Shrink sleeve labels are also known as shrink wrap labels, heat shrink labels. They are applied to a product container using heat. It is made from a shrinkable plastic material, typically PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or OPS (oriented polystyrene). The label is designed to fit snugly around the container by shrinking when exposed to heat, creating a tight, seamless, and visually appealing finish. The process of applying a shrink sleeve label involves placing the label around the container and subjecting it to heat, typically using a heat tunnel or heat gun. The heat causes the label to shrink and conform to the shape of the container, adhering tightly to its surface. This ensures that the label remains securely in place during transportation, storage, and use.
Shrink sleeve labels offer several advantages, including:
360-degree branding: Shrink sleeve labels provide a full-body coverage, allowing for high-quality graphics, vibrant colors, and detailed product information. They offer ample space for branding elements, product images, and promotional messages.
Product protection: The shrinkable plastic material used in these labels offers protection against moisture, UV light, and other external factors. It helps preserve the product’s integrity and extends its shelf life.
Tamper-evidence: Shrink sleeve labels can incorporate tamper-evident features such as perforations, tear strips, or shrink bands. These features provide a visible indication if the product has been opened or tampered with, ensuring consumer safety and product integrity.
Versatility: Shrink sleeve labels can be applied to various container shapes, including bottles, jars, cans, and other rigid or semi-rigid packaging materials. They conform to the container’s contours, providing a seamless and professional appearance.
Design flexibility: Shrink sleeve labels offer creative design possibilities, allowing for unique shapes, intricate graphics, and eye-catching effects like metallic finishes or holographic elements. They can be customized to suit different branding requirements and enhance shelf appeal.
There are different types of shrink sleeve labels available, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Here are a few common types:
Full-body Shrink Sleeve Labels: This type covers the entire surface area of the product container, providing a 360-degree branding opportunity. It offers maximum design space and allows for vibrant graphics, high-resolution images, and promotional messages.
Tamper-Evident Shrink Sleeves: These labels are designed to provide tamper evidence and ensure product safety. They are typically applied around the cap or closure of a container, making it evident if the product has been opened or tampered with. They often feature perforations or tear strips for easy removal.
Neck Bands: Neck bands are shrink sleeve labels applied to the neck or top portion of a bottle or container. They provide a tamper-evident seal and can display key product information or promotional messages. Neck bands help prevent product tampering and provide a professional, finished look.
Multi-Pack Shrink Sleeves: This type is used for bundling multiple products together, such as cans or bottles, into a single shrink-wrapped package. Multi-pack shrink sleeves hold the individual products securely while providing branding opportunities for the bundled package.
Dual Chamber Shrink Sleeves: These labels are designed for containers with two separate compartments or chambers. They can be used to differentiate between multiple ingredients or components within a single product, ensuring proper usage and enhancing the visual appeal.
Peelable Shrink Sleeves: Peelable shrink sleeves allow consumers to easily remove the label from the product container. They often reveal additional information or promotional content underneath, providing an interactive element and encouraging engagement with the product.
Sustainable Shrink Sleeves: As sustainability becomes more important, there are shrink sleeve labels available that are made from recyclable or biodegradable materials. These eco-friendly options support environmental consciousness and help reduce the impact on the planet.
It’s important to consider the specific requirements of your product and packaging when choosing the appropriate type of shrink sleeve label. Collaborating with a packaging manufacturer or label supplier can help you determine the best option based on your product’s shape, functionality, branding goals, and sustainability objectives.