During the recent “Interpack” fair (www.interpack.com), held in Düsseldorf / Germany from 8-14 May – see Plasteurope.com of 20.05.2014, RPC Bebo Plastik (Bremervörde / Germany; www.rpc-bebo.com) introduced a new decoration process for barrier and non-barrier thermoformed containers, including pots, tubs and trays. By means of in-mould label thermoforming (IML-T), companies can apply pre-printed labels to the container during the thermoforming process itself, RPC said, adding that the technique allows for designs of up to eight different colours.

The process, which the company said enables not just better finish and greater coverage than direct printing, is flexible as far as container shape is concerned as well as in terms of label application. IML-T is capable of handling containers with different weight as well as barrier, non-barrier and bi-colour packs, RPC said, adding that by applying a special lacquer on barrier container labels, the latter can withstand the autoclave process.

Commenting on the process, RPC Bebo Plastik sales manager Robert Steinmeijer said, “The flexibility of the system makes it possible to respond easily to market changes and new pack formats.” IML-T enables the production of five and three-sided labels, banderoles with or without a bottom label, two half banderoles with separate bottom label and bottom only.