Press release submitted on behalf of Plastics Decorating and IMDA.
The In-Mold Decorating Association and Plastics Decorating Magazine have set programming for the 2026 Plastic Product Decorating Summit: September 1-3 at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land hotel in Sugar Land (Houston), Texas. The conference event brings the plastics industry together to learn, listen and discuss all types of direct-to-object plastic decorating and in-mold decorating (IMD), labeling (IML) and electronics (IME) applications.
Plastics decoration isn’t just visual – it’s technical. And this year’s conference goes deeper than ever into the knowledge and technical capabilities behind high‑performance decorated plastics. The session line-up includes:
Operational Efficiency, Economic Pressure & Market Demand: How to Succeed in Plastics
Keynote Speaker Laurie Harbour, Partner, Wipfli
Plastics industry expert Laurie Harbour returns to the stage to share perspectives on how all those involved in plastics decorating can succeed in an industry buffeted by pricing pressures; global economic, tariff and regulatory uncertainty; and changing consumer demands. This session will provide a comprehensive look at the key macroeconomic and industry-specific factors shaping the future of plastics manufacturing.
Packaging Trends with IML: Recycled Resins, Scannable Technology and More
Erik Johnson, Churchill Container; Christian Bruey, PureCycle
In this session, panelists will discuss innovative consumer drinkware applications that integrate recycled resin technology, scannable tracking systems and decorative options to enhance shelf appeal, functionality and sustainability goals. In-mold labeling enables these tech and decorative additions, which are transferrable to other packaging types.
Beyond Laser Marking: How Laser Surface Texturing is Expanding the Role of Plastics Decoration
Rob Wilder, RAYN Technology
Laser technology has long been associated with permanent part marking and traceability. Today, advances in laser processing are enabling manufacturers to create decorative and functional surface textures directly on molded plastic components. In this session, we explore where direct-to-part laser texturing adds value and why it is becoming an increasingly attractive option for product designers and manufacturers.
The Significance of Electrostatics in Decorating and Labeling Processes
Travis Baker, Muller Technology; Paul Uglum, Uglum Consulting
This panel discussion addresses the positive and negative impacts of the electrostatic charge that develops on all decorated plastic parts. Issues of how to control and measure the charge on parts will be discussed, as well as how to reduce the negative impacts and how to manage the positive use of static to enable high-speed in-mold manufacturing processes.
In addition to a wide selection of presentations and panel discussions, a Supplier Trade Fair will feature tabletop exhibits from leading suppliers to the industry, including injection molders, label printers, equipment manufacturers, and ink and substrate providers. Additional information on the Supplier Trade Fair is available for companies interested in exhibiting while spots remain.
And, as in previous years, the event will open with an optional baseball game outing to watch the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (the Houston Astros’ Triple-A affiliate). Event attendees will gather in a semi-private, reserved space for ballpark fare and a relaxed night of fun before the Plastic Product Decorating Summit sessions begin the next morning.
Visit www.productdecoratingevent.com for online registration, hotel information and the full schedule.
For questions, contact Jeff Peterson (Editor, Plastics Decorating) at 785.271.5801 or Dianna Brodine (Executive Director, In-Mold Decorating Association) at 785.215.8635.