Shrink Sleeve Labels
What are shrink sleeve labels?
Shrink sleeve labels, like the name indicates, are 360-degree printed label “sleeves” that utilize heat in the application process. Once heated, these sleeves “shrink” to the product exterior, making a wrap-around, low-profile label. Able to fit a wide range of product shapes, these labels can suit all types of labeling needs. Shrink labels are usually printed on a plastic or poly substrate, meaning durability and resistance to moisture are built into their fabric making them extremely useful in the food and beverage industries. Due to their sleek and seamless look, shrink labels can easily mimic a printed surface and are a valuable labeling option for a wide range of industries and design needs.
How are Shrink Sleeves Printed?
Depending upon the design features selected and the length of the print run, shrink sleeve labels are printed using flexographic or digital printing techniques. Ink is applied using either method on a heat-sensitive material that is seamed with openings on the top and bottom to create a “sleeve.” Both methods, regardless of which is used, create a wrap-around label with a stunning, low-profile finish.
Once the sleeve is printed, it’s placed around the product and heat is applied. The sleeve then “shrinks” to the product, perfectly compressing to its exterior. The label imagery is specially manipulated during the printing process so that the final conformed artwork will be proportioned correctly without warping.
How are Shrink Sleeve Labels Applied?
Shop Shrink Sleeve Labels in the Derksen Co. Store
Cost Efficiency
Shrink sleeves can save companies big costs in their product packaging. Since shrink labels are applied directly to the product rather than printed upon it, companies can purchase product containers in bulk, lowering costs and gaining flexibility in their product packaging at the same time.
Design Flexibility
Shrink sleeve labels allow companies to stock a generic package and adjust artwork to suit, meaning various changes such as special releases, seasonal items, limited release items, and changes in product information or branding design can be implemented quickly, cost-effectively, and easily.
High Durability
Shrink labels are printed with the ink on the interior, creating a protective barrier between artwork and external stressors. This, combined with their substrates, make shrink sleeves an incredibly durable labeling solution. Well-suited to products that are prone to friction and featuring moisture resistance, they are great labeling options for products that are susceptible to wear during transport and those that encounter condensation.
Contact Us.
Shrink sleeve labels are a great solution for all types of product packaging needs. Contact us at Derksen Co. to find out more about this label technology and to see how you can implement shrink labels into your branding strategy.
Why choose a shrink sleeve label?
Shrink sleeve labels have a much larger surface area that wraps around an entire product surface, allowing for full-coverage artwork. Your 360-degree design will be protected with this extremely durable and flexible label. Shrink sleeves labels that are well-suited to products that are prone to friction during transport. Shrink labels are also moisture-resistant meaning they are great labeling options for products that produce condensation.
Shrink sleeve Label Design
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Speciality Design Features
As shrink labels are printed with digital and flexo technologies, they can combine all the effects these printing techniques can offer. Varnishes, glosses, foils, and more are implementable with shrink sleeve labels meaning the possibilities are endless.
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Low Profile Application
Shrink wrap labels have a low profile edge that gives the packaging a sleek finish. This means that shrink sleeve packaging can be a great solution for those that want the look of screen printing but want the more flexible appeal of shrink wrapping.
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Full Coverage Artwork
Shrink labels offer 360-degree artwork even if the product isn’t perfectly cylindrical. Because shrink sleeve labels are activated by heat, the shrink wrap conforms to the product packaging, meaning you can use every inch of the product surface for artwork.
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