Shrink-sleeve labeling gives you full-can coverage and amazing designs. It can be overwhelming to choose the right machine. The wrong choice could lead to a lot of downtime or inefficiency. You want a labeler that’s efficient and reliable for your production.
The best pop can sleeve shrink labeler depends on your production size, type of cans, and budget. Popular options include LabeMachine for craft breweries and small businesses, and BevSource for larger, high-volume operations.
Understanding your business needs and product characteristics will help you pick the right labeler. Here’s how to evaluate your choices:
Why Shrink Sleeve Labeling is Popular
Shrink sleeves give you 360-degree branding. You have more design flexibility than traditional labels. You can do full-body graphics to help you stand out on a crowded shelf. They are very durable, water-resistant, and work great on aluminum cans because they fit so tightly that they won’t slide around on the packaging.
For beverage companies, shrink sleeves are attractive because they protect the design from moisture, scratching, and changes in the environment. They also adhere so closely to the product that they don’t have peeling issues like you sometimes see with pressure-sensitive labels. That’s why beer, soda, and juice companies love them.
Choosing the Right Material for Shrink Sleeves
The most common materials used to make shrink sleeves are PETG, PVC, or OPS. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is the most popular because it’s environmentally friendly and has high shrink capacity. This material is the choice for people looking for sustainable solutions. It provides better clarity and strength, giving your packaging a premium look while still being recyclable.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is another popular option. However, it is not as eco-friendly as PETG. OPS (Oriented Polystyrene) is a lower density material that requires less energy to shrink, making it a cost-effective choice. It does not have the same strength as PETG.
Shrink Wrap vs. Shrink Sleeves: Key Differences
Shrink sleeves are full-body labels applied with heat, so they conform to the shape of the can. You get 360-degree branding, which gives you more space for logos, text, and cool graphics. Shrink wrap is something you put around a bunch of stuff to hold it together. It doesn’t conform to the product as tightly as a shrink sleeve, and you don’t get the branding flexibility.
Cost of Sleeving Pop Cans
The cost to sleeve a pop can will vary greatly depending on the size of your run and the complexity of your design. For small runs, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars up to $2,000 or more for a fancier design. The more you buy, the cheaper it is per sleeve. If you’re doing thousands, the price comes down.
The labor-intensive process of putting on shrink sleeves also adds to the cost, especially if you are using a contract decorator. Smaller breweries or operations may use a contract decorator to save on the equipment cost, while larger operations may want to buy their own equipment to have more control and save money over time.
How to Size a Shrink Sleeve
To get the right fit, the shrink sleeve must be measured properly for the height and circumference of the can. You have to allow for the shrinkage that will occur when you apply the heat. This is especially true at the top and bottom where the shrink film may get distorted if it’s not the right size. Most manufacturers will give you a template with guidelines to help you design your sleeves to account for this shrinkage.
What are the Disadvantages of Shrink Sleeves?
While shrink sleeves have a ton of benefits, there are some drawbacks. If you don’t put them on right, they can be misaligned, or you might get bubbles. Also, the setup cost for a shrink sleeve machine is higher than traditional labeling methods. Small operations might find the upfront cost too much unless they outsource the work.
Shrink sleeves are also much more labor-intensive to produce and apply compared to pressure-sensitive labels. Because they wrap all the way around the can, the design process is more complicated. You have to think about how your graphics are going to look when the sleeve gets shrunk down onto the container.
Best Shrink Sleeve Labelers for Different Needs
- LabeMachine Labelers: LabeMachine labelers are known for their versatility and cost-effective solutions. They are a great option for small to medium-sized breweries and beverage makers. LabeMachine machines can handle low and high-speed operations, making them good for all sizes of operations.
- BevSource: This company is perfect for the big guys looking for soup-to-nuts packaging solutions. BevSource does everything from sourcing materials to putting the sleeves on the cans.
- Pro Motion: If you’re looking for custom shrink sleeve labeling, Pro Motion is your company. They specialize in high-end, custom designs. They offer all kinds of cool finishing options like gloss, matte, and textured effects to make your product look great on the shelf.
Conclusion
Selecting the right shrink labeler for your pop cans depends on a number of factors including your production scale, budget, and how fancy your designs are. Whether you’re a tiny craft brewery or a big beverage company, companies like LabeMachine, BevSource and Pro Motion can help you out.
