IML-decorated deo roll-ons on a roll in South Africa
South African brand Oh So Heavenly has seen sales growth since introducing its IML-decorated roll-ons to the market. Not only do the visual appeal and streamlined operations resonate with retailers and consumers, the deo rollers have won both local and an international award. We sat down with Teqal, the producer behind the deo roll-ons, to talk about the success of IML in the personal care market.
Blow-molded IML-decorated deo roll-ons
“The roll-on market is a specialized niche, exactly where Teqal likes to play as a business. We took our injection molding experience and applied it to an injection blow-mold application,” says Sean Kirkham, owner and marketing director at Teqal.
“Our goal was to take the complexity of labeling these small, asymmetric shaped bottles – often with pressure sensitive labels- away from our customer. They now receive the roll-ons decorated, and at a lower total decorating cost.”
IML gaining momentum in the personal care segment
IML offers a way of creating packaging where the label is an integral part of the design, not just an add-on. This means brands can get creative with shapes, colors, textures and effects, making their products stand out on the shelf.
Sean agrees: “I see a lot of opportunity in labels that play with shapes, think dramatic cut-outs or swooshes. The look of the bottle then is actually enhanced by the shape and the way we apply the label. You can’t replicate that with a shrink sleeve or a PSL label – this really unlocks the value of IML.”
At the converter, switching between SKU’s is an easy step. Brands receive pre-decorated IML bottles that run smoothly on filling lines.
IML removes the need for additional labeling equipment and the extra step of putting labels on. Brands can focus on what they do – making the product that goes inside.
Sean Kirkham, owner and marketing director at Teqal
Low scrap and sustainability benefits
IML enables mono-material packaging, which is beneficial for recycling. “On top, we avoid backing paper or adhesives, and have very little scrap during processing,” says Sean. Teqal is also working on using more post-consumer recycled materials to meet brand and regulatory targets.
A rolling success
Oh So Heavenly is an established brand that has been growing over time at a solid, steady pace. But when introducing the IML-decorated roll-ons, they saw an uptake in sales. That’s a fantastic commercial success! The quality of the packaging adds to the quality of the brand.
“It took us some time to develop and stabilize our production but thanks to the longstanding relationship with Oh So Heavenly and our dedicated suppliers, we were able to make this a success.”
