IML Rigid Packaging offers those containers that are tough, durable, and very attractive. And, these containers in the food packaging industry include Tin cans, Plastic Boxes, Glass Containers, Cardboard Boxes, Spray Cans, Self-Locking Cartons, Jars, Yogurt Cup, and various types of plastic packs. Blending the sterilization process with the in-mold labeling process will help in enhancing the shelf-life of the perishable products.
Some basic features of Rigid Packaging include:
- The raw material used is Plastic, Glass, Metal, and Paper.
- IML rigid packaging offers excellent protection to the contents without any spilling or damage.
- IML process offers an excellent output of rigid packaging containers.
- The main advantage of rigid packaging, blended with IML is the extended shelf life of the product. This allows important messages to be imprinted on the labels that are integrated with the container.
These rigid packaging containers experience a very high level of abuse during its journey from the manufacturing unit to its final destination – shelf. It is an implied expectation from these IML rigid plastic food packaging containers to assure the freshness of its perishable contents for a longer time. There is a heavy demand for these rigid containers from the dairy food packaging industry due to its sturdiness and increased shelf life.
In the manufacturing process of IML Rigid Packaging Plastic Containers, the sterilization process is given utmost importance. Currently, despite the technological advancement, more preference is given to various types of physical methods for sterilization of packaged food.
UV Irradiation (UV): In this treatment of sterilization short-wavelength ultraviolet light is used to deactivate microorganisms. This disinfects the entire IML container.
High-Temperature Disinfection (HLD): To attain the desired high temperature, the pressure is applied to sterilize the IML containers. The required steam temperature ranges from 2500F (1210C) – 2700F (1320C) to remove that 100% contamination.
DCW Hypochlorite Sterilization: This disinfection process is praised for its efficacy that adds better quality to the containers and thus increases the shelf-life of the product.
Chemical Fungicides are not used in the sterilization process of In-Mold Labeling. The main drawback is the unwanted and harmful residues that may spoil the product and decrease its longevity.
To conclude, the integration of the sterilization process at the commencement phase of blending the container with the label by the In-Mold Label manufacturing process has reduced the food contamination to a greater extent. The packaging used in dairy food packaging, rigid packaging, plastic packs, yogurt cups, etc., fulfills almost all the food trade standards because of this futuristic In-Mold Labeling process.