Material and Thickness of shrink label

What is a shrink label?

A shrink label (also called a shrink sleeve label or heat-shrink label) is a type of packaging label made from a heat-sensitive plastic film that conforms tightly to the shape of a container when heat is applied. The film “shrinks” around the product, creating a full-body label that can cover complex shapes, provide tamper-evident seals, and deliver high-impact, 360° graphics.

Main features of shrink label:

360° graphics allow maximum branding space.

Works well on contoured, irregular, or tapered bottles and containers.

Can include perforated or tear-away sections for tamper seals.

Resistant to moisture and abrasion (depending on material), suitable for refrigerated or wet environments.

Supports vibrant, photo-quality printing and special effects (metallics, varnishes).

Good for promotional or seasonal packaging since sleeves are easy to change.

What is the material used for shrink label?

shrink label is a type of flexible packaging product, but they differ slightly from other flexible packaging products in that they are made from a single type of heat-sensitive plastic film. This is one of the factors determining the price of heat shrink labels.

What are the commonly used materials for shrink label? What are their advantages and disadvantages?

Because shrink label is made from a single type of heat-sensitive plastic film, they serve as both the “printing layer” and the “contact layer.”

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Advantages:
Excellent shrink performance: Shrinks well at moderate temperatures and conforms tightly to complex bottle shapes.
High clarity and printability: Good surface for vibrant graphics and photographic images.
Cost-effective: Generally one of the least expensive shrink film options.
Wide availability: Commonly used, with many converting and printing options.
Disadvantages:
Environmental and regulatory concerns: Contains chlorine; disposal and recycling are problematic. Some regions restrict PVC for food-contact or certain industries.
Less resistant to heat in storage: Can deform if stored in hot conditions.
Stiffness: Less flexible than some alternatives; may not work as well on extremely irregular shapes.
Potential to release hazardous byproducts when incinerated.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified)

Advantages:
Excellent clarity and gloss: High-end look with great transparency for premium packaging.
Good mechanical strength: More durable and tear-resistant than PVC.
Better temperature tolerance: More dimensionally stable in warmer conditions.
Better environmental profile than PVC: Easier to recycle into PET streams in some regions.
Disadvantages:
Higher cost: Typically more expensive than PVC and POF.
Shrink force and pattern: Shrink characteristics differ
—
may require different optical/oven settings and can be less conforming on extreme undercuts.
Adhesion/processing: Printing and coating processes may require adjustments or primers.

POF (Polyolefin Film)—often polyethylene-based

Advantages:
Excellent shrink and clarity: Very conformable to complex shapes; high transparency and gloss.
Safer/environmentally friendlier: Free of chlorine and PVC; more readily recyclable in polyolefin streams and often considered more eco-friendly.
Flexible and puncture-resistant: Good mechanical toughness, less brittle than PVC.
Broad processing window: Shrinks uniformly and tolerates a range of heat-sealer settings.
Disadvantages:
Cost: Can be more expensive than PVC, sometimes comparable to PETG.
Printability: Requires appropriate surface treatment for high-quality printing; may need coatings.
Thermal sensitivity: Though tolerant, extreme heat can still cause distortion.

OPS (Oriented Polystyrene)—sometimes called OPP for orientation

Advantages:
High gloss and stiffness: Produces a very shiny, premium appearance and holds shape well.
Good dimensional control: Oriented films can have predictable shrink properties.
Lower cost than some engineering films: Often competitive pricing.
Disadvantages:
Brittleness: More rigid and prone to cracking or splitting, especially on tight curves/undercuts.
Lower puncture/impact resistance: Not as tough as POF or PETG.
Environmental concerns: Polystyrene recycling is limited in many regions; not as eco-friendly.
Shrink limitations: May not conform as well to complex shapes as POF or PVC.

What is the thickness of shrink label material?

You can measure this with a caliper at any point on the shrink label. For example, if the measured value is 72 microns, the net thickness should be 70 microns, as the remaining 2 microns is the thickness after the printing ink and solvent have dried and should not be taken into account.

How is the thickness of shrink label material specified?

Generally speaking, the standard thickness ranges from 30 to 70 microns. shrink label with a thickness of 30 to 45 microns are used on bottle necks or caps, while shrink label with a thickness of 45 to 70 microns are used on the container body.

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