Global In-Mold Label Market - Insights
In-mold labels (IML) are used for labeling or decoration of an object, while it is formed in the mold. Integration of decoration process and molding process cuts total production cost, however, increases manufacturing time. In-mold labels are designed to provide flexibility and lower production costs over conventional post-molding labels and decorating technologies. IML uses a variety of colors, special effects, and textures. IML are durable and aesthetically appealing. In-mold labeling and decorating is completed using plastic injection molded process, and the films do not undergo any secondary procedures, thus excluding post-molding labeling, labor cost required for decorating, equipment costs, and time. As the packaging and labeling are prepared using the same material, the package is fully recyclable. Due to the lightweight of films and ability to be stacked tightly, it results in decreased delivery discharges, less wasted space, and a much smaller transportation footprint. IML have lesser risk of break waste and is safer than glass and metals. In-mold labeling is gaining popularity, as it is increasingly used as a front-line marketing and branding tool for consumer goods.
In-mold labels reduce manual operations that include manual hand finishing, polish, finishing according to requirement, and change of the stack mold after completion of every operation. The production of IML films needs substantial investment. The market has the most complex structure and value chain configuration and involves raw material suppliers, printers/converters, mold-makers, molders, suppliers of robotics, as well as knowledgeable end users. This has led to high barriers to entry at all levels. These factors are expected to negatively impact growth of the market over the forecast/
Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market over the forecast period (2018-2025) in the global in-mold market. Asia Pacific in-mold label market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.63% during the forecast period, due to high demand for in-mold labels from end-use industries in the region especially in China and India that account for the highest population, globally. With a population of 1.3 billion, China has surpassed the U.S. as the world’s largest consumer of food and beverages. According to the China-Britain Business Council (CBCC), the food industry in China had overall turnover of US$ 514 Bn in 2014. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the food processing industry in India was valued at US$ 258 Bn in 2015. These factors are expected to propel the growth of the in-mold label market in Asia Pacific.
Figure1. Global In-Mold Label Market Share (%), By Material, 2016
Source: Coherent Market Insights (2018)
Among the material type, polypropylene was the most dominant segment in the market. This was owing to factors such as high resistance to external factors such as water, dust, high temperatures, and sunlight. This makes these films excellent solution for plastic packing for frozen or refrigerated products. They are also scratch resistant, shrink proof, and tear resistant. Apart from this, bottles and containers that are manufactured using these polypropylene films can be recycled, without the need to remove label prior to the recycling process. These are the factors aiding in increasing demand for in-mold labelling. These labels offer excellent adhesion properties thus reducing the need for additional additives. Because of its superior characteristics, high performance, and lower costs as compared to other polymers and resins, polypropylene fibers are largely used in the IML market
Manufacturers are focusing on various organic and inorganic strategies, to strengthen their position in the global in-mold label market. For instance, CCL Industries Inc. acquired Treofan for US$ 255 Mn, in 2018 thus, strengthening their position in the global in mold market. Some of the major players operating in global in-mold label market include Avery Dennison, CCL Industries, Constantia Flexibles, Jindal Films Americas LLC, Coveris, EVCO Plastics, and Inland labels
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