Shrink sleeve labels, versatile and attractive, mould to the shape of the container while providing key information about the product. Manufactured from PVC, PETG, OPS and PLA, they combine functionality, visual appeal and comply with the environmental and security standards of the Quebec and Canadian governments.
PVC – Polyvinyl chloride
PVC is the most commonly used material to make shrink sleeves because of its excellent clarity and its low shrink temperature.
It offers high density, impact strength, and a wide selection of shrink rates and temperatures, making it easy to control throughout the shrink process.
PETG – Polyethylene terephthalate glycol
PETG has a higher shrink rate than the other materials (up to 78%). This characteristic makes it especially adapted to complex shapes and increases its range of applications.
PETG is resistant to abrasion, chemical products and high temperatures, making it ideal for products exposed to harsh conditions.
PLA – Polylactic acid
PLA is a biodegradable material derived from renewable sources, such as corn starch. It is a packaging solution designed for minimal environmental impact.
PLA offers good clarity and print quality, as well as moderate shrink requirements, making its energy consumption cost-efficient. Despite its advantages, PLA has some limitations, namely a lower shrink rate than PVC and PETG and a lower heat tolerance threshold.
OPS – Oriented polystyrene
OPS is known for its low density and its environmental benefits. It is competitively priced and has satisfactory clarity and shrink properties.
OPS materials can adapt to a wide range of container shapes because of their high shrink rate, making them suitable for various labelling applications. However, OPS is weaker than PVC and PETG and it has a lower heat tolerance, which may limit its use in scenarios requiring high temperatures.
Regulatory compliance
Standards defined under the Environment Quality Act stipulate that all products, including heat-shrinkable sleeve labels, must be exempt from dangerous materials and safe for consumer use.
This includes adherence to labelling regulations that offer essential information about safety and product use. In this respect, here is information on the requirements for food labelling.
The materials reviewed have both similarities and differences in terms of their components and characteristics. A careful analysis of your containers and their contents is necessary to choose the material best suited to your products. To be sure that you consider all the relevant aspects involved, you can consult our team of experts. We have the skills needed to properly guide you, based on your specific needs.
