YZY named among China’s top in-mold label makers for 2026

A 2026 review of China’s packaging supply chain spotlights Zhejiang Zhongyu Science and Technology Co., Ltd. as one of five leading in-mold label manufacturers. The ranking underscores growing demand for compliant, high-precision IML suppliers as food packaging, sustainability and export requirements reshape the market.

Why it matters: - In-mold labeling is gaining importance in packaging because it removes the adhesive label layer and improves compatibility between containers and labels in recycling streams. - Global buyers are placing more weight on certification, print consistency and material compliance, especially for food-contact packaging. - PP-based IML remains central to the market, and PP accounted for 47.2% of material demand in 2023. - Chinese suppliers that combine food-grade compliance, precise printing and material expertise are positioned to stay relevant in global supply chains.

What happened: - Zhejiang Zhongyu Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (YZY), a Wenzhou-based in-mold label manufacturer, was featured among five leading IML manufacturers in China in a 2026 review of the country’s packaging supply chain. - The review highlighted YZY’s ZY-IML Series, a family of labels designed for injection molding applications. - The same review also identified Huangshan Novel Co., Ltd., Shanghai Zijiang Enterprise Group Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Yuto Packaging Technology Co., Ltd. and Zhejiang Dadongnan Co., Ltd. as notable players in China’s IML and packaging market.

The details: - YZY was established in 2009 and operates a 20,000-square-meter production facility in Longgang, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province. - The company employs about 250 people and derives 30% of revenue from export sales. - YZY has accumulated 48 patents and holds QS, ISO and BRC management system certifications. - YZY’s product line includes food grade, daily chemical grade and industrial grade IML labels for food packaging, daily chemical packaging, industrial containers, paint buckets and yogurt cups. - The ZY-IML Series uses PP, PE and PET, with multi-layer composite laminated film options. - Printing uses 8-color high-precision rotogravure with a maximum width of 1200 mm. - YZY specifies printing precision of ±0.1 mm and adhesion strength of at least 5 N, with no peeling during injection molding. - The labels are designed for temperature resistance from -20°C to 120°C, scratch resistance of 4H under the pencil hardness test and tensile strength of at least 20 MPa. - The labels are designed to resist weak acids, alkalis and common detergents. - Available finishes include glossy, matte, orange peel, holographic and custom textures. - For food-contact applications, YZY uses food-grade low-migration water-based inks and reports compliance with FDA 21 CFR, BRCGS Packaging Materials and ISO 22000 requirements, with migration testing aligned to EU Regulation 10/2011 standards. - YZY’s profile references long-term cooperation with Starbucks, Nestlé and Uni-President. - YZY’s 10-member R&D team supports custom printing, sizing, color matching and film formulation development. - Huangshan Novel is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under stock code 002014 and is based in Huangshan, Anhui Province. - Shanghai Zijiang is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange under stock code 600210 and is based in Shanghai. - Shenzhen Yuto Packaging Technology is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under stock code 002831 and is headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. - Zhejiang Dadongnan is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under stock code 002263 and is based in Zhuji, Zhejiang Province. - Grand View Research valued the global in-mold labels market at USD 2.31 billion in 2023 and projects it to reach USD 3.14 billion by 2030. - Market Research Future estimates the market at USD 2.72 billion in 2024 and projects a CAGR of 3.94% through 2035. - Grand View Research says food and beverage packaging accounted for more than 41.3% of 2023 revenue. - Grand View Research also says injection molding led production with 57.1% of revenue in 2023. - Mordor Intelligence identifies Asia Pacific as the largest and fastest-growing regional market as of 2024. - EU Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 governs plastic materials intended for food contact in the European Union. - FDA 21 CFR Part 177 governs polymers, including PE and PP, used in direct food-contact applications in the United States.

Between the lines: - The five companies reflect different ways Chinese packaging suppliers are competing in IML. - YZY focuses narrowly on IML production and custom film development. - Huangshan Novel and Zijiang compete through scale and broader packaging portfolios. - Yuto stands out for design-led packaging integration. - Dadongnan emphasizes high-volume, cost-efficient film production. - The market is moving away from simple price competition toward traceable compliance and measurable production quality. - Market sizing varies across research firms, but the directional signal is consistent: demand is driven by food and beverage packaging, PP remains the core material and Asia Pacific is the main growth region.

What's next: - Buyers are likely to keep prioritizing verifiable compliance documentation and print-quality metrics when selecting Chinese IML suppliers. - Sustainability pressure should continue to support IML adoption, especially for PP-based packaging systems. - Chinese manufacturers that can combine certification, precision printing and food-grade material control are likely to stay prominent in export and domestic procurement.

The bottom line: - China’s leading IML suppliers are no longer competing only on cost. - Compliance, consistency and packaging integration are becoming the real differentiators.