Schober and Waldorf partner for in-mold development

Waldorf Technik, a manufacturer of modular in-mold labeling systems, has teamed up with Schober to develop a process called ‘roll-flex IML’, whereby in-mold labels are produced inline in the manufacturing process of injected molded products. The pre-punched labels which were previously required have been replaced by printed reels, and the punching process is undertaken by the IML robots. The companies say the development leads to noticeable cost reductions.

‘The benefits for injection molders and their customers are obvious; they reduce costs and can suddenly purchase the labeling materials everywhere,’ said the companies in a statement. ‘The unit price of the label and the full packaging is therefore significantly reduced and this price move in the right direction opens up additional market potential for the IML process.’

The companies aim to reduce the label material to under 30m with inline punching, which has another positive influence on the costs. In addition, another well-known problem with previous systems can be eliminated: the collection of several labels at a time and errors caused in the IML process (e.g. due to snags in the punching process or the printing surfaces sticking together) can no longer occur when processing from the reel because the labels are not taken from a pile; each label is provided individually.

‘In comparison to the classic subsequent printing of containers and lids, IML packaging receives significantly higher levels of attention from consumers at the point-of-sale,’ said the companies in a statement. ‘There are enough examples where the sales of a product have increased by 20-40 percent due to changing over to IML. Thanks to the new roll-flex IML process, the IML process has become even more affordable and internationally available.’

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