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Avery Dennison, a global materials science and digital identification solutions company, announced the launch of its RFID-enabled In-Mold Label (IML) portfolio. This range of intelligent labels is designed to be embedded into plastic items during the injection molding process, offering high durability, excellent RFID performance, and support for circularity and reuse systems across multiple sectors.
The IML product portfolio includes three solutions tailored for different use cases:
- AD Anchor U9 IML (UHF): Designed for general industry, supply chain, and logistics. Ideal for tracking assets such as plastic pallets, plant trays, shipping bins, waste containers, and plastic components used in production and automotive applications.
- AD Line U9XE IML (UHF): Tailored for industrial applications requiring thinner label construction, such as container tracking and waste management systems.
- AD Spiral U9 IML (UHF): Developed for reuse systems in consumer-facing sectors such as hospitality, catering, and events. Optimized for applications like reusable cups and plates, with features that support washing durability, hygiene, and cycle counting. This product has been assessed for food contact compliance in accordance with EU regulations. AD Spiral U9 IML is compliant with the Plastics Regulation, Commission Regulation (EU) 10/2011, as amended, and Article 3.1(a) of Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, based on the assessed conditions of use.
The IML range is built to meet the demands of modern reuse and tracking systems. Each RFID inlay is specially designed to withstand the high heat and pressure of injection molding, ensuring consistent performance throughout the manufacturing process. The result is a label that’s durable enough for repeated washing and handling, with integrated features that enable fast, accurate item-level scanning to reduce manual effort and improve efficiency. The labels work with standard in-mold labeling equipment and materials. By supporting longer product lifespans and providing greater visibility across operations, the IML portfolio helps reduce waste and contributes to more sustainable, closed-loop systems.
RFID functionality embedded within the labels also helps reduce human error in inventory handling, provides real-time visibility into item movement, and enables more accurate invoicing based on actual returns. This is useful in high-volume environments such as event services or closed-loop logistics. For brands and operators managing reusable assets, these features help improve accountability, streamline operations, and better align with regulatory and sustainability targets.
“Our new IML portfolio reflects Avery Dennison’s commitment to enabling scalable reuse models and driving greater supply chain efficiency,” says Mathieu De Backer, vice president innovation & sustainability, Avery Dennison Smartrac. “By embedding RFID directly into molded plastic items, we create an integrated solution that offers full visibility throughout each vessel’s lifecycle. This technology enables precise tracking of returnable transport items (RTIs) in industrial settings, and vessels in consumer applications. Additionally, with each product having a digital twin, we ensure transparent traceability across the supply chain, supporting compliance teams across multiple sectors.”
With this launch, Avery Dennison expands its portfolio of intelligent labeling technologies to support the shift toward smarter, more circular systems. The IML product family provides the foundation for high-volume reuse, where durability, hygiene, and reliable tracking are essential to building resilient, lower-waste operations across industries.
