WS Packaging Group

Product differentiation in the automotive lubricants space is an important tool in validating price point comparisons among multiple product offerings. During a global bottle re-launch the brand owner decided to use a single bottle color for all their individual brands’ product grades in the North American market, which made the decoration a critical component in communicating product line differentiation. WS Packaging’s In-Mold labeling provided an aesthetically superior look, and this metallized in-mold label was chosen for the flagship brand’s top-of-the-line product because its visual appeal reflects a premium image for a premium product.

Volume 11, Issue 2

Best Thin Wall Package, Gold Award Country Fresh Ice Cream Package Submitted By: Verstraete In Mold Labels Brand Owner: Dairy Maid Molder: Dairypack Tubs Label Supplier: Verstraete In Mold Labels Plastic packaging producer Dairypack Tubs, a Division of Polyoak Packaging, joined forces with Verstraete IML for the development of the new Dairymaid ice-cream packaging. And successfully so, because the new Country Fresh IML packaging is the first ice-cream packaging in South Africa with an IML label that covers the entire lid. The efficient stacking of the new IML packaging has made transport more stable. Thanks to advanced injection moulded technology the packaging weighs 10% less than conventional packages which reduces the ecological footprint. Thanks to the brand new IML packaging the delicious Dairymaid Ice-Cream receives the attention it deserves on the store shelves.

2017 IMDA Awards Winners (cont’d)

Best of Show Vegetarian Paté Submitted By: Sonoco Brand Owner: Allos Schwarzwald GmbH Molder: Sonoco Label Supplier: Rahning GmbH

The judges were so impressed by this little but mighty submission from Sonoco. This plastic package connotes natural flavor with a graphic design and shape that mimics a wooden barrel. The design is conveyed via barrier in-mold labels that deliver more than premium graphics with strong shelf appeal. They appreciated that the IML also delivered high barrier properties that work in concert with the plastic package to provide a shelf-stable pate product that is good for a full year.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE WINNERS OF THE 2017 IMDA AWARDS COMPETITION.

Information regarding the 12th annual IMDA Awards Competition will be found on our website in the

next few months. www.imdassociation.com

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The In-Mold Decorating Association is honored to announce that its IMDA Awards

Competition, now in its 12th year, was invited to be part of the World Packaging

Organization (WPO). IMDA Awards winners of the current and previous year are eligible

to enter the WPO WorldStar Packaging Awards competition. The WorldStar Awards is

one of the major events of the World Packaging Organization. It is a global competition

that gathers the best packages from all over the world, and is the ultimate recognition one

can receive in the world of packaging. We will be contacting our IMDA Awards winners

from 2017 and 2016 with information about entering the next WorldStar Packaging

Awards.

For more information go to www.worldstar.org .

IMDA AWARDS COMPETITION NOW RECOGNIZED BY THE WORLD PACKAGING ORGANIZATION (WPO)

Volume 11, Issue 2

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“Two Conferences, One Great Event” perfectly describes the second combination of the IMDA Symposium and the SPE Decorating and Assembly Division TopCon, June 19-20, 2017, in Lincolnshire, IL, USA. Registrations exceeded our 2016 event, with more than 180 attendees at concurrent sessions of invited papers and four sessions of concurrent interactive workshops along with a Supplier Trade Fair featuring 36 exhibitors.

Attendees could choose any of the Symposium IML packaging or IMD durable products presentations or the TopCon plastics decorating and assembly papers. Workshops were presented in concurrent sessions so that each attendee could participate in four workshops over two days. The Supplier Trade Fair drew large crowds throughout the entire event.

John King, APIS Group, in his keynote address at the IMDA Awards dinner, offered an interesting premise in “Product Messaging Development Related to IML/IMD.”

The IMDA Awards Dinner program concluded with presentation of the Awards to the winners of the 2017 competition.

Conference Evaluations

Evaluations received for the combined 2017 IMDA Symposium/SPE TopCon showed a highly satisfied group of attendees. High marks were given to the conference location, quality of lectures, slides, handouts and workshops. Ranked in order of importance were networking opportunities, workshops and lectures. That explains why they were especially pleased that the Supplier Trade Fair was open throughout the event. Several respondents expressed a willingness to be a workshop leader or speaker at our next combined event in 2019.

2017 IMDA Symposium/TopCon: Second Combined Event a Big Success

WORKSHOP RECAPS: IMDA offered four concurrent workshop sessions at the 2017 IMDA Symposium. Here are composite recaps of two of those workshops.

Recap of Workshop: Direct Digital Printing on Molded Products vs Screen Printed IML

Workshop Leaders: Mike Ruminski, Serigraph; Craig Smith, Innovative Digital Systems

• Most Important Item: Comparing what can be done with each process that achieves a similar appearance.

• Problems and Concerns: Finding an audience that is more engaged with the two topics discussed.

• Unique Solutions to Problems: Describing how each process is greatly affected by the end customers’ expectations. Learn what is required with four specific questions.

• Unresolved Issues: Where does screen printing advance to? How much further can digital printing go?

• Suggestions: By having two speakers that have a good knowledge base on the specific technologies they are discussing creates a more worthwhile experience for the people attending the workshop.

Continued page 6

SCENES FROM THE 2017 IMDA SYMPOSIUM

Click here to see more scenes

from the IMDA Symposium

Volume 11, Issue 2

Page 6

RECAP of Workshop: IML BEYOND PP

Workshop Leaders: Bob Travis, Inkworks Printing

Overview: Sessions were well attended and had active participation by all members. A consensus of all sessions centered around the on-going confusion surrounding IML & IMD and the gray area of these definitions. The importance of the understanding the differences seemed most important for companies exploring IML/IMD for the first time or for companies seeking help with their specific method of IML/IMD. Discussions also surrounded unique applications for different resins, IML-T and IML-B.

Key Points: The following is a synthesis of the information gathered and defined from all sessions.

• Definition of IML: most common reference for applications of in-mold decoration of containers for packaging. Key characteristics: Polypropylene or HDPE containers, product life-cycle is one-time use (from fill to empty), primary decorating objective informational labeling, containers are thin wall, molding is high cavitation, printing is off-set, rotogravure or flexographic, labels are flat and method of label pinning is static, cost is often on par or lower than alternative decorating options.

Variants from the standard definition:

IML-T: in-mold decoration for thermoforming but other characteristics are similar, label pinning is vacuum.

IML-B: in-mold decoration for blow molding. Other characteristics are similar but label pinning is vacuum.

Definition of IMD: most common reference for applications of in-mold decoration of plastic parts for durable product applications. Key characteristics: ABS or polycarbonate parts, product life-cycle is life of product, primary decorating objective is decoration, products are heavy wall, molding is low cavitation, printing is sub-surface screen printing, labels are usually dimensional (pre-formed inserts) and method of insert pinning is friction, cost is usually more expensive than alternative decorating options.

Variants from the standard definition:

IMD – ink transfer from film process. (Kurz and Nissha). Beyond a common decorating method for shallow draw molded parts of durable ABS or polycarbonate, this method shares little with IMD inserts.

IMD – flat film. (We started referring to this as IML-X). This refers to durable in-mold graphics but they are flat like a traditional IML, statically pinned in-mold and the cost is often on par or lower than alternative decorating methods. But the use is usually low cavitation, durable printing or over-laminated for durability. The printing method might be screen printing, but also, digital and flexographic are used.

• Methods of fusion – how the labels attach to the resin – was also vetted as a potential for distinguishing differences. IMD inserts are subsurface printed with a tie-coat that creates the fusion. IML-I, -T and -B all use an lower melt extrusion coat layer to initiate fusion. IMD – ink transfer is a heat activation coating and IMD – flat film (IML-X) may be surface printed on a fusion film or sub-surface with a tie-coat.

• Trouble Shooting – discussions also surrounded how different in-mold decorating IML or IMD had many common problems, label movement, ink-washout or label blow-out however solving these challenges is deeply dependent on understanding exactly how the IML/IMD is designed, because the common problem is not solved with a common solution for all scenarios.

• Other Items – Nylon was often cited as a plastic that has need for a robust IML/IMD solution. Generally, most PC and ABS IMD use polycarbonate film. Tritan and similar co-polyesters are also being used in the durable product markets and polycarbonate is the film of choice for these applications.

Conclusion – there is still a significant amount of confusion in our industry surrounding the terms that are used to describe the decoration of a plastic part. While the use of the dash –I, -T and –B have helped to add clarity, but in the space described as IMD there is a significant difference between the formed insert, the ink transfer method and the flat film durable in-mold label. Perhaps more work should be done to create nomenclature to help describe this space. The need for this clarity will help to aid new entrants into the market as well as accelerate our conversations within our association.

Recaps of the remaining two workshops, Benefits of Running Full Production IML-T and Part & Label Geometry for IML, will be published in our next issue.

2017 WORKSHOP RECAPS (cont’d)

Volume 11, Issue 2

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR...

Upcoming IML/IMD related events:

September, 2017

• Pack Expo Las Vegas, September 25-27, 2017, Las Vegas, NV, www.packexpolasvegas

• Label Expo Europe, September 29—0ctober 2, 2017, Belguim www.labelexpo-europe.com/

This In-Mold Messenger newsletter reaches

over 1700 people in an ever growing

readership that is focused on in-mold labeling

and in-mold decorating technology and

markets. Take advantage of this opportunity

to place your company message and logo in

front of these industry leaders.

Special, cost effective company promotion is

available by placing an ad in this newsletter.

We offer ads ranging from an entire page to

one-eighth page for one issue or for an entire

year.

Special discounted rate for IMDA corporate

members.

Contact Myra Schultz, Operations Manager,

at myra.schultz@imdassociation.com for ad

rates and to place your advertisement.

PROMOTE YOUR IML/IMD BUSINESS

Put Your Logo and Message Here

More to do… but not without you! I just completed my recap of a workshop I lead at our most recent IMDA Symposium and what became clear to me is the amount of work that still needs to be done. Our industry is growing and the applications are expanding and our needs as an association continue to evolve.

The evolution is occurring because of the new science and technology that is being applied, the changing demands of our customers and the boundless creativity of our members. It is a very exciting time to be involved in our industry and equally challenging time to keep up with all the changes. It was clear from my workshops that even our definitions of IML and IMD may not be adequate to keep pace with everything that is going on.

I was encouraged by the number of people that came up to me during the conference who offered me an idea or suggestion on what else we should do to expand our reach and improve our association. The best ideas came for those who not only offered a suggestion, but also offered their help to implement.

So, let me take you up on your offers. Please get involved in a committee, volunteer to run a workshop or stand in our booth at Pack Expo. You will be amazed with the connections you will make, the value that you will give and the value that you will get. Yes, there’s more to do and we need you to help do it.

Bob Travis IMDA President

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

IMDA welcomes these new corporate members: IMDA welcomes back these former members:

Eimo Technologies, http://www.eimotech.com/ Central Decal, http://www.centraldecal.com/

GOJO Industries, http://www.gojo.com/ Unifoil, http://www.unifoil.com/

SJS Industries, http//www.sjsindia.com/

IMDA members will be there to greet you and discuss questions you may have about in-mold labeling and in-mold decorating. Check our website to view the schedule of our member experts who will be at the booth during the show. (Check often as the schedule is updated daily)

PACK EXPO Las Vegas: YOUR CHANCE TO MEET AND GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY IML and IMD EXPERTS !

Be sure to visit us at the IMDA booth C-1348 to say hello. It is located in the Association Partner Pavilion, in the Las

Vegas Convention Center.

Register for PACK EXPO International by clicking on this LOGO. Be sure and use the Code: 75K35 for your complimentary registration which is on us before September 24, 2017. **The ISPE Conference Program requires separate session fees. Complimentary registration unavailable to non-exhibiting suppliers.

We Look Forward to Meeting You!

On display at our booth will be the winning entries from the 2017 IMDA Awards Competition plus many other interesting in-mold labeled packages (IML) and in-mold decorated durable products (IMD) for you to examine and admire. The winners of the 2017 IMDA Awards Competition will also be displayed in The Showcase of Packaging Innovations®, sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company.

The RSM MX -16” and RSM 20 - 33” are ideal for cost effective production of IML-I and IML-B labels in all shapes & sizes from 40µ and also capable of add-ing perforations and gate holes. Optimized deliveries for short, medium, long runs and our ROBOTIC end of line automation allow speeds of up to 330 fpm.

We also re-sharpen Tungsten Carbide Matched Reciprocating Die Sets.

Rotary Web Converting Tools, Modules and Systems

In-house engineered, designed and manufactured since 1949

Full in-house US after sales service including tool re-sharpening

Volume 11, Issue 2

Page 8

IMDA is an organization of molders, label printers, material suppliers, equipment suppliers and others committed to the development and growth of in-mold decorating products, technologies and markets.

Its mission is to raise the level of awareness and acceptance of in-mold decorated durable products and packaging by OEMs, brand owners and marketers.

IMDA equally represents and supports all of its member companies across the entire in-mold decoration supply chain.

Ron Schultz, Executive Director, In-Mold Decorating Association

4957 Oakton #305, Skokie, IL 60077 USA

Phone: +1 (480) 415-3379

eFax: +1 (480) 237-2738

Email: ron.schultz@imdassociation.com

www.imdassociation.com Serving the IML and IMD value chain through Real Experts, Real Answers, Real Value

The In-Mold Messenger editor— Ron Schultz

IMDA THANKS OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT

Sustaining Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

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BERHALTER’s unique advantages in In-Mold-Label:

• cut films thinner than 40 µ

• prevent static load

• produce perfect smooth label stacks

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• perfect cutting edge quality

• permanent perfect label size

• cut all label geometries.

• cut foil labels with holes, injection nozzle, windows, etc.

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