PETpla.net Insider 07 / 2017

LABELLING PET planet Insider Vol. 18 No. 0/17 www.petpla.net 36 Three questions for Vimal Kedia, MD Manjushree Technopack In-mould labelling in PET by Kay Barton MHT MOLD & HOTRUNNER TECHNOLOGY AG Your Machine - Our Solution Hall 4A, Booth 416 QUALITY MADE IN GERMANY Manjushree Technopack is becoming known for its adoption of in-mould labelling (IML) technology in PET packaging. Mr Vimal Kedia, the company’s Managing Director, about how in-mould labelling can be beneficial to PET packaging. PETplanet: Why is in-mould label- ling a popular choice for thin-walled PET bottles? Vimal Kedia: IML is a fairly new concept for PET but is steadily becoming a popular choice. The chal- lenge is in integration. Market play- ers must ensure that they are able to effectively integrate machine, logo, label and bottle design. PETplanet: How has the in-mould labelling technology shaped the PET packaging industry? Vimal Kedia: The IML in PET industry has revolutionised decoration dynamics and will help premiumisa- tion of client products, especially phar- maceutical products or liquor bottles. We will begin working with various companies to implement this from FY18 Q2 onwards. www.manjushreeindia.com PETplanet: How does in-mould labelling reinforce the PET container? Vimal Kedia: In-mould labelling in PET is a very new subject, although we have been working on this project for the last two to three years. The film used in manufacturing of a label is of a special quality which can be statically charged before fixing it on to the moulds. The labels are then stuck to the surface of the moulds with the help of vacuum pressure to ensure there is no bubble forma- tion. After this, the mould is sealed and the preform is blown in accord- ance with the shape of the mould. Once the mould is sealed, the label is neatly embedded on the surface of the bottle. IML makes the packaging attractive with sharper graphics and photo- realistic images. Vimal Kedia, MD, Manjushree Technopack receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Economic Times Polymers Awards earlier this year