AIMCAL evolved out of a small group called the Vacuum Metallizers Association (VMA), which began with a handful of companies involved in what was then the fledgling metallizing industry.
In the late 1960s, as the metallizers began coating and laminating to add value to their products, there was discussion about changing VMA's bylaws to broaden the membership to include coaters, laminators and suppliers. From those discussions, AIMCAL emerged as a non-profit corporation in 1970.
In 2012, AIMCAL celebrates its 42nd anniversary as a strong, growing trade association with over 230 members in the global converting industry.