Shrink sleeve labeling FAQs: A comprehensive guide for businesses

Shrink sleeves offer a multitude of benefits, including eye-catching graphics, tamper-evident security, and full 360-degree labeling. These advantages have contributed to their increasing popularity across multiple different industries.

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If you’re considering shrink sleeves for your products, then you’ve come to the right place. This FAQ guide is designed to provide the answers you need to understand the potential of shrink sleeve labeling for your brand.

What is a shrink sleeve label, and how is it applied?

Shrink sleeves, also known as heat shrink labels and shrink film labels, are full-color labels made from plastic or polyester film. They’re printed with your design and then the preprinted sleeve is placed over the container and then fed through a tunnel where it’s exposed to intense heat or steam. The intense heat causes the sleeve to shrink, creating a custom fit around the container’s shape.

What is a seam in shrink sleeve labeling? 

A shrink sleeve seam is a joint where the two edges of the material are bonded together. The seam’s placement depends on factors such as container shape, application method (i.e., automatic or manual), and your shrink sleeve design. For optimal results, we recommend positioning the seam in an inconspicuous part of the container, such as the back or the side.

PVC vs. PETG: Which shrink sleeve material is better?

The two most commonly used materials for shrink sleeves are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG). Each offers unique advantages and considerations.

PVC is the traditional choice, known for its cost -effectiveness and good scuff resistance. It’s versatile and suitable for many applications. However, its environmental impact is a growing concern.

PETG, on the other hand, is a newer material that has gained popularity due to its exceptional shrink ratio, scuff resistance, and recyclability. While PETG is often the pricier option, more and more companies are adopting it for its eco-friendly profile and overall performance.

Ultimately, the best material depends on your specific needs, budget, and environmental priorities.

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Can all containers use shrink sleeves?

Shrink sleeves offer remarkable versatility, able to adhere to a wide array of containers:

• Plastic bottles – From water bottles to beverage containers, shrink sleeves offer a visually appealing and secure way to label plastic bottles of all shapes and sizes.
• Glass bottles – The smooth, seamless look of shrink sleeves complements the elegance of glass bottles, making them ideal for premium products such as wine, spirits, and cosmetics.
• Metal cans – Shrink sleeves can add vibrant graphics and branding to metal cans used for food, beverages, and household products.
• Other containers – Shrink sleeves can be used on paperboard tubes, cups, and even uniquely shaped containers.

It’s important to note that not all containers are ideal for shrink sleeves. Tapered containers, for instance, can be problematic, as the sleeve may not adhere securely to the base. Additionally, the heat used in the shrinking process can damage certain materials. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure your containers can withstand the high temperatures used in shrink sleeve application.

Can you print barcodes on shrink sleeves?

Absolutely! Barcodes can be printed on shrink sleeves. To ensure accurate scanning, consider these factors:

• Placement – Position the barcode on the flattest part of the container for optimal readability.
• Orientation – Vertical barcodes generally scan better than horizontal ones on curved surfaces.
• Seam distance – Avoid placing the barcode too close to the sleeve’s seam, as the adhesive might interfere with scanning.

Do shrink sleeves have to cover the entire container?

No, shrink sleeves come in various configurations to suit different packaging needs. Here are the most common types of shrink sleeve coverage:

• Full-body labels – These sleeves cover the entire container, providing a 360-degree canvas for your branding and product information. 
• Full-body with tamper-evident cap – This type offers the same full-body coverage as the regular version but with an additional security feature. The sleeve extends over the cap of the container, creating tamper-evident labels. When the cap is opened, the seal breaks, providing a clear indication of tampering.
• Middle sleeve shrink labels – These sleeves cover only a portion of the container, typically the midsection. This option is often used for beverage, food, health, and beauty products.
• Multipack shrink sleeves – These larger sleeves are designed to encompass multiple containers together. This is a popular choice for promotions such as buy-one-get-one-free offers or bundling excess inventory with a new product.

At what stage should shrink sleeves be applied — when the container is empty or filled? 

Shrink sleeves are typically applied to empty containers for these reasons: 

• Consistent shrinkage – Applying the sleeve to an empty container ensures uniform shrinkage and a tight fit around the container. The shape and consistency of the empty container are predictable.
• Product protection – This prevents potential contamination of the product during the application process.
• Efficiency – It’s generally more efficient to apply sleeves to empty containers in a high-speed production environment.

However, there are specific cases where applying sleeves to filled containers might be considered (e.g., applying the sleeve after filling to create a tamper-evident seal).

Ultimately, the best approach depends on factors such as product type, production process and equipment, desired level of product protection, and packaging design requirements. 

Conclusion: Turn to Pro-Motion Industries for shrink sleeve labeling

Since the success of shrink sleeve labeling depends on various factors such as material selection, design optimization, and proper application, you need to partner with a reputable shrink sleeve provider like Pro-Motion Industries. 

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