about IMDA
My company is a member of IMDA because it provides direct access to IML/IMD experts in the industry. It offers fantastic networking, opening up potential opportunities with new customers.
— Jim Naatz, Sussex IM
Real Experts. Real Answers. Real Value.
The In-Mold Decorating Association is an organization that includes molders, printers, material suppliers and equipment manufacturers who are committed to the development and growth of in-mold decorated products, technologies and markets.
IMDA enhances and supports your business by raising the level of awareness and acceptance of in-mold decorated durable products and in-mold labeled packaging by OEMs, brand owners and marketers. IMDA serves your business by integrating the interests of the entire IML and IMD supply chain through its promotional and educational programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
what companies are members of imda?
Molders. Brand Owners. Label Printers. Ink and Film Suppliers. Converters. Equipment Manufacturers. ALL Companies Involved with IML, IMD and IME.
Companies involved in in-mold processes – whether designing for them, using the technology and supplying equipment and consumables to those who do – all belong to the In-Mold Decorating Association. See our Member Directory to find production partners and industry suppliers.
WHY DOES A TRADE ASSOCIATION LIKE IMDA EXIST?
Manufacturers of plastic products long accustomed to pressure-sensitive or other forms of post-mold decoration are either unaware of the benefits of IML/IMD or consider it to be too complicated or too expensive. One of the primary goals of IMDA is to help OEMs and marketers understand that in-mold decoration produces a better product at lower costs.
WHAT VALUE DOES IMDA PROVIDE TO THE INDUSTRY?
In-mold labeling and decorating is a multi-discipline industry that includes substrate, resin and ink suppliers; printers and converters; injection and blow molders; molding machine, mold and robotics manufacturers; and many others who make up the unique IML/IMD value chain. IMDA is a broadly focused organization made up of people and companies who understand the cooperative efforts needed to make all these disciplines work together for successful IML/IMD projects.
WHAT VALUE DOES IMDA PROVIDE TO MY COMPANY?
From discounts that impact the bottom line to knowledge sharing and industry resources, the IMDA is committed to providing direct benefits to each and every member – whether brand owners, label printers, tool builders, molders, industry suppliers or academic institutions.
WHY SHOULD I JOIN?
IMDA brings together the entire IML/IMD/IME supply and value chain in a single organization. Working together strengthens the industry while also increasing your company’s ability to find resources, increase technical knowledge and gain exposure to new business opportunities. In addition, the association provides tangible benefits that can save your company money and improve operations.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE IMDA?
In 2005, the In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA) was incorporated in Arizona, where Ron and Myra Schultz were living at the time. Schultz is a chemist with a long history in the in-mold labeling industry and, as the decorating technology gained popularity among brand owners and converters, he answered a growing call for a formal organization. One of organization’s first steps was establishing an awards competition in 2007, and the first IMDA Symposium followed in 2013 in Lowell, Massachusetts, with the University of Massachusetts plastics group. In December of 2020, Ron Schultz retired as executive director of the association. The IMDA Board of Directors appointed a new management team, led by Jeff Peterson and Dianna Brodine.