Waiting for the efficient recyclable shrink sleeve applications while missing out the sustainable target?

Lack of access, Low PCR content and Sustainability output are common problems with so called recyclable substrates?

I came across these problems while trying out a few sustainable shrink sleeves for recyclable packaging. I tried couple of substrates that claims recyclable efficacy but somehow, I was disappointed from them. Then I tried to examine these substrates on the other criteria like toxicity, printing quality, easy recyclability etc. but it was more disheartening than previous. So, I finally decided to figure out a solution for it.

As a shrink sleeve enthusiast, I saw opportunities, in such challenging situations. Initial year of my career helped me in understanding the basics of packaging and then afterwards, I focused myself in resolving these challenging situations. It’s been almost 18 years since; I haven’t stopped myself working for any demanding situation. I penned downed these experiences in form of my 4 beloved technical books. I suggest you take out sometime and read it.

Let us be more specific about these recyclable shrink sleeves. Usually, the substrates that we are getting in market have these below problems:

• Low PCR content – low or zero benefits
• Not fully recyclable – just facilitating recyclability
• Poor output or low printing quality
• Difficult to access
• Expensive as it requires add-on chemicals for recyclability
• Toxic in nature

Brands and organization are searching for suitable substrates that overcome these challenges. Not all but at least 2 of them. Now, here come the answer to above problems, the most promising shrink sleeves of all time.

Introducing “TruCycl” India’s first 100% recyclable shrink sleeves.

As the name suggest it is truly recyclable and most efficient sustainable shrink sleeve as of now. With 30% PCR content (post-consumer recycled content), it is a revolutionary solution to all those who are fed-up with so called recyclable packaging.

Let me point out the benefits of “TruCycl” shrink sleeves:

• PCR availability up to 30% – Helps in maintaining the Govt and global guidelines
• No Need to go to recycling center for label removal
• Bottle + Label can be recycled together
• Inks can be washed off
• Easy to handle
• No toxic waste
• Good printing quality
• Easily accessible

With innumerable benefits “TruCycl” is here in India with us. So, dump these trashy substrates and try India’s first 100% Recyclable Shrink Sleeve – “TruCycl”.

Truly Recyclable Shrink Sleeve at your service is here with Taurus Packaging. Try out your premium brand’s packaging with TruCycl now.

Reach out to us for any query ahead at:
info@tauruspackaging.com or  +91 9667400924

Chetan Jain
MD & CEO
Taurus Packaging Pvt. Ltd.

Do you struggle with shrink sleeving your PET candy jars?

Are you looking Simple & Quick Application of labels for PET Jars?

Are you still using expensive paper or self-adhesive labels for your PET jars?

If yes, you’re not alone. Deformation of PET jars during shrink sleeving is one of the most common packaging headaches for brands. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to compromise on looks, cost, or efficiency anymore. At Taurus Packaging, we’ve developed a simple yet powerful solution that eliminates this issue—helping you save time, money, and effort while keeping your packaging top-notch.

In my 18+ years in the shrink sleeve printing industry, I’ve worked with high end machines, new printing inks, Substrates and R&D techniques. But the best lessons have come from optimizing available resources—making the most of what you already have. I’ve shared some of these real-world case studies in my book, Packaging Black Book (Vol. 3), which is packed with insights for brands looking to innovate without overspending.

Let’s discuss PET Jar Shrink Sleeving Problems you faced while executing. Shrink sleeves look fantastic, but when applied to PET jars, they often cause:

• Jar deformation due to heat during the shrinking process
• Wastage of material and money
• Delays in production

That’s why many brands shift to paper labels. But paper labels come with their own challenges: they’re often expensive, limited in finish, and lack flexibility for smaller batches. For startups and new brands, wrap-around label machines also become an added burden—raising costs and lowering productivity.

The Taurus Solution: BOPP Labels with Release Tape

Instead of forcing PET jars into shrink sleeving or spending heavily on paper labels, we recommend BOPP labels with release tape.

Why this works better:
✅ No deformation – Heat isn’t required, so PET jars retain their original shape.
✅ Premium finish – Looks as good as shrink sleeves.
✅ Budget-friendly – No need for expensive wrap-around machines.
✅ Flexible for startups – Works even for low print quantities.
✅ Faster packaging – Quick, easy, and efficient.

This technique is a multipurpose packaging solution that has already helped many upcoming brands and established companies streamline their PET jar packaging. Recently, a leading pharmaceutical brand approached us with the same challenge. They needed Shrink sleeve like packaging on PET jars in limited MOQ and budget. And finally without risk of deforming the jars. Our solution? BOPP labels with release tape.

The result was unmatchable.
• Quick turnaround
• No deformation
• High-quality finish
• Big savings on cost & effort

This efficient approach transformed their packaging without stretching their budget.

Ready to Upgrade Your PET Jar Packaging?

So, stop wasting time, effort, and money on packaging methods that don’t work for PET jars. With Taurus Packaging’s BOPP label + release tape solution, your brand can achieve premium results without compromise.

Whether you need something out-of-the-box or simply want your shrink sleeve packaging executed flawlessly, Taurus Packaging is here to help.

Reach out to us at:
info@tauruspackaging.com or +91 9667400924

And for more such packaging insights & case studies, visit our website.

Flexible Packaging industry is experiencing a shift in its regular practices. This shift is not unpredictable. It is the preference of Recycled PET in flexible packaging practices. Shrink sleeve packaging with Recycled-PET has given a new life to recycling.

I am working in shrink sleeve packaging industry for almost 2 decades. It was an experience that changed my perspective of life. I have lived packaging throughout my life, and I have learned that creativity is the essence, but it had to be included with practical implementation. R-PET is the perfect mixture that defines it. I have written about the sustainable substrates in my 2^nd book – “5 Myths about sustainable shrink sleeves and received various inputs from all of you”. I hope you have read it through and would relate it from the topic we are discussing now.

The future of flexible packaging is this combination, and indeed Recyclable-PET is the scope. Let’s know a bit more about this new approach. Recycled-PET as its name suggest, deal with already used and recycled plastic. This is excellent opportunity to utilize loitering plastics in environment. A welcoming move by Indian government has recently permitted that newly manufactured PET bottles must contain 30% PCR. And similar kind of rule will be in near future in flexible packaging industry.

Taurus has recently come up with Recycled-PET shrink sleeves to cater the growing sustainable market in flexible shrink sleeves. The percentage share of recycled PET was thoughtfully done to consider the current industry situation and the objective to provide quality products to consumer. One must be accustomed to the benefits and drawback in its initial phase to prepare for the full-scale application.

Recycled-PET is perfectly safe and easy for food packaging. Giving good results is clarity and great results in shrinking ability. It is widely used by international and MNC’s brand to deal with less carbon footprint. In India the use has been in its initial phase, however we are receiving promising response from the brand. It is giving them opportunity to limit the expanding virgin plastic use, support govt. in recycling and gain benefits.

Using Recycled-Pet is a win-win situation. Brand can be in-line with govt regulation and reduced their carbon footprint, on the top of this they can benefit the consumer with good results and optimistic future.

If you want your product’s packaging to be one among the leaders that goes along with future, then share your thoughts with us and we shall provide you the information on Recycled-PET shrink sleeve. You can also let us know your query. Write to us on info@tauruspackaging.com or call us on +919667400924.

Have you observed how butterfly is formed? How beautifully it changes itself from a mere caterpillar to a big beautiful bright Butterfly. If anyone to observe them individually for the first time, no one will ever know that they are one. This is how nature has taught us to change. So swift yet so dynamic to survive different environment individually.

Change is the only constant for perfect existence. Similarly, Organizations also need to change itself for gradual growth. For 3 decades Rajesh Jain – The man behind the concept of Taurus Packaging, was at helm. And organization grew to become the most renowned companies in Shrink Sleeve Packaging. He guided and mentored the organization to the quickly adapting and growing packaging requirements of India. His vision has led the ideation to form into a shape that focuses on creating a niche for itself.

With changed scenario Chetan Jain came and started working on the areas that required attention. After doing significant inclusions like H.I.P. Framework, sustainability, innovations, global footprint etc. he focused himself in redefining the management approach as it was observed that the organisation needed a head-on change in the dynamic environment.

Hence the board unanimously decided that Mr Rajesh Jain will be Chairman and Chetan Jain should be the MD & CEO and take the herculean task of change management in the organisation. Chetan Jain as new Managing Director and CEO will be observing the micro and macro divisional operations that impact the overall productivity and take necessary action to improve it.

This management transformation will bring fresh start and new zeal in employees and clients to regain the bonding and make Taurus Packaging – a Global Leader in Shrink Sleeve Packaging industry just a like bright beautiful Butterfly.

If you ever wanted to see how ideation takes shape in the real world, explore beautiful buildings like the Lotus Temple in Delhi or the “Bird’s Nest” in Beijing. Let us give you a personal example from the flexible packaging industry—TAURUS PACKAGING. It was a dream seen by a spirited man who wanted to create a niche in the packaging industry, and that dream is now an organization that completed 30 years this month.

Taurus Packaging is now known as an expert in shrink sleeve packaging. For the past 30 years, they have dedicated their efforts to flexible packaging. In India, they are leaders in shrink sleeves and now export packaging to 3 continents around the world. Initiated by Mr. Rajesh Jain, Managing Director, with a small in-house setup, it is now led by Chetan Jain, CEO & Executive Director, who keeps the core values intact and acts big with new zeal.

Thirty years signifies a strong foothold in the industry. Many companies come and go but are unable to create such a mark. Taurus is unique in its efforts. Taurus’s’ work has been appreciated by authorities for exceptional packaging. Recently, FIPSA (Foundation for Innovative Packaging and Sustainability Award 2025) awarded Taurus for exemplary packaging execution of the “Parle Smoodh” drink under the design category. Before this, “BIRA,” a well-known beer brand, received the Best Packaging award—Gold & Grand Gold—from Spiritz Magazine in the year 2022. All these achievements are because of continuous efforts by Chetan Jain.

Chetan Jain is known as a technical expert in shrink sleeves. Under his guidance, Taurus has developed a high-tech R&D lab and acquired the latest printing machines in flexo, gravure, and digital. Along with these, the organization expanded its operational unit to increase productivity. He has been the recipient of various prestigious awards in the packaging industry and has always been in the top 100 packaging professionals in India.

Most critical—the trust and love of all brands for its packaging solution define the winning streak for 30 continuous years. This is the REAL WIN. This is TAURUS PACKAGING.

When we consider innovation and trends happening in the packaging industry, sky is the limit. We heard next to impossible innovations in the printing machines, inks and substrates mostly regarding Sustainability. Although a maximum of these are out of reach, to be commercialised. Or sometimes they lack practicality. Yet, I consider packaging industry is one of the most creative industry’s of the world.

During the initial years of my career, I have learnt that points which seems impossible to me now, are temporary and coming years will serve wonderful solutions. 18 years of my experience here is full of amazement and I want to share a few of these wonderful solutions with you.

Here are the innovations and trends that are unsettling the market and creating opportunities for growth. And of-course I am going to points out flexible packaging innovation. The innovations which is explored by a few packaging managers and can provide unmatched benefits to the consumers.

Expiry inks :

Specialised inks used in packaging are usually invisible but change color when the perishable item inside them expires. This thoughtful innovation helps reduce wastage.

Edible alternative :

Flexible packaging made up of cellulose, fibre, or starch is becoming popular. Natural materials like algae, plant fibres, and seaweed are already available in the market.

Smart packaging :

Integrating smart packaging technology into shrink sleeves opens up a world of possibilities for enhancing consumer engagement, product safety, and supply chain management. Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to wirelessly identify and track objects.

Bio-nanotechnology/Composites in packaging :

Utilizing bio-nanoparticles in shrink sleeves enhances mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties. These films provide better protection against moisture, oxygen, and UV radiation, thereby improving the stability and shelf life of packaged products.

Augmented reality :

Just like the other benefits of AI and AR tools in our lives, flexible packaging with augmented reality provides us with virtual product demonstrations, product information and storytelling, virtual try-ons or visualizations and games and contests. These features increase customer engagement to the next level.

Share me which one of these is your favourite? I am sure you must be keen to utilise one or two of them in your product’s packaging. You may start implementing innovations at the initial stage with our guidance. You may share your queries with us on info@tauruspackaging.com or call +91 96674 00924.

We are waiting for your feedbacks.

My dear friends, this blogs covers slightly different segment of packaging. It might not seem as urgent as other aspects yet plays the crucial part. I am referring to “Designing for Consumer Health”

It is first time that I have elaborated on this topic. Earlier it was mentioned in my previous books in few lines. But, this time I thought, I should communicate this topic with my readers. My fourth book “20 things I learnt from World’s top Packaging professionals” mentioned this topic in length. 18 years of my total experience has explored varied topics of packaging. And this is one unique topic.

Flexible packaging has given us many opportunities to go beyond the regular uses of packaging, such as food security and freight forwarding. From adhering to government regulations to fulfilling the customers’ demands, the scope of packaging seems to be ever – evolving. Designing shrink sleeve packaging with consumer safety and health in mind involves several considerations to ensure that the packaging not only protects the product but also does not pose any risks to consumers.

As consumers are becoming more aware, packaging fervently becomes the critical source of information about the basic details of products. Designing of these shrink labels are planned by keeping the designated areas for this information. Below are the points which are mentioned on shrink sleeves to keep consumers informed.

Layout & copy

Designing the layout on shrink sleeve packaging requires careful consideration of aesthetic and functional clarity. You may have noticed critical details are highlighted to get the consumer’s attention immediately. For instance, labels such as Non-Veg, Veg, Gluten-free, 100% Organic, No artificial sweeteners, and locally grown are usually mentioned at the top.

Health claims
Some key information claimed by brand owners is mentioned for consumers’ benefit. This information allows brands to improve trust and communication from the consumer’s perspective. Labels like FSSAI approved, High fibre, Fat- free, Wholegrain, Protein, Low salt, and Sugar content are common. Brands must show the top ingredients of the product in decreasing order for consumers to be aware.

Expiry details
The most critical information which is used not only by consumers but also by retailers, stockists, and freight forwarders. This information is one of the most noted points on packaging. With upcoming packaging trends, we can even clearly know the expiration of perishable products due to specialised inks and substrates. Key phrases vary according to the products – best before, use by, expiry etc.

Storage details
Including storage details on shrink sleeve packaging is crucial for ensuring that consumers know how to properly store the product to maintain its quality and safety. For example, temperature specifications on McCain Crispies and sunlight exposure warnings on various pharmaceutical drugs like eye or ear drops. Instructions may include refrigeration, freezing, vertical or horizontal storage, etc.

Shape & size
Sky is the limit if you want to aesthetically and functionally present a product in shrink sleeve packaging. Earlier, we were quite fixed with our approach to standardization. However, with customization, we have explored ways to pack in standup vacuum pack resealable pouches like “Nourish Dal” or pouches for small packs like “Maggi Pichkoo’’ single- serve packaging. Easy-opening and slim pouches are also appreciated.

On-the-go packaging

Packaging on the go isn’t a new concept anymore. We have sack packs that act as a large bowl for consumption. Convenience is best delivered in packaging.

Resealable opening

When we go on trips with various nuts, seeds, and snack options, resealable packaging allows us to eat and seal for next consumption. Don’t you think that packaging has eased our lives a lot? If you want to count your calorie intake, these resealable packages are the best.

Ease of serving

Packaging has eased our work in serving too. Remember old canned food that was tough to open? We either used a cutter or a small pulley to open it. Now we have easy, easy-open packaging to facilitate serving.

Counterfeit packaging solutions & technology 

This topic requires another chapter to discuss in detail. But long story short, counterfeit can destroy your brand and erode consumer trust. Any “me too” local brand may try to imitate the leaders. To keep the consumers aware, packaging serves as a distinguisher. You may use special inks, barcodes, or QR codes to highlight the original brand. The use of holograms is also quite effective.

This topic can be continued with various examples and references, yet it seem suitable to end the topic here. I hope you are able to get the desired knowledge and utilize it properly.

You may share your feedback and can even suggest me topics of your choice at info@tauruspackaging.com or call on +91 96674 00924.

Customization is one of the big objectives for packaging professional. A product’s frequent availability without any striking features may harm your brand reputation. Your brand may end up being referred to as a “Me Too” brand  FMCG companies. Hence, personalization is the best objective to consider for creating your strong brand presence.

This topic also intrigued me a lot. “How can I add new things in packaging?”  was my next question. There is a huge scope for R&D in it. I have written various related articles. The extract of my 18 yrs work can be read in my 4 books.

I used to believe that digital printing had limited applications, especially in markets like India. However, my perspective changed when my friend’s daughter was born. Upon receiving a gift hamper from “Baby Dove,” with each pack personalized with his daughter’s name, I realized the power of digital printing. This thoughtful gesture by the hospital, facilitated by their partnership with Dove, made the experience feel deeply personal. I learned how digital printing can be leveraged by brands if done right! Since then, we had done multiple projects on digital printing and explored the wide possibilities that can be achieved with this technology.

Shrink sleeve packaging is the most crucial part of branding. Here are the points that can help you create an aura in the market:

• Short runs and specialized projects :

Digital printing of shrink sleeve packaging gives you an edge over your normal high production packaging. Digital printing with fast results and cost efficiency is the way to move ahead in the market. This is the best-suited approach for any new development. If you need to experiment with packaging, then digital printing is the best way to start. You don’t have to think twice about budget and MOQ with digital printing.

• Customisation & personal approach are possible :

No technology can save you if you can’t personalize the demand. Customers always prefer “made to order” for them. Customization can be implemented in so many ways. For example, for a particular season, occasion, festivities, etc., you may customize your packaging. E.g., Keventers Diwali Milkshake shrink sleeve gave a boost to sales.

• Niche marketing :

Catering to customers of a limited section with specific tastes and habits in the form of customized shrink sleeves can be an exceptional way to establish your brand. Digital printed shrink sleeves by one of our clients had different flavours of yoghurt with a specific sleeve for each flavor. It was a niche smaller volume product range, but digital printing made it easy to provide initial launch quantities with multiple flavours for the pilot launch.

Taking this “Niche marketing” to the extreme, a one-to- one approach is also possible, e.g., Coke’s “Share a Bottle” campaign for BOPP labels created a wonderful case study for the digital printing industry

• Key clients :

Well, this is not just a normal saying that “80% of your sales come from 20% of your customers.” If you are able to pull through this customization concept with digital printing packaging, then you are able to do more sales with existing clients.

• Edge over customers :

If I were handling a brand of FMCG product, I would surely come out with different shrink sleeve packaging for every occasion. It would help me stay connected to my customers and give me an edge over competitors in the market who are still under the illusion of “High MOQ – low cost” packaging concepts.

• Flexibility and New business model :

Rigid mentalities or concepts are hard to let go of. This often occurs with brands that maintain large-scale production and fail to experiment. For instance, “Urban Gabru,” a male grooming brand, led its way from a small-scale startup to a well-known name in the male grooming section with digitally printed packaging. Now, they offer different products under the brand name.

• Fast TAT :

With digitally printed shrink sleeves, you have the advantage of implementing projects immediately. You don’t have to wait for cylinders to arrive. Fast turnaround time is the best thing about digital printing.

• Multiple SKUs in a single run :

This is another challenge resolved with digitally printed shrink films. In a single run. you can get packaging for your different SKUs. No need for segregation and printing separately.

• Print anytime :

Flexibility is always available to you regarding timing and delivery. You can opt to print according to your needs.

• Environment friendly inks, no solvents :

Looking for sustainable options? Wanting to reduce your carbon footprint and earn fewer credits? Then digital printing is the solution. Inks are water-based, no solvents are used in it. You can optimize more such features with Digital printing. And with AI being in use, design is not that tough. Go out and explore the shrink sleeve packaging as you want. It is possible indeed.

With this note, Let’s catch up again with exciting topic. Share me your feedback. Write me on info@tauruspackaging.com or connect with me on +91 96674 00924.

July 2025 will be a milestone in Indian Sustainable packaging market. From this day, every producer, Importer, brand owners will need to provide details like thickness and name of manufacturer in a barcode or quick response code on packaging.

Environment ministry has issued this in last week of Jan 2025. Under Apex Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, ministry want to tap carry bags with less than 120 microns of thickness. This move will help in keeping strict monitoring on loitering carry bags, polluting the environment. In addition to the rule amendment in 2021 for identifying and prohibiting the usage of single use plastics implemented by July 2022. Apex rules provide framework for improved plastic waste management.

This new rule will mandate the use of barcode and have provision for contravene action under section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Failure to adhere may result into imprisonment that may extend to five years or with a fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both. An additional fine of INR 5000/- is imposed for every day after conviction.

This was the piece of information from the legit source. What do you think the impact would be? How it will be taken by the industry leaders and brand owners? The major reluctance will be from?? who may face the first burnt?  These are the question we need to know. We need to start with understanding of this law. Single use plastic is a menace to environment and this rule capture its defaulter. Earlier it was implicated that single use plastic needed to be curtailed. The next step is to stop the manufacturer for it unhindered production. This can only be done when we know manufacturer. Hence the move will provide the precise information about the source.

Thickness of plastic packaging is the crux. Starting from 50 micron to 75 micron and then later to extending it to120 micron, the thickness implies the frequency of usage here. And recyclability is the main agenda. Multilayered packaging like – laminate will be most affected market here. Brand owners may need to work on designs more than before. Manufacturer details on the top of product’s details might stretch resources a bit more but for a better environment responsible production. The FMCG leader will definitely welcome this move as this step will make them more sustainable oriented products. The entrepreneurs and startups may feel little exacerbate because of additional procedures. Recyclers and agency might be benefitted from the move. It is indeed will increase the potential of their industry.

Overall, this rule will definitely curb the single use plastic or low thickness plastic menace in the environment. It seems a small extra work in the beginning but at the end the results will be rewarding.

Stay tuned for such more updates with Taurus Packaging. Feel free to reach us at info@tauruspackaging.com or call us on +91 96674 00924.

Working on new technologies and innovation is easy. We just have to invest time and money to use them. However, real innovation comes when we create opportunities with existing assets in situations that were lacking before.

I have dealt with many of these situations in my career. And every time, I experience such issues, I realised I have learnt a significant lesson from it. In my 18 years of career and experience as an author, I realised that designing of recyclability is far more important and easier step than starting a fresh. I have mentioned this aspect in my book and planning to include this more in my work.

Packaging Design for recyclability is a thoughtful consideration. Before I start discussing recyclability and reusability, I want to make sure you don’t confuse it with “Sustainability and Recycling” techniques. Reusability is the fundamental addition to the features that promote the long-term usage of the product by consumers.

Here’s a list of things you can do to improve the reusability while designing your packaging.

Resealable features: Incorporating resealable closures or openings into the packaging design to allow easy access to the product while maintaining freshness and usability is a smart idea. This could include zip-lock closures. These features are gaining trends in today’s world to promote recycling. These features are evident in laminates.

Reinforced edges and seams: Reinforcing the edges and seems in laminates packaging design will prevent tearing and fraying for repeated use. Heat sealing, stitching, or adhesive bonding are a few ways to extend usability in laminates.

In Shrink Sleeve thickness in reinforced seam will improve its durability. And if you are using 50-60 mic thickness in shrink sleeves then this is beneficial for long usage.

Same family plastics: With constant push for sustainability, many companies are now considering the same family of plastics in their packaging. Laminates show exceptional  usage of layers. Now a days, in laminate mono-material is gaining attention.

In shrink sleeves such concept is popular too. The idea involves having the bottle, label, cap all from the same family can avoid the need for separation or mixing of different plastics. For e.g. PP jar with Floatabel Sleeves, PET bottles with LD Pet & TruCycl shrink sleeves and same goes with PVC. This is another future scenario that is inevitable.

Do you find this article relevant? Or you still have confusion regarding its applicability? You may connect with us for any guidance regarding packaging.

Give us a call on +91 96674 00924 or mail us at info@tauruspackaging.com

Sustainability has become such a common term that just naming it can cause flood of ways for plastic sustenance in our ecosystem. Even a school going children now-a-days know feasible options. “Sustainability in Packaging” seems like no different topic than Sustainability in general. However being in Packaging industry, nuances of sustainability matters a lot. No matter how technical it can be. With this blog I try to include a point that can be turning point for packaging in sustainability.

I have been working on sustainability for years in my organisation. In fact, Taurus has implemented substrates that act as a catalyst in recyclability or support sustainability. It has been good 17 long years working in Packaging industry and trying to make viable changes in recyclability. My 2^nd book – “5 Myths about Sustainable Shrink Sleeve” revolves around the similar intention. My all 4 book has this topic in descriptive or brief manner.

What supposed to be the minutest improvement in printing can become a game changing movement. For all packaging industry, the ease of manufacturing matters a lot than sustainability. Since, sustainable products require more time and efforts, working on them seems to be difficult and technical. Lack of prior experience and new technology makes it almost unapproachable for budding organisations. Hence this new technique was also regarded as “too technical to implement”.  However this is a significant move.

Usually bottle and shrink sleeve substrate are kept in combination of PET and PETG. Bottles are separated from shrink sleeves by de-labellers. This process is tiresome and fast work can produce ineffective results. Magnetic coating provide solution to this extensive work. This coating is applied over shrink sleeves and then separated through magnetic sorting. This process is noted to improve efficiency by 98% which is exceptional. Brand’s artwork is unfazed by this coating and it also ensure no color bleed occur during this washing process.

Organisations working on this technology is praise-worthy for such brilliant outcome which is supporting sustainability in executional way. I would like to congratulate all organisation that are working on new technology for their significant contribution. There are more out-of-the-box ways that support sustainability within reach of execution by everyone. It can be inks, substrates or other catalyst in the process. I will be sharing content on similar topics soon.

I try to propose solutions that are feasible in any organisation with minimum change. I hope you would find this relevant. If you have any query about viable sustainable solution then, I am there to guide you. You may even share your feedback on any content.

Feel free to reach me at info@tauruspackaging.com or call me on +91 9667400924.

Sustainability now-a-days can be termed as global . Obviously, with flexible packaging, sustainability plays a crucial role. With global norms and trends, sustainability is no longer a choice of action but the future. In order to follow sustainability, I have experienced that key features sometimes go subdued. This is often seen with sustainable substrates, which tend to show less performance compared to their previous replacements.

Sustainable replacement materials or substrates might sometimes lack functionality.

I have noted down a few new substrates, and we will discuss the functionality of each substrate in terms of productivity and efficiency.

Polylactic acid (PLA): PLA is a plant-based plastic made from fermented starch. It is a comparatively new plastic material compared to other shrink sleeve materials in the industry. PLA is mostly manufactured from corn, though in some regions it is also made from sugarcane. The usage of PLA shrink labels is very low in developing economies. Needless to mention, it is biodegradable and compostable, but only industrial compostable as of now, which is probably limiting its usage. PLA is a little demanding in storage facilities. It must be maintained below 25°C.

PETG: It is considered a sustainable substrate since it’s not toxic like PVC. It is a high-density film that gives less yield. PETG is one of the substrates that can be used as a first step when transitioning from PVC to more sustainable ones.

As mentioned, PETG is more suitable for steam tunnels, but alternatives like NEXT PETG are now delivering good results in traditional hot air tunnels as well. However, text distortion can occur with PETG.

Trucycl: Trucycl is the first truly recyclable shrink film. It can be recycled with PET bottles in the recycling stream. Its usage has increased significantly in the last couple of years and it is expected to be the shrink film of the future.

Floatabel: Floatabel is another wonderful and futuristic shrink film designed for PP/PE/PET jars. It can be recycled with PP/PE containers and can be separated from PET using the floatation process.

LDPET: LDPET, or Low-Density PET film, and as the name suggests, it has a 21% higher yield compared to PET or PETG. This gives the advantage of reduced plastic consumption. LDPET in itself is suitable for both steam and hot air tunnels.

As we have seen above, replaceable sustainable materials might sometimes lack certain functionalities as the infrastructure is still improving to adopt sustainable films. Many packaging professionals I have come across understand this and suggest that deviations must be allowed for active industrial evolution in sustainability. We must be willing to accept some deviation from functionality. Sometimes, when we try to combine functional efficacy with sustainability, it is heavy on pockets.

Brand owners and packaging teams want sustainable substrates, but the price factor often becomes a deterrent.

You may connect with me for any support for Sustainable Shrink Sleeve packaging.

Leave your query to info@tauruspackaging.com or +91 96674 00924.