The submission period for the 2026 In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA) Awards Competition is now open. The annual competition receives in-mold labeling (IML), in-mold decorating (IMD) and in-mold electronics (IME) entries from around the world, featuring outstanding use of in-mold technologies in applications ranging from consumer packaging and household goods to automotive, appliance, medical and electronics applications.
This year’s winners will be announced at the Plastic Product Decorating Summit, scheduled for September 1-3, 2026, in Sugar Land (Houston), Texas (www.productdecoratingevent.com).
Early bird entries are accepted until June 15, 2026, with the final deadline for submission set for July 1, 2026. Judges assess each product by overall design and complexity; integration of the in-mold element into the part or package; functionality; and innovation in the use of materials and processes. Manufacturing difficulty and complexity of the part, label, design or mold also are considered.
“In-mold processes – IML, IMD and IME – rely on exceptionally skilled team members at all stages of product design and manufacture,” said Dianna Brodine, executive director of the IMDA. “From label printers, molders, OEMs and brand owners to the automation, equipment and consumables suppliers who serve them, the IMDA Awards Competition provides a way to celebrate the accomplishments of those along every step of the in-mold production chain.”
This competition is open to companies involved in any form of in-mold labeled packaging (IML), in-mold decorated durable products (IMD) and in-mold electronics (IME). Companies do not need to be IMDA members to enter. While the focus of this competition is on the best in-mold design and technical achievement, IMDA continues to recognize and value entries related to sustainability and innovation.
The 2026 IMDA Awards Competition is sponsored by the following leaders in in-mold technologies: Innovia, InkWorks Printing, KURZ, MCC Global IML, StackTeck, Sussex IM, WayPoint Marketing Communications, Wipfli and YUPO.
Complete IMDA Awards Competition information and entry form are available at www.imdassociation.com/imda-awards. For more information, contact Dianna Brodine, IMDA executive director, at 785.215.8635 or email dianna@imdassociation.com.
The In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA) is an organization that includes molders, printers, material suppliers and equipment manufacturers that are committed to the development and growth of in-mold decorated products, technologies and markets. IMDA raises the level of awareness and acceptance of in-mold decorated durable products and in-mold labeled packaging by OEMs, brand owners and marketers, integrating the interests of the entire IML and IMD supply chain through its promotional and educational programs. For more information, visit www.imdassociation.com.