02 Aug
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

How Shrink Sleeves Affect Pet Bottle Recycling

Every business that is a part of the packaging industry must know the importance of proper recycling, be it manufacturers, label suppliers, or consumer brands. And considering that a lot of different materials get used to creating products, it is crucial to understand how shrink sleeves affect their overall recyclability.

In this article, we will look at the effects of shrink sleeves when PET bottles and containers are attached to get recycled – along with how to better the recycling process using globally recognized options and alternatives.

Let’s dive in.

Compatibility of PVC, PETG, OPS, and PLA Film Substrate

Research shows shrink-label films made of PVC, PETG, PLA &OPS are incompatible with PET recycling.

For example, if we use PVC shrink label films and recycle the PET containers they are attached to, it causes black speck contamination, making the container non-recyclable.

Similarly, using PETG shrink label film, PLA or OPS shrink sleeves also render the containers incapable of recycling and cause complicated issues.

 

What’s The Solution?

 

  • Before recycling PET bottles and containers, the sleeves attached to them need to be removed so that the films do not interfere with the recycling process.
  • Another option is to use PET-based films. Once crystallized, they recycle along with the bottles to which they are attached.
  • You can also opt for labels and films that leave the PET bottle and stay suspended in the water.

 

Printing Inks

During the wash step of the recycling process, the PET flake gets combined with the hot alkaline water. Usually, the ink used on the label discolors and contaminates it.

 

What’s The Solution?

 

  • As soon as the ink leaves the shrink sleeve label, it must be carefully cleaned and filtered, not only from the PET flakes but also the wash water to avoid damages.
  • With labels that float in the water, using inks with the right density is important to ensure the labels continue to stay afloat without any chances of descending.
  • And that the inks stay on the label.

 

Growing Awareness About the Importance of Proper Recycling

Over the last couple of years, more businesses have become sensitized about finding ways to recycle PET bottles and containers correctly. As well as ensuring that the labels do not interfere or delay their proper recycling.

For example, de-seaming adhesives are making it simpler, easier, and faster to get the label off the container before it gets washed during recycling.

Innovative label films are coming up in the market to create more sophisticated shrink labels. And certain printing ink formulations no longer jeopardize PET’s recyclability.

Machines such as De-Labelers are speeding up the act of detaching labels from PET bottles at the initial stages of recycling. And much more.

So, it is safe to say that in the coming years, more advancement in PET recycling can be expected throughout the world.

 

Model Specifications – Shrink Sleeve Labels on PET Containers

Full Compatibility: Sleeves with density <1 g/cm³, and with a size that does not hinder the recognition of the underlying PET-polymer.; PET (not PETG) sleeves with washable inks.

LIMITED COMPATIBILITY: Twin-perforated sleeves for easy removal.

LOW COMPATIBILITY: Sleeves that hinder the recognition of the underlying PET-polymer (e.g., too large, metalized, heavily inked);

Sleeves with density >1 g/cm³ (e.g.,PVC; PS; PET; PETG); Foamed PETG sleeves (even with density <1 g/cm³);

PETG sleeves with non-washable inks.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

As the world moves towards responsible recycling and sustainability, it is the duty of every business in the packaging supply chain to contribute to this endeavor by making the right shift.

There should be a greater focus on sensitizing businesses and consumers about recyclability guidelines and label removal before disposing of PET bottles. And with time, brands should look towards collaborating with label suppliers that offer recycling-compatible sleeves for their products.

A little effort in the right direction can make a big difference.

 

Would you like to get an expert opinion on the best recyclable packaging solutions for your products? Then feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

22 Jul
Taurus Packaging

FSSAI Guidelines For The Labelling, and Packaging Industry

Any talk about food safety in India is incomplete without mentioning the FSSAI.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) https://fssai.gov.in/ is an autonomous body established in 2008. It comes under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The main role of FSSAI is to ensure that consumers have access to safe and nutritious food manufactured, stored, distributed, sold, and imported under a set of clearly defined standards supported by science. So, in a way, FSSAI takes away any ambiguity from the production, sales, and distribution of wholesome food articles to the consumer.

FSSAI Guidelines For Labelling, and Packaging

The right kind of packaging is crucial for maintaining the quality of food items and delivering them safely to the consumer. Just as important is the right kind of labelling since it provides important product information and helps consumers make informed buying decisions by reading the label and knowing what they are getting.

The FSSAI has set unified standards and stringent requirements for the safe packaging and accurate labelling of pre-packaged food items. The aim is to make certain that any packaged food item that hits the market and reaches the consumer is 100% fit for human consumption.

And that it is labelled correctly and truthfully, displaying all the vital information about its contents such as the health benefits, nutritional value, and special dietary uses, etc.

Every company that sells pre-packed food must adhere to FSSAI labelling guidelines and comply with them before putting their products on the market. The information printed on the labels should be 100% accurate and clear and precise, with absolutely no falsehood.

The information must be in either English or the Devanagri script and additional use of other languages is also allowed.

Let’s look at the most important information to mention on food labels:

• Name of the product/trade name
• Net quantity or product weight
• Batch, Lot or Code No.
• FSSAI logo and license number
• Packaging or manufacturing date
• Best Before and Use-by Date
• Names of all the ingredients used to make the food item.
• Vegetarian or non-vegetarian (green or red colored circular signs inside a square).
• Full declaration of the calories and nutritional information. Such as the amount of fats, dietary fibre, protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, sodium, sugar, etc.
• Use of food additives, if any (to enhance the look, color, or taste of the food item).
• Name & the full address of the manufacturer (the factory where the product is manufactured)
• If the product was imported, then the name of the country.
• Proper instructions for using the product

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Indian consumers are now more conscious of what they are buying than ever before. They read the packaging and labels to know more about the contents and only then make an informed purchase for the entire family.

It makes the role of correct labelling and packaging very important. Hence, it is best practice to follow and comply with the FSSAI packaging and labelling guidelines and present yourself as a responsible company that cares for its customers.

Would you like an expert opinion on the best packaging and labelling guidelines for your food products? Then feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

09 Jul
Taurus Packaging

Chetan jain, Director, Taurus packaging, featured in printweek magazine’s ‘power 100 companies’ 2021

We are pleased to announce that our Director, Mr. Chetan Jain, is named one of the top 100 most influential people in the Indian printing industry by PrintWeek Magazine.

The PrintWeek Magazine is a reputed nationwide magazine that presents its readers with the latest print industry news and views from all over India.

Its list of ‘Power 100’ Companies was released in the Magazine’s May 2021 issue, and it featured the print industry’s A-Listers – chosen from more than 270 nominations.

A proud moment for Team Taurus.

In his exclusive interview with the magazine, Mr. Jain talks at length about the company’s revolutionary H.I.P. Framework (Hybrid Intaglio Printing Framework).

He explains how the framework is helping clients solve their problems of short runs and slow time to market. Despite the pandemic situation, Taurus Packaging has managed to serve its clients without delays and produce shrink sleeves with best-in-class graphics in just three days.

We pride ourselves on being one of the most innovative packaging companies in India and look forward to many new innovations in the future.

Thank you to the PrintWeek Magazine for this feature and our valuable clients for always believing in us. We couldn’t have done it without you!

To check out the magazine and read the full interview, click here:

 

15 Jun
Taurus Packaging

Things you Should know While Selecting a SS Vendor

Your brand is only as good as the products you sell. But once you have developed superb products, the next crucial step is to find an excellent shrink sleeve supplier – the one who is capable of providing innovative, cutting-edge solutions for your ongoing packaging needs.

In this article, let’s discuss the five things to keep in mind while selecting the right Shrink Sleeve vendor for your business.

PROVEN EXPERTISE: Your shrink sleeve supplier must demonstrate remarkable technical excellence along with a strict adherence to shrink sleeve best practices.

Since each product comes with its own set of requirements, access to all the latest printing technologies is a must. The last thing you need or want is a sleeve supplier who lacks knowledge and fails to follow the right processes.

 

COLLABORATIVE SKILLS: Always work with a vendor with skills to understand your packaging requirements even better than you. You see, clear communication between you and them is crucial, especially when troubleshooting issues as they arise – as your supplier’s knowledge and experience can be critical to the success of your project. Hence, look for a shrink sleeve partner who is proactive both in thought and action.

 

 ENVIABLE EXPERIENCE: To benefit from the latest shrink sleeve innovations and set your products apart from the competition, find a shrink sleeve vendor experienced at handling multiple types of shrink sleevesubstrates. And make sure they have access to different printing technologies and grades of shrink films as one type of shrink film does not film all applications.

 

RIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE: Before finalizing the vendor, find out if they

  • Have a state-of-the-art R&D lab and an expert technical team?
  • Are they open to innovating their shrink sleeve packaging solutions?
  • Offer value-added and security sleeves?
  • Have the expertise to provide premium-looking sleeves?
  • Have a solution for distortion-free shrink sleeves and mock-ups?
  • Have the latest software for artworks, touch-ups & finalizing shrink results, etc.

 

ECONOMICAL SOLUTIONS: Lastly, finalize a shrink sleeve vendor capable of giving you economically-priced sleeves for all kinds of order quantities without high development costs.

Now that you know what to look for in a shrink sleeve supplier, let’s quickly discuss the prerequisites of a sound labeling partner for your brand.

Your product shrink labels serve the role of your silent sales team, turning your brand into an Ad-on-the-Shelf.

Now, to get the best results and magnify your sales figures, you need impressive, professional-looking shrink sleeve labels designed by an experienced and skilled shrink sleeve label supplier.

Always look for a sleeve manufacturer who:

  • Is skilled and experienced in label designing.
  • Knows how to work around common labeling issues, like shrinkages, especially when dealing with uniquely shaped products such as bottles.
  • Avoids delays and troubleshoots glitches through proactive thinking and quick action.
  • Provides innovation as it becomes available.
  • Uses latest sophisticated 3D modeling software to create exceptional art files that produce high-quality impressive finished labels, exactly as intended.
  • Provides advice on managing your artwork, proper storage, etc.
  • Ensures you have a consistent supply of labels and never run out on them.
  • Is dependable and accountable.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

To get the best results from your packaging and labeling efforts, always work with a  reliable, professional, and skilled shrink sleeve partner. A positive relationship and collaboration with the right vendor can make your product’s packaging journey fun and hassle-free experience.

For the last 25 years, Taurus Packaging has been supplying the latest shrink sleeves and flexible packaging products to small/medium business and global firms. Our innovative H.I.P. framework is at the core of our any-volume flexible, faster, and futuristic shrink sleeve solutions.

 For an expert opinion on the best shrink films, printing technology, or shrink sleeve labels for your diverse products, feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

10 Jun
Taurus Packaging

What Is EPR And What It Means For Your Business?

 

Considering that every year, we produce plastic waste equivalent to the weight of the entire human population, there has been a dire need to promote responsible waste management. EPR is a step in this direction.

The term EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility.

Under EPR, the responsibility of recovering, recycling, reusing, and proper plastic waste disposal stands extended to those who produce and release it into the markets. So it includes brands, goods producers, importers and packaging companies, etc.

EPR relates to a product’s complete lifecycle and holds the producer or brand answerable for the correct and environmentally supportive management of the products they produce. It starts from the time the product is conceived and manufactured till its end of life – which means when the end-user has finished using the product.

EPR guidelines have been announced under the PWMR 2016 amendment 2018.

 

HOW DOES EPR WORK?

To streamline the proper and timely collection of waste, recycle, and correct disposal, the Government has approved waste collection agencies, recycling organizations, or recyclers. They will perform these responsibilities on your behalf and charge you a fee. Such companies are called PROs or Producer Responsibility Organisations.

Once done, they will award you a completion certificate that states the exact quantity of plastic waste your company has recycled. Currently, waste recycling targets have been set at 30% and may increase over the coming years.

Say, for example, your company produces about 100 kg of plastic in a year. Now, under EPR, the responsibility lies on you to collect and recycle at least30% of this plastic material, which comes to 30 kg.

Similarly, if you have sold, say 10 kg worth of plastic to your customer, they must also recycle 30% that is 3 kg (to fulfil their responsibility). On completion, they will give you a certificate which means, now you have to recycle only 27 kg since 3 kg has already been done on your behalf.

Hence, in this way, ERP creates a consistent and ongoing cycle of responsible waste management. It ensures that whoever produces plastic also recycles it, and plastic material gets recycled throughoutthe supply chain.

It will slowly reduce the plastic waste management problem that is growing daily.

 

EPR, THE CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM

EPR is primarily a closed-loop system of waste management in which the discarded wastes are carefully collected, recycled and reused to make new products. Doing so not only closes the loop on waste but also leads to a remarkable reduction in energy usage and production costsfor new products.

Hence, the purpose of EPR goes beyond better management of plastic waste at the end of life. By holding the producer responsible for the products they manufacture, EPR serves as a constant reminder about the impact of plastic waste. In some ways, it acts as an incentive to innovate, think outside the box as well as create a greener, environmentally-friendly products and packaging.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Today, EPR has become a global system for better plastic waste management throughout the world. And it is growing to include more and more products such as portable batteries, tyres, electronics, end-of-life vehicles, paper, furniture items and much more.

Though it is still early to say how well this system is adopted, its contribution towards the reduce-reuse-recycle principle cannot be denied.

Whether you choose torecycle your products and the packaging yourself or work with aPRO to manage your recycling responsibility on your behalf, EPRis a step towards extended product life cycles and creating a sustainable environment.

Do you want to know how EPR will affect your business? Feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com, and I will be happy to assist you.

13 May
Taurus Packaging

5 Best Plastic-free Packaging For The Future

It is a well-known fact that non-biodegradable materials such as plastic are harmful to our environment and planet. They create waste and put us in danger. Yet, plastic usage continues in various applications, including product packaging.

Though various reasons contribute to the reality, there are some innovative alternatives to plastic we can use for our packaging needs – and create a better and healthier world for us and our future generations. Let’s look at them briefly.

You can read in detail about these plastic-free, environment-friendly packaging options and their innovative creators here.

#1. Environment-Supportive Sugar Cane Packaging Labels
Yes, you read it correctly. A biobased PE film made from sugarcane ethanol is replacing the conventional film developed using petroleum polyethylene. It can be processed just like its conventional counterpart, keeping costs low and making it a good option for labelling certain items like food and cosmetics.

#2. Natural Packaging Using Biological Waste
Considering that producing as little as one cube of Polystyrene calls for more than a litre of petrol, finding a greener option is much needed. And it came in the form of bio waste mixed with certain fungal cultures or mycelium and allowed to grow.

#3. Liquid Food Packaging Using Seaweed
The invention of packaging made from bio-degradable seaweed that is also edible is one of the most revolutionary innovations of our times. Think of it as the fruit’s natural packaging or a waterproof skin. And all this while keeping the process straightforward and cheap.

#4. Plant-made Compostable Bottle
Bottles made from bioplastics contain lactic acid. Since they are biodegradable and much cheaper than plastic, they make ideal and safer packaging options for liquids. Also, these bottles are free from plasticizers and other dangerous substances.

#5. Packaging Film Made from Milk Proteins
A sustainable and edible alternative to the oil-based film is thin packaging films made from milk protein or casein. In addition to blocking oxygen better than ordinary films, they can even be dissolved and consumed!

SOURCE: lead-innovation.com

CLOSING THOUGHTS
It is encouraging to see the excellent work companies and start-ups are doing globally to find safer packaging solutions to save our environment. Let’s keep a look out for these greener alternatives to plastic & do our best to become responsible businesses.

Do you need an expert opinion on which shrink film or printing technology to use for your products? Feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com, and I will be happy to assist you.

22 Apr
Taurus Packaging

Expensive or Cheap – How to Determine the Right Price of Shrink Sleeves?

One question that buyers frequently ask me is: Why are your shrink sleeve prices high? Also, why some manufacturers sell their shrink sleeves at unimaginably lower prices than the market price?

So this article is particularly important if you want to understand what makes shrink sleeves expensive or cheap. Hopefully, by the end of this read, you’ll be able to get the optimum price for your shrink sleeves.

Shrink sleeve price differences can occur due to various reasons, such as the use of blown PVC instead of cast PVC &PETG. Owing to their different manufacturing techniques, Blown PVC has a lot less clarity as compared to Cast PVC.

Some suppliers provide sleeves in blown PVCinstead of using the ideal CAST PVC.

While in certain designs or scenarios, the buyer may not notice the difference in blown PVC or CAST PVC (which prompts these printers to use the cheaper blown version), in the long run, it can create problems for the brand.

So this is how manufacturers manage to get their sleeve prices lower when they use blown PVC.

 

Problems With Blown Pvc

  • Thickness variations
  • Lesser gloss
  • Machine process scratch lines
  • Gel particles
  • Uneven shrinkage
  • Printability issue due to thickness variations
  • Lower shrinkage percentage
  • High natural shrinkage in room temperature

Other than the use of CAST PVC, there are some other ways printers use to reduce costs by compromising on specifications.

 

These include:

  • Lowering the thickness of the film
  • Reduction of ink GSM of white but compromising on opacity
  • Using non-shrink inks which may cause the ink to bleed or create mottling.

 

REALITY BITES

Packaging is the most important aspect of a product. And even though the consumer may use the product, later on, the buying decision still depends on the packaging.

  • Bad printing can lower your brand value, irrespective of whether you are an FMCG giant or an SME brand.
  • Poor packaging may even prompt a consumer to think the product is fake or duplicate.

That is why I recommend never compromise on the quality of your product’s packaging.

Since the cheapest packaging is not necessarily the right choice, it is better to aim for the right price for the quality of shrink sleeves you want for your products.

How to Know the Right Price Of SHRINK SLEEVES?

 

Here’s the correct approach:

  • See what should be the optimum pricing of the sleeves for your specs, and then negotiate in the tolerance of the costing.
  • Ask for a price break-up or cost-sheet. Judge the correct pricing, instead of going for the cheapest.

 

Here are some easy tips to get the best shrink sleeve pricing:

Low Quantities: If the quantities are low, choose the right printing technology to keep costs under control. For example, for smaller quantities, you can avoid investing in expensive cylinder costs.

Thickness: Always choose the right thickness of shrink film. Don’t buy higher thickness if it is not affecting the regulations or product.

PVC Vs PET-G: Right now, PVC prices are at an all-time high. So, switch to cheaper PETG and save costs. Also, ask your supplier whether they have the know-how to help you shift from PVC to PETG.

Innovation: Check if your sleeve buyer uses the H.I.P. framework or its equivalent so they can give you the lowest price possible as per the order quantity. You can avoid high inventory costs.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The packaging of your products can make or break the shopper’s buying experience. So before buying the cheapest shrink packaging that can jeopardize your sales, look for a manufacturer who will offer you an optimum price for the right specification decided by your team.

If you need an expert opinion on which shrink film or printing technology to use for your products, feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com, and I will be happy to assist you.

 

16 Apr
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

Shrink Sleeve Storage and Shelf Life Guidelines You Must Know

Are you using high-quality shrink sleeve labels for your awesome products? You can now count on making your brand and products stand out on shop shelves.

Considering that shrink sleeves are somewhat fragile and delicate packaging materials, it is crucial to understand and follow the best techniques for handling, storing, and transporting shrink sleeves correctly.

After all, the last thing you’d want is for your shrink sleeves to become damaged due to conditions in your control. Right?

Let’s get started.

Common Factors That Influence The Quality of Your Shrink Sleeves

 Several conditions can affect and even compromise the usability of shrink sleeves. These include –

1. Temperature and Heat

Extreme temperatures such as excessively hot or very cold and direct sunlight can distort and damage your shrink sleeves beyond repair. When this happens, the sleeves become unusable, costing you heavily.

Now, with summers here in full swing, proper storage and shipping become extremely important if you want to protect the sleeves from damage and get the best results from them.

Usually, when exposed to temperatures beyond 30°C, shrink sleeves show a tendency to start shrinking. This in turn causes difficulty in sleeving products correctly.

Humidity is another factor having a bearing on the label’s ink and shrink sleeve usability.

BEST PRACTICE: While shrink sleeves are liked for their ability to shrink or expand easily, depending on the application, unwanted shrinkage due to temperature fluctuations need to be avoided.

To do this, shrink sleeves need to be stored and shipped under proper temperature control and ensure swift application to get the intended results.

2. Environmental Pollutants

Before the shrink sleeves get applied to your products, they go through various processes and get handled by several people.

When exposed to dirt and dust particles, shrink sleeves which already has some static charge and attract this dust, lose their sheen and their effectiveness to be applied to your products.

Also, incorrect handling can cause scratches and other forms of damage.

BEST PRACTICE: Handle shrink sleeves with responsibility and care to protect their looks, sheen, and keep the quality intact.

3. Storage

If your shrink sleeves get stored for long periods before the actual application, they are more likely to be exposed to varying problematic conditions like natural shrinkage of the film, or film getting brittle. And this increases their susceptibility to damage.

BEST PRACTICE: Plan your product’s packaging process and avoid overstocking so you won’t have to store your shrink films for longer than required.

Transportation & Storage Tips for Shrink Sleeves

Transportation:

  • It’s best to ship the shrink sleeves in a temperature-controlled delivery vehicle.
  • If quantity not sufficient for a refrigerated vehicle, then during summers, get the sleeves delivered for application overnight or early morning to avoid excessive heat and sun exposure.
  • Ensure there are no damages during transit.

Storage:

  • If there is a gap in the application despite timely delivery, store your shrink sleeves in a temperature-controlled storage facility.
  • If storing an extra reserve of sleeves, ensure the temperature and humidity levels are in check- preferably less than 25°C
  • Avoid storing them for more than 180 days.
  • During summers, store the shrink sleeve labels towards the colder parts of the warehouse, away from sun exposure.
  • Avoid fluctuations in temperature.

 

Shelf Life of Your Shrink Sleeves

Even if you buy the highest-quality shrink packaging for your products, remember, they too have a USE BEFORE date. In other words, you cannot store your labels indefinitely, or they will become unusable.

Hence, speak to your supplier to know the expected shelf life of the sleeves you are ordering and buy only the quantity which you may need since now lower quantities of sleeves can also be printed with ease.

Closing Thoughts

Your investment in good-quality labels is guaranteed to deliver excellent results, provided you and your packaging partner follow the necessary storage, transportation, and handling guidelines.

Would you like an expert opinion on which sleeves are best for your products, how to buy an optimum quantity of sleeves with ease, and how to make sure their quality remains intact from label delivery to its application?

 Feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com, and I will be happy to assist you.

07 Apr
Taurus Packaging

Why is it right time to shift from PVC to PETG?

You might already be aware of the never-ending debate about which is better, PVC or PET-G. Though I have discussed it in detail in another article, post-COVID, this discussion has taken a new twist.

In this article, I would like to talk about the latest market trend that will change the way you think about Shrink Sleeve material choices and why there is no better time to switch from PVC to PET-G.

But first, a quick recap of the facts around PVC and PET-G:

 

THE DEPENDENCE ON PVC

Since long, PVC shrink sleeves have enjoyed majority status in the Indian packaging industry. Reasons are many.

  • PVC is a highly versatile, readily available material.
  • It is used extensively across different shrink tunnels and container materials.
  • Full-bodied PVC shrink sleeves simplify displaying critical product details specified by regulatory bodies.
  • PVC shrink films create a tamper-proof seal when attached to container caps, reducing the chances of adulteration.
  • PVC sleeves offer a 360° view of pre-formed film bands.

Despite benefits, PVC has titled the most TROUBLED plastic material. Its TD shrinkage is just 50%-60%, and without proper disposal, it poses a danger to human health and our environment.

 

SWITCHING FROM PVC TO PET-G

An alternative to PVC shrink sleeve, PET-G shrink sleeve has good elasticity, endurance, higher TD shrinkage and chemical resistance sought-after in various production processes.

Over the years, more and more domestic and International FMCG manufacturers have considered shifting from PVC to PETG shrink sleeves – to become globally compliant and responsible brands.

 

SO WHY THE DELAY?

Moving from PVC to PET-G is a process that requires

  • Proper planning and sufficient resources
  • Additional investments to setup sophisticated shrink tunnel infrastructure
  • A proficient packaging partner with knowledge and experience

 Many companies feel it is better to stick to PVC and avoid extra expenses. But COVID-19 has brought an unimaginable change.

 

FLUCTUATIONS POST COVID-19:

For the last six or seven months, PVC Shrink Sleeve prices are at an all-time high, not just in India but globally as well. And industry experts predict that this will continue for several more months.

The struggle is real and it’s high time to bring this situation under control before it gets totally out of hand.

So How Do We Do It? Most of you have been talking, thinking and debating over moving from PVC shrink sleeve to PET-G shrink sleeve for a long time. And there is no better time to make this shift than NOW as most grades of PET-G are currently cheaper than CAST PVC shrink film. PET-G is also readily available with Indian manufacturers.

 

CONCLUSION:

PVC will be further costlier in coming months. Instead of investing in over-expensive PVC (troubled plastic), this is a golden opportunity to make that long-overdue shift to PET-G shrink sleeves.

Taurus Packaging is here to assist you with the right expertise, knowledge, skilled technical team and years of experience to make an easy transition. Whether you have a steam tunnel, hot air tunnel, HD container, PP Container, Glass Bottle, or PET Bottle, we can help. We have successfully done many such projects with our clients.

For an expert opinion, feel free to reach out to me by booking a discovery call at www.chetan-jain.com, and I will be happy to assist you.

 

 

02 Mar
Taurus Packaging

Popular Printing Technologies for Packaging

When it comes to finding the best printing method for your brand, there are plenty of choices available.

 Let’s look at the most popular technologies in use today:

OFFSET PRINTING: Metal plates transfer or off-set the design onto a rubber roller and then to the printing material.

SCREEN PRINTING: Suitable for bulk printing, mesh screens press the inks and transfer the image on the desired material such as fabric.

DIGITAL PRINTING: Giving a quick turnaround time, digital printing deals with digital designs rather than printing plates. Ink is transferred through inkjets.

ROTOGRAVURE PRINTING: It’s an Intaglio Printing technique in which a copper-plated Steel cylinder is laser-engraved with the intended design. It involves engraving the image onto the cylinder and then transferred it to the substrate through pressure.

FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING: Quite like letterpress printing, the printing plates get attached to raised rotating cylinders. It is a form of printing process which utilizes a flexible relief plate. And fast-drying inks are transferred onto the material to print the desired images.

 

The popularity of Gravure & Flexographic Technologies in Flexible Printing

Rotogravure and Flexographic Printing are the two most prevalent techniques used to meet versatile packaging requirements.

And they are commonly used in the food, beverage, and personal care industry where they use flexible (lightweight, malleable, or non-rigid) packaging materials. These include plastic films, paper, or foil that take the desired shape with ease.

 

Rotogravure Vs Flexo Printing

Rotogravure Printing offers exceptional-quality and accurate prints, preferred for printing labels, shrink sleeves, laminates, and pouches.

Wide Web Flexographic Printing is ideal for long runs, and when the desired printing speed is super-fast. Since it offers excellent print text clarity, it gets used for printing labels and films.

Narrow Web Flexographic Printing is good for self-adhesive labels, pressure-sensitive labels, and short runs of shrink sleeves.

 

Key Differences:

CHOICE OF INKS: Though Gravure printing supports many inks, a broader range of inks are available in Flexo printing.

PRINT QUALITY: Flexo offers higher clarity when the design has fine detailing and written text. However, if the artwork is detail-heavy and intricate, Gravure gives more consistency and vibrancy in print quality.

EXPENSES: Flexo is a more cost-efficient technique than Gravure when you compare the printing plate costs. However, cylinders used in Gravure generally last longer across multiple print runs than the Flexo plates.

 

Which is Better?

Since both Rotogravure and Flexographic printing techniques have pros and cons, we cannot replace one with the other. So before choosing a printing method, you must consider the best technique for the task you wish to accomplish.

Do you need an expert’s opinion to select the right printing method? Feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com, and I will be happy to assist you.

 

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