Shrink sleeve material options
Select the perfect shrink sleeve material for your container shape and application method.
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Shrink sleeve material solutions for every application
The best shrink sleeves are created from materials ideally suited for the container and the conditions the final product will endure. Work with experienced experts to find materials that guarantee all the benefits of shrink sleeves.
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Features
Material options
To select the right material, you must consider your budget, process and container shape. There is also considerable variability within categories of shrink sleeve material, so consider material grades to ensure performance along with the desired label appearance. There are many things to consider when selecting the optimal shrink sleeve material. Discuss your unique labeling needs with experienced professionals to ensure nothing is left out.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC was developed for the label market and was the primary shrink sleeve substrate for many years. Its robust global supply chain makes it a lower-cost option. Some of its contents are associated with environmental complications, but it’s also highly recyclable. Reclamation will be important if your company has a green initiative.
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG)
PETG is the primary material used in shrink sleeve labeling. Key benefits include: widespread availability, film clarity, stability compared to other materials and shrink capability of up to 78%. These combined features make PETG a good fit for most applications, but it comes with premium expenses relative to PVC. PETG’s high shrink rate means it can only be produced in highly controlled shrink tunnels to avoid design distortions and squeezing, especially for thin-wall containers.
Oriented Polystyrene (OPS)
OPS offers higher yield and a more controlled shrink rate but requires careful handling and exact conversion conditions. OPS has limited uses in select applications.
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
PLA is a bio-based polymer material. With limited supply sources, cost and handling issues have limited its adoption.
Labels
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Access the capabilities of a national label provider with the care and attention of a local partner. We’ve mastered modern shrink sleeve solutions and will tailor the perfect fit for your brand. Explore more advanced label and packaging capabilities.
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Hone your edge over the competition by working with the most efficient label providers in the business. Resource Label Group’s locations throughout the U.S. and Canada provide the capabilities and reach you’d expect from a national company, with the dedication and touch of a local partner.