Coffee cup packaging sample featuring selective gloss and matte IML decoration.
In a competitive beverage market, packaging plays an important role in attracting attention and communicating brand identity. Our selective gloss and matte in-mold label (IML) solution combines two contrasting surface effects in one design, creating a refined look with depth, texture and visual impact.
Designed for injection-molded coffee cups, this composite IML finish allows selected graphic areas to appear glossy while other areas retain a smooth matte appearance. The contrast helps logos, patterns and key design elements stand out without making the overall cup look overly reflective.
Selective gloss and matte IML is a decorative labeling solution that combines glossy and matte effects within the same printed label. The matte areas create a soft, understated visual base, while the glossy areas reflect light and add highlights to selected parts of the artwork.
By controlling where each finish appears, brands can create layered graphic effects, emphasize specific design details and achieve a more distinctive appearance on coffee cups and other plastic beverage containers.
Curved printed IML label showing the artwork before molding.
The combination of gloss and matte finishes gives coffee cup packaging more visual dimension. Glossy highlights can draw attention to a logo, ribbon, pattern or product name, while matte sections help balance the design and keep the overall appearance elegant.
This finish is suitable for seasonal beverage launches, promotional coffee cups, takeaway drinks and custom-branded packaging. With flexible artwork and finish placement, the design can be adapted to different brand styles and campaign themes.
In-mold labeling integrates the printed label with the plastic cup during the injection molding process. The label is positioned inside the mold before plastic is injected. As the cup is formed, the label becomes integrated with the outer surface, creating a unified decorated container.
· Print the custom IML film with the required graphics and selective gloss-matte effects.
· Position the printed label accurately inside the injection mold.
· Inject the plastic material and form the cup with the label integrated into its surface.
· Remove the finished cup, with the decoration already in place.
Close-up view highlighting the visual contrast and printed details on the cup.
· Distinctive visual contrast: combines reflective highlights with a soft matte appearance.
· Enhanced design hierarchy: helps important graphic elements attract attention.
· Integrated decoration: the label is incorporated during molding rather than applied as a separate post-molding label.
· Flexible customization: gloss and matte areas can be arranged to match different artwork and brand requirements.
· Consistent presentation: supports a clean, coordinated look across a range of cup designs.
Examples of coffee cup designs with different color combinations and IML finishes.
Selective gloss and matte IML can be considered for a variety of injection-molded beverage containers, including takeaway coffee cups, ready-to-drink coffee cups, milk tea cups, promotional drinkware and seasonal beverage packaging. The final label structure, plastic material and molding conditions should be matched to the specific cup design and application.
A closer look at the finished cup surface and its decorative effect.
Zhejiang Zhongyu Technology Co., Ltd. provides custom in-mold label printing solutions for packaging applications. From artwork development and print effects to label material selection, we work with customers to develop IML solutions that suit their product structure and visual goals.
Looking to create coffee cup packaging with a distinctive gloss-and-matte effect? Contact Zhejiang Zhongyu Technology to discuss your custom coffee cup IML project.
Note: Images are provided as visual samples. Any third-party trademarks or brand artwork appearing in the samples belong to their respective owners.
