Brampton, Ontario, Canada: StackTeck Systems Ltd., a global manufacturer of high-volume injection molding tooling and automation solutions, has received a 2026 Honorable Mention in the In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA) Awards Competition for its 6 oz. IML TRIM Cup in the Sustainable Use of In-Mold Processes – Design Achievement category. The award recognizes a design that combines StackTeck’s Thin Recess Injection Molding (TRIM™) technology with PureCycle PureFive® recycled polypropylene and In-Mold Labeling with premium graphics.
The 6 oz. cup was molded using 30% PureFive® recycled polypropylene. Its ultra-thin recessed panels reduce part weight by approximately 20% compared with conventional designs, while MCC Verstraete Ultra Gloss/Matt IML labels provide high-impact graphics. The application demonstrates the ability to combine lightweighting, recycled content and premium decoration in a recyclable polypropylene package.
According to Jordan Robertson, Vice President, Business Development & Marketing at StackTeck: “We are very pleased to have the recognition that this IMDA Award brings and would like to highlight the importance of the success molding food grade PCR resin in an ultra-lightweight cup. We were very satisfied with the results using Purecycle material while molding a part with thin panels having a thickness of only 0.010 inches (including the 0.0024 inch thickness of the label) to produce top quality packaging with attractive IML graphics. Many thanks to Purecycle and MCC Verstraete for providing the resin and IML labels for this application.”
Examples of IML cups produced with post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin remain relatively uncommon in the global packaging industry, particularly for applications that combine food-grade recycled polypropylene, ultra-lightweight thinwall design. This award-winning project highlights the opportunity to expand PCR use into demanding decorated packaging applications without sacrificing part quality or visual appeal.
According to Christian Bruey, PureCycle’s Director, Sustainability & External Affairs, «This project is proof that recycled content doesn’t force a trade-off on performance. PureFive® ran cleanly in an ultra-thin, 0.010-inch panel and still met the product’s mechanical requirements. PureCycle’s recycled content used in these cups also carries the FDA NOL these applications demand. That’s the bar converters molding thin wall food packaging have needed for recycled resin to be a real option for them, not just a possibility.»

StackTeck Systems – 2026 IMDA Honorable Mention, Sustainable Use of In-Mold Processes – Design Achievement, 6 oz. IML TRIM Cup

The IMDA Awards recognize leading applications in in-mold labeling, in-mold decorating and in-mold electronics. The 2026 entries were evaluated for design and complexity, integration of the in-mold element, functionality, and innovation in materials and process.
StackTeck’s TRIM™ technology is designed to reduce resin usage by creating thin recessed panels while maintaining the structural features required for high-performance packaging. In this application, the combination of TRIM™ technology, PureFive® PCR resin and MCC Verstraete IML labels demonstrate a pathway for brand owners and converters seeking both material reduction and recycled content in highly decorated packaging.

StackTeck Contacts:

HQ: Jordan Robertson jrobertson@stackteck.com

LATAM Sales: Christopher Day cday@stackteck.com

Learn more about PureCycle: PureFive™ Resin | PureCycle

About StackTeck Systems Limited
StackTeck Systems, with over five decades of mold building innovation, is a leading source of high productivity system solutions for the injection molding industry. StackTeck supplies a wide range of injection molds and IML automation used to produce plastic parts in applications such as caps, closures, medical, PET preforms, and thinwall packaging; as well as complete system integrations including IML. StackTeck has dedicated R&D, testing, and part sampling facilities, in addition to plastic part design, prototyping, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. StackTeck Systems Ltd. is located 8 km north of Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.