Shrink Sleeve Application - Everything You Need to Know

You&#;ve likely witnessed the explosion of shrink sleeve packaging on the marketplace in the last decade. From craft beer cans to tamper-evident pharmaceuticals to personal care products, shrink sleeve packaging is hot &#; and all indicators point to continued growth.

If you&#;re interested in expanding your services to include shrink sleeve application or would like to incorporate shrink sleeve labels into your existing production lines, we&#;ll cover everything you need to know. Learn about the benefits of shrink sleeve packaging, types of shrink sleeves, how the application process works, and what machinery you&#;ll need.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Yuanlong Packaging.

Benefits of Shrink Sleeve Packaging

According to Flexible Packaging, &#;the heat shrink sleeve format in North America is clipping along at a seven percent growth rate, as it branches beyond food and beverage, nutraceuticals and household chemicals, and makes inroads into new categories like health and beauty.&#; Here are a few of the reasons why.

Branding &#; Shrink sleeves offer full-color images that completely wrap around the container, providing more real estate for messaging. Companies can deliver their products in unique shaped containers to stand out from the competition. Colors and shape matter &#; they have a major influence on consumer behavior.

Flexibility &#; Companies can save money by purchasing &#;blank&#; bottles or cans and applying shrink sleeves for short runs like promotions, seasonal offerings or new products. By stocking rolls of shrink sleeves, they can respond more quickly to market shifts, reducing waste when a product isn&#;t selling.

Tamper Evident &#; By adding a tamper-evident band on the outside of the cap or container, consumers don&#;t have to open the package to confirm the contents are safe prior to purchase. Food and drug safety is a high priority for consumers today.

Durability &#; Shrink sleeve labels are reverse printed, sealing the inks safely behind a clear film. The graphics won&#;t be scuffed or torn during transport with their tight shrinkage to the container.

Sustainability &#; Shrink sleeves can be removed for recycling. The sleeves also provide support to the container, allowing processors to reduce the weight of the container itself. Plus, engineers have been creating thinner sleeves to reduce the amount of plastic and new biodegradable films are now coming on the market.

Shrink sleeves give beverage manufacturers the option of creating smaller run specialty packaging.

Types of Shrink Sleeves

Depending on your project, there are several types of shrink sleeves.

Standard Shrink Sleeve &#; A portion or most of the container is covered but the sleeve doesn&#;t cover the neck and cap/lid.

Full-body shrink sleeves are great for preventing contamination and providing a tamper evident seal.

Full-Body Shrink Sleeve &#; The entire container is covered with the sleeve from top to bottom, creating 360-degree coverage. The portion of the sleeve covering the cap or lid acts as a tamper-evident seal and can be perforated for easier removal.

Shrink bands provide a safety seal so that consumers know that their product has been untouched.

Shrink Bands &#; Often used as a tamper evident band or safety seal, shrink bands are small strips of film that are shrunk around the container&#;s cap. They can be clear, colored, or custom printed with a design like a logo or symbol.

Combination packages are commonly used to contain and deliver beverages in bulk quantities.

Combination Packaging &#; Combines multiple containers together to offer as one product unit.

Shrink Sleeve Conversion Process

Before we get into the application process, let&#;s talk about shrink sleeve conversion. For an in-depth look at the conversion process, check out our last blog Everything You Need to Know About Shrink Sleeve Conversion. Here&#;s a brief summary of the steps (and shrink sleeve machines) involved in the printing, seaming, inspection, and cutting processes.

Printing Shrink Sleeves &#; Flexography, gravure, offset or digital printing processes all work for printing shrink sleeves. Printers can use solvent, water-based, UV or digital inks.

Seaming the Sleeves &#; Once printed, the seaming machine applies a solvent to one edge of the roll. The seam is where the edges of the shrink material are glued together to make sleeves. There are several machines available depending on your needs. Karlville offers seven types of seaming machines ranging from entry-level to high production

Inspecting the Sleeves &#; After seaming, you can use an inspection machine to analyze the sleeving construction and search for imperfections. After detecting defective material, it can also doctor issues before shipping. Karlville&#;s three seaming inspection machines come standard with ACCUWEB EPC systems on the Rewind, oscillation on Rewind tied to EPC, automatic tension control via load cells on Unwind & Rewind as well as additional taper tension control module via PLC.

Cutting the Sleeves &#; If you plan to use an automatic applicator machine, cutting the sleeves isn&#;t necessary. However, a cutting machine can cut the rolls into individual pieces, if your customer would like to apply them manually. Karlville&#;s C1 series, for example, allows converters to offer end users cut sleeves for manual sleeve application.

Shrink Sleeve Application Process

Once the shrink sleeves have been produced, you have two options for applying them to your product &#; using an automatic machine or manually placing them over the product. Naturally, the option you choose will depend on the size of your production and whether it&#;s a prototype.

Automatic Shrink Sleeve Applicators

The Karlville Automatic Shrink Sleeve Applicator SLEEVEPRO line applies shrink sleeves on most container shapes, materials (glass, plastic, metal), conditions (filled or empty) at speeds that range from 50 to 800 bpm. You can configure each model to apply full body shrink sleeves, partial labels or combined shrink sleeve labels. There are five models to accommodate small to large volume.

Karlville&#;s SP800 fits large speed applications. It processes about 800 containers per minute.

Automatic Tamper Evident Applicators

If you want to offer your customers a tamper-evident cap, Karlville&#;s Tamper Evident Line is the most reliable application in the market. The tamper-evident line can be used as an integrated system on your existing label application or as a stand-alone system. This line includes the COMBITEC, which includes both the tamper applicator and an infrared electric tunnel. It&#;s a servo motorized machine that&#;s compact with an easy and accurate set-up.

Heat Shrink Tunnels

Shrink tunnels are the final critical element of the shrink sleeve process. After passing through the heat tunnel, the sleeve will shrink and affix to the container for a tight seal. Each kind of tunnel is suited for certain applications and materials. Karlville offers the widest range of shrink sleeve tunnels found on the market today.

Steam Tunnels

For full body, high-quality applications with distortion-free graphics, steam tunnels are best. Steam is also good for pressurized containers or products with high flammability. Karlville steam tunnels offer a 360-degree uniform shrink. Machine nozzles and steam pressure can be adjusted to meet container size and shape. They&#;re ideal for after-fill application.

Electric Shrink Tunnels

Karlville also offers a complete line of high-quality electric shrink tunnels for different applications. Our four main lines offer different benefits to adjust to our customer&#;s needs: HEATPRO (ideal for pre-heating section), TORNADO (sophisticated technology offering 360-degree uniform shrink), TAMPERHEAT (ideal for tamper applications), and RADIANTEC (ideal for pre-heating section in full line of conical and empty containers).

Prototypes

The Steambox is Karlville&#;s prototype for sample making. It&#;s the first complete shrinking system that fits in a portable case. This prototype can help you evaluate new material and print distortion, make small productions to test your material and improve reactivity. The Steambox is designed to ensure the feasibility of shrink-sleeve projects by simulating the shrinkage process of full-size steam tunnels.

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If your company wants to get into the shrink sleeve market, contact Karlville for more information on getting started. Hopefully, this article has given you a sense of what shrink sleeve application involves and how you might explore the options.

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If you&#;re in the market for bulk purchases of stretch film wrap for your manufacturing enterprise, strategic planning is key. Ensuring your supply chain is optimized for efficiency and cost-effectiveness is paramount.

From safeguarding goods in transit to maximizing storage space, the right stretch film can greatly impact your bottom line. Let&#;s explore the vital 16 questions you should be asking to align your procurement strategy with your business objectives.

16 Questions You Should Ask Before Purchasing Stretch Film Wrap

1. What is the minimum order quantity for bulk purchases?

When considering bulk purchases of stretch film wrap, it&#;s essential to inquire about the minimum order quantity. Understanding this requirement upfront allows you to plan your inventory management effectively and ensures that your supplier can meet your business&#;s needs.

By knowing the minimum order quantity, you can make informed decisions about ordering frequencies and quantities, optimizing your procurement process for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The stretch rate of the film is also highly dependent on the minimum order quantity. So, stretch wraps will have a lower price quote per piece if the product has a high minimum order quantity. 

2. Can the supplier accommodate scheduled deliveries or Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory management?

Inquiring whether the supplier can accommodate scheduled deliveries or Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory management is crucial when purchasing stretch film wrap in bulk. Having the flexibility for scheduled deliveries ensures a steady supply of materials, reducing the risk of stockouts or excess inventory.

Additionally, JIT inventory management allows for more efficient use of warehouse space and minimizes carrying costs. By partnering with a supplier capable of meeting these requirements, your manufacturing business can streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.

3. Are there volume-based discounts or pricing tiers available?

When exploring bulk purchases of stretch film wrap, it&#;s prudent to inquire about volume-based discounts or pricing tiers. Understanding if the supplier offers discounts based on the quantity ordered can significantly impact your procurement strategy and bottom line.

By leveraging volume-based discounts or pricing tiers, you can potentially reduce costs and enhance your competitiveness in the market. This information allows you to make informed decisions about order quantities and maximize the value of your investment in stretch film wrap.

 4. What are the lead times for production and delivery?

Knowing the lead times for production and delivery is essential when considering bulk purchases of stretch film wrap. Understanding how long it takes for the supplier to produce the film and deliver it to your facility enables you to plan your inventory and production schedules effectively.

Longer lead times may require you to maintain higher inventory levels to avoid stockouts, while shorter lead times can offer more flexibility but may come with higher costs. By having clear visibility into production and delivery lead times, you can mitigate risks and ensure a smooth supply chain operation for your manufacturing business.

5.  Is there a dedicated account manager or customer service team for bulk orders?

Having a dedicated account manager or customer service team for bulk orders can greatly streamline the procurement process and ensure personalized support for your business needs. Knowing whether the supplier offers this service ensures that you have a designated point of contact who understands your specific requirements and can address any concerns or inquiries promptly. A dedicated account manager can provide valuable assistance in managing orders, coordinating deliveries, and resolving any issues that may arise, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency and satisfaction of your purchasing experience.

6. Are there customization options available, such as branded labeling or specific color requirements?

Inquiring about customization options, such as branded labeling or specific color requirements, is crucial when considering bulk purchases of stretch film wrap. Understanding if the supplier offers these customization services allows you to tailor the stretch film to your unique branding or operational needs.

Branded labeling can enhance brand recognition and visibility, while specific color requirements can facilitate the organization and identification of different product batches or shipments. By leveraging customization options, you can differentiate your products, optimize logistics, and enhance overall brand image and efficiency.

7. What is the shelf life and storage recommendations for bulk quantities of stretch film?

Understanding the shelf life and storage recommendations for bulk quantities of stretch film is essential to maintain product quality and performance. Inquiring about the shelf life ensures that you can effectively manage inventory and minimize waste by using the film within its optimal timeframe.

Additionally, knowing the storage recommendations, such as temperature and humidity conditions, helps prevent degradation and preserve the film&#;s integrity during storage. Proper storage practices ensure that the stretch film remains effective and reliable for its intended use, maximizing its value and minimizing potential issues during application.

8. Can the supplier provide samples or trial runs to ensure compatibility with manufacturing processes?

Ensuring compatibility with your manufacturing processes is crucial when considering bulk purchases of stretch film wrap. Inquiring whether the supplier can provide samples or trial runs allows you to assess the quality and suitability of the film before making a significant investment.

By conducting trials, you can evaluate factors such as compatibility with your equipment, adherence to safety standards, and overall performance in real-world conditions. This proactive approach enables you to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and ensure seamless integration of the stretch film into your manufacturing operations.

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Knowing this key information about the manufacturer will allow you to ensure important aspects of the product, including whether or not it is puncture resistance, stability, and stretch rate. Thus, you will be able to choose the best stretch film wrap for your particular storage and transport uses. 

9. Are there any bulk packaging options available to optimize storage space and handling?

When purchasing stretch film wrap in bulk, exploring bulk packaging options can greatly optimize storage space and handling efficiency. Inquiring about bulk packaging options allows you to assess whether the supplier offers solutions tailored to your storage and handling needs.

Bulk packaging options such as shrink-wrapped pallets or compactly stacked rolls can help maximize warehouse space utilization and streamline handling processes. By choosing the right bulk packaging option, you can enhance logistical efficiency, minimize storage costs, and improve overall operational productivity for your manufacturing business.

10. What is the compatibility of the stretch film with existing wrapping equipment or machinery?

Understanding the compatibility of the stretch film with your existing wrapping equipment or machinery is crucial for smooth and efficient operations. Inquiring about compatibility ensures that the film is suitable for use with your equipment, minimizing the risk of disruptions or downtime.

Factors to consider include the film&#;s thickness, width, and core size, as well as any specific requirements of your wrapping equipment. By confirming compatibility upfront, you can avoid compatibility issues, optimize equipment performance, and maintain production continuity.

11. Does the supplier offer training or technical support for efficient use of the stretch film?

Ensuring efficient use of stretch film is vital for maximizing its effectiveness and minimizing waste. Inquiring whether the supplier offers training or technical support demonstrates their commitment to customer satisfaction and product optimization.

Training sessions can educate your team on proper handling techniques, application methods, and troubleshooting procedures, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment in stretch film. Additionally, access to technical support enables you to address any challenges or issues promptly, reducing downtime and optimizing operational efficiency.

By partnering with a supplier that offers comprehensive support services, you can enhance your knowledge and skills, improve productivity, and achieve optimal results with stretch film.

12. Are there any contract or long-term partnership options available for consistent supply?

Exploring contract or long-term partnership options with your stretch film supplier can provide numerous benefits for your manufacturing business. Inquiring about such arrangements demonstrates your interest in establishing a stable and reliable supply chain.

Contract or long-term partnership options often offer advantages such as price stability, priority access to inventory, and dedicated support from the supplier.

By entering into a formal agreement, you can secure a consistent supply of stretch film, mitigate supply chain risks, and streamline procurement processes. Additionally, long-term partnerships foster trust and collaboration between you and the supplier, enabling mutual growth and success in the long run.

13. What is the return policy for bulk orders in case of quality issues or overstock?

Understanding the return policy for bulk orders is essential for mitigating risks associated with quality issues or overstock situations. Inquiring about the return policy ensures that you have recourse in the event of defective or unsatisfactory stretch film.

A clear return policy provides guidelines for returning unused or faulty products, facilitating a smooth resolution process and minimizing potential disruptions to your operations.

Additionally, knowing the return policy for overstock situations allows you to manage inventory effectively and avoid unnecessary costs. By choosing a supplier with a fair and transparent return policy, you can feel confident in your purchasing decisions and protect your investment in stretch film.

14. Can the supplier provide documentation for quality assurance and compliance with industry standards?

Ensuring quality assurance and compliance with industry standards is paramount when selecting a supplier for stretch film wrap. Inquiring whether the supplier can provide documentation for quality assurance and compliance demonstrates their commitment to meeting regulatory requirements and delivering high-quality products.

Documentation such as certifications, test reports, and compliance statements offer reassurance regarding the quality, safety, and performance of the stretch film. By reviewing this documentation, you can verify that the supplier adheres to industry standards and best practices, mitigating risks and ensuring the reliability of the stretch film for your manufacturing processes.

15. Are there any logistics or shipping considerations for transporting bulk quantities, especially if shipping internationally?

When transporting bulk quantities of stretch film wrap, especially internationally, it&#;s crucial to consider logistics and shipping considerations. Inquiring about these factors ensures that you can effectively plan and manage the transportation of the stretch film to your desired destination. Key considerations may include transportation modes, shipping schedules, customs clearance procedures, and any regulatory requirements or restrictions.

Understanding logistics and shipping considerations allows you to anticipate potential challenges, optimize shipping routes, and ensure timely delivery of the stretch film. By partnering with a supplier that offers comprehensive logistics support, you can navigate the complexities of international shipping with confidence and minimize logistical risks for your business.

16. What is the track record of the supplier in meeting bulk order requirements and maintaining product consistency?

Assessing the track record of the supplier in meeting bulk order requirements and maintaining product consistency is essential for ensuring a reliable supply chain. Inquiring about the supplier&#;s track record provides insights into their performance, reliability, and ability to fulfill bulk orders consistently. You can ask for references, case studies, or testimonials from other clients to gauge the supplier&#;s reputation and reliability.

Additionally, reviewing their history of on-time deliveries, product quality, and customer satisfaction can offer valuable insights into their track record. By choosing a supplier with a proven track record of meeting bulk order requirements and maintaining product consistency, you can minimize risks and ensure a seamless supply chain for your manufacturing business.

Where Can You Purchase Premium Quality Stretch Film Wrap

By this point, identifying the best global manufacturers of stretch film wrap is a need when it comes to finding the quality products for your storage and transport uses. Therefore, to make matter much easier for you, here are two different manufacturers of premium quality stretch film wrap.

A global top dog when it comes to all products biodegradable &#; Homestraw has honed their craft to the point where they are now producing and supplying degradable stretch film for various uses, that too, in bulk. From wrapping your storage inventory boxes before transport to wrapping furniture to prevent moisture and damage, Homestraw offers one of the best stretch films that you&#;ll find on the market today. 

Due to its extensive production capacity and huge client database, Homestraw offers deliver across the globe. In fact, before placing a bulk order for one of their products, you can also request for a sample. 

Degradable Wrapping Film by Homestraw 

Homestraw produces a variety of stretch wrap films. One of their degradable wrapping films can be used for both industrial and commercial use, which means that the minimum order quantity, when requested for, will be such that it can easily suit small-scale businesses, such as packers and movers for furniture, warehousing for pallets and storage boxes, and more. 

Homestraw&#;s degradable wrapping film has a dimension of 45 cm by cm. Despite the widths being thin, this degradable wrapping film can take on a load and has the key stability elements, that is, of puncture resistance. 

Providing perfect protection and repelling of moisture, this wrapping film is ideal for all objects, including food, furniture, boxes, and more. Best of all, the proportions of the wrapping film allow it to cover large objects and products, with high efficiency and thickness.

Homestraw&#;s greatest advantage is its cost. With its factory set up in China, the company is able to leverage a lower cost of production, which then allows them to produce and transport their products and wrapping items at lower rates than what you would find on the market. 

Perhaps heavily inspired by its name, trio world has created an abundant world for stretch wraps, such that its extensive portfolio of film types allows for the packaging of myriad items. Trio World does not believe in the one size fits all philosophy. Perhaps this is why, their portfolio for stretch wraps consists of machine stretch film, hand stretch film, top and bottom sheets, and even their most recent technology &#; the WasteWrap film loop 30. 

With the Trio World machine stretch film, you can rest assured that you&#;re purchasing the best of the best. Of course, the price quote and cost reflects the high standard of films Trio World produces, however, for the best, one has to lighten their pockets a little bit. 

In fact, the key elements of the stretch film you will receive will be curated for your load content, material, and specific uses. Within its machine stretch film wrapping, you will find sub-products that then cater to the specific aspects of your requirements. 

A good example of this is that if you&#;re looking for sustainable options, you will have options of the Katan-Ex Loop30 stretch film, the Trioworld stretch film Blown Coex Loop30, and the Trioworld stretch film Blown Coex Loop51. On the other hand, if you&#;re looking for wrapping packaging for complex and heavy loads, you can choose between the Trio Extreme, Katan-Ex RP, Katan -Ex HH and the Trio Etex. No matter what your needs might be, you&#;ll be able to find the right stretch film for you. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, purchasing stretch film wrap in bulk for your manufacturing business requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. By asking the right questions and exploring key considerations such as minimum order quantities, lead times, customization options, and logistics considerations, you can make informed decisions that align with your business objectives.

Additionally, evaluating the supplier&#;s track record, return policies, and commitment to quality assurance and compliance with industry standards helps mitigate risks and ensure a seamless procurement process. Ultimately, by partnering with a reputable supplier that offers comprehensive support, including training, technical assistance, and long-term partnership options, you can optimize your supply chain, enhance operational efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth for your manufacturing business.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of plastic film wholesale. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.