Recycled PP, lightweighting and thin wall designs featured among the plastics packaging applications recognised in the 2026 In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA) Awards.
The awards recognise applications using in-mould labelling, in-mould decorating and in-mould electronics, with entries judged on design and complexity, integration of the in-mould element, functionality, and innovation in materials and processes.
StackTeck’s 6oz IML Trim Cup received an Honorable Mention in the Sustainable Use of In-Mold Processes, Design Achievement category.
The cup is moulded using 30 per cent PureCycle PureFive rPP, while StackTeck’s Thin Recess Injection Molding technology uses ultra-thin recessed panels to reduce part weight by 20 per cent compared with conventional designs.
Post-consumer recycled resin
MCC Verstraete Ultra Gloss/Matt in-mould labels provide the decoration. StackTeck said the panels have a thickness of 0.01 inches, including the 0.0024 inch thickness of the label.
Jordan Robertson, vice-president of business development and marketing at StackTeck, said the award highlighted the use of food-grade post-consumer recycled resin in an ultra-lightweight cup.
“We were very satisfied with the results using PureCycle material while moulding a part with thin panels having a thickness of only 0.01 inches,” Robertson said. “This allowed us to produce top quality packaging with attractive IML graphics.”
Christian Bruey, director of sustainability and external affairs at PureCycle, said the project demonstrated that recycled content did not have to involve a trade-off in performance.
In-mould labelling
The other application recognised in the sustainable design category was the Mars Galaxy Jewels Package, which won for iPB Printing and was produced by Yes Pac. The package uses in-mould labelling to deliver high-quality graphics, colour intensity and a seamless finish, with its development requiring new production methods, testing and pilot runs.
Thinwall packaging was also recognised in the Technical Achievement category, with Brink Moulds & Automation winning for its K Show 500ml ICM Container.
Developed as a demonstration for the K Show in Düsseldorf in October 2025, the 500ml container showcased injection compression moulding combined with MCC Global IML’s NextCycle in-mould labels.
The label has to remain accurately positioned and conform to the cavity during the moulding process despite the additional material flow created during compression.
Micoan Manufacturing received an Honorable Mention in the same category for IML Thinwall Packaging. The application was recognised for its high length-to-thickness ratio, with the thinwall design requiring precise mould ventilation, injection control and resin flow management.
Brink also won the Technical Achievement category for its 1 litre Ultra Lightweight Pail, produced by Yes Pac with MCC Global IML supplying the labels. The application combines thinwall construction with IML and automated production.
Decoration and functionality
The awards also highlighted ways in-mould decoration can add functionality as well as visual appeal. MCC Global IML’s MultiPail won the Technical Achievement category for innovative use in an in-mould labelled package or container, turning a conventional 5-gallon bucket into a multifunctional product incorporating a paint tray, dustpan edge, pour spout, measurement markings and a nesting system.
Other plastics packaging applications recognised by the judges included MCC Global IML’s Daisy Cottage Cheese container, which uses metallic IML with spot gloss lacquer, and Ren-Flex Packaging’s Montego 1kg and 3kg containers.
Ren-Flex also won the blow moulded packaging category for the McCarthy Toyota Silver Cooler Box, while Ajanta Print Arts received an Honorable Mention for the Gemini Refined Sunflower Oil 15 litre package produced for Cargill India.
Churchill’s Rockstar Cup won the award for Best Use in a Packaging Application of a Prototype Product or In-House Promotion. The cup uses rPP and cold-foil IML, with an invisible variable-data code supporting identification and reuse tracking.
Pura Group’s Sip in Style with Exquisite Cup received an Honorable Mention and was also selected for the 2026 Ronald B. Schultz Judges’ Choice Award.
The 2026 IMDA Awards were revealed on 4 September at the Plastic Product Decorating Summit in Sugar Land, Texas.
