a plastic container having a multilayer label applied by in - mold labeling during the blow molding of the plastic container . the label comprises a non - cellular inner layer , an intermediate cellular layer compatible with the inner layer and heat bonded to the inner layer , and an outer non - cellular plastic layer compatible with the intermediate cellular layer and heat bonded thereto . the label is positioned in a mold cavity with the outer layer in contact with the mold . when a hot plastic parison at molding temperature is expanded by fluid pressure against the walls of the mold to form a container , the noncellular inner layer becomes bonded to the outer surface of the container by heat from the container .