IML‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Process Description

In-mould labelling (IML) is an advanced technique that totally integrates the decoration and moulding of a product. Simply, it consists in the insertion of a pre-printed film label into a mould prior to injection or blow moulding a plastic cup. When the plastic is moulded, it also fuses with the label so that the label is no longer simply a sticker but rather it becomes a structural part of the cup.

Besides enhancing the visual appeal of the product, this technology is also capable of delivering superior performance by creating durable and, at the same time, environmentally friendly products that are of higher value.

🎨Key Advantages 

The primary function of In-Mould Labelling is to permanently integrate the decorative label with the cup. As a consequence, it opens up a vast array of possibilities:First-class appearance and luxurious touch: The label is completely fused with the cup body and neither bubbles nor lifting edges occur, the surface is also very nice to the touch. It supports the highest quality full-color printing and can be made even more attractive by special effects like laser engraving and metallisation, which in turn can result in a significantly more impressive final product packaging.

More than resistant, it stays attractive over a very long time: The label is by nature waterproof, oil proof, mould proof, acid and alkali proof, as well as abrasion proof; it does not get peeled off or spoiled during regular use and washing. This is particularly true when used with plastic cups, where it usually lasts much longer than regular printing.Increased contribution to the overall strength, less prone to losing shape: Labels that are trapped within the cup walls provide a major source of strength even under exposure to external forces during transportation and use.Environmentally friendly and easy to recycle: Because the label and the cup body are made of the same material (e.g., PP), there is no need for their separation at the recycling stage; they can both be ground and reprocessed together.

Anti-counterfeiting and security features, increase of consumer trust: The intricate production process and the high cost of investment in the facilities make counterfeiting highly difficult and expensive, which also means a very high level of anti-counterfeiting protection.

More efficient production, resulting in cost reduction and higher productivity: The processes of moulding and labelling can be thought of as one combined step, which makes the whole process less complicated. There is no manual labelling at a later stage either, plus less warehousing and logistics are required, which lead to lower costs overall.

⚙️Working Principle Analysis

In fact, the complete working principle can be illustrated in very simple terms: just before mould closure, a pre-printed label is fixed to the mould inner surface using static electricity or vacuum; next high temperature molten plastic is injected and the hot-melt adhesive layer on the label back is activated, thus the label is tightly bonded with the plastic; once it is chilled and demoulded, the cup with the beautifully decorated surface comes from one single step.

Company Introduction

Lides is a professional brand company that produces and sells disposable tableware. Since its inception in 2018, the company has never left the scene and has achieved the entire chain from R&D and design, production and manufacturing to global sales. Based on 15 years of experience in the disposable tableware industry, Lides is dedicated to offering safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient disposable tableware solutions to the global market. Its products are exported worldwide and have joined the international food and beverage supply chain as a trusted partner.

Brand positioning Established in 2018, Lides is a professional brand engaged in the research and development, production, and sale of disposable tableware. The main team has 15 years of experience in the industry. Motivated by the concept of "safety, environmental protection, and efficiency," Lides is providing one-stop tableware solutions for the global catering and food packaging markets.

Core strengths

R&D capability: with a R&D department of 30 people, we dedicate ourselves to product design, new material applications, and safety compliance.Large-scale production: We are equipped with 30 automated production lines with a daily output of over 50000 units, capable of supporting large orders on a regular basis.Quality certification: We have obtained US FDA certification for the entire product range, which also covers global mainstream market food contact safety standards. Global Services: We export our products to multiple countries worldwide. We provide compliance customization and supply chain support for different regions.

Service Commitment

Pre sales: Our team can analyze requirements, provide tailored solutions, do sample testing, and suggest cost-saving ways so that accurate choices are made.After-sales: 24-hour response, quick handling of customer complaints; Tracking the entire order process to ensure stable delivery; Providing exclusive services to long-term customers in line with market trends.

Mission Vision

The mission "Guards What You Serve" motivates us to use safe and reliable products to protect the quality and pleasure of every meal served, and by doing so, help our catering partners globally to build their brand value.

FAQ

1. To what safety standards do your products adhere?

Our products conform to international standards: FDA (USA), EU 10/2011 (EU) and GB 4806 (China). We can provide you with related certificates and test reports on request.

2. What is Lides as a company? What are the main products that you produce?

Lides is a green brand company dedicated to the research and development, production, and worldwide export of disposable tableware. Its product line consists of environmentally friendly pulp tableware, PLA biodegradable tableware, sugarcane bagasse tableware, bamboo fiber tableware, etc. It is on a mission to "Guard What You Serve" - making sure that every meal you serve is safe, environmentally friendly, and dignified.

3.‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Are the cups internationally environmentally certified? 

Actually, our product now has only FDA certification (Safety of Food Contact ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌Materials).