
In collaboration with partners, Sabic has developed an in-mould labelling solution with renewable polymers. The solution is approved for food contact and is suitable for the production of thin-walled mono-PP containers.
Sabic has teamed up with three specialists in the field of in-mould labelling (IML) to develop the Use of certified, renewable polypropylene (PP) resins in high-quality, thin-walled mono-PP container packaging without compromising on quality, processability, safety or comfort. With the single-stage IML technology, a seamless part decoration directly in the injection mould, where the label is an integral part of the packaging itself will. Special label films and high-resolution printing technology result in an attractive and cost-effective decoration solution. In addition to the use of certified, renewable PP resins for both the moulded parts and the label film, the packaging is recycled in the existing recycling streams for rigid PP become.
„The demand for packaging with in-mould labelling is steadily increasing in various market segments, as it offers great opportunities for cost-efficient and highly sustainable solutions. Together with the responsibly sourced and certified renewable polymers from our TRUCIRCLE portfolio, this flexible decoration technology offers huge potential for fully recyclable mono-material packaging, without compromising on shelf visibility and consumer appeal at retail. At the same time, it can help manufacturers and brand owners reduce their environmental impact and CO2-footprint and at the same time prevent valuable used plastic from becoming waste.“
Abdullah Al-Otaibi, General Manager, ETP & Market Solutions at Sabic
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The labelling material for the IML containers is a Biaxially orientated polyethylene film (BOPP), produced by Taghleef, a leading provider of film solutions to customers around the world, using a Sabic-certified renewable resin customised for the BOPP process. BOPP films are widely used for in-mould labelling injection moulding applications in the food, dairy and beverage, household, beauty and personal care packaging sectors. Taghleef offers Transparent, white and metallised PP label films all of which can be produced using polymers with bio-based starting materials.
In addition, they can easily adapted to the specific requirements of gravure or offset printing can be used to achieve the desired tactile texture and visual appearance, from glossy, matt, with an orange peel or velvet feel to a completely label-free look.
„Our BOPP film range for in-mould labelling offers brand owners a wide choice of premium packaging finishes to enhance brand differentiation and shelf visibility while protecting the environment. Combined with the sustainable nature of Sabic's certified renewable polymer made from second-generation raw materials, the exceptional print, die-cut, anti-static and non-stick properties of these films offer maximum value throughout the lifecycle of labelled products, including end-of-life recycling.“
Monica Battistella, Sustainability Manager at Taghleef
As part of this collaboration, the finished BOPP label film will be supplied to Karydakis, a leading specialist in optimised printing techniques, ink formulations and conversion technologies tailored to PP-based in-mould labels. The company's sophisticated process delivers high-quality labels that are pre-printed with designs and branding elements to ensure effortless labelling. Integration with the containers during the entire moulding process.
„With this joint initiative, we are demonstrating the feasibility of bio-based materials in the production of high-quality IML labels. We offer our customers a wide range of attractive printing options for cups, mugs, jars, shakers and buckets in sizes from 50 ml to 50 litres, including additional digital watermarks with material information in line with the European HolyGrail 2.0 initiative for smart automated mechanical recycling.“
Giorgos Karydakis, General Manager at Karydakis IML S.A.
The IML labels cut to size for stacking are then supplied to Kotronis, a medium-sized family business that specialises in injection-moulded containers for food products. There they enable the efficient In-mould labelling of cups and tubs in a seamlessly integrated and fully automated one-step process. This IML solution will be on display at Taghleef's stand 4C35 during Labelexpo in Brussels from 11 to 14 September.
„In-mould labelling offers significant productivity benefits as it creates a permanent, tamper-evident bond with the container directly in the mould, eliminating the need for separately applied adhesive labels on the finished packaging product. In addition, Sabic's renewable container material fulfils all relevant international standards for food contact applications while demonstrating excellent processability on our machines, including high flowability with reduced wall thicknesses. Furthermore, it meets our goals of reducing both CO2-emissions and reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.“
Augustinos Kotronis, General Manager at Kotronis Packaging
Source: Sabic
Sabic at Labelexpo: Stand 4C35
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