IML Labels for North America

The appeal of in-mold labels (IML) is rising in North America with the help of converter IML Labels, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The company was founded in 2006 with the clear goal of delivering to the region quality labels using this niche container decoration technique.

While IML accounts for only two percent of the total volume of label printing worldwide, the average growth rate is between three to five percent. Europe accounts for the biggest portion of the global volume share at 58 percent with North America trailing at 26 percent.

These developments are reflected clearly by the achievements of IML Labels, the only producer of the label type in Canada. The business has experienced double digit growth year on year since its launch. It was one of the first converters in the world to buy a digital press for IML, and in October, the converter will expand production capability with a new facility in Chicago.

Donald Caron, vice president, explains, ‘IML offers brand products an array of benefits. Most importantly is the shelf impact, with the full 360-degree decoration and eye catching graphic quality. Product managers can differentiate on-shelf by using different containers shapes decorated with in-mold labels that can bend around corners and edges. Many of our clients have increased sales by choosing IML.’

The dairy market is where adoption of IML can most vividly be seen for butter, ice cream and yogurt containers. Now, sauces and dips, household products and pet supplies are also making the transition. Just over half of the converter’s sales are for the Canadian market, while the rest of the labels are sold into the US, and this percentage will continue to rise.