Nick Coombes06.07.21
Whether you consider a shrink sleeve an extended label or a type of flexible packaging, there are key factors that need to be taken into consideration before embarking on commercial production in this sector of print.
As with most processes, success depends on doing your homework and making the right choices with regard to materials and suppliers, and I’m grateful to Vetaphone, Paragon Inks and Plasfilms for their input and advice, and to Berkshire Labels for their first-hand experience of producing shrink sleeves on narrow web presses.
I began by speaking with John Walker of Plasfilms, who outlined the basic requirements of heat-shrink substrates.
NC: What are the key properties required for good shrink film products?
JW: The main characteristics are controlled and consistent shrinkage, mechanical properties, clarity, and stability at a wide range of temperatures. This is full body labeling, so 360-degree, high-quality graphics are essential with ease of processing (printing and converting), with tamper evidence and, of course, recyclability. The shrinkage performance is determined by both the base material
As with most processes, success depends on doing your homework and making the right choices with regard to materials and suppliers, and I’m grateful to Vetaphone, Paragon Inks and Plasfilms for their input and advice, and to Berkshire Labels for their first-hand experience of producing shrink sleeves on narrow web presses.
I began by speaking with John Walker of Plasfilms, who outlined the basic requirements of heat-shrink substrates.
NC: What are the key properties required for good shrink film products?
JW: The main characteristics are controlled and consistent shrinkage, mechanical properties, clarity, and stability at a wide range of temperatures. This is full body labeling, so 360-degree, high-quality graphics are essential with ease of processing (printing and converting), with tamper evidence and, of course, recyclability. The shrinkage performance is determined by both the base material
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