Smart Molding International 1-2022

molding technologies www.smart-molding.com T here are many ways to design or optimize packaging so that it is more sustainable – for instance, by making it readily recyclable, using less plastic, or making it from alterna - tive materials. That is why the packag - ing experts at Greiner Packaging work continuously to review its product port - folio in order to improve sustainability by making changes or introducing in - novative solutions. The latest highlight is the thermoformed IML cup. T-IML helps to save material In the past, the in-mold labeling (IML) decoration method was only ever used in combination with injection molding production technology. But now, Greiner Packaging has built on its longstanding core competency in thermoforming to offer thermoformed IML cups. The ben - efit of the technique is reducedmaterial usage – less plastic is required for ther - moformed cups, which saves resources while also making the cups lighter. As a result, they are responsible for fewer CO2 emissions during transportation. Both the cup and the IML label are made of PP, making for a monomate - rial solution that is very easy to recycle. Wherever feasible, Greiner Packaging also tries to use recycled material, al - though the use of mechanically recycled material for food applications remains severely limited due to strict approval criteria, with only r-PET currently meet - ing the relevant requirements. Efficient production for sustainable packaging But how does T-IML work exactly? During in-mold labeling, a label is in - serted into the thermoforming mold in which the product is shaped, thereby forming a solid bond with the finished product. With this decoration method, shaping and decoration are performed efficiently in a single process. Having in - vested in a test mold, Greiner Packaging is now able to manufacture T-IML cups. The cups are available with a diameter of 95 millimeters and a capacity of 500 milliliters. Switching from injection molding to thermoforming lowers the cup’s weight in this format from 15 to 11.4 grams – a 25% reduction. Barrier properties for extended shelf life Another advantage of the new pack - aging is that the sheet used in the ther - moforming process can be imbued with barrier properties. This extends the shelf life of the packaged food, in turn helping to prevent food waste. At Greiner Packaging, we are com - mitted to a circular economy and want to take a broad-based approach to making that happen. With our new T-IML cups using less material and be - ing readily recyclable, they encapsulate exactly what we hoped to achieve. – Philipp Maurer, key account manager at Greiner Packaging High-quality appearance In addition, IML is an especially high- quality form of packaging decoration. Matte, rough, glossy, or soft-touch dec - orative effects can be applied, and the printed content is photo quality and therefore visually outstanding. “IML packaging solutions are extremely ef - fective at attracting consumers’ atten - tion at the point of sale. On top of their sustainability attributes, that is natu - rally a real plus,” Maurer adds. Greiner Packaging www.greiner-gpi.com New thermoformed cups with IML decoration are just as attractive as their injection-molded counterparts – but have the edge when it comes to sustainability. Greiner Packaging makes T-IML possible 29 All pictures: Greiner Packaging Light, attractive, monomaterial solution. T-IML cups impress with their many advantages in terms of sustainability and design