Ripu Plastox — Industrial Plastic & Packaging Solutions

Processes / In-Mould Labelling

In-Mould Labelling,
Explained.

Stickers peel. IML doesn't — because the label goes into the mould before the plastic does, and the two become one part. Here's how robotic IML works.

360°
Photographic Wrap
Robotic
Placement
0
Peeling, Ever
1L–20L
IML Buckets
Mono
Material · Recyclable

What is in-mould labelling?

Definition: In-mould labelling (IML) is a decoration process in which a pre-printed polypropylene label is placed inside the mould cavity by a robot before the plastic is injected. The molten plastic fuses with the label, and the part ejects with photographic, full-wrap branding that is physically part of its wall — impossible to peel, scratch off or wash away.

Think of the difference at the shelf: a labelled bucket looks like a container with a sticker on it; an IML bucket looks like the artwork is the bucket. Edge-to-edge photographic print, no label edge, no bubbles, no wrinkle at the curve — and the finish survives paint splashes, site handling and weather.

There's a sustainability bonus most buyers miss: because the label and the container are the same polymer, the part stays mono-material — simpler to recycle than a container with a paper or mixed-film adhesive label, and cleaner for EPR compliance.

How IML works — step by step

01

Label printing

Your artwork is printed on thin polypropylene film — photographic quality, sized to wrap the full container body.

02

Robotic placement

A robot picks each label and positions it inside the open mould with millimetre accuracy, holding it in place with static charge or vacuum. Placement repeats identically, cycle after cycle.

03

Injection

Molten plastic is injected behind the label. Being the same polymer family, the label and the part fuse — chemically, permanently — into a single piece.

04

Cooling & ejection

The part cools and ejects already decorated. There is no second decoration step, no label application line, no application defects.

05

Quality control

Placement, colour and finish are checked against the signed master sample before packing and despatch.

IML vs stickers vs direct print

CriterionIML
DurabilityFused into the wall — waterproof, scratch-proof, tamper-evident
Artwork qualityPhotographic, edge-to-edge, 360° wrap
Process stepsDecoration happens inside the moulding cycle — one step
RecyclabilityMono-material (PP label + PP part) — cleaner for EPR
Best forPaint buckets (1–20 L), food tubs, cosmetic packs, industrial pails

For fine multi-colour graphics on cylindrical parts at very high speed, dry offset printing is the alternative; we run both and will recommend the right method for your product and volume.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between IML and a sticker?
A sticker is glued onto a finished part and can peel, bubble or wash off. An in-mould label is fused into the part during moulding — physically part of the wall, waterproof and tamper-evident.
What products use IML?
Paint buckets, food tubs, ice-cream containers, cosmetic packs and industrial pails. We produce IML paint buckets from 1 L to 20 L with tamper-evident closures.
Is IML recyclable?
Yes — label and container are usually both polypropylene, so the part stays mono-material and easier to recycle than a mixed-material labelled container.
Does IML cost more than labelling?
Setup is an upfront investment, but at volume IML often costs less per unit: decoration happens inside the moulding cycle, so there's no second process, no label application machinery and no application defects.

Related processes

Injection Moulding

The process IML lives inside.

Blow Moulding

IML-compatible hollow containers, 100 ml–50 L.

Dry Offset Printing

The high-speed alternative for round containers.

Turn your container into a billboard.

Send your artwork and container size — we'll confirm the IML programme and quote within 24 hours.

Get a Quote