01.15.10
The In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA) recently announced the winners of its third annual awards competition. Seventeen companies from around the world submitted 47 entries. A three judge panel selected the best in each of six categories, plus three honorable mentions based on creativity in design, engineering and innovation.
Here are the 2009 winners:
Best IMD Durable Product
Dirt Bike Front Fender
Submitted by: Polisport
Molder: Polisport
This front fender provides the look of brushed metal without the weight of metal, and is innovative in the use of a polypropylene substrate over-molded on the front half with the brushed metal-look PP.
Honorable Mention:
IMD Durable Product
CityScape Thermo Cup
Submitted by: Inland Label
Molder: Technimark
Brand Owner: LCR Hallcrest
Inland Label, in collaboration with Technimark and LCR Hallcrest, developed a process in which thermochromic (temperature-activated color changing) inks are successfully used for injection in-mold products. Utilizing Inland's proprietary label construction process, this label is able to withstand the rigors of the molding process, maintains its high durability (200-plus dishwasher cycles), and retain the integrity of the thermochromic inks. In addition, the label construction allows highly reflective metallic inks to be used to enhance the graphic appeal.
Best Injection Molded Part
Dirt Bike Hand Protectors
Submitted by: Polisport
Molder: Polisport
Using two-shot injection molding technology, these in-mold dirt bike hand protectors feature high gloss, decorated polypropylene with a thermoplastic elastomer surround for better hand protection in a crash. The molded components are sharp, clear of flash, and provide good looks as well as safety.
Best Label Design
Coca-Cola Bottle Cup
Submitted by: Smyth Companies
Molder: Technimark
The molder approached Smyth to print an in-mold label for an injection IML application to a molded cup. A clear label stock was utilized to render transparent non-printed areas where the soda product could show through, to mimic a traditional glass Coca-Cola bottle.
Honorable Mention:
Label Design
1-Seal (Maksapasteet)
Submitted by: Arta Plast AB
The Maksapasteet package in-mold label is not only the lid for this package but also provides the sealing mechanism and the tab for opening, while eliminating the need for an inner foil or membrane. Utilizing in-mold labels over the entire package provides superior graphics and sustainability related to the rectangular shape and single source plastic.
Best Part Design
1-Seal KUPA (Arboga)
Submitted by: Arta Plast AB
This upside down package is specifically designed to allow for the bottom of the package to be used as a serving tray for the liver pate. The top container design allows the vacuum seal to be broken while opening the container without damaging the interior meat product. This was accomplished by varying the thickness of the sides, notching the bottom, and utilizing molded ridges for gripping the sides. The patented 1-Seal technology allows for the package to be sealed using the in-mold label on the bottom tray as the sealing mechanism without an extra inner foil or membrane.
Best Product Family
Movie Theme Cups & Buckets
Submitted by: StackTeck
Brand Owner: SriThai Superware
To upgrade the conventional movie theme cups and buckets, Srithai Superware created an in-mold label solution to make all images world class. Not only the images, but the design of the cups and buckets combined with the toppers are the keys to turn these limited souvenirs into the best promotional products in the cinema industry.
Honorable Mention:
Product Family
Campi Margarine Packages
Submitted by: StackTeck
Brand Owner: Acegrasas S.A.
An excellent balance between the technical, the functional and the beautiful has been accomplished with this design. Its form allows for ideal access to the product, easy handling and storage of the package and, finally, post-consumption use of the container in the microwave oven.
Best Thin Wall Packaging
Clorox Dcor Series Disinfecting Wipes
Submitted by: Union Street Brand Packaging
Molder: Nypro
Brand Owner: Clorox Company
The design challenge was to elevate the consumer perception of disinfecting wipes by creating a superior aesthetic combined with excellent dispensing. The full wrap IML comes in a range of patterns designed to complement the home environment. The seamless look is achieved by maintaining a consistent profile from the canister side walls to the cover, and the dispensing lid has an integral living hinge with a secure audible snap closure to lock in wipe moisture.
Here are the 2009 winners:
Dirt Bike Front Fender
Submitted by: Polisport
Molder: Polisport
This front fender provides the look of brushed metal without the weight of metal, and is innovative in the use of a polypropylene substrate over-molded on the front half with the brushed metal-look PP.
IMD Durable Product
CityScape Thermo Cup
Submitted by: Inland Label
Molder: Technimark
Brand Owner: LCR Hallcrest
Inland Label, in collaboration with Technimark and LCR Hallcrest, developed a process in which thermochromic (temperature-activated color changing) inks are successfully used for injection in-mold products. Utilizing Inland's proprietary label construction process, this label is able to withstand the rigors of the molding process, maintains its high durability (200-plus dishwasher cycles), and retain the integrity of the thermochromic inks. In addition, the label construction allows highly reflective metallic inks to be used to enhance the graphic appeal.
Best Injection Molded Part
Dirt Bike Hand Protectors
Submitted by: Polisport
Molder: Polisport
Using two-shot injection molding technology, these in-mold dirt bike hand protectors feature high gloss, decorated polypropylene with a thermoplastic elastomer surround for better hand protection in a crash. The molded components are sharp, clear of flash, and provide good looks as well as safety.
Best Label Design
Coca-Cola Bottle Cup
Submitted by: Smyth Companies
Molder: Technimark
Label Design
1-Seal (Maksapasteet)
Submitted by: Arta Plast AB
The Maksapasteet package in-mold label is not only the lid for this package but also provides the sealing mechanism and the tab for opening, while eliminating the need for an inner foil or membrane. Utilizing in-mold labels over the entire package provides superior graphics and sustainability related to the rectangular shape and single source plastic.
1-Seal KUPA (Arboga)
Submitted by: Arta Plast AB
This upside down package is specifically designed to allow for the bottom of the package to be used as a serving tray for the liver pate. The top container design allows the vacuum seal to be broken while opening the container without damaging the interior meat product. This was accomplished by varying the thickness of the sides, notching the bottom, and utilizing molded ridges for gripping the sides. The patented 1-Seal technology allows for the package to be sealed using the in-mold label on the bottom tray as the sealing mechanism without an extra inner foil or membrane.
Movie Theme Cups & Buckets
Submitted by: StackTeck
Brand Owner: SriThai Superware
To upgrade the conventional movie theme cups and buckets, Srithai Superware created an in-mold label solution to make all images world class. Not only the images, but the design of the cups and buckets combined with the toppers are the keys to turn these limited souvenirs into the best promotional products in the cinema industry.
Product Family
Campi Margarine Packages
Submitted by: StackTeck
Brand Owner: Acegrasas S.A.
An excellent balance between the technical, the functional and the beautiful has been accomplished with this design. Its form allows for ideal access to the product, easy handling and storage of the package and, finally, post-consumption use of the container in the microwave oven.
Best Thin Wall Packaging
Clorox Dcor Series Disinfecting Wipes
Submitted by: Union Street Brand Packaging
Molder: Nypro
Brand Owner: Clorox Company
The design challenge was to elevate the consumer perception of disinfecting wipes by creating a superior aesthetic combined with excellent dispensing. The full wrap IML comes in a range of patterns designed to complement the home environment. The seamless look is achieved by maintaining a consistent profile from the canister side walls to the cover, and the dispensing lid has an integral living hinge with a secure audible snap closure to lock in wipe moisture.