09.01.12
The In-Mold Decorating Association, Scottsdale, AZ, USA, has announced the winners of its Sixth Annual Awards Competition.The 2012 IMDA Awards Competition honors the industry’s best in-mold labeled packaging and in-mold decorated durable products. The winning entries were chosen based on creativity in design, engineering and innovation.
The winners of the 2012 IMDA Awards are:
Best Label Design
Gain Liquid Detergent
Submitted by: Multi-Color Corporation
Molder: Plastipak
Brand Owner: Procter & Gamble
Although simple cold foil has been done before, Gain needed to remain loyal to their SKU color identities without breaking the bank for expensive custom-colored foils. By overprinting the foils with a special primer and transparent ink, Gain and MCC were able to create a work of art which remained true to the brand’s identity. Each label was constructed with foil serving as a base substrate and then treating the foil to allow for proper ink adhesion to the slippery metal. The intricate design was then trapped with a unique over-printing varnish to ensure that the label could survive the intense blow-molding process. After application, the bottle itself became a shining beacon on the store shelves that grabs the shopper’s attention while reflecting ambient light to the eye.
Best Product Family
Avengers Movie Theme Cups & Buckets
Submitted by: Srithai Superware
Molder: Srithai Superware
Brand Owner: Srithai Superware
Moving up to the next achievement level in the production of in-mold decorated products, Srithai Superware introduces its new and visually striking metalized labels. These new metallic labels on its Avengers movie theme drink cups and popcorn buckets are a perfect match for the power of all four heroes and are enhanced by the extra-large lid top action figures. In addition to the metalized effect, Srithai Superware has increased the drink cup from 32 oz to 44 oz and the popcorn bucket from 64 oz to 85 oz, enhancing the enjoyment of movie fans and providing more revenue for concessionaires.
Best IMD Durable Product
Caldera Control Panel
Submitted by: Distinctive Plastics
Molder: Distinctive Plastics
Brand Owner: Hot Spring Spas
This second generation control panel is molded using the Kurz reel-to-reel method of in-mold decoration. It combines metallic highlights and flowing geometric shapes with the smooth black-out effects of an iPhone concealing the transparent window. The beautiful look is also highly chemical resistant and scratch resistant. Kurz’s new hard coat is up to six times harder than previously obtainable with other processes.
Best Part Design
Redbox DVD Case
Submitted by: CBW Automation
Molder: Evco Plastics
Brand Owner: Redbox
The injection molded cases that hold the DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, and video games need to hold up well over many uses while promoting the Redbox brand. Originally, during the startup days of Redbox, the cases were pad printed. However, the company experienced a lot of degradation of the inks due to repeated handling of the cases. Working together with injection molder Evco Plastics and automation supplier CBW Automation, Redbox created a new DVD case with superior functionality, appearance and long term durability.
Best Injection Molded Part
Speaker Grill
Submitted by: Craft Originators Inc.
Molder: TASUS Corporation
Brand Owner: Beats by Dre/Chrysler
Craft Originators Inc and TASUS Corporation (subsidiaries of the Tsuchiya Group Companies) came together in manufacturing a speaker grill that is as crisp and precise as the audio itself. Craft provided a solution through development of distortion art for the pre-formed outer ring and inner emblem using high gloss piano black polycarbonate printed in a rich red with a protective top coating for long term durability. The precision formed and trimmed parts were then shipped to TASUS for insert into the speaker grill mold and backshot with Polycarbonate / ABS. The speaker grill assembly is featured in Chrysler 300S Models that include Beats by Dre audio systems.
Injection Molded Part – Honorable Mention
Cell Phone Case
Submitted by: OtterBox Products/Rolco
Molder: Rolco, Inc.
Brand Owner: OtterBox Products, LLC
OtterBox worked with Rolco in the successful development of a flexible phone case made from thermoplastic material. When the brand owner mentioned that they would like the ability to add more color to their product line, Rolco suggested in-mold labeling. OtterBox contacted Serigraph to develop a label with excellent adhesion that would mimic the silky feel of the slipcover. For their first graphic, OtterBox licensed a popular camouflage pattern from Realtree to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts in their home state of Colorado and throughout the world. OtterBox launched two camo designs in 2011 and have successfully opened up the doors to new markets with the ability to customize their products with in-mold labeling.
Injection Molded Part – Honorable Mention
Automobile Door Trim Panel
Submitted by: Eimo Technologies, Inc.
Molder: Eimo Technologies, Inc.
Brand Owner: Chrysler
This Door Trim Panel was produced using Nissha’s Type TR Film and molded at Eimo Technologies in SW Michigan. To produce this eye catching appearance, the chrome / wood look, is printed on a carrier film via gravure printing, then the registered image is transferred from the film d
uring the injection molding process at Eimo.
Best Thin Wall Packaging
2.25 liter Superwall Pail
Submitted by: Polipa Plastic Packaging
The new Polipa 2.25 liter pail introduces what is said to be a breakthrough innovation in thin wall packaging. The the packages’ hidden Pillar wall technology achieves good top load strength and significant raw material savings which helps the environment and saves costs for all with no compromise in performance. This new design was developed in-house for stack mold production. There are more developments under way with a new Superwall series of five and ten liter pails being made available this fall.
FTA’s new strategic planning initiative
Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has announced that it has launched its second Strategic Planning Initiative (SPI). The process is designed to evaluate the association’s product portfolio, business model, capital allocation strategy, member base and future opportunities. A brainstorming meeting will take place during Labelexpo in Chicago and will comprise a group of 30 business leaders, representing all segments of the flexographic industry.
Facilitated by Jerry Scher of Peak Focus, who worked with FTA on its first strategic plan in 2005, the meeting participants will be equipped with the results of research conducted by the FTA Board of Director’s Executive Committee. Findings pertain to what FTA members value most about the association, and include pertinent industry information. Additionally, attendees will be provided a summary of the results from an extensive survey put forward to all FTA members this past summer.
At the meeting, the main opportunities for the organization will be defined and based on research and discovery, assumptions about the future of FTA and the flexo industry will be discussed. Goals and objectives will be developed taking into account FTA’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The ultimate goal of this process will be to produce a written Strategic Plan that will be used to guide the organization over the next several years.
In commenting on the new plan, FTA President Mark Cisternino says: “Our new strategic plan will significantly improve FTA’s performance and enhance value for all members. Analysis, market feedback and lessons learned from the previous strategic plan will help formulate our view, as it gives us an opportunity to look at the areas where the association is doing well and the areas where there is room for improvement.” He adds, “It’s great to have so many industry leaders involved in the process, from the initial brainstorming all the way up to implementation of the results.”
The FTA is headquatered in Ronkonkoma, NY, USANews From TLMI
TLMI (Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute) has announced the recipients of association scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year. TLMI awards scholarships to students on an annual basis within three scholarship categories: the Member Company Employee Scholarship Program, the Four Year College Degree Scholarship Program and the Two Year Degree Scholarship Program.
Member company employee scholarships are awarded to qualified employees to further their studies and strengthen their commitment to the industry. Awards may support coursework toward either an undergraduate or graduate degree. Four year college degree scholarships are awarded to qualified full-time college students who are entering their third or fourth year of study and who are pursuing a degree to prepare for a career in the narrow web industry. Two year college degree scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in a flexographic printing program at a two-year college or a degree-granting technical school.
TLMI scholarships for the 2012-1013 academic year have been awarded to the following member company employees and college students:
TLMI Member Company Employee Scholarship Program:
-Tammy Sue Tlachac – Lakeland College: Belmark, Inc.
Four Year College Degree Program:
-Joshua Keith Boland, Clemson University
-Gregory Daniel DeGross, Western Michigan University
-Angela Sampsell, Pennsylvania College of Technology
-Kate Marie Trenkamp, Ball State University
Two Year College Degree Program:
-Jihyeon Myeong, Augusta Technical College
TLMI publishes PET white paper
TLMI has recently published a new PET Thermoform Recycling White Paper. To address the issues surrounding the recycling protocols of PET thermoformed containers, the association’s Environmental Committee, Recycle Compatible Adhesives Subcommittee and Recycle Friendly Adhesive Formulations and Compounds Task Force have compiled a technical White Paper to inform TLMI members of developments in this area.
Association President Frank Sablone comments, “Retailers and grocers are in the process of setting up systems and protocols that address the recyclability of these containers. One of the current barriers to the thermoform recycling process is that small amounts of label and adhesive components are unable to be removed, thereby contaminating the waste stream. This issue is currently being addressed in the Canadian marketplace and we are seeing retailers and grocers starting to prioritize it in the United States.
“As a member driven association, it’s imperative that we inform our membership of issues as they arise, and the Recycle Friendly Adhesive Formulations and Compounds Task Force has been diligent in keeping the association informed of new developments in this area. Their dedication and hard work remains a true asset to the association, and to our greater membership.”
New logo unveiled
TLMI has unveiled a new logo for the association. As the association moves forward and embraces the opportunities that social media and new digital marketing channels offer, the TLMI Board of Directors considered it a high priority to modernize and refresh the association’s logo design.
Frank Sablone, TLMI president, comments, “For almost 80 years the TLMI logo design has had minimal changes. Having recently introduced a new website, the TLMI Board of Directors believed the timing was opportune to have the association’s logo redesigned. The new logo reflects TLMI’s reverence for the association’s past and the entrepreneurial spirit the organization was founded upon, in addition to embracing the future and the ways we can serve our members and the greater industry through digital media and new education channels.”.
The winners of the 2012 IMDA Awards are:
Best Label Design
Gain Liquid Detergent
Submitted by: Multi-Color Corporation
Molder: Plastipak
Brand Owner: Procter & Gamble
Although simple cold foil has been done before, Gain needed to remain loyal to their SKU color identities without breaking the bank for expensive custom-colored foils. By overprinting the foils with a special primer and transparent ink, Gain and MCC were able to create a work of art which remained true to the brand’s identity. Each label was constructed with foil serving as a base substrate and then treating the foil to allow for proper ink adhesion to the slippery metal. The intricate design was then trapped with a unique over-printing varnish to ensure that the label could survive the intense blow-molding process. After application, the bottle itself became a shining beacon on the store shelves that grabs the shopper’s attention while reflecting ambient light to the eye.
Best Product Family
Avengers Movie Theme Cups & Buckets
Submitted by: Srithai Superware
Molder: Srithai Superware
Brand Owner: Srithai Superware
Moving up to the next achievement level in the production of in-mold decorated products, Srithai Superware introduces its new and visually striking metalized labels. These new metallic labels on its Avengers movie theme drink cups and popcorn buckets are a perfect match for the power of all four heroes and are enhanced by the extra-large lid top action figures. In addition to the metalized effect, Srithai Superware has increased the drink cup from 32 oz to 44 oz and the popcorn bucket from 64 oz to 85 oz, enhancing the enjoyment of movie fans and providing more revenue for concessionaires.
Best IMD Durable Product
Caldera Control Panel
Submitted by: Distinctive Plastics
Molder: Distinctive Plastics
Brand Owner: Hot Spring Spas
This second generation control panel is molded using the Kurz reel-to-reel method of in-mold decoration. It combines metallic highlights and flowing geometric shapes with the smooth black-out effects of an iPhone concealing the transparent window. The beautiful look is also highly chemical resistant and scratch resistant. Kurz’s new hard coat is up to six times harder than previously obtainable with other processes.
Best Part Design
Redbox DVD Case
Submitted by: CBW Automation
Molder: Evco Plastics
Brand Owner: Redbox
The injection molded cases that hold the DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, and video games need to hold up well over many uses while promoting the Redbox brand. Originally, during the startup days of Redbox, the cases were pad printed. However, the company experienced a lot of degradation of the inks due to repeated handling of the cases. Working together with injection molder Evco Plastics and automation supplier CBW Automation, Redbox created a new DVD case with superior functionality, appearance and long term durability.
Best Injection Molded Part
Speaker Grill
Submitted by: Craft Originators Inc.
Molder: TASUS Corporation
Brand Owner: Beats by Dre/Chrysler
Craft Originators Inc and TASUS Corporation (subsidiaries of the Tsuchiya Group Companies) came together in manufacturing a speaker grill that is as crisp and precise as the audio itself. Craft provided a solution through development of distortion art for the pre-formed outer ring and inner emblem using high gloss piano black polycarbonate printed in a rich red with a protective top coating for long term durability. The precision formed and trimmed parts were then shipped to TASUS for insert into the speaker grill mold and backshot with Polycarbonate / ABS. The speaker grill assembly is featured in Chrysler 300S Models that include Beats by Dre audio systems.
Injection Molded Part – Honorable Mention
Cell Phone Case
Submitted by: OtterBox Products/Rolco
Molder: Rolco, Inc.
Brand Owner: OtterBox Products, LLC
OtterBox worked with Rolco in the successful development of a flexible phone case made from thermoplastic material. When the brand owner mentioned that they would like the ability to add more color to their product line, Rolco suggested in-mold labeling. OtterBox contacted Serigraph to develop a label with excellent adhesion that would mimic the silky feel of the slipcover. For their first graphic, OtterBox licensed a popular camouflage pattern from Realtree to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts in their home state of Colorado and throughout the world. OtterBox launched two camo designs in 2011 and have successfully opened up the doors to new markets with the ability to customize their products with in-mold labeling.
Injection Molded Part – Honorable Mention
Automobile Door Trim Panel
Submitted by: Eimo Technologies, Inc.
Molder: Eimo Technologies, Inc.
Brand Owner: Chrysler
This Door Trim Panel was produced using Nissha’s Type TR Film and molded at Eimo Technologies in SW Michigan. To produce this eye catching appearance, the chrome / wood look, is printed on a carrier film via gravure printing, then the registered image is transferred from the film d
uring the injection molding process at Eimo.
Best Thin Wall Packaging
2.25 liter Superwall Pail
Submitted by: Polipa Plastic Packaging
The new Polipa 2.25 liter pail introduces what is said to be a breakthrough innovation in thin wall packaging. The the packages’ hidden Pillar wall technology achieves good top load strength and significant raw material savings which helps the environment and saves costs for all with no compromise in performance. This new design was developed in-house for stack mold production. There are more developments under way with a new Superwall series of five and ten liter pails being made available this fall.
FTA’s new strategic planning initiative
Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has announced that it has launched its second Strategic Planning Initiative (SPI). The process is designed to evaluate the association’s product portfolio, business model, capital allocation strategy, member base and future opportunities. A brainstorming meeting will take place during Labelexpo in Chicago and will comprise a group of 30 business leaders, representing all segments of the flexographic industry.
Facilitated by Jerry Scher of Peak Focus, who worked with FTA on its first strategic plan in 2005, the meeting participants will be equipped with the results of research conducted by the FTA Board of Director’s Executive Committee. Findings pertain to what FTA members value most about the association, and include pertinent industry information. Additionally, attendees will be provided a summary of the results from an extensive survey put forward to all FTA members this past summer.
At the meeting, the main opportunities for the organization will be defined and based on research and discovery, assumptions about the future of FTA and the flexo industry will be discussed. Goals and objectives will be developed taking into account FTA’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The ultimate goal of this process will be to produce a written Strategic Plan that will be used to guide the organization over the next several years.
In commenting on the new plan, FTA President Mark Cisternino says: “Our new strategic plan will significantly improve FTA’s performance and enhance value for all members. Analysis, market feedback and lessons learned from the previous strategic plan will help formulate our view, as it gives us an opportunity to look at the areas where the association is doing well and the areas where there is room for improvement.” He adds, “It’s great to have so many industry leaders involved in the process, from the initial brainstorming all the way up to implementation of the results.”
The FTA is headquatered in Ronkonkoma, NY, USANews From TLMI
TLMI (Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute) has announced the recipients of association scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year. TLMI awards scholarships to students on an annual basis within three scholarship categories: the Member Company Employee Scholarship Program, the Four Year College Degree Scholarship Program and the Two Year Degree Scholarship Program.
Member company employee scholarships are awarded to qualified employees to further their studies and strengthen their commitment to the industry. Awards may support coursework toward either an undergraduate or graduate degree. Four year college degree scholarships are awarded to qualified full-time college students who are entering their third or fourth year of study and who are pursuing a degree to prepare for a career in the narrow web industry. Two year college degree scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in a flexographic printing program at a two-year college or a degree-granting technical school.
TLMI scholarships for the 2012-1013 academic year have been awarded to the following member company employees and college students:
TLMI Member Company Employee Scholarship Program:
-Tammy Sue Tlachac – Lakeland College: Belmark, Inc.
Four Year College Degree Program:
-Joshua Keith Boland, Clemson University
-Gregory Daniel DeGross, Western Michigan University
-Angela Sampsell, Pennsylvania College of Technology
-Kate Marie Trenkamp, Ball State University
Two Year College Degree Program:
-Jihyeon Myeong, Augusta Technical College
TLMI publishes PET white paper
TLMI has recently published a new PET Thermoform Recycling White Paper. To address the issues surrounding the recycling protocols of PET thermoformed containers, the association’s Environmental Committee, Recycle Compatible Adhesives Subcommittee and Recycle Friendly Adhesive Formulations and Compounds Task Force have compiled a technical White Paper to inform TLMI members of developments in this area.
Association President Frank Sablone comments, “Retailers and grocers are in the process of setting up systems and protocols that address the recyclability of these containers. One of the current barriers to the thermoform recycling process is that small amounts of label and adhesive components are unable to be removed, thereby contaminating the waste stream. This issue is currently being addressed in the Canadian marketplace and we are seeing retailers and grocers starting to prioritize it in the United States.
“As a member driven association, it’s imperative that we inform our membership of issues as they arise, and the Recycle Friendly Adhesive Formulations and Compounds Task Force has been diligent in keeping the association informed of new developments in this area. Their dedication and hard work remains a true asset to the association, and to our greater membership.”
New logo unveiled
TLMI has unveiled a new logo for the association. As the association moves forward and embraces the opportunities that social media and new digital marketing channels offer, the TLMI Board of Directors considered it a high priority to modernize and refresh the association’s logo design.
Frank Sablone, TLMI president, comments, “For almost 80 years the TLMI logo design has had minimal changes. Having recently introduced a new website, the TLMI Board of Directors believed the timing was opportune to have the association’s logo redesigned. The new logo reflects TLMI’s reverence for the association’s past and the entrepreneurial spirit the organization was founded upon, in addition to embracing the future and the ways we can serve our members and the greater industry through digital media and new education channels.”.