2018 Winners

 

The In-Mold Decorating Association is a trade association representing molders, label printers, material suppliers, equipment suppliers and others committed to the development and growth of in-mold labeling and decorating products, technologies and markets. Its mission is to raise the level of awareness and acceptance of in-mold decorated durable products and in-mold labeled packaging by OEMs, brand owners and marketers. IMDA represents and supports all of its member companies across the entire in-mold labeling and decorating supply chain.

                  The IMDA Proudly Presents the Winners of the 2018 IMDA Awards.
 

 

 

 Best Injection Molded (IML) Package, 
     Gold Award 
     Naturcrem

          Submitted By: Verstraete In-Mold Labels
          Brand Owner: Dulcesol Group
          Molder: ITC Packaging
          Label Supplier: Verstraete In-Mold Labels

Spanish food producer Dulcesol approached injection molder ITC Packaging and label producer Verstraete IML with the request to provide an innovative solution to its single-serving soups. 
The new Naturcrem creamy soups are completely organic; there are absolutely no preservatives. The result is an attractive package with an IML oxygen-barrier label from Verstraete, which extends the products’ shelf life without requiring refrigeration. Verstraete IML utilized a combination of specific inks, a special lacquer, and a special pasteurization-resistant oxygen barrier film to create this innovative package. As a result, the labels on the IML package maintain their quality and look, even after pasteurization.

 

 Best Injection Molded (IML) Package, 
     Silver Award 
     Similac® Infant Formula Package

          Submitted By: Abbott 
          Brand Owner: Abbott
          Molder: Grupo Phoenix
          Label Supplier: Verstraete In-Mold Labels

 Abbott introduces a newly designed Similac infant formula container with compelling shelf presence. This new packaging features a large metallic label, color coded for each SKU; a practical size for portability; and an easy-grip feature for ease of use. The packaging is aesthetically pleasing with generous organic curves and contours, and a harmoniously flowing label through the grip feature. It is perfectly paired with vibrant colored domed-shaped hinged lid, and an overall package designed for easy cleaning and proper storage.

 

Best Injection Molded Durable (IMD) Part, 
     Gold Award
    Heated Headlamp Lens

          Submitted By: Advanced Decorative Systems (ADS)
          Brand Owner: ADS
          Molder: ADS
          Label Supplier: ADS

 Global IMD supplier, ADS, and its customer, JW Speaker, have created a unique and innovative product which marks one of the first production applications of IME – In-Mold Electronics, or ‘plastronics’ as it is sometimes called.  Working together, the companies have developed a solution to the problem of LED-based vehicle headlights not generating enough heat to defrost themselves in Winter driving conditions.  This robust and demanding application features a layer of polycarbonate film onto which a conductive heating element has been printed prior to in-molding into the headlamp lens.  The technology is pushed even further with the inclusion of the electronic components, which control the heating cycle of the lamp and feature a specially-designed connector system, to access these embedded electronics.  IME is widely regarded as the logical next step in the development of in-mold technology and ADS finds itself at the leading edge of this development with this award- winning application.

 

 

   Best Injection Molded Durable (IMD) Part, 
       Silver Award
       Garnish, Instrument Finish Panel

          Submitted By: Eimo Technologies
          Brand Owner: Toyota
          Molder: Eimo Technologies
          Label Supplier: Nissha and DNP

 These automotive IMD parts are produced by a unique hybrid process called Simulforming where the decorative film is vacuum formed into the injection mold cavity prior to injection.   This unique process allows for deep draw shapes and contours common in automotive interiors in a most cost-effective way by eliminating the pre-forming process.   We added a registration feature for this project so the gradation pattern fades from wood to black in the same pattern every time.  Eimo developed a state of the art 6 axis robot cell utilizing an ultra-sonic knife for post mold trimming.

 

Best Blow Molded Package, 
       Gold Award
       Kunlun Tianrun Lubricating Oil K86

          Submitted By: Beijing Yazhengyuan Colorful Printing Co.
          Brand Owner: Kunlun
          Molder: BoYu Precise Mould Making Co.
          Label Supplier: Beijing Yazhengyuan Colorful Printing Co.

 Outstanding label design and interaction with consumers provides the brand owner a new way of marketing. Anti-counterfeiting features, including Microtext and UV imaging, built into the label help the brand owner protect the brand image and reduces loss caused by counterfeit products. A QR code printed on the label provides the brand owner a means of communicating with consumers.

 

 Best Label Design, 
     Gold Award
    Beger Shield 5 Star IML Pail

          Submitted By: Srithai Superware Plc
          Brand Owner: Beger Co., Ltd
          Molder: Srithai Superware Plc
          Label Supplier: Korsini-SAF

 This award winning Best Label Design is Beger Shield 5 Star, a premium selection of paint from Beger. Molder Srithai Superware Plc made this innovative packaging happen together with metallized film in-mold labels from Korsini-Saf, for the first time in the Asia Pacific market. Creativity in design and a label printed in a special “full UV” represents an exclusive, premium quality product. The metallized film labels on our premium plastic pails made on our standard Beck automation system contributes to sustainability by decreasing the use of metal cans. Sustainability is further emphasized by a “one-step” IML process which reduces labor, machinery and electricity.

 

 

 Best Label Design
     Silver Award
     Magnum Pints

          Submitted By: Verstraete In-Mold Labels
          Brand Owner: Unilever
          Molder: MikoPac
          Label Supplier: Verstraete In Mold Labels

 Magnum Pints, the brand new smash hit of a dessert with IML packaging, has been available since spring 2017 on ice cream shelves in a large part of Europe. IML label producer Verstraete IML and plastic packaging producer Miko Pac were asked by brandowner Unilever to translate the design ideas for Magnum Pints into a packaging solution. The packaging is innovative and unique, as Magnum Pints are “Carefully made to be broken”^TM. The IML label, produced by Verstraete IML, plays a crucial role in the unique cracking experience of the consumer. The combination of Metallic IML, UltraGloss IML and Matt IML makes this packaging a real eye-catcher in the freezer!

 

 

  Best Part Design, 
     Gold Award
    Froneri Ice Cream

          Submitted By: Verstraete In-Mold Labels
          Brand Owner: Froneri
          Molder: Plasticos Regina
          Label Supplier: Verstraete In-Mold Labels

 Nestlé Brasil Ice Cream launched a series of 140 ml mono packs with a peelable IML lid including a spoon-in-the-lid. This packaging solution was specially designed for the on-the-go consumer. Plastic packaging producer Plasticos Regina, ice cream producer Froneri and IML label producer Verstraete IML were responsible for the development and production of the unique IML lid. The IML spoon-in-lid packaging eliminates two steps in the regular production process: the label does not need to be adhered afterwards since it is integrated into the lid and the spoon is an integral part of the lid.
The ice cream cup shows increased production efficiency, a commitment to responsibility, and a clever use of materials thanks to the IML spoon-in-lid.

 

Best Part Design, 
     Silver Award
    Lively Wearable Jewel Top

          Submitted By: Distinctive Plastics, Inc.
          Brand Owner: Greatcall
          Molder: Distinctive Plastics, Inc.
          Label Supplier: Canyon Graphics
          Design Studio: Mindflow Design

This part functions as the front face of a unique wearable medical alert by GreatCall, Inc., designed for the active aging community to feel safer on their own. One push of the button initiates a call on the user’s  smartphone to an IAED Certified Agent who will confirm their location, evaluate the situation, and get the help they need 24/7. This 2-Shot / IMD part is a unique design incorporating an in-mold embossed button, TPE over-molded on the back side for a soft feeling yet very positive actuation and dead-front printed LED signal lights. This design delivers a finished part within one cycle of the mold with no need for assembly of a die-cut rubberized disc to actuate the switch like in most embossed IMD button applications or add light pipes for the LEDs saving assembly time and sourcing efforts.

 

 

 Best Product Family, 
     Gold Award
    410 Plus Family

          Submitted By: Berry Global
          Brand Owner: KraftHeinz
          Molders: Berry Global
          Label Supplier:Verstraete In-Molds Labels

 Berry Global developed the 410 Plus family to address consumers' desire for fresh foods.  It is the first family of its kind in North America to have a barrier in-mold label on a clear container.  The barrier in-mold label helps to keep foods fresher longer. Available in four sizes, including 8 oz, 12 oz,16 oz, and 20 oz, the 410 Plus family is ideal for fresh foods like soups, sauces, and dips. The shape is differentiated on the shelf and is excellent for microwave use.

 

 

 Best Product Family, 
     Silver Award
    Beger Shield 5 Star IML Pail

          Submitted By: Srithai Superware Plc
          Brand Owner: Beger Co., Ltd.
         Molder: Srithai Superware Plc
         Label Supplier: Korsini-SAF

The many package designs within the Beger Shield 5 Star paint family represent product features suitable for a variety of applications. This is the first commercial use of metallized labels in the Asia-Pacific region by the Beger brand in Thailand. As this is a premium selection of paint, brand owner Beger implies added value by choosing rigid packaging from molder Srithai Superware Plc together with metallized film labels from Korsini-Saf to develop these IML plastic pails with their shiny titanium look for this premium products line. The striking visual appearance helps the products easily communicate each paint feature to customers and give an outstanding look to the whole product family when put on store shelves.

 

 

 Best of Show
   Heated Headlamp Lens

          Submitted By: Advanced Decorative Systems (ADS)
          Brand Owner: ADS
         Molder: ADS
         Label Supplier: ADS

 Our judges were very intrigued by this entry and voted unanimously to name it “Best of Show.” A lot of R&D went into commercializing this leading-edge product. Innovative and sophisticated, the headlamp reflects a merging of IMD and printed electronics. We believe it will open the door to ever-expanding adoption of IME. 

 Congratulations to all the Winners of the 2018 IMDA Awards Competition!