Tough shrinks to Implement.

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.

PLA Shrink Sleeves – A Biodegradable Packaging Solution

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.

Shrink Sleeves opportunity in Aerosol Packaging

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.

 

2022s Top Packaging Design Trends

Packaging industry is one of the Dynamic industry of the world. It is an industry full of possibilities. From customer convenience to customer satisfaction, a product’s packaging must tap into each of these dimensions and fulfill the needs of the end consumer. Given the changing market scene post the seriousness of the pandemic, many new trends have emerged in 2022 when it comes to packaging of consumer goods.

 

Let us look at these top trends.

 

  1. THAT 60’s VIBE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bright and peppy colours have made a comeback, and so have bold, 60’s inspired patterns, waves and designs. Catching the eye of the end customer and connecting them visually and feel good about the product is a major theme.

 

  1. SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

One trend gaining popularity is brands showing solidarity towards protecting the environment by preferring sustainable raw materials for their packaging needs. A play of textures and looks is quite fascinating.

 

3. CELEBRATING THE TEXT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Move over images and illustrations. There is a growing trend of putting texts and fonts center stage on the product’s packaging. Think of the text as the king of the design in bright, bold colours, and you have typography that is nothing less than art to please the eyes.

 

  1. THE RETURN TO MINIMALISM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s the best to cut through the chaos? Minimalist, clutter-free packaging designs create a sense of calm with a preference for soothing and soft colours and fonts.

 

  1. INTERIORS THAT POP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imagine seeing a minimalist plain box of the packaging reveals a maxima list, mesmerizing and beautiful, almost arty packaging design inside. Surprise, surprise!

 

  1. FAUX 3D GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is one of the most innovative packaging design trends of 2022 that celebrates the power of technology and offbeat concepts. A play of depth and illusions makes customers notice the packaging and instantly creates a buzz around the product.

 

  1. WHITE BACKGROUNDS

Another popular trend involves celebrating the white background with little pops of colours for a calming and relaxing effect.

 

  1. COLLAGE AND COLOUR LAYERING

Showcasing what one can achieve when creativity gets wings to fly, packaging designs with multi-coloured layers and collage of images creates an element of intrigue.

 

  1. PLAYFUL CHARACTERS

Many brands are using smile-worthy rubber hoses popular in the 1920’s to connect with their consumers.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

2022’s packaging trends are all about that feel good factor and refreshing vibes much needed after two years of gloom. Brands are encouraged to get creative, and the end customers are ready to appreciate out-of-the-box creative packaging designs that catch the eye and inspire them to stop and look.

Do you want an expert opinion on your packaging designs? Wish to know how to add elements of innovation to your current packaging? Then I encourage you to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

 

Source:

https://99designs.com/blog/trends/packaging-design-trends/#1

DECIPHERING THE WORLD OF SHRINK TUNNELS

Shrink tunnels are crucial pieces of equipment used in commercial packaging and labeling. They get used for varied applications, and it is important to find the right one to get the best results. Factors that determine your shrink tunnel choice include the type of film you are using, the shape and nature of your product, its contents, if any, etc.

 

What are Shrink Tunnels?

Shrink/heat tunnels work with steam as well as hot air. You can think of a shrink tunnel as an enclosed metallic space fitted with a conveyor belt. Different objects pass through the belt, and heat is applied to the passing objects to achieve specific results. It can include covering an object with a sleeve or shrinking a film around a product precisely. The two main factors to consider here are the speed at which the conveyor belt moves and the period for which heat will apply to the objects.

 

Different Types of Shrink Tunnels, Pros, and Cons

There are three main varieties of shrink tunnels available for commercial purposes.

 

  1. INFRARED TUNNELS

Often used with hot air shrink tunnels, infrared tunnels fitted with infrared bulbs emit the rays to create a warming effect only on the surface of the packaging containers. It, in turn, helps to complete various shrinking applications. An apt example of infrared tunnel usage is shrinking seal bands on products.

 

Infrared Tunnels are known for

  • Being energy efficient as they only heat the surface of the objects
  • Transferring optimum heat almost instantly
  • Low overall costs

 

However, when using an infrared tunnel

  • Full exposure to all parts of the object is a must otherwise the obstructed area will have shrinkage issues
  • There are limitations in maintaining different wavelength bands
  • Not suitable for applications where the shrinkage percentage is high

 

Infrared Tunnels are the least popular choice as it generates high heat which can sometimes cause uneven shrinkage. A further challenge with the high temperatures is the difficulty with empty containers. It’s very complicated to shrink a sleeve on an empty PETG container.

 

  1. HOT AIR SHRINK TUNNELS

As the name suggests, this tunnel uses hot air to create heat and shrink the packaging sleeve onto the product smoothly and uniformly. Since heat gets blown in this type of tunnel, we can easily choose the direction of the heat and its application.

 

Hot Air Tunnels are known for

  • Ability to target and customize the heat and airflow
  • Different temperatures can be maintained
  • Low overall costs

 

However, when using a hot air shrink tunnel

  • Good ventilation is a must while using this tunnel
  • A rotary puck type tunnel helps in providing even shrinkage

 

  1. STEAM SHRINK TUNNELS

Ideal for shrink applications, these tunnels use piped steam to create a heating effect rather than hot air. As the steam gets introduced into the tunnel and heat is generated, it produces the shrinking effect of sleeves onto the desired product. Since such tunnels work on steam, they need a supply of water.

 

Steam Shrink Tunnels are known for

  • Versatility in their shrinking abilities
  • Consistent and uniform heat distribution
  • Suitability for working with packaging containers with a contoured body

 

However, when using a steam shrink tunnel

  • You need an external source to generate heat
  • Objects passing through the tunnel must be dried before packing
  • There is a possibility of corrosion
  • Certain shrink materials are not supported
  • The tunnel length needs to be longer compared to other shrink tunnels
  • It requires more investment

 

Dry Vs Wet Steam Tunnel

 Although ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ are both steam, it’s essential to choose the right type to ensure the best results, and avoid causing sleeving problems.  An understanding of the difference and performance of each will make it easy to determine which is the best solution for your product.

 

Self-Generating Steam Tunnel

Most steam tunnel require an external source of steam like a Boiler, but you also have an option of a Steam tunnel that generates its own steam.

 

Possible Complications You Can Expect During Shrink Sleeving

Packaging using shrink sleeves is a process requiring the right conditions to get the optimum output. Several factors can have a bearing on the results.

 

Container Shape, Curves & Taper: A cylindrical-shaped container is probably the most straightforward to go through the shrink-labeling process. However, if the container shape is square or something else with vertical edges, it may be more complex to ensure uniform shrinkage. Distortions are possible. The same goes with tapering shapes, curves, and varying diameters of the container where maintaining an even shrinkage can be challenging.

 

Container Material of Construction: Container materials like Glass, Tin, Aluminium, PP, HDPE, and PET is a critical variable in the shrink result and the choice of shrink tunnels is completely dependent on the shrink tunnel. No one type of shrink tunnel is perfect for all types of containers. This is important to know when selecting the tunnel.

 

Material Choices: The material you select for shrink sleeve development also affects the results you can expect. While PVC shrinks at low temperatures with ease almost in a uniform way, PETG does not shrink uniformly, and there are more chances of distortions taking place. However, it is more supportive of the environment than PVC.

 

Surface Finishes: The type of surface embellishments used, matte or glossy finish, and embossed design on the labels, all can have a bearing on the way the label gets shrunk.

 

Weather: Different ambient weather can give different shrink results on certain types of containers or shrink film. This factor needs to be identified if applicable for your container so that probable shrink tests can be done.

 

Which Shrink Tunnel is Suitable for You?

Since several factors come into play while choosing the ideal shrink tunnel for you.

  • Is your product sensitive to heat?
  • Is distortion of graphics a major factor in your decision
  • Shrink result quality
  • The material of sleeve you use
  • The shape of the container
  • Budget

 

It is not recommended to make a generic choice. Instead, ensure that you find a shrink sleeve supplier who discusses your typical shrink labelling needs and then recommends the best option for you. A good technique is to test a few sample sleeves and get the prototype to see the results before purchasing the final one for your business.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Shrink tunnels are crucial in producing good shrink-sleeving results for your product packaging needs. Hence, knowing the different options available and choosing the one that is best suited to your needs is a crucial step.

 

Do you want an expert opinion on selecting the best shrink tunnel for your packaging needs? Then I encourage you to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

Is it Possible to Break Down Plastic in a Week? Austin Scientists Say Yes

 

Plastic is everywhere. At the grocery store, in our home and office, in the kitchen, and close to our children as toys. We use plastic bags to clear out our trash and all the plastic waste we dispose of gets collected at landfills. Since plastic is tough and long-lasting with no options for recycling, it is difficult to do away with it, making it a problematic material that pollutes our precious environment and planet.

 

BREAKING DOWN PLASTIC: THE HOPE

 On its own, plastic can stay around for hundreds of years as it is a challenge to break it down completely. However, scientists at Austin’s University of Texas have given plastic warriors reason to be hopeful. The team is creating an enzyme that can break down plastic and help in its degradation in as few as seven days.

 

The logic is simple. The enzyme will break down the plastic into smaller portions, creating new plastic that can be recycled and reused.

 

The process is called Depolymerization which means breaking down a polymer back to its original molecular components, further reusable as new forms of plastic.

 

THE MUCH-AWAITED ENZYME

The team of scientists has named the enzyme –FAST-PETase – Functional, Active, Stable, and Tolerant PETase. According to reports, it can break down almost 51 variants of plastic within 7 days. Of course, factors such as temperature and pH conditions need to be maintained.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The fight against plastic waste is a long one. But it is also a necessary one, considering its negative effects on Mother Earth. Though the need of the hour is to replace plastic with more sustainable options, before it can be done on a mega level, having a solution like FAST-PETaseenzyme that can break down plastic in seven days is much awaited.

 

Do you want an expert opinion on your plastic usage and how to look for better packaging options? Then feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

Source:  https://singularityhub.com/2022/05/06/machine-learning-helped-scientists-create-an-enzyme-that-breaks-down-plastic-at-warp-speed/

What FMCG Companies Must Know If Still Using Blown PVC

PVC is the most widely used shrink film in India, manufactured in bulk, and so it is readily available. It works with almost all kinds of shrink tunnels and container materials and is most versatile. But, since PVC is carcinogenic nature, it is not recommended and avoided by many global companies. However, it is also the most easily recyclable shrink film. If properly collected and disposed of, it creates high value for scrap recycling companies.

CAST or Calendared PVC is of superior quality. However, many of its cheaper versions such as Blown PVC is available and widely used, often replaced with CAST PVC. Both these PVC’s have specific uses.

 

How are Cast and Blown PVC Different and What Makes Cast PVC Better?

Blown PVC films are manufactured by extruding resin vertically through a circular die and blowing air in the center of the film bubble. The air drives the bubble upward and slowly cools the material. Nip rollers flatten the material into a tube that is reeled, and its sides trimmed to create sheet films. Blown films get stretched in a hot water chamber during the manufacturing process.

Cast films are made by extruding melted resin horizontally through a flat die to create a sheet of material pinned to a highly polished chilled roller. Additional chilled rollers quickly cool the film prior to trimming and rolling. Cast films are minimally pre-stretched allowing for improved depth of drawing for thermoforming operations. Typically, cast films have low thickness variation due to an even distribution of PVC resin.

 

When to Use Cast Film Vs Blown Film?

Blown PVC has low, uneven shrinkage. It may come with process scratch lines and is difficult to print in multicolor.

 

Recommended Use:

  • It is better to use Blown PVC in outer plain packing, or
  • When the print design has only two to three colours, or
  • Where product branding is not critical
  • If your PVC sleeves are shrinking at room temperature in transit and storage regularly, use the grade of Cast PVC with High Dimensional Stability

 

Key Differences

Property Blown PVC CAST PVC
Film Clarity Low gloss and Hazy High Gloss, better visibility
Thickness variation More than +/- 10 Micron +/- 5% (around 2 micron)
Flatness Ribs on the film Mostly Flat film
Storage and Transportation A major challenge due to high natural shrinkage Better resistance to heat. So easier to handle.
Shrinkage Approx. 45% Approx. 58%
Printability Lot of misregistration issues Flat film, allows perfect registration quality
Surface Finish Heavy machines process scratch lines on the surface Minimal machine process lines
Cost Cheap Higher than CAST PVC

 

Other Factors to Consider

Since Blown PVC is cheaper, it can be used for outer shrink wrap. However, even then there is a catch. The heavy scratch on the film’s surface and the hazy quality of the film makes the product look old/reused.

Also for outer packing, as per current PWM laws, most consumers are required to use 50 mics and above thickness film for outer packing. In blown PVC, there is a high risk of legal tangles as the film has high gauge variation which is up to+/-10 micron. If a 50-micron film is used and has variation in the lower side then it will go below 50 microns at some points.

 

Closing Thoughts

Even though Blown PVC is attractively priced, its results do not outweigh the price. Lower print and shrinkage quality affects the brand. A lot many companies in the industry value price of sleeves more than their brand, which I feel must change. When we make our packaging world-class and at par in the industry, only then we can command a better profit. Hence, such a thought process requires change and a more detailed understanding of how packaging affects profits. I believe it’s important for all FMCG companies to understand the value of the brand and good-looking packaging. I am taking it as a personal mission to make Indian packaging world-class.

To get an expert opinion on this matter, feel free to reach out to me. You can book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

The Rise Of 3d Printing And Its Rewards

Whenever there is a discussion on additive manufacturing technology, the mention of 3D printing is a must. Over the years, 3D printing has gained center stage as a production technology across a wide range of industries like consumer goods, automotive, etc.

 

WHAT IS 3D PRINTING?

 3D printing is a fast-emerging technology and a superior process of using digital files to create 3D or three-dimensional solid objects. It is used at different stages and in different realms, offering exceptional results in the production process.

 

Let’s look at the different ways in which 3D printing can be used in production –

 

  1.  Product Development & Prototyping

3D printers do an exceptional job at producing product prototypes. These prototypes can be easily altered as per requirements. And the best part, 3D prototypes can also take on complex shapes with minimum effort and maximum results. So the sky is the limit when it comes to using 3D printing for prototyping. To use 3D printing to its optimum levels, companies need to invest in the right infrastructure and build the necessary expertise to use this technology to its full potential.

 

  1. Detailed Customisations

 3D printing ranks high on its ability to bring about detailed customization in product design. Features can be added or dropped as desired and tweaking is possible to the minutest details which makes it possible for brands to introduce small batches of products with ease and test the market response. Moreover, costs can be kept low and detailed innovations are easier to achieve. Also, based on feedback, further tweaks can be done in the product design to manufacture the most desired products.

 

  1. Sustainability in Manufacturing

3D printing has long-standing benefits when it comes to reducing the production of wastes and scrap, which is a positive move towards protecting our environment. More so, additive manufacturing with 3D printing reduces energy usage, thus contributing to a sustainable world and a brighter future.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The future of 3D printing is bright on all levels. A lot can be achieved by using this superior technology and making it an active part of our production technology. To implement it correctly, however, there is a need to develop expertise and know-how so companies can reap maximum benefits of this unique digital technology.

Do you want an expert opinion on how to get shrink sleeves mock-ups for your 3D printed container mock-up? Then feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

4 Varieties Of Shrink Sleeves For Your Product Packaging Needs

The growth and popularity of custom shrink sleeves have revolutionised the Indian packaging industry. Since shrink sleeves easily take shape and size of product containers and support a wide range of applications, they have become the go-to choice for achieving packaging excellence by brands, designers and developers alike.

Let’s look at the four main shrink sleeves you can choose to give your products highrecall and exclusivity.

 

Full Body Shrink Sleeves: As the name suggests, full-body shrink sleevestake the shape and form of the full body or surface space of the product container. They cover the container from top to bottom along with the cap and provide complete 360-degree coverage. Such a full coverage offers ample space for displaying brand-specific marketing messaging, colourful graphics and artwork.Full-body shrink sleeves are also an excellent choice for combination packaging.

 

Partial Shrink Sleeves: Sleeves that do not cover the product container in their entirety are categorised as partial shrink sleeves. These standard sleeves may encase most or a large part of the container but not its neck or cap. It means that partial sleeves are generally preferred when sealing the container with a tamper-proof seal isn’t required. The perforated edges make the sleeves easily removable which helps with hassle-free recycling.

 

Multi-Pack or Combination Shrink Sleeves: For those times when you wish to package two or more of your products together as a single unit, multi-pack shrink sleeves are an excellent choice.This form of packaging comes in handy when brands run promotional offers and schemes such as Buy 1 Get 1 and Free Samples, etc.

 

Neck Bands:  Neck shrink sleeve labels are the most basic and small-sized packaging labels or shrink films used to seal bottle caps. The good thing about these labels is that despite their small size, they are brandable. These tamper-evident neck seals have perforated marks which make them easy to de-seal and dispose of by the customer.

 

CONCLUSION

Acing your product’s packaging has a lot to do with selecting the most suitable shrink sleeves and getting the process right. In addition to offering a 100% coverage area, heat shrink sleeves are waterproof, come with UV protection and can easily shrink on any container with no compromise on shape.

Taurus Packaging offers the widest range of shrink sleeve labels. We can meet any volumes and any timelines while offering an economical and cost effective service experience. Our Curated Shrink sleeves include Holographic shrink sleeves, Cold Foil shrink sleeves, Invisible ink shrink sleeves, Thermochromic shrink sleeves, and Scented shrink sleeves.

Would you like to select the best shrink sleeves for your packaging needs?Feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com

New Packaging Norms Come Into Effect From April 1, 2022

In November last year, the Indian Government had announced some amendments and tweaks to the packaging norms that are now all set to come into effect from April 1. So what are these changes, and how do they affect manufacturers and consumers?

Let us look at these in some detail below.

 

CHANGES IN THE PACKAGING RULES AND THEIR EFFECTS

From time to time, packaging rules are edited to better serve the consumer and protect their rights and interests as well as support the manufacturers in their business. In the same light, the government has directed companies that manufacture products to make several declarations on their packaging, along with some other changes.

In a statement, the ministry of consumer affairs stated, “To safeguard the interest of consumers, the department of consumer affairs has omitted Rule 5 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities), Rules 2011 defining the Schedule II prescribing the pack sizes of various types of commodities. A new provision has been introduced to indicate the unit sale price on pre-packed commodities, which will allow easier comparison of the prices of the commodities at the time of purchase,” the ministry of consumer affairs said in a statement.

 

From April 1, companies:

  1. Must declare the per-unit price or per-kg/per-litre/per-gram/per-millilitre (ml) / per-cm price of products in addition to its MRP
  2. Must mention the MRP clearly in INR, inclusive of all taxes
  3. Must mention both the month and year of manufacture on imported packaged items
  4. Can decide how much quantity of their packaged items they wish to sell

 

The now amended Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules have removed the norms of packaging of “specified quantities” from as many as 19 items. These include tea, biscuits, soft drink, packaging water, milk, bread, pulses and cereals, baby food, detergents, etc.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The changes in packaging norms announced by the government are coming into effect on April 1, 2022. These tweaks will provide the end consumer with a lot more clarity and support to help make sound purchase decisions for themselves and their family.

Would you like an expert opinion on how best to implement the changes in packaging norms and become compliant with the Government rules before April 1? Feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com