The global in-mold labeling (IMC) market is developing rapidly, with an annual growth rate of approximately 8% to 10%. Taking the US market as an example, the usage of label materials increased from 25.8 million square meters in 1984 to 175 million square meters in 2003. In the Chinese market, IMC technology has also begun to be widely used in recent years.
IMC is evolving towards recyclable, pre-labeled containers, which not only improves assembly line speed and reduces product costs but also meets environmental protection requirements. With the development of IMC technology, in-mold injection molding should have good growth potential in the next two years. The development trend of IMC materials includes thinner materials to reduce costs and facilitate recycling; wider use of fully transparent materials to achieve a "label-free" integrated visual effect between the label and the container; and a diversification of material types to meet different application needs and facilitate recycling. New materials include thin, high-gloss white IMC labels and low-density white IMC labels. The application areas of in-mold labeling are expanding from traditional industries such as daily chemicals and lubricants to industries such as food and pharmaceuticals. In-mold labeling is mainly used in agriculture, chemicals, daily chemical products, food, and pharmaceuticals, with specific products including fertilizers, pesticides, lubricants, shower gels, shampoos, soy sauce, ice cream, coffee, juice, tea beverages, yogurt, and packaging for some high-end pharmaceuticals.