RPC Bebo Plastik is launching an enhanced decoration process, In-Mould Label Thermoforming (IML-T), applies pre-printed labels to a container during the thermoforming process.
According to the plastics packaging company, IML-T offers “unrivalled possibilities” compared to direct printing for barrier and non-barrier thermoformed containers including pots, tubs and trays, and enables high quality intricate designs in up to eight colours to be incorporated to achieve a better level of finish and greater coverage of the container.
The IML-T process is fully flexible both in terms of the type of container to be decorated and the application of the labels, offering extensive decoration options for both fresh and long shelf-life foods.
Labels can be applied to the most complex designs, the company says, from round or rectangular containers, and the same system can handle different containers at different weights, as well as barrier and non-barrier, and bi-colour packs.
A special lacquer can be applied to the labels for barrier containers to enable them to withstand the autoclave process.
“In competitive markets, the intricacies of design and the quality of finish that can be achieved through the IML-T process will enable brands to establish on-shelf appeal and differentiation, something which until now has not been available for high barrier applications,” says RPC Bebo sales manager Robert Steinmeijer.
“The flexibility of the system also makes it possible to respond easily to market changes and new pack formats.”
IML-T label options include five-sided, three sided, banderole with or without bottom label, two half banderoles with separate bottom label and bottom only, allowing manufacturers to tailor the pack design to their precise product and branding requirements.
RPC Bebo Plastik will introduce the IML-T process at its stand (Hall 10, D21) at Interpack Düsseldorf, 8-14 May 2014.
www.rpc-bebo.com
