Walk along the chilled or deli counter in any modern food retailer, and you’ll notice that the best-looking products rarely have a label stuck to the side. Instead, the branding appears to be part of the container itself – vivid, seamless, and resistant to the condensation, refrigeration, and handling that would peel or smudge a conventional label.
That’s In Mould Labelling (IML), and it’s increasingly within reach for food producers of all sizes. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is In Mould Labelling (IML)?
In Mould Labelling is a decoration technique in which a pre-printed polypropylene label is placed inside the mould before the container is formed. During the moulding process, the label fuses permanently with the container wall, becoming an integral part of the packaging rather than an add-on applied afterwards.
The result is packaging where the decoration and the container are effectively one material. There is no label to peel, no adhesive to fail in cold or wet conditions, and no gap between the print and the surface – just a clean, high-definition finish that maintains its appearance throughout the product’s shelf life.
Why Are Food Producers Moving to IML?
IML has historically been associated with high-volume production – large runs that justified the upfront investment in tooling and minimum order quantities that only bigger producers could absorb. That’s changed. With IML now available from as little as 10,000 pieces through our Print-Your-PAK branding service, the proposition is accessible to a much wider range of food businesses.
Here’s why producers who make the switch typically don’t go back.
Premium Visual Impact
IML delivers print quality that conventional labels struggle to match. Full wraparound coverage, photographic imagery, and bold, consistent colour are all achievable and because the decoration is fused to the container, it looks intentional and high-end in a way that a label applied after moulding rarely does. On a chilled or ambient shelf, this translates directly into standout.
No Label Failures in Cold or Wet Conditions
Self-adhesive labels are vulnerable. Cold temperatures, condensation, ice, and handling can cause them to peel, bubble, or lift – leaving packaging that looks damaged even when the product inside is perfectly fine. IML eliminates this entirely. The decoration is part of the container, so there is nothing to peel and no adhesive to fail, however demanding the storage or distribution conditions.
Recyclability
Because IML labels are made from the same polypropylene as the container body, there is no need for label removal before recycling. The container and label go through the recycling stream together, making IML a more straightforward option from a sustainability standpoint – in line with our broader commitment to sustainable packaging.
Production Efficiency
Applying labels to containers after moulding adds process steps, labour cost, and potential for variability. IML integrates decoration into the moulding process itself, removing a separate labelling operation and the associated material, labour, and machine costs. For producers running high volumes, this efficiency gain is material.
Brand Consistency
When your branding is part of the moulding process, every container in every run looks the same. There’s no label misalignment, no variation in adhesion quality, and no risk of labels being applied to the wrong container variant. For producers supplying retail accounts where consistency is scrutinised, this matters.
IML at SystemPAK: What’s Available
SystemPAK offers IML as part of our Print Your PAK branding range, applied to our tamper-evident container range. IML can be applied to containers, lids, or both, and is available in both clear and white container variants. Freezer-grade containers are also supported for applications requiring low-temperature performance.
The minimum order for IML at SystemPAK starts from 10,000 pieces – a significant reduction from what has historically been required to access this technology, and a threshold that many smaller food producers can now realistically meet.
How the IML Process Works at SystemPAK
Getting started with IML through SystemPAK is straightforward. You submit your artwork (or work with our in-house design team to create it), we handle pre-press and production, and your containers arrive with the decoration already integrated – ready to fill.
The quote process takes a few key pieces of information: which containers you want to brand, your annual volume, whether you need lids, containers, or both, and whether your products require freezer-grade specification.
To request a quote, complete the IML enquiry form here.
FAQs: IML on Tamper-Evident Containers
What is the minimum order quantity for IML at SystemPAK?
IML is available from as little as 10,000 pieces. Volume tiers run from 10,000–15,000 units up to 30,000+ units, with pricing varying accordingly. If you’re unsure whether your volumes make IML viable, completing the quote form is the easiest way to get a clear answer.
Can IML be applied to lids as well as containers?
Yes. IML can be applied to containers, lids, or both. If you want branding on both elements of the pack, that can be specified as part of your quote request.
Is IML available on freezer-grade containers?
Yes. SystemPAK supports IML on freezer-grade containers for producers whose products are stored or distributed at frozen temperatures.
How does IML compare to printed cardboard sleeves or self-adhesive labels?
Each option suits different situations. Self-adhesive labels are lower minimum order and quicker to turn around, making them good for smaller producers or frequently changing designs. Bespoke cardboard sleeves offer sustainability credentials and a tactile feel. IML delivers the premium visual finish and cold-chain reliability that the other methods can’t match, at higher volumes. SystemPAK offers all three through our Print-Your-PAK range – if you’re unsure which is right for your product, we can talk through the options.
Do I need my own artwork to use IML?
Having print-ready artwork will speed up the process, but it’s not a requirement. SystemPAK has an in-house design team who can work with you to develop or adapt artwork for IML production.
Are IML containers recyclable?
Yes. Because IML labels are made from the same polypropylene as the container, they don’t need to be separated before recycling. The full unit – container and decoration – goes through the same recycling stream. You can read more about sustainable packaging here.
Ready to explore IML for your tamper-evident containers? Complete the quote form and a member of the SystemPAK team will be in touch.
