What is plastic injection molding?
Plastic injection molding is a forming process using molds. The process involves heating and melting a material, such as synthetic resin (plastic), then transferring it under pressure into a mold, where it cools and takes on the desired shape. The process name derives from its similarity to injecting liquids through a syringe. The plastic injection process works as follows: the material is melted, injected into the mold, then cooled before being extracted and finalized.
This process enables continuous, high-speed production of high volumes of parts in a wide variety of shapes, including complex profiles.
The materials used and their advantages
Two types of resin are processed: polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS).
Versatile and robust, PP has excellent sealing qualities, is microwaveable and can be used its working range extends from hot filling to deep-freezing.. It meets consumer expectations in terms of aesthetics and environmental friendliness. PP can be recycled through existing sorting systems.
As for PS, it is appreciated for its high mechanical strength and transparency.
IML label personalization and application
Knauf Industries can help you stand out from all the other products on your shelves by helping you to differentiate and personalize your products.
IML (In-Mold Labeling ) is a real lever for personalization and differentiation on the shelf, offering total freedom in terms of shapes and colors. This technique makes it possible to produce parts directly molded with their decoration, with no risk of peeling, thus ensuring an impeccable finish right from the design stage. Knauf Industries has mastered this technique, which can be applied to standard or custom packaging, and produced in small or large runs.
Thanks to our advanced robotics and production organization, we can apply IML labels in medium on standard or customized packaging.
We are equipped with optical cameras and detection systems that rule out non-compliant labels. The fusion of IML polypropylene (PP) labels on PP trays reinforces our commitment to the development of mono-materials that can be recycled and integrated into European sorting systems.
Why choose Knauf Industries as your supplier?
Plastic injection molding is a proven technology used in industrial production that offers great opportunities. By using our technologies, companies in a wide range of industries can take quality, production efficiency and ease of use to a whole new level. Entrust your project to the specialists.
We have over 20 years' experience in providing innovative solutions for a wide range of industries, including household appliances, central heating and air conditioning (HVAC), and the world's leading automotive equipment manufacturers.
As a specialist in molds designed for reusable solutions, Knauf Industries is a leading player in Europe, with a significant presence in the demanding market for thin-walled food containers. To further differentiate our products, we offer extensive customization options through surface finishes, ensuring we meet the aesthetic and functional requirements of every project.
From design to production of your parts, Knauf Industries supports you every step of the way and stands as a trusted manufacturer for all your parts.
Our mastery of plastic injection molding enables us to produce parts of various sizes, with more or less complex aspects, high-speed thin-wall packaging, and IML labeling. As part of our HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) approach, we ensure optimum safety of food products, in strict compliance with the hygiene rules applied by our industrial customers.
We also offer an intermediate prototyping phase between creation and industrialization for internal validation.
A Certified Facility
We follow a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) approach to ensure optimal product safety, in strict compliance with the hygiene standards applied by our industrial clients in the food industry.
Our Dreux facility is BRC-GS certified, a mark of quality that assures you that our facility meets high standards for product safety, quality, and compliance.
Expertise in IML Labeling
Are you a professional in the food industry or any other sector looking for durable packaging? The final product design is also crucial. Our plastic injection molding company in France understands this well and offers you the benefit of its expertise in IML (In-Mold Labeling) application.
This printing process allows us to produce parts that are molded directly with your product labels. This gives you complete freedom in terms of shapes and colors, while allowing you to stand out from other products on the shelves by minimizing the risk of the label peeling off. Our Dreux facility is equipped with modern, high-performance robotic technology, including optical cameras and a detection system that rejects non-compliant labels. As an added bonus, our labels are made of polypropylene (PP), the same single material used to manufacture some of our parts, making the entire product fully recyclable through existing dedicated recycling streams.
At Knauf Industries, the IML labeling process is available for both small- and large-volume orders, for catalog products as well as custom designs.
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The materials and resins used by Knauf Industries
To ensure that the final products meet your standards, Knauf Industries, a specialized plastic injection molding company, has, over the years, selected a range of raw materials suited to this process, including innovative materials for reusable parts. Whether for retail sale or use in the food service industry, our containers are suitable for a wide range of applications.
- PS (polystyrene): Polystyrene has high mechanical strength, is transparent, and can withstand sub-zero temperatures.
- PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): This is a very strong and rigid engineering plastic that offers good resistance to heat and chemicals. Typical use: Reusable containers.
- CPET (Crystallized Polybutylene Terephthalate): This is a version of PET (traditionally used for bottles) that has been modified to withstand very high temperatures. It can go from the freezer to the oven without melting or warping. Typical use: Food trays for oven-baked meals.
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- PP (polypropylene): Versatile, durable, and offering excellent weldability, PP is suitable for a wide range of applications and perfectly meets the needs of professionals in the food industry. It is also microwave-safe and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from hot filling to deep-freezing. PP meets consumer expectations regarding aesthetics and environmental responsibility. It is recyclable through existing sorting systems. We can produce parts using our Kaplight® material, which contains no carbon black (detectable in sorting centers), and R’KAP®, a PP material derived from post-consumer plastic recycling that offers complete transparency, despite the initial appearance of polypropylene.
- Bio-based copolyester: A transparent material designed primarily for reusable applications, bio-based copolyester is microwave-safe and is partially derived from biomass. It is formulated without bisphenol A or phthalates.
Why choose Knauf Industries?
Recognized expertise
Over 40 years of experience in the design and manufacture of technical plastic parts, with strict adherence to quality and safety standards.
A global presence
38 production sites in 8 countries, offering local support and industry expertise tailored to your specific needs.
A strong family-owned group
As a member of the Knauf Group, we benefit from financial stability and a long-term vision, ensuring you long-lasting and reliable partnerships.
Genuine support
More than just a service, Knauf Industries offers you comprehensive support, from design to manufacturing of your custom plastic parts.
Work with Knauf Industries
Are you interested in using the services of our plastic injection molding company in France? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
While we primarily serve professionals in the food industry, we are able to adapt to any request.
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