We regularly receive questions from customers who are curious about the printing process of custom printed packaging. We are happy to tell you more about it!

About Pack Store

In our own factory in Oss (The Netherlandcs) we produce 100% recyclable and food-safe tubs and buckets. By producing ourselves, we keep control over the quality of the products and we know exactly which materials are used.

We sell unprinted food packaging via the webshop (available directly from stock!), but it is also possible to buy custom printed food packaging. These will be custom made especially for you! The technique we use for this is called In Mold Labeling (abbreviated IML). Click here to read more about IML.

Product case: ProGo Petfood measuring cup

Recently we made a custom printed measuring cup for ProGo Petfood. In consultation with the customer, we have made a product case in which we show step by step how the printed measuring cup was created.

Step 1. Choice of product and type of label

ProGo Petfood was looking for a handy cup of approx. 500ml with printing. The choice ultimately fell on the SC95-520; This cup has a diameter of 95 mm and is therefore very easy to hold with one hand.

Before ProGo Petfood started the design, we first discussed the different IML labels:

• Orange peel label: this label has a matte structure that can be compared to an orange peel. The background of the label is white;
• Glossy label: this label also has a white underlayer, but with a smooth / glossy finish;
• Transparent label: this label makes it possible to apply a transparent surface to the cup. This is especially interesting for confectionery, ice cream and pet food because you can see what’s in the package through the printing!

ProGo Petfood has opted for a transparent label, whereby part of the label remains unprinted. This way customers can always see how much pet food is in the cup!

Step 2. Label design

The design was made on the basis of a blank template. The label producer then tested the design and the labels were produced after agreement from all parties.

Tip! Use the labels to communicate with your customers! Make the most of the printing surface and think carefully about the design.

Step 3. Planning

As soon as the labels have been ordered, our planners start planning the production of the measuring cup. We produce approximately 450,000,000 cups and lids per year, so you can imagine that – with 50 machines and over 125 different molds – it can quickly become a puzzle! Fortunately, we have more than 50 years of experience and we can rely on our professional planners and production employees! Every day they are extremely motivated to successfully complete the IML orders.

On average, it takes about 6 – 8 weeks to produce an IML order. Because the delivery time depends on several factors, the expected delivery time is always agreed with our customers in advance!

Step 4. Production

After receiving and checking the labels, production can start!

A special robot arm places the IML label in a fixed position in the mould. Subsequently, molten granulate granules (polypropylene) are injected into the mold in a liquid form and then immediately cooled. Because the liquid polypropylene cools down together with the IML label, the two parts together form one whole. The result is a super strong, scratch-resistant, printed measuring cup.

Step 5. Delivery

The printed cups are packed directly from the machine in a food-safe manner. Our employees work in hygienic company clothing with hairnets and gloves. The products are packed in an extra protective layer before they are placed in the cardboard boxes. This ensures that no dust or dirt gets to the cups, so that they can be used immediately!

Interested in printed cups and buckets?

Would you like to order custom printed cups or buckets and are you curious about the possibilities? We are happy to advise you and make a tailor-made offer without any obligation!