Spotlight on non PVC-based materials for sustainable shrink sleeve

A strategy is considered effective only when it provides solutions that not only curtail the shortcomings but also focuses on growth. Banning PVC doesn’t necessarily fulfil the criteria for sustainable packaging. We need to see the best possible options that come close to PVC rather than emphasising on its drawbacks.

The best known option for PVC substitution is PET G. PET G provides good results in shrinking and overall coverage. It is non-toxic, and provides good compatibility with various plastic bottles. PET G gives an exceptional output in the steam shrink tunnel.

There is scope for improvement in the heat shrink tunnel of PET G due to its high density. Next PET G is another substrate opted for after PVC. Like PET G, next PET G is also non-hazardous and provides excellent results with HDPE, PET or PP containers. And here’s the best part, the price of Next PET G is quite competitive than PVC. Hence, it is considered as the most opted replacement of PVC.

The next in line is oriented polystyrene (OPS). It is most prevalent in Japan for the purpose of refrigeration. It is usually opted for when the PET G shrink sleeves is not adequate and PVC is not an option. It is environmentally friendly and costly as compared to PET G.

LDPET is another choice over PVC. LDPET is dimensionally stable than OPS. Its density is 1.1 which decreases the overall plastic usage making it more yield-oriented than PVC and PET G. Though it is more expensive, it is not as much as OPS.

Let’s discuss “TruCycl” – the first recyclable shrink sleeves in India. It is the only substrate that can be recycled and reused in the industry repeatedly. Labels or shrink sleeves can be recycled with bottle containers, and various inks can be washed off easily. It’s relatively recent in the market but has already created a stir.

The next option for shrink sleeves that is created from organic sources like sugarcane and corn starch, polylactic acid (PLA) is completely biodegradable but highly priced. 

The substrate that fits your bill in terms of design, container, shrink tunnel, sustainability criteria and budget will be the correct choice. Running from pillar to post in quest for sustainability but not consulting an expert technical packaging partner will sabotage your entire development project. It’s time for you to ask a proficient packaging partner the best-fit solution for you.

17 years of my extensive research were spent on understanding the various aspects of flexible packaging. As a packaging expert, I ensure that any technique or substrate recommendation by me is backed by practical application.

Email at info@tauruspackaging.com or call at 91 9667400924.