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Each year, the In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA) showcases outstanding achievements within in-mold labeling (IML), in-mold decorating (IMD), and in-mold electronics (IME) through its awards program. The judges consider a number of parameters in choosing the winners, including 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 are also taken into account.

Rewarding innovation and ingenuity is not the only objective of the IMDA Competition, however. Through the program, the association also hopes to raise the level of awareness and acceptance of in-mold decorated durable products and in-mold labeled packaging by OEMs, brand owners, and marketers. This is needed partly because North America continues to lag behind Europe and Asia/Pacific in adoption of the technology. You may find yourself wondering why, as you discover how this year’s award winners used IML, IMD, and IME to accomplish everything from boosting a product’s shelf appeal to preventing counterfeiting.