4 awards in 2023 IMDA Awards Competition

September 28, the winners of the IMDA Awards 2023 were revealed at the Plastic Product Decorating Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. MCC’s IML business unit won 3 awards in the categories ‘Best Use of IML/IMD in an innovative application’, ‘Sustainable use of In-Mold Processes’, ‘Best Use of IML – Printing Technique’ and also took home the People’s Choice Award.

Distinguished IML applications

The In-Mold Decoration Association Awards recognize outstanding in-mold labeling (IML), in-mold decorating (IMD) and in-mold electronics (IME) applications in a range of categories, going from Sustainable Use of In-Mold Processes to Best use of IML.

Entries were received from around the world. Each project was judged on 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 considered.

4 awards were issued to MCC’s IML Business Unit, consisting of MCC Verstraete and MCC Korsini. See project details below the picture

The collaboration makes the difference

“Being awarded in a competition dedicated to outstanding performances within in mold labeling, truly is an acknowledgement for our team and the amazing IML projects we get to print for our customers. It also shines a light on the collaboration behind the project.

It’s not just our labels that make these packages award-winners, it’s the insights and expertise of the converters and brand owners we get to collaborate with on a daily basis

Mathieu Nieuwenhuyse, General Manager for the Americas at MCC Verstraete.  

Best Use of IML/IMD in an Innovative Application - WINNER

Apple Fiber Container 

Brand Owner: Ela’s Apples
Molder: TekPak
Label Supplier: MCC Verstraete

Ela’s Apples is an organic, sustainable brand, and it wanted to offer its apples in the most sustainable packaging possible. Apple skins and wood fiber were used to develop a special fiber blend for its containers, and then Molded Fiber Labeling^TM was used for the decoration. These containers are not only mono-material, but also 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable.

Sustainable Use of In-Mold Processes - WINNER

SelfEco Compostable Garden Pots

Brand Owner: SelfEco
Molder: VistaTek
Label Supplier: MCC Verstraete

SelfEco Garden developed a range of plant-based containers made from a material that incorporates organic plant feed, which feeds plants while the container slowly disintegrates when put into the ground. These compostable garden pots are made from PLA, which comes from starchy plants such as corn, and are decorated with bio-based and biodegradable IML labels on a PLA film. The biodegradable IML labels ensure the entire pot and its decorative label are compostable according to US regulation standards. Consumers can either plant the entire pot in the ground and let it break down over a few growing seasons or send it to industrial composting. 

Best Use of IML – Printing Technique - HONORABLE MENTION

Daisy Dips

Brand Owner: Daisy Brand
Molder: Polytainers
Label Supplier: MCC Verstraete

Daisy brand has a dedication to pure ingredients with no preservatives. To maintain its freshness and improve shelf life, the IML labels for Daisy Dips have a light barrier function to protect the product inside from sunlight and UV light. The packaging has a touch of metallic IML to it, adding to a premium feel and creating consumer engagement. Then a spot varnish was used to create a dimensional look for the container. 

People’s Choice Award - WINNER

Daisy Dips

Brand Owner: Daisy Brand
Molder: Polytainers
Label Supplier: MCC Verstraete

PACK EXPO attendees voted the Daisy Dips containers as the winner of the 2023 People’s Choice Award.