SABIC, a global chemical industry leader, has teamed up with specialists in in-mold labelling (IML) to introduce a groundbreaking solution for food packaging containers. This innovation utilizes certified renewable polypropylene (PP) resins to create high-quality mono-PP thin-wall packaging, all while maintaining quality, processability, safety, and convenience.
The IML technology employed here accomplishes seamless part decoration directly in the injection mold, making the label an integral component of the packaging. This process involves dedicated label film types and high-definition printing technology, resulting in an attractive and cost-effective decorative solution. The resulting packaging, made from certified renewable PP resins, is recyclable within existing rigid PP recycling systems.
Abdullah Al-Otaibi, General Manager of ETP & Market Solutions at SABIC, emphasized the importance of this technology, stating, “Together with the responsibly sourced and certified renewable polymers from our TRUCIRCLE™ portfolio, this flexible decoration technology has enormous potential in fully recyclable mono-material packaging with no compromise on shelf visibility and consumer appeal in the retail space.”
The label material for these IML containers is a biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPP) film produced by Taghleef, a global film solutions supplier, using SABIC’s certified renewable resin tailored to the BOPP process. Taghleef offers various PP label films, all customizable to meet specific printing needs.
Monica Battistella, Sustainability Manager at Taghleef, emphasized the environmental benefits of this technology, stating, “In combination with the sustainable nature of SABIC’s mass balance certified renewable polymer from second-generation feedstock, the exceptional printability, die-cutting, anti-static and non-stick properties of these films deliver maximum value throughout the entire life cycle of the labelled products, including end-of-life recycling.”
As part of this collaboration, Karydakis, a specialist in optimized printing techniques for PP-based in-mold labels, supplies the final BOPP label film. Giorgos Karydakis, General Manager at Karydakis IML S.A., highlighted the versatility of the printing options available, from cups to jars, and their compatibility with smart recycling initiatives.
Augustinos Kotronis, General Manager at Kotronis Packaging, noted that in-mold labelling offers productivity benefits and complies with food-contact standards while contributing to reducing CO2 emissions and fossil consumption.
Kotronis, a family business specializing in injection-molded food containers, completes the process by efficiently applying the IML labels, creating a seamless and automated solution.