Global In-Mould Labels (IML) Market Research Report 2023-Competitive Analysis, Status and Outlook by Type, Downstream Industry, and Geography, Forecast to 2029

Global In-Mould Labels (IML) Market Research Report 2023-Competitive Analysis, Status and Outlook by Type, Downstream Industry, and Geography, Forecast to 2029

In-mold labeling (IML) describes a fully automated process in which pre-printed IML film labels are placed in a mold before containers are created. Labels are seamlessly integrated with thermoplastics during molding, which combines the production and labeling processes, eliminating the need for labeling after molding. After curing, the container and label become a single waterproof and scratch-proof part. This method is more effective than other labeling methods, reduces waste, and makes the product durable and easy to recycle.

Market Overview:

The latest research study on the global In-Mould Labels (IML) market finds that the global In-Mould Labels (IML) market reached a value of USD 3006.12 million in 2022. It’s expected that the market will achieve USD 3697.43 million by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.51% during the forecast period.

The production and sales of In-Mould Labels (IML) are affected

In order to curb the COVID-19 epidemic, most countries have introduced many policies, including border blockade and social distancing. The epidemic prevention and control measures will affect the flow of people and activities, and in turn affect logistics, making the production of manufacturing, especially labor-intensive industries, affected by the supply of raw materials and labor shortages.
For the In-Mould Labels (IML) industry, the blockade policy will affect the supply of raw materials and export trade of products. The social distancing policy may have a great impact on the production of products, especially for some small factories, they will spend more money to maintain production during the epidemic, and factories may face the risk of closure in some areas.
But in the long term, the COVID-19 outbreak may cause more factories to start using more automated production lines to avoid the pandemic's impact on the industry. In addition, the application of IoT technology may also bring more opportunities for industry participants.

Compared with other methods, In-Mould Labels (IML) has certain advantages

Packaging and labeling are important tools for marketing and brand awareness. In-mold labeling and packaging is a simplified process, which can easily create vivid and lasting product labels, which will definitely attract attention on the shelves. With eye-catching graphics, it is an excellent choice for food, personal care, home and industrial products, which need maximum durability to ensure safety. IML provides higher durability, longer lasting appearance and better appearance. The IML tag basically melts onto the carrier and becomes a whole. Compared with other methods, In-Mould Labels (IML) has certain advantages and will promote the growth of In-Mould Labels (IML) demand.

Threats of alternatives

There are two thermal printing methods: direct thermal printing and thermal transfer printing. Each method uses a thermal print head to heat the surface to be marked. Direct thermal printing uses chemically treated thermal media, which turns black when it passes under the thermal print head, while thermal transfer printing uses heated ribbons to produce durable and lasting images on various materials.
Overall, thermal label printers are ideal for bar code printing because they can produce accurate and high-quality images with excellent edge definition. Thermal printers are designed to print within strict tolerances, and can produce accurate bar widths for successful bar code printing and scanning. Each technology can generate one-dimensional and two-dimensional bar code symbols, graphics and text at the same printing resolution and speed. Other label printing technologies also have certain characteristics. Therefore, some consumers will choose other alternatives and challenge the In-Mould Labels (IML) industry.

Region Overview:

In global comparison, a significant portion of the revenue was generated in Europe (57.3% in 2021).

Company Overview:

CCL is one of the major players operating in the In-Mould Labels (IML) market, holding a share of 8.3% in 2022.

CCL

CCL Industries Inc. employs more than 21,000 people operating over 180 production facilities in 40 countries with corporate offices in Toronto, Canada, and Framingham, Massachusetts. CCL is the world’s largest converter of pressure sensitive and specialty extruded film materials for a wide range of decorative, instructional, functional and security applications for government institutions and large global customers in the consumer packaging, healthcare & chemicals, consumer electronic device and automotive markets.

Fort Dearborn Company

Fort Dearborn Company is a leading supplier of high-impact decorative labels for the beverage, food, household products, nutraceutical, paint and coatings, personal care, private label/retail and spirits markets. Fort Dearborn Company specialize in a variety of solutions to fit packaging needs. Headquartered in Elk Grove, Illinois, the company has 14 operating divisions in North America.

Segmentation Overview:

As for product types, the Injection Molding segment held the largest market share in 2021.

Injection Molding

Injection molding is the most common form of molding thermoplastics or thermosetting polymers. In this process, the manufacturer injects heated and liquefied plastic or polymer into the mold. The mold usually has a small hole or opening through which the injection takes place. After the injection is finished, let the mold cool where the plastic is formed. This is the manufacturing method of many plastic containers. Butter or ice cream tubs is a very common example of products using injection molding and in-mold labeling.

Extrusion- Blow Molding

Blow molding is used for hollow plastic parts. This is a process in which a manufacturer stretches or squeezes a heated plastic block to take the shape of a mold. In blow molding, extruded plastic is first put into a hollow tube. The hollow tube is captured in the mold, and air is blown into the hollow tube to capture the shape of the mold. The inner wall of the mold contains polypropylene sheets printed with labels. As the plastic cools, the label is injected into the mold.

Thermoforming

Thermoforming is slightly different than the previous two processes. Manufacturers use heated plastic sheets in the production process. They used a molding tool to make the plastic sheet have the shape of a container. Here, in the forming process, the pre-printed label is accompanied by the plastic sheet. The heated sheet is stamped on the mold, and at this stage, the printed label and the plastic sheet are bonded together.

Application Overview:

The market's largest segment by application is the segment Food & Beverages, with a market share of 60.74% in 2021.

Key Companies in the global In-Mould Labels (IML) market covered in Chapter 3:

Multi-Color Corporation
General Press Corporation
Huhtamaki Oyj
CCL Industries
Inland Packaging
Rosti Group
IPB Printing
Fort Dearborn Company
Coveris
W.AG Funktion + Design
Creaprint
Smyth Companies

In Chapter 4 and Chapter 14.2, on the basis of types, the In-Mould Labels (IML) market from 2018 to 2029 is primarily split into:

Injection Molding
Extrusion- Blow Molding
Thermoforming

In Chapter 5 and Chapter 14.3, on the basis of Downstream Industry, the In-Mould Labels (IML) market from 2018 to 2029 covers:

Food & Beverages
Chemicals
Health & Personal Care
Fabric & Home Care
Others

Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate, historic and forecast (2018-2029) of the following regions are covered in Chapter 8 to Chapter 14:

North America (United States, Canada)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland, Sweden)
Asia Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia)
Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina)
Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, South Africa)