Injection In-Mold Labels Market Size, Share, Growth, Forecast and Outlook (2024-2031)

Global Injection In-Mold Labels Market is segmented By Material (Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), ABS Resins, Others) By Printing Technology (Flexographic Printing, Offset Printing, Others) By Application (Food & Beverages, Chemicals, Home & Personal Care, Consumer Goods, Others) and By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Market Overview

Global Injection In-Mold Labels Market reached US$ 1.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 2.0 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

With a growing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, there is a greater need for eco-friendly packaging solutions such as injection in-mold labels. IMLs produced from recyclable materials with eco-friendly printing options promote sustainability and attract environmentally concerned consumers and businesses. Injection in-mold labels can integrate tamper-evident features like seals, perforations or holographic elements, giving consumers with assurances of product integrity and safety. 

When concerns about tampering with goods and counterfeiting occurs, so does the demand for IMLs with security features in industries including pharmaceuticals and food. The labels assist brand owners in meeting regulatory standards by incorporating essential product information, regulatory symbols and tamper-evident components into packing containers. The Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act was passed in 2004, while the Food and Drugs Act of 1906 was passed in U.S. 

In 2023, North America is expected to be the second-dominant region with about 25% of the global injection in-mold labels market. Consumers in North America exhibit a preference for premium-quality products with attractive packaging. Injection in-mold labels offer superior printing quality, vibrant graphics and customization options, making them an ideal choice for brands seeking to differentiate their products and create a strong visual impact on store shelves. 

Market Scope

For more details on this report - Request for Sample

Market Dynamics

Preference for High-Quality Graphics and Branding

Injection in-mold labels exceed standard labeling processes in terms of printing quality, colorful images and customizable options. The capacity to generate eye-catching designs, logos and branding components increases demand for IMLs from brand owners looking to differentiate their products and capture customer attention. As customer preferences shift towards convenience and branded items, producers seek creative packaging solutions such as IML to improve product presentation and shelf appeal.

Cosmo Films launched extremely tear-resistant synthetic papers, polypropylene films for repositionable and removable label applications, matte coated pressure-sensitive label stock films, transparent in-mold label film, high-speed WAL film and pearlized metalized WAL film in September 2019. Events like these show that the injection in-mold label market will develop during the forecast period. 

Growing Advancements in Technology 

Continuous improvements in printing technology, materials science and production methods improve the quality, efficiency and versatility of injection-molded labels. Manufacturers may now generate IMLs with higher print quality, more customization possibilities and shorter turnaround times because to innovations like digital printing, graphics and automation.

Tadbik announced the launch of the RAIN RFID In-Mold Label in March 2019. The label has a specially designed antenna with an Impinj Monza R6-P chip, making it appropriate for crates, the food and beverage industry and automobile makers. The M-Line robot was released in March 2020 by Muller Printing Technology Colorado, based in Fort Collins, CO. The integrated robotic and automation system considerably improves the versatility and adaptability for the production of injection-molded packaging.

High Investments and Complexity 

Adopting IML technology necessitates a considerable initial investment in specialized equipment, molds and infrastructure. For small and medium-sized organizations (SMEs) or businesses with low financial resources, the initial investment cost acts as a barrier to entering the injection in-mold labels market. Designing and preparing artwork for injection-mold labels can be difficult and time-consuming. 

Achieving ideal registration, color consistency and graphics alignment necessitates specialized knowledge and skill, which presents a problem for brand owners and packaging designers. Injection in-mold labeling could not be appropriate for all container types, geometries or materials. Certain packaging styles or designs may provide hurdles for injection in-mold labels application, restricting the market's applicability and potential growth in specific industries or product categories.

Segment Analysis

The global injection in-mold labels market is segmented based on material, printing technology, application and region.

Rising Asthetic Value of Packging in Food & Beverage Sector 

Food & beverages are expected to be the dominant segment with over 1/4th of the market during the forecast period 2024-2031. Owing to the importance of packaging aesthetics in the food & beverage industry, in-mold labeling is expected to be widely adopted. Packaging prolongs the shelf life of products and attracts potential purchasers. The increased barrier makes in-mold labeling advantageous for the food and beverage industries, improving the shelf life of packaged commodities.

Muller Printing Technology, a manufacturer of molds and automation solutions for thin wall packaging, stated in September 2022 that their in-mold labelling automation technology would be used in sustainable injection molding packaging. The technology is introduced to produce a 100% monomaterial container composed of totally recyclable polypropylene, together with a wrap-around and bottom polypropylene-based label. 

Geographical Penetration

Growing Technology Advancements in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the dominant region in the global injection in-mold labels market covering about 25% of the market. Advances in printing technology, materials science and manufacturing methods improve the efficiency, quality and versatility of injection-mold labels in Asia-Pacific. Digital printing, high-definition graphics and automation all contribute to market growth by allowing for greater customization, cost-effectiveness and shorter production cycles. 

In February 2018, Manjushree Technopack expected an increase in demand for in-mold labels and collaborated with vendors to develop label applicators for efficient label application. Furthermore, LabelShimbun predicts that shrink sleeves and in-mold labels will witness greater label usage in October 2019 than pressure-sensitive labels. Regional enterprises use in-mold labeling technologies, which are projected to boost market growth in the region. 

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include CCL Industries, Inc., Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH, Coveris Holdings S.A., Huhtamaki Group, Cenveo Inc., Hammer Packaging, Fuji Seal International Inc., Avery Dennison Corporation, Innovia Films Ltd. and Inland.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Many manufacturing facilities experienced output delays or temporary shutdowns as a result of government-imposed lockdowns, social distancing measures and labor shortages. The interruptions in production capacity caused delays in order fulfillment, affecting the supply of injection in-mold labels goods to end customers. Changes in consumer behavior during the pandemic, including as increased demand for critical items and movements to internet purchasing, altered the demand for products packed with injection in-mold labels. 

While certain industries had an increase in demand, others, like automotive and non-essential consumer items, saw a decrease, hurting total demand for injection in-mold labels. The epidemic has spurred tendencies toward digitalization and automation in industrial processes, such as injection in-mold labeling. Manufacturers engaged in technologies like digital printing, robotics and remote monitoring to improve productivity, save costs and meet changing market expectations.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact 

Russia and Ukraine are both major producers of raw materials needed in the manufacture of injection in-mold labels, like polymers and resin. Any disruptions in the availability of these raw materials caused by the conflict, such as trade restrictions, transportation bottlenecks or manufacturing halts, could result in shortages and higher pricing for injection in-mold labels manufacturers globally.

The crisis has an impact on companies that rely significantly on injection in-mold labels, including food and beverage, cosmetics, medicines and consumer goods. Disruptions in the supply chain may cause production delays, shortages or increased costs for packaging materials, affecting the availability and pricing of products packaged using injection in-mold labels.

Key Developments

• In 2024, Mold-Tek Packaging Limited made an investment in a Durst RSCi 510mm press with priming and varnishing stations to transform digital printing for in-mold labels.
• In 2023, SABIC teamed up with three in-mold labeling experts to show the use of certified sustainable polypropylene resins in mono-PP thin-wall container packaging without sacrificing quality, processability, safety or convenience. The single-step IML method decorates the part inside the injection mold, making the label an integrated part of the packaging.
• In 2023, Multi-Color Corporation, one of the world's major label producers, is happy to announce the acquisition of Korsini, a leading in-mold label solutions provider based in Turkey.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global injection in-mold labels market segmentation based on material, printing technology, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of injection in-mold labels market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global injection in-mold labels market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 56 figures and 201 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies