T-IML cups

High-quality, lightweight monomaterial packaging solution

Thermoformed cups with IML

Thermoformed cups with IML decoration are just as attractive as their injection-molded counterparts – but have the edge when it comes to sustainability.

There are many ways to design or optimize packaging so that it is more sustainable. Greiner Packaging is committed to regularly examining and adjusting its portfolio of products in order to improve their sustainability. And it has subjected the IML decoration method to the same process. In the past, this was only offered in combination with injection molding – but Greiner Packaging has now developed thermoformed IML cups. These products are visually attractive, use less material, and are easy to recycle.

How does T-IML work?

During in-mold labeling, a label is inserted 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.

The benefits at a glance

Less plastic is required for thermoformed cups than for injection-molded variants, 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 the packaging a monomaterial solution that is very easily recycled. Recycled materials can also be used – a factor that is taken into consideration in accordance with current approval processes.

If requested by the customer, the sheet used in the thermoforming process can be imbued with barrier properties – for example, to protect goods from oxygen, light exposure, or loss of flavor. This extends the shelf life of the packaged food, in turn helping to prevent food waste.

IML is an especially high-quality form of packaging decoration. Matte, rough, glossy, or soft-touch decorative effects can be applied, and the printed content is photo quality. This makes IML packaging extremely effective at attracting consumers’ attention at the point of sale.

Greiner Packaging is a thermoforming specialist. With T-IML, the company is expanding its know-how further still. Its customers benefit from a wide range of thermoformed products and the wealth of experience built up by Greiner Packaging over many years.

First solutions available

Having invested 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.

At Greiner Packaging, we are committed 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 being readily recyclable, they encapsulate exactly what we hoped to achieve.

Philipp Maurer

Key Account Manager von Greiner Packaging