13 Oct
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

The Why and How of Artwork Pre-Distortion for Shrink Sleeves

Branding without shrink sleeves has become unimaginable. A well-designed and properly executed shrink sleeve application promises enhanced brand recognition, recall and visibility for your products on cluttered shop shelves.

However, it is crucial to understand the possible and often staggering setbacks you could face if you do not consider the effects of shrink distortion on your artwork design.

 

The Dilemma of 2D VS 3D

The shrink sleeve making process is pretty straightforward. It starts with designing the artwork and transferring it to the film via printing. The film is joined together and placed over the destination container or bottle. Next, it is time for the heat tunnel where the sleeve gets shrunk to fit around and onto the bottle.

 

What could go wrong?

Since the printed artwork is 2D and its execution is in 3D, there are high chances of the artwork becoming distorted and looking different from the intention. Hence, the need for pre-distortion of graphics comes up.

 

Pre-distortion to The Rescue

During the graphic pre-distortion stage, keep in mind the shape of the container and how much shrinkage is typical for the chosen material.

Until recently, pre-distortion was primarily a manual and experimental task that required multiple rounds of revisions, causing massive delays.

Thankfully, massive R&D in this field has brought about state-of-the-art 3D rendering technology to visualise the expected shrinkage.A good case in point is the advanced Distortion Prediction Technology™ we use at Taurus Packaging.

It allows us to visualise the container in 3D and how the graphic will appear after the expected shrinkage. Once everything is checked, the pre-distortion gets done.Next, the rendered ARC™3D image of your sleeved container shows how the sleeves would appear in real-time.If everything is on point, the design is ready to be printed.

 

Closing Thoughts

Artwork pre-distortion is a crucial step that must get incorporated into your shrink sleeve development process. Distortion prediction allows graphics and text to appear flawlessly on products so you can make good branding decisions before going for commercial approvals.

 

Do you require R&D guidance and expert technical support to eliminate glitches in your shrink sleeve development and design processes? Book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com

05 Oct
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

What is PCR and The Shift Towards PCR Plastics

In a previous article on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), I have discussed the responsibility of brands to recover, recycle, reuse, and dispose of the products they produce. And how they need to innovate their waste management initiatives.

Now, what if you could shift to packaging made from recycled materials? Such a step could help you preserve the environment, stop depending on consumers to recycle after use, and cater to shoppers who favor sustainable brands.

This is the crux of PCR!

What is PCR?

The term PCR refers to Post-Consumer Recycled (reprocessed) plastic, primarily manufactured at recycling plants from items that consumers have, in a way, already recycled. Hence, PCR plastic is clean plastic that needs no further recycling. Since PCR plastic comes from reprocessed or post-consumer plastic waste, it reduces the load on landfills – which is a big PLUS.

 

Sustainable Packaging With PCR

PCR packaging film is a sustainable packaging alternative. It is made using the reprocessed PCR plastic which is derived from recycled materials like plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, and aluminum, etc.

Hence, it is a much better alternative to virgin plastic derived from non-renewable resources like natural gas, putting a strain on our environment.

 

Benefits of PCR Plastic And Its Usage

 

POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT: Unlike virgin plastic, post-consumer recycled plastic is gentle on our planet. Since plastic waste gets rooted in recycling facilities, PCR plastic helps reduce toxic plastic waste that piles up at landfills.

 

STEP TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY: There is a consistent rise in the number of shoppers and consumers sensitized about preserving the environment for their future generations. These individuals are making conscious efforts to buy from brands with strong sustainability goals. Hence, using PCR materials for your packaging needs will help you become more sustainable and tap into this growing consumer base.

 

FLEXIBLE PACKAGING MATERIAL: Today, PCR packaging films are being used to fulfill packaging needs across all major industries, including pharma and food. It is a flexible material that meets and passes all kinds of stringent quality checks.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Today, companies worldwide are taking their sustainability goals seriously and recognizing the importance of reducing their carbon footprint. In this context, the shift towards PCR plastic materials is a welcome move. Though still in its early stages, it will be interesting to see how well brands adapt to this change and include post-consumer recycled plastic and packaging for their products.

Would you like an expert opinion on how you can support your sustainability goals with PCR plastic? Then feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

 

23 Sep
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

The Importance of Colour-Matching in Printed Packaging And How To Do It?

Colours form the heart and soul of print designs. So it is no wonder that brands spend a lot of time and attention selecting the correct colour scheme for their product’s packaging. However, the work does not stop here as it’s equally important to bring the design to life, exactly, the way it looks on the computer. Any mismatch and the printed design may appear far different from the intention, leading to unavoidable delays and unnecessary panic. It is here that the concept of color-matching comes in.

What is Colour Matching?

Simply put, colour matching refers to making sure that the colours in your packaging design, visible on screen, look the same once the design gets printed and takes its place on the final product. Hence, color-matching is crucial in printed packaging. It not only helps to maintain colour accuracy in terms of its hue, brightness, and saturation but avoids last-minute surprises and deviations from the intended result.

Ways to Achieve Colour Correctness in Printed Packaging

 

1.  Start Designing in the Most Appropriate Colour Space

Colours get represented differently in different colour spaces. Hence, to get desired results, it is recommended to work in the correct colour space right from the beginning. It means that you may have to go beyond the default colour profiles on your system, such as sRGB, and install the one most appropriate for your projects like Adobe RGB or CMYK.

2. Use Proofing Tools to Generate a Soft-Proof of Your Designs

Before you spend time and money printing the hard-proof of your design and being disappointed with the results, go in for soft-proofing using a calibrated monitor. An electronic-screen soft-proof is a highly beneficial alternative to get a sense of what the design and colours will look like upon printing and whether or not you’re on the right track.

3. Don’t Forget the Physical Print Proofs

After checking the artwork on your monitor, it’s time to get a digitally-printed physical proof of the design. Though it may seem unimportant, it is, in fact, the hard printed proof that helps to spot problem areas and possibly foretell inconsistencies that may crop up in the final version the printing press sends you and avoid them beforehand.

 4. Communicate Your Expectations to The Printer

It is always good practice to brief your printer about your expectations correctly, especially when they’re about to tackle large runs, tricky print jobs and complex reprints. So do provide them with colour matching samples, reference prints, and colour mixing references to maintain colour accuracy & reduce time wastages in corrections.

5. Ask for Cylinder Proofs

Most printers and consumers depend on cylinder proofs for print approval since they give the right colours up to a certain extent. However, cylinder proof does have its limitations.

  • The cylinder manufacturer must be using the same film and inks to match the proof, or there will be a deviation.
  • Proofing is done with high viscosity inks, whereas in printing, viscosity is lower, which can produce variations between the proof and the actual print run.
  • Proofing happens at a much slower speed than the actual commercial speed of printing. Slow speed would mean there would be a difference in dot transfer, thereby affecting the colours.

Though cylinder proof is a sensible parameter to check the print job, it can differ from the actual result. Hence, do keep a certain tolerance for colour shades in mind when relying on cylinder proofs.

6. Opt for a Colour Library

If you need special or uncommon colour profiles for your print packaging, you might want to consider working with a colour library such as Pantone or CMYK equivalents. For one, you will have access to a full gamut of colour references. And two, maintaining colour accuracy and representing your brand correctly will no longer be challenging.

7. Use Extended Colour Gamut Printing (ECG)

Extended Colour Gamut Printing is the methodology of introducing three additional inks, Orange, Green & Violet (OGV), to the CMYK Process Colours, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black during printing. Adding the extra colours extends or expands the range of colour printing and helps to reduce the overall dependence on spot colours. The resultant printed images are a lot more vivid with negligible colour difference.

8. Pay Attention to the Lighting

Whether you’re approving proofs or colour matching, it is crucial to have the correct lighting since even the slightest variation in your light source can change how visual is perceived. So try to maintain standard lighting conditions as that goes a long way in avoiding faulty approvals and perception-related glitches.

According to the International Standards Organisation ISO 3664, you should view and approve prints under a D50 equivalent light source.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

A little planning and forward-thinking goes a long way to complete the printing project without delays, rework, and glitches. And ensuring that you get your printed colours right and in perfect sync with the intended results.

 

Do you need an expert’s opinion on how you can improve your printing procedures and get consistent results, every time? Then feel free to book a discovery call with me at www.chetan-jain.com.

 

17 Sep
Shrink Sleeves, Taurus Packaging

How Shrink Sleeves Affect PP Container Recycling

In our previous article, we talked about the effect of shrink sleeves on PET bottle recycling. In this article, let’s look at how PP containers react to recycling when shrink sleeves stay attached to them.

PP or Polypropylene is a type of plastic commonly used to manufacture food containers utilized in packaging takeaway food items and beverages, etc.

Though PP containers are recyclable, certain film substrates interfere with the recycling process if they are left attached to the containers. That’s why businesses must know which shrink films are best for proper recycling and the correct procedures to follow during PP container recycling.

 

Selection of a Film Substrate

Compatibility: Some sleeve label materials have a density of <1.0 and thus float in the float/sink tank, remaining with the PP. This material cannot be removed during the recycling process. Hence, it can contaminate the recycled PP if not compatible with the PP.

 

What’s the Solution?

  • Films compatible with PP recycling sink in water and can separate from the PP floating in the water. That’s why a preferred choice is to use full bottle sleeve labels specifically crafted for automatic sorting.
  • Considering that a full bottle sleeve gets attached to the full surface of the bottle, leaving only a small portion uncovered, we must select a material compatible with automatic sorting, or the sorter machine may segregate the PP bottle with the wrong materials destroying it.
  • Also, PVC material needs strict avoidance as even a trace amount can contaminate the reprocessed PP.

 

Label Inks

The type of ink used on sleeve labels of PP containers also has a bearing on their recyclability.

For example, certain types of label inks bleed during the wash step of the recycling process. If the PP container catches on to the ink color, it becomes discolored, making it even more difficult to salvage the PP and turning it reusable for various intended purposes.

 

What’s the Solution?

  • It is recommended to select inks with the correct density, so they stay on the label during the wash process.
  • And do not bleed and mix with the water.

 

Why Using Pressure-Sensitive PP/PE Labels is Detrimental for PPRecycling?

When recycling a PP container, it is important to know how a certain film substrate will behave in contact with water.

Will the adhesive used to secure the label give away and release the label or will it keep the label held on to the container? In other words, will the label sink or float?

Hence, it is here that testing the adhesives to see how they react becomes crucial. Either the adhesive must be well suited to the PP or it should come off hassle-free during the wash process.

If not, and even the slightest traces of the adhesive stay, it will discolor the recycled PP, spoiling the end result.

 

Model Specifications – Shrink Sleeve Labels for PP Bottles

 According to the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), here are the identified characteristics considered compatible with PP recycling –

 Full Compatibility: Sleeves PETG with density >1 g/cm³, and with a size that does not hinder the recognition of the underlying PP-polymer.

Limited Compatibility: Sleeves in PVC, PLA, PS (all with density > 1 g/cm³)

Low Compatibility: Sleeves that hinder the recognition of the PP; Sleeves in non-PP-materials with density < 1 g/cm³; Aluminium/Metalised Sleeves; Heavily inked sleeves

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Considering that plastic continues to be frequently used in packaging and requires proper recycling, it is the responsibility of businesses to be conscious about their choices.

The future may see us joining hands with label suppliers who offer recycling-compatible sleeves for their products. But until then, it is on us to do our bit towards a cleaner, safer environment for us and our future generations.

 

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.

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 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.