Premium solution for in-mold labeled cups

An innovative new patent pending in-mold label technology that offers prime graphics and surface quality to provide premium labeled EPS cups and containers was launched in London at the end of March. Combining unsurpassed cup insulation for hot and cold beverages, noodles and soups, ice cream and primary portion packing with photographic quality graphics, the new NOVA Innovene IMAGE technology will enable brand owners to differentiate their cup products from the traditional printed paper cups in the market today, including the possibility of 360 decoration applications.

Working with Autonational B.V., who specialize in thin wall cup production and in-mold labeling production machines – which Nova will market as part of their new patented process – small beads of already expanded polystyrene are injected under pressure into each mold (could be up to 16 at a time) which each contain a quality printed label inserted from a cassette. Steam then fuses the beads and bonds the label to the molded EPS cup. Cassettes can be quickly changed to start labeling a new product line with a new label design.

Initially the process is using polypropylene labels, but other filmic label substrates can be used, while Nova itself is developing a polystyrene label film for use with the EPS cups.  It is anticipated the first EPS converter in Europe to adopt the process, which can be fully automated, will be announced shortly, so enabling them to participate in the food packaging sector. The in-mold labeled expanded polystyrene cups are also more durable than current cup products, and are recyclable.

At the consumer level the IMAGE technology process is claimed to provide improved insulation and hence enhanced handling safety when eating or drinking hot products at optimum temperatures. The cups are more comfortable to hold when hot – better than paper – with the label also adding strength and stiffness. Currently most existing cups on the market are in white only and not considered to have brand quality decoration.

Also launched by NOVA Innovene was DYLARK FG 2500, a high heat copolymer resin for microwavable food packaging applications and ideally suited for producing containers for restaurant takeout, food serviceware and freezer to microwave meals, together with ZYLAR EX 720 resins offering unmatched low-temperature toughness and excellent clarity for applications such as refrigerated or frozen food packaging, fresh fruit and produce containers, salad bowls and lids, cold beverage containers, deli trays and frozen dessert packages.

Nova Innovene, a 50/50 joint venture between Nova Chemicals and INEOS, is headquartered in Fribourg, Switzerland, and has an annual turnover of € 1 billion. They are the European leader in styrenic polymers used as packaging materials, household appliances, cups, bowls and trays, clamshell containers and protective packaging for shipping electronics and other fragile goods and are aiming to double their turnover by 2008. Internet address is http://www.nova-innovene.com/.