Canadian Paint Brand Upgrades to IML Paint Pails with Chengpin

Client Background

This Canadian paint brand had long sourced its plastic paint buckets locally, utilizing self-adhesive labels for branding. As competition intensified within the North American building materials market, the drawbacks of this packaging approach became increasingly apparent: the labels were prone to peeling, detaching, or wearing off—exacerbated by humid conditions in warehouses and on construction sites, as well as exposure to paint solvents. Furthermore, the packaging lacked shelf appeal, projecting a "low-end" brand image, and the company frequently received feedback from end-users that labels had become illegible, negatively impacting the product's perceived quality. Seeking a comprehensive packaging upgrade, the client identified In-Mold Labeling (IML) technology as the ideal solution. After evaluating several potential suppliers, they traveled to Foshan, China, to conduct an on-site inspection of the Chengpin Technology (Chengpin) manufacturing facility.

Factory Visit and Technical Consultation

Accompanied by Chengpin’s sales and technical teams, the client toured the plastic bucket production base, visiting the raw material warehouse, injection molding workshop, IML robotic production lines, seal-testing laboratory, and product showroom.

The client observed the fully automated IML production process, where labels are fused directly into the polypropylene (PP) bucket body during the injection molding stage—a significant departure from post-molding labeling. On-site comparisons were conducted between standard adhesive-labeled buckets, screen-printed buckets, and Chengpin’s IML samples. These tests evaluated resistance to solvent wiping, abrasion, water immersion, and simulated low-temperature storage conditions.

The client focused on verifying several key requirements essential for the North American paint market: 

1. Use of virgin, food-grade PP material to ensure structural integrity (resistance to deformation) and a leak-proof seal, suitable for latex and water-based paints.

2. High-definition, full-color IML graphics—supporting full-surface designs—that remain durable and colorfast even during storage and transport in Canada’s cold northern climate.

3. Compliance with North American export testing standards, with full compatibility for the client’s existing filling lines.

4. Reliable timelines for mold development, prototyping, and mass production, supporting long-term OEM customization.

Implementation

Based on the client’s existing bucket specifications, Chengpin’s technical team optimized the bucket structure and adjusted the IML label materials. Simultaneously, the team completed the prototyping process using the client’s own branding artwork. Compared to local Canadian packaging suppliers, Chengpin’s In-Mold Labeling (IML) solution for paint buckets offers distinct advantages in terms of print quality, durability, cost-effectiveness, and supply chain reliability.

With the label integrated directly into the bucket wall, the packaging is waterproof, solvent-resistant, scratch-proof, and immune to label peeling. Throughout the entire journey—from factory filling and long-haul ocean freight to local warehousing and final use at job sites—the brand imagery remains perfectly intact. This significantly reduces packaging-related customer complaints and elevates the visual appeal of the product on the shelf, helping the client differentiate their brand within the Canadian paint market.

Project Outcome

After verifying the samples on-site, the client placed their first order for IML paint buckets. Chengpin was selected to lead the brand’s packaging upgrade, replacing the client’s previous solution, which relied on locally sourced, adhesive-applied labels.

Client Feedback: "Chengpin operates a mature and stable IML production line, providing a one-stop solution that covers everything from mold development and label design to injection molding. They have resolved our long-standing issue with labels peeling off, and the quality of the packaging fully meets our expectations. We look forward to a long-term, stable partnership."

Chengpin Technology continues to provide custom IML plastic bucket solutions for international paint and chemical brands, offering OEM services for standard paint bucket capacities, including 5L, 15L, 16L, 20L, and 25L.