Tips For In-Mold Labeling

1. TIPS FOR IN-MOLD LABELING Monroe Mold

2. There’s a lot that goes into producing a great label. In-mold labels are no exception. From formulating the layers of the substrates, to cut tolerances and quality standards, there are a variety of factors that have to be considered when designing an in-mold label. While a valuable label provider can speak to all of these, as a brand owner it’s great to have a checklist of your own. So without further ado, here are some in-mold designing tips worth remembering.

3. KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TRYING TO CONVEY Branding plays a major role in what your in-mold label will look like, so it’s important to evaluate all design considerations upfront with your provider. That includes shape of the container.

4. Is it a stock container that your molder already provides? If so, is it round or 5-sided? Or is it a new container shape? In which case, you’ll want to be sure your molder and label provider have communicated that they can create it effectively. Will it have a smooth feel or is it textured? Do you want it clear, glossy or white? What’s the resin being used?

5. COMMUNICATE YOUR CONTAINER TYPE Know the panels, curves and compounds of the container or if any overlapping that may occur. Specifically, anything that will affect how the in-mold label will “lay down” on your container type. Obviously, your container isn’t going to be flat, but the in-mold label will be. To make something flat look good on a container, there is going to have to be an element of wrapping included. This is something the label provider should be able to effectively create but to do so you will need feedback: Having this up front will help capture the design elements you are looking for while still adhering to any container specifications.

6. CONSIDER ANY TECHNICALITIES Even after you have what you consider the perfect in-mold label design, there are a few technical workflows that may affect the set-up. Gate location, for instance, will want to be avoided by any important label information, such as UPC codes, government warnings, etc. This is the area where the molten resin is injected into the mold to form the container shape.

7. Another technicality is the plastic flow. This is how the resin used in the container moves from entry point to form the container. The automation equipment being used to produce the container is also important. Most molders who have experience with thin wall in-mold labels will be able to gauge thickness, label magazines, static pinner location, etc.

8. SHARE ANY END-USE REQUIREMENTS How will the product be filled? What chemicals will it encounter? How will it be displayed – freezer, refrigerator or shelf? Does it require barrier properties? Will it be microwaved? Should it adhere to weatherability testing?

9. Any of the products end-use requirements such as these should be completely transparent as that will play a critical role in determining your in-mold’s composition. This will help keep track of any mold manufacturing regulatory and compliance standards.

10. To find out more about in-mold labeling, mold manufacturing, or blow mold tooling, contact Monroe Mold at (734) 241- 6898. www.monroemold.com