Food is gaining an increasing share of the IML market, driven by the growth of IML-IM in North America, predominantly in food end uses. Household Chemicals and Industrial Chemicals are the mainstays of IML-EB technologies and face stiff competition from pressure-sensitive and heat shrink sleeve label formats. Overall growth has been slower in these segments, given the existing penetration levels of IML-EB and the competition described.­

For the period 2023-2026, the global market for in-mold labels is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 3.3%.

The adaptation of IML has developed differently for each region due to specific region market characteristics and technology, e.g., an adaptation of the IML-IM molding process in regions like Africa & Middle East was curtailed by the requirement for highly developed skills in label conversion and the cost of equipment.

Typical applications for in-mold labeling are in the decoration of rigid and semi-rigid containers – usually but not essentially for FMCG products. This is considered a pre-decorating technique for blow-molded (extrusion and extrusion stretch) bottles as well as for injection-molded and thermoformed containers or other plastic objects.
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