Recyclable Technology
"In-mold labels are not removed in the recycling process since they are bonded with the wall of the package. They will flow though the recycling process...and be blended with the recycled [resin]. The lack of adhesive is beneficial to recycling since it cannot affect color or other mechanical properties."
At the IMDA, we talk about "Sustainable" and "Recyclable" in two different ways.
Sustainable refers to product reuse, operational efficiencies and energy savings, reduced footprint and more – the environmental impacts of manufacturing production.
Recyclable refers to the ability of a product to be recycled – to be accepted at the MRFs for processing, converted into recycled material and reused in future operations.
In-mold labeling (IML) and in-mold decorating (IMD) are considered more recyclable and sustainable than other labeling methods that occur after the molding process. Why?
The label or decoration is made of the same material type as the product or container, which simplifies sorting during the recycling process and allows the entire object to be ground into recyclate.
No adhesives are used to secure the label to the product or container. Recycling facilities have indicated adhesives can “gum up” the screens in the recycling equipment when the paper label is removed from the plastic container.
IML and IMD are efficient processes, reducing the labor needed with the use of automation and robotics to place the label in the molding process and remove the product or container after the molding process is complete. This allows optimal utilization of employee labor in other areas of the facility.