The “In Mould Labelling†(IML) process refers to the process of placing a printed graphic or photo image as a trademark directly into the mold area in a plastic molder during the production of the container, so that the label and the container are fused together. Together, a complete packaging container production process is formed. All these machining operations of the "in-mold label" can be accomplished in only one process. “In-mold labeling†is one of the fastest growing and most effective decorative methods in plastic packaging containers, creating a new situation in the design of plastic container/bottle manufacturers and other commodity packaging manufacturing.
Adhesive labeling refers to the requirement for a better representation of delicate labels, but its cost is more expensive than that of heat-shrinkable film labels. The main application is self-adhesive labels.
The heat shrinkable label refers to the use of heat shrinkable film (mainly PVC film) as the packaging label. The relative adhesive label and direct screen printed label have lower costs, but the heat shrinkable label is easily damaged and the overall image is not good, which is not conducive to environmental protection. .
The screen printing label is used to print the pattern and text on the packaging of the container by screen printing. The overall effect is good, the pattern and the text have texture, but the quality of the direct screen printing is not ideal, it is difficult to reflect the fine pattern and small text , If the color is more, the price of direct screen printing is more expensive.
In fact, the advantage of label printing lies not only in the ever-increasing variety of products, but more importantly, the automation and high speed of labeling can be constantly upgraded.
Source: Greater China Graphic Arts