Shrink Label Savvy

Shrink sleeve material includes many different grades, from high-shrinkage to fast-shrinkage. Which grade to choose and even its thickness depends on the shape and material of the container, along with the sleeving equipment and the line speed, says Noah.

"For lines running at speeds of around 100 pieces per minute, we can go with a thinner sleeve. For lines that run at 150 pieces per minute, we select thicker material (50 to 60 microns). We also look at the shrink tunnel—whether it is air or steam, ceramic or fan. These factors can affect the amount and speed of shrink. A poor tunnel can result in poor performance of the film, so we have to consider that when we choose our material."