3X your Product Visibility with Packaging Partner that

• Complete shrink sleeve development in less time.
• Enables PVC to PET G transition in one go.
• Has trusted R&D enabled facility.

Does your packaging partner suffice to all above points? Or have proper technical knowledge and expertise in handling alternate shrink sleeves substrates? To continue the series of the blogs for overcoming counterproductive PVC being used in Packaging, here is another article focusing on the implementation of eco-friendly substrates.

For years, I was focusing on the technological advancements in flexible packaging. My 17 years of elaborate experience has specific focus to evolve in flexible packaging process. I wrote 3 books to concise this information into actionable items. My second book – “5 Myths about Sustainable Shrink Sleeves” declutter the misconception of sustainable substrate. Recently, I was at the global platform discussing similar issue. Sustainability in flexible packaging has capability to grow in leaps and bound. We just need to be open about this change.

We are discussing the much newer substrates – NEXT PETG and PETG this time. There is no short way to know the substrates but to try and test them out; one by one. I have delved into the subject of sustainable packaging for more than 6 -7 years and in that short period, hardly a day passes without noticing an article on the sustainable or recycled packaging opportunity. In country like India, PVC is still dominating the shrink sleeve packaging market, however many countries have switched its packaging from harmful PVC to sustainable or recyclable ones. These changes in India are under progress and a complete switchover is imminent. This is the perfect time to learn challenging market of new substrates.

Let’s take PETG substrate first, and analyse how technical proficiency is required to handle it. PETG give best result in steam tunnel. It is usually opted by beverage brands. It shows good compatibility with various bottles type like PET, PP or HDPE particularly with PET containers. PETG has more shrinkage ratio, at higher temperature (more than recommended) rigidity appears, hence it is not a preferred choice for hot-air tunnel. Wrinkle effect is obvious with PETG if slightest variation in temperature is ignored. This is just a start, there are numerous challenges that defines perfect shrink in PETG. Air entrapment, distortion, Hot Melt issue, Shrink Force, SIT, etc. are a few of them which is impossible to discuss here at once.

Another such complex substrate is NEXT PETG. This is less known substrate in the market. This substrate has an advantage over PETG. It is opted in both hot-air tunnel and steam tunnel. It is more flexible than most grades of PETG. With its carefully designed shrinkage, loosening of the sleeves is rarely seen with NEXT PETG. It offers better value for money than other non-harmful substrates. Needless to say, other factors too play a crucial role in perfect shrinkage.

Both these substrates are non-toxic to humans and environment and not much hard on budgets unlike other renewable or sustainable ones. Picking right combination of technologies as per requirements and understanding the technical nuances of substrates is the key. It’s not the cup of tea for every packaging supplier who do not go beyond PVC. And of course, the sustainability in the shrink sleeve world is not stopping at PETG. There is more to go beyond PETG. It is important to explore options and choose right partner who can guide you for future in packaging excellence.

One needs to follow the right sequence in getting the PETG sleeve development done else they risk failure or delay in getting it right.

To know the background of this topic, please refer to my previous articles.

Out Of PVC Into The Beneficial World

Replace PVC

Want to know more about NEXT PETG or discover the steps to get sustainable packaging right?

You can email us at info@tauruspackaging.com or call us at +91 96674 00924.

Sustainable packaging is a topic that has various points to consider, especially when we are moving away from PVC. After collating my thoughts on the blog “Out of PVC” (https://tauruspackaging.com/out-of-pvc-into-the-beneficial-world/), I realised that I have just covered the foundation. Hence, this article is next step in Sustainable packaging. Options that can be considered for non-PVC sustainable packaging solution.

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 criteria for sustainable packaging. We need to see the best possible options that come close to PVC rather than emphasizing on its drawbacks. This blog throws light on the next best step in Sustainable packaging.

There has been no other subject in my life than Packaging that has intrigued me the most. 17 years of my extensive research were spent on understanding the various aspects of flexible packaging. Being an ardent researcher on this subject, helped me understand the different trends and innovations around the world after which I went on to become an International Resource Person on this topic. And before recommending it to any of our clients, I make sure that I fathom it fully. As a Packaging Expert, I ensure that any technique or substrate recommendation by me is backed by practical application.

• Let us start with the best known option for PVC substitution which is PET G. PET G provides fantastic results in shrinking and overall coverage. It is non-toxic, provides good compatibility with various plastic bottles. PET G gives an exceptional output in steam shrink tunnel. There is scope for improvement in 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 OPS, i.e. “Oriented Polystyrene”. It is most prevalent in Japan for the purpose of refrigeration. It is usually opted for the PET G shrink sleeves performance is not adequate and PVC is not an option. It is also environment friendly but is more costly as compare to PET G. LDPET is another choice over PVC. Low Density Polyethylene Terephthalate (LDPET) is more 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, however not as much as OPS.
• Finally let’s move on to the Sustainable and Recyclable shrink sleeves substrates. Firstly 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. The 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 etc, PLA (Polylactic Acid) is completely biodegradable but highly priced.

From all of the above options, I recommend readers to choose according to their manufacturing requirements. 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. You can send your query to us too. Email us at info@tauruspackaging.com or call us @ 91 9667400924.

We all know that moving towards sustainable actions is the need of the hour. Yet, we have been so comfortable using PVC for packaging that we have forgotten or neglected its harmful effects. There is so much information available on internet about plastic that difference between PVC or other sustainable options seem like almost similar. Here, this blog, will share the technical points through which you can easily consider moving out of PVC.

For 17 years, I have worked in this packaging industry and have witnessed it evolving continuously. I have always appreciated the use of Sustainable plastic. Topics of my Blogs, videos, and presentations have been quite frequent on Recycling and Sustainability. As an International Speaker and Shrink Sleeve Expert, I have always pushed the Recycled & sustainable plastic use in packaging. Today, the global shift has been towards

sustainability for holistic growth. It is a change that is widely appreciated. Still, coming out of PVC seems like a big task for brands that are using it inside and out. Let us go through all the points that makes PVC a DANGER for everyone. I hope this will help you in taking decision quickly for moving OUT OF PVC.

Health Implications

PVC – Poly Vinyl Chloride, the most common plastic source used in shrink sleeve packaging. In packaging industry, PVC comes as an easy option. Although, this easy option comes at disposal of harmful effects. Chlorine in PVC on decomposition and incineration produce chemicals and toxins in the environment. These toxins are then enter organism through soil, water or air creating disastrous threats like – cancer, pulmonary diseases or genetic mutations. PVC are mixed with various plasticisers to increase the flexibility and durability. “Pthalates” are one of the known to create mental disorder in human beings. Marine life, plants, animals or birds, nothing is spared from PVC.

Low Printing Quality

When it comes to the quality input, innovations has gone beyond expectation. Today, we have various option in substrate that gives us better results. In technical language, PVC has low shrinkage, only upto 50-60% TD shrinkage value. Shrink Initiation Temperature and the Peak Shrinkage Temperatures of PVC shrink sleeve is the reason. This can result in numerous shrinking limitations. Flowering effect is commonly seen because of this. Other factors like, shrink force, steam or hot air tunnel, Hot Melt or HAL and ambient temperature are few factors on which new substrates are showing PVC-like results and in many cases better results.

Global Movement

Considering the PVC harmful effects, countries have come up with other alternatives which are conducive to environment. Packaging industry has appreciated the substrates like PETG, PLA, OPS, LD-PET, TruCycl, Floatabel etc. Many countries have banned or discourage the use of PVC in any industry. They have even offered the subsidies and benefits for environment friendly packaging techniques. Carbon credits are strengthening the use of sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions. In India too, this shift has already started but it has to get the momentum for concrete results.

By opting the Sustainable and Recyclable packaging shrink sleeves we can contribute, not only to our work but also to our environment. It is a win-win situation. Quality packaging with environment benefits. The points listed above are useful for taking the first step. We are available to help you for cost-effective sustainable shrink-sleeve packaging incorporation.

You can write to us at info@tauruspackaging.com or give us a call at +91 9667400924. Your faith will make us more technical in our approach.

The flexible packaging industry is quite in congruence with its name. The requirements in industry are as vibrant as consumers’ thoughts. For a decade, the industry focused on fast development, and then the industry was led by fast output with no MOQ technology. This technology was still reigning in the world when sustainability took priority.

And now this global requirement is topped with innovation to boost Exclusivity in Sustainability.

Such a fast-changing industry… Hello Friends! I am Chetan Jain, shrink sleeve guide, international speaker, and executive director of Taurus Packaging. I have been writing articles and blogs on different topics based on flexible packaging, specifically shrink sleeves. As an author, my motive is to mitigate the difference between current practices and innovative technologies. With 16 years of experience, the shrink-sleeve industry never fails to provide me with subjects I can’t refer to. So let me throw my perspective on Exclusivity in Sustainability.

Sustainability is not just a formality that we need to consider for government norms and subsidies. It is futile unless we practice in every process. Opting for sustainable and recyclable substrates is the start. There are plenty of options available these days that provide a healthy packaging choice. This single step can change the whole industry. Collection, segregation, and processing will operate on different levels. Providing much clarity and ease. Mono-material is another significant approach. Opting for a single sustainable packaging substrate in bottles as well as shrink sleeves is a game-changing movement. As I told you, sustainability provides a bouquet of opportunities to explore. Water-based inks and adhesives are another area to explore.

Coming to another point, how do you provide exclusivity to your packaging? It can be done in various aspects. You may provide fast TAT for your developments; you could use different packaging in small quantities; and you may also think of going sustainable. Yet, the most promising point is to offer embellishments and tactile effects. This technology can be driven by 2.5D printing. In taurus packaging, our 2.5D printing technology provides a soft, wet, sand texture on the printing surface. You can also opt for gold or silver foil to highlight the packaging. Holographic printing can also be added to packaging to avoid counterfeiting.

Today, brands want to be ahead of the curve with innovations and technology. To be the top-pick brand in the supermarket aisle, a brand must convince customers about its premium and exclusive approach to sustainability. And this starts with packaging. Combinations are deadly. Sustainability for the world’s benefit and premium customisation for exclusivity.

All you need to do is connect with your packaging partner to implement it in your product. If you face any issues, what are we here for? You can resolve your queries with us. We can guide you to suitable measures without any cost. It is a simple step, and it is in my own interest to help everyone who is seeking technical guidance in shrink-sleeve printing packaging.

Connect with us. You may write to info@tauruspackaging.com or give us a call on +919667400924

How are you doing?

Today, I am going to mention a topic to which you would relate. I have been in the packaging industry for over a decade and a half, but this section never fails to amaze me.

A couple of days ago, I was reading an article and came across an example of how information given in the packaging was misleading to customers. So I thought to bring the topic to light once again from the converter’s point of view.

My 16 years of experience and travelling to various nations have a lot to contribute to having keen eyes that pick unique projects. As a global shrink sleeve expert and author of two books, “Sleeve it Right” and “5 Myths about Sustainable Shrink Sleeves,” my obsession with exploring packaging dimensions has lead me to learn the ins and outs of shrink sleeve.

Packaging is a very large branch that is a mix of industrial engineering, marketing, material science, and important industry-specific aspects.

Hence, what you communicate on the packaging is not restricted to mere information, it is a great deal and makes a lot of difference. Semiotics is the part of packaging that is leading this concept. Now a days, effective packaging concepts have been overruled by packaging that gives a wow factor. It is not new to see a few products fail to connect with target customers. They are eye-catching, but getting the correct meaning from the pack is a challenge. Semiotic packaging simplifies such objections. In simple terms, semiotics is the way to communicate with your client through human experience, i.e., through written linguistics, visual, audio, sensorial, gestural, and spatial patterns.

A customer has very limited time while scanning the supermarket aisle. If it’s too short to read even a brand name, then how are they supposed to make the correct decision? Yet they pick the best-suited product for themselves. This is where semiotics plays its part. Let’s take a few examples of brands where semiotics played it very smoothly and won the client’s trust.

Remember when our atta used to come in a brown woven sac? “Aashirvaad atta” did the same with its brand in the atta pack. It may not have been the most attractive packaging, but it was definitely nostalgic and close enough to be picked up by consumers who would recall it.

Another example where semiotics has a clean sweep is “Dove Beauty Bar” Dove packaging has nothing but the key element that depicts its source and Purity concept. Except for the milk and the icon, it has nothing on the cover. Where above were the examples of a design for packaging, let’s understand the part where the product gives a confusing message. For instance when you are not able to get the form of product you want, like tea that is loose or in tea bags? Jellies you pick came out to be bath toys.

The above are instances that show us how the use of spatial and sensorial patterns like strong colors, connotations, and implicit meaning is necessary for the consumer’s buying interest. If you closely look, every step helps you get the semiotic design in packaging. From the substrate and shape of the bottle to the color, symbols, and content, every small or big part has knowingly or unknowingly contributed to aesthetics and is an underlying part of brand identity. And semiotics is very much leading it.

It would be very prejudiced to consider semiotics to have a limited scope. It helps you define the product variation in different geographies. The same brand in the US, UK, and India has different packaging. And its relevance is easily communicated through this. It also confirms the user—the brand, culture, and specific information.

Like any other industry, “the devil lies in the details.”, Packaging seems so simple and easy, yet its “behind the scenes” part is quite illustrative. One must have passion to go in depth and to take out the pearls of packaging.

You can connect with us to share your views on semiotics and also to implement the semiotics design on your product through mails at info@tauruspackaging-com.in9.cdn-alpha.com or calls on 9667400924.

I was often asked by my clients, what it takes to do the perfect packaging in single go? My answer to this question will always remain same. Getting hold on the basics requirement and eyes for innovative solutions. Having said this, no packaging job is same. Every container offer different level of challenge depending on your experience.

As a manufacturer I could understand the dilemma of brand owners who often juggle between manufacturing and packaging work. Packaging intricacies does require a lot of valuable time and immediate actions.

Being an Global Shrink Sleeve Advisor for years has resulted in me crafting technical books, “Sleeve It Right” and “5 Myths about Sustainable Shrink Sleeves,” which were appreciated by leaders around the world. Having over 15 years of experience in the industry enriches me with various case studies. Thankfully, now, Chetan Jain is regarded as the technical expert on the matter of shrink sleeve packaging.

So here I am, writing an article on 6 pivotal points; all professionals handling packaging development need to consider before starting work on it.

•Product container shape

This is the first step in the packaging process. Knowing your product’s container shape. A symmetric container can provide even shrinkage. If your container has contours and troughs that are unevenly placed, then getting the right shrinkage could be difficult. In such cases, distortions are more likely to appear. You have carefully selected the container shape and shrink tunnel.

•Innovation

Shrink sleeves can vary depending on the level of innovation desired for your product. It is dependent on your converter partner and how he will deliver it. It is predominantly determined by your customers’ basic requirements and expectations, but a lot depends on the manufacturer’s ideation and conceptual execution. For example, a QR code or barcode is a safety and assurance indicator. UV or metallic inks are an indicator of the quality of the packaged food. Any special effect on the shrink sleeves helps create a distinctive feature and protects it from counterfeiting. These unique characteristics can include wet, sand, soft, silver, or gold foiling.

•Shrink Sleeve Material

The right shrink sleeve substrate is a tremendous game changer for your product packaging. Brands always carefully select the right shrink sleeve substrate before designing the packaging. It is one of the basic questions about your packaging type. There are a lot of packaging materials on the market, but selecting the appropriate one according to your product is the key.

You need to discuss this with your converter partner to determine the right sleeve material. I have jotted down the basic substrate list for your knowledge.

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
  It is the most versatile shrink sleeve substrate, widely used. Easy to print and handle efficiently for effortless work. Low-cost substrates provide a good range of shrinkage. Despite all these benefits, PVC is not environmentally friendly, and its incineration has negative effects on health.
• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
  A sustainable option in today’s world, predominantly used by all brands. Substrate clarity, stability, and availability are its benefits. It has a high shrinkage ratio, which is an added advantage in controlling the factors for shrink tunnels. It means less distortion.
• Other Alternates
  There are some more options, like LDPET, NEXT PETG, OPS, TruCycl that are relevant depending on application.

•Design

Designing the packaging creatively is another landmark. It is like deciding the layout of your product. Design reflects the brand’s appeal. Shape, color, design elements, layout, and contents all contribute to the complete design. Always be mindful that high-shrinkage areas should not have fine design or text loaded content. Bar codes are to be aligned vertically. Seams are also very critical areas for the design. Avoid using continuous graphic text. There, use small amounts of content and elements.

•Shrinkage and Distortion

Shrinkage and distortion are relatively technical concepts to understand. Perfect shrinkage is the result of various determinants like container type, shape, and material, yet it is considered the factor of perfect shrink sleeve packaging because it also depends on the shrink tunnel you prefer. Every tunnel has its own prerequisite conditions and benefits. Steam shrink tunnels are known to provide the best shrinkage since they evenly distribute the heat. As the shrink sleeve is exposed to direct heat, it is more prone to distortion.

•Converter Partner

For every exceptional execution, you need expert support that can guide you through the process according to your needs. It is a challenging task, and not everyone could deliver your desired result. Most of the time, we understood it clearly after the final shrink sleving went wrong. In order to save time and money, you should go with a converter partner who has the required technologies, knowledge, and experience.

I could write another 10 points on this subject, and this ending would guide me to start a fresh article on the other vital aspect of shrink sleeve packaging. But will write more in future.

So, keeping the sanctity of the space, I would end here. Although keeping your queries at bay is not right. Hence, you could ask your question related to this topic to me at Chetan.jain@tauruspackaging-com.in9.cdn-alpha.com

Usually, when a product is delivered to the customer or user, the manufacturer’s accountability is over. However, this is not in the case in the packaging industry. Until the packaging is applied to the product or on the container, It is not considered fully closed. Especially in Shrink Sleeves, this process is even more technical. In fact, the most crucial part is when shrink sleeves are applied over and formed into the final product container.

Being a Global Shrink Sleeve advisor, and Director of Taurus Packaging, I have experienced a lot of these application issues. I have mentioned this in my both books – “Sleeve it Right” & “5 Myths about Sustainable Shrink Sleeve.” Surprisingly one thing is common – The Application and handholding hiccups of Shrink Sleeves.

Let’s begin with the step in which the shrink sleeves are printed and delivered to you by us -the converter. Now the ball is in your court. The application process plays a critical role. The best-fit application technologies are determined by factors such as container type, shrink sleeve material processing condition, and selecting the right combination based on the need. The application process is divided into three categories:

1. Rotational / Carousel Applicator
2. Auto Applicator / Bullet Style/ Mandrel
3. Manual Application / Direct Apply
Let’s take them one by one.

Rotational Applicator

This applicator system is easy to handle and provides better placement of the shrink sleeve on the container, even with non-cylindrical shapes. It allows sleeves to be “squared” for rotational accuracy in a variety of container shapes. This applicator works well in full-body shrink-sleeving. Shrink sleeves are used in roll form.

Auto / Mandrel Applicator

As the name suggests, it is an Automatic applicator that uses a mandrel or metallic tube-like structure on which the sleeves are opened and applied to the containers below it. It is primarily used in beverage containers on high-speed lines.

Manual / Direct Apply 

It employs shrink sleeves in the cut form. Sleeves are passed through a tool kit that opens and applies over the container moving on the conveyer belt.

The shrink tunnel is another important aspect of applicator technology. Here too, we have three different tunnel types:

1. Hot Air (Convection)
2. Radiant Heat (Infra-Red)
3. Steam (Conduction)

Hot Air (Convection) Shrink Tunnel

Cost Shrink sleeving that is both effective and simple. Hot air is applied by directional heat to the container’s specific area where maximum shrinkage is required. best for areas like necks, grooves, or recesses. Because hot air is directly blown on the surface of the container, the temperature of the tunnel tends to be on the higher side. And this excessive heat leads to distortion in the shrink sleeve on the surface, especially on the leading edge of the sleeve. These distortions are frequently observed in cold-filled plastic or glass containers. Conveyor belts that spin for containers can help reduce such distortions.

Infrared Shrink Tunnel

The source of the heat is Infrared and since it is restricted to the chamber, this tunnel works like an oven. It is initially designed for preheating the container to ensure proper shrinkage and reduce the heat-sink effect on glass. But usually, it resulted in higher shrinkage at one end of the sleeve than the other. Shrinking PETG sleeves is highly challenging on thin-layer plastic containers.

Steam (Conduction) Shrink Tunnel

The best and most versatile shrink tunnel available for shrink sleeves. The source of the heat shrink is steam. Steam distributes the heat to the entire surface of the container, giving it the best shrinkage. Transfer of heat is very effective with steam; Steam is 20 times more efficient than air, so it is easier to control the heat and manage the temperature. Despite having the advantage of a nearly perfect shrink, Steam Tunnel has a comparatively complex machine for generating the steam (boiler, pipes, drainage, etc.), which determines the volume of steam you require for shrink-sleeving the container. It also requires maintenance from time to time for perfect functioning.

Shrink sleeving is similar to custom tailoring for your product container.
All you need to know are your important points, and the solution will be easy. Before making this investment, consult with a shrink-sleeve guide.

Taurus Packaging is at your service for any doubt regarding shrink sleeving. We are available at info@tauruspackaging-com.in9.cdn-alpha.com or 96674 00924.

There have been various challenges in my life that have transformed me, but few of them have left me more practical and wiser in terms of technical knowledge and implementation.

Hello everyone! Your packaging friend is back with another write-up of professional knowledge. I am Chetan Jain, Global Shrink Sleeve Advisor, Author of Books – “5 Myths about Sustainable Shrink Sleeve” and “Sleeve It Right” and Director of Taurus Packaging.

Today, I’ll share three challenging situations that put my knowledge and skills as a packaging professional to the test.

         1. Intricate Design

Tricky Product’s container design is a classic example of tough packaging execution. Typically, brands are very particular about their identity, and container shape plays a significant role in this. No two good brands have similar container shapes. One such case is Bournvita. This container has a wide top and bottom with a curve in the middle. In addition, the bottom section is divided into 5 rings that resemble steps. In such a complex container shape, the text distortion was obvious. There was a circular logo like design that had created a huge problem. We did predistortion with design. We also used Next PETG for the shrink sleeves with lacquer coating, which was a perfect match for the container design. We finally got the best fit in shrink sleeves without any errors.

         2. LD-PET Application

This was the case when LD-PET shrink sleeves was a rare film in India. Everyone was using PVC or PETG. It was one of the first cases where we were working on the LD-PET project. Thanks to Bacardi, whose work has given us exposure. They have given us clear instructions that the sleeve must look like the bottle part and not like an overlapping cover. The design was tricky as well. The bottle of Bacardi+ Premix Rum has a narrow mouth and a long neck. We choose LD-PET for shrink sleeves, which has a great finish and shrinkage. On our end, we did a lot of trials. It was hard to get the proper finish. Distortion was easily seen in the text. After various improvised efforts, we were able to get the perfect sleeves that Bacardi loved and approved.

         3. Practical Issues of MOQ and Timelines

When Heritage Novandie commenced this project with us, they mentioned to us that the MOQ requirement was very low as they were launching a new product, yet quality must be the best. Also, they were running short of time. They wanted to do this job as quickly as possible. We implemented our star service, the HIP Framework. We were able to provide them with a customised result of less quantity shrink sleeves of the highest quality in the shortest amount of time using HIP Framework. We completed and handed over the work in just 4 days (from the approval of the artwork). The brand was happy to receive the shrink sleeves just in time to finish their product launch with better-than-expected quality.

I wish I could include more examples in this write-up, though I know it will become quite a long read to put them all. So, this is it. In my future posts, I’ll share more examples from my work with you. It will be helpful if you give me candid feedback about my blogs. You could also help me by suggesting the kinds of topics you want to know about. So, for now, I will end my blog here.

Thanks for your time.

Packaging is an integral part of our daily lives. The use of plastic in the packaging of food products is frowned upon, but various innovations have made it safer. Yet the need for bio-based plastic was always missed. By now, you must be clear about the intention of this article.

Yes, you are right! “Plant based Shrink Sleeves” You might have already heard about PLA Shrink Sleeves. Let’s talk about PLA so we can better understand it and use it.

Polymer and Packaging Industry is always been a dynamic industry. The product update, renew and replace in short period of time. As a Global Advisor and Director of Taurus Packaging, I have always been the supporter of holistic technologies that create significant steps in closing the loop. With 15 years of active experience and comprehensive exposure, I tend to implement it everywhere I can.

PLA, or Polylactic Acid is a plant-based plastic made from fermented starch. It is comparatively new plastic material compared to the other shrink sleeve materials in the industry. PLA is mostly manufactured from corn. It is also made from sugarcane in some regions. Although the usage of PLA shrink labels is only 10% in developing nations, it has a huge scope in the near future.

PLA is given due prominence because of its biocompatible polyester property. It is developed in 4 processes: fermentation, separation, lactide conversion, and polymerization. Let’s take a closer look at its properties as a shrink sleeve substrate.

It is biodegradable, with a thickness in the range of 45–60 microns. It can be kept at a good temperature of more than 38 °C or less than 4 °C. It can be printed with almost all printing technologies, like – Gravure, Flexo Solvent, Flexo Water based, Flexo UV, Rotary UV offset & Digital printing. It has high transparency, a good gloss, and good ink adhesion. It also shows effective shrinkage with all types of commercially available shrink tunnels and applications, like Infrared, Steam Flow and Hot Air.

With all these benefits, PLA has a few shortfalls. Biodegradation is a slow process that must be properly processed in landfills. We have not yet assigned PLA to a resin code category. It is classified as “other plastics.” Its availability is restricted to certain markets. And the most confronting is the price, which is higher than the price of PVC and PETG. We understand that it is impossible to find a perfect solution, hence, the subsequent moves are required to make the shift towards a sustainable world.

PLA has been in the industry for quite a while, yet its usage is not much considered by the brands. Mostly due to a lack of information and a misunderstanding of the application process. There also have been various misconceptions about the PLA few years back which has been less frequent now but still has impact, that comes from insufficient knowledge and experience. As a shrink sleeve consultant, I advise brands to know more about PLA and then subsequently take a decision as per the market’s upcoming, future-oriented shrink sleeves or labels to help the environment.

And for all applicability queries and further technical discussions, you can either go with your existing packaging partners or you can also interact with me, utilising my prior experience with this shrink film. You can directly book a one to one call on chetan-jain.com.

I hope this article will clear your doubts about PLA. In the world of sustainable shrink sleeves, there is a lot that can be done.

Aerosols are commonly used in Indian homes nowadays. We might not be familiar with the term “Aerosol” however, the usage is very common. Some examples include mosquito repellent, spray paint, deodorants, shaving foam, room fresheners, and sanitizer spray.

The aerosol industry in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6 percent between 2020 and 2030. As a product, aerosols are usually packed in metal or plastic cylinders or cans. It is a comparatively less crowded section for the packaging industry. In this section as well, the FMCG giants influence the packaging.

As an Technical Author and Shrink Sleeve Expert, I was often asked about the scope for Shrink Sleeve in upcoming new sectors. I think Shrink Sleeve have been are considered as very underrated commodity in manufacturing. But no one realize, how Shrink Sleeves can elevate your brand value. My first book – “Sleeve it Right – 7 Secrets of Shrink Sleeves not known to India’s FMCG business” will give answers you are looking for.

Let’s look at the packaging trends in aerosols product. Most of the time, we see paper labels on deodorant bottles or printed CANs. Let’s go deeper into their manufacturing details. Cans are usually printed and kept for a long time. It necessitates a longer inventory period than other items. These Cans are subject to change due to changes in packaging details, and printing cannot be done again. This is not the case with shrink-sleeve packaging. Shrink sleeves a can be implemented on any cylinder or bottle in small quantities without having to keep large inventories. Of course, Shrink-sleeve provide much better brand visibility and durability as compared to paper labels.

We will take the example of the premium beverage brand “BIRA,” which resolved its packaging woes with Shrink sleeve technology. Bira used to have a large inventory of beer cans due to volatile government guidelines. With Shrink sleeves, Bira not only controlled its inventory issue but also won the Best Packaging Award.

Another benefit of implementing Shrink Sleeve on Cans / bottles is, the swift move towards recycling that comes with the easy peeling of shrink Sleeve from Can. Usually, these cans are recycled based on their raw material. Taking the shrink sleeves off bottles and cylinders starts the process with 1st step of recycling And it also reduces the efforts that go into the segregation of material.

I believe that using shrink sleeves in a sustainable manner helps both the environment and the organisation function properly.
The aerosol industry can gain a competitive advantage in packaging by being the first to market. They can be leaders, just like BIRA, whose case study can be read and implemented.

To analyse the Shrink Sleeve compatibility in your Aerosol Can, you can leave your query to info@tauruspackaging-com.in9.cdn-alpha.com Or call us at 96674 00924.