Debunking myths about shrink sleeve sustainability
Shrink sleeves are sometimes viewed as less sustainable because they cover the full container and are often made from plastic film. But shrink sleeve sustainability depends on more than the label format itself.
Material choice, ink selection, container compatibility, recycling requirements, and end-of-life design all affect whether a shrink sleeve supports a brand’s sustainability goals.
For food, beverage, and consumer product brands, the right shrink sleeve construction can support 360-degree branding while still accounting for recycling, source reduction, container standardization, and packaging efficiency.
Read “Shrink Sleeves Demystified: A Guide to Enhancing Product Packaging” to learn how shrink sleeves can be designed with sustainability in mind and why involving a label partner early can help avoid recycling and performance issues.
Are shrink sleeves an eco-friendly packaging option?
While traditional labels require tedious removal and adhesive scraping, many shrink sleeves are designed to stay on during the recycling process. This design emphasizes consumer convenience and sustainability.
Yet, sustainability doesn’t stop at recycling. Shrink sleeves can simulate various container colors, allowing manufacturers to standardize container colors, thus reducing pigment use and costs.
The bottom line is that shrink sleeves take the onus off the consumer to remove the label and increase your sustainable credentials. A possible drawback, however, is you’ll need to carefully select the shrink sleeve films and inks to match your container and its parts. Bring your label partner into the design process as early as possible to avoid this issue.
For companies prioritizing sustainability, shrink sleeves offer an unexpected, yet beneficial packaging solution that marries eco-friendliness with efficiency. Read Resource Label Group’s “Shrink Sleeves Demystified: A Guide to Enhancing Product Packaging” to learn the advantages of a label partner in achieving shrink sleeve sustainability.
