Sleeve Labelling Machine Suppliers & Manufacturers

Sleeve labelling types and applications

Sleeve labelling applies a printed cylindrical film sleeve over a container, which is then shrunk tightly onto the container surface using heat. Sleeve labelling is chosen when: full-body or high-coverage decoration is required, covering the full container surface with graphics; an irregular container shape (contoured, non-cylindrical) needs a label that conforms to the shape; tamper-evidence is required at the cap or neck (a neck band or full-shrink sleeve tears on opening); no separate front-back labelling step is required. Shrink sleeve labelling types: full-body shrink sleeves — a full-length sleeve is applied over the body of the container and shrunk to conform to the container shape; provides 360° print area and can wrap over shoulders and base; used for beverages, personal care, household chemicals, and dairy. Neck band or tamper-evident sleeve — a short sleeve applied at the cap/neck area, providing tamper evidence; used for pharmaceutical bottles, wine, spirits, and beverages. Roll-fed OPP sleeve (non-shrink) — some sleeve labellers apply stretch sleeves (roll-fed OPP film) that are elastically stretched over the container and rely on the elastic recovery to grip the container; no heat tunnel required; limited label coverage compared to shrink sleeves. Shrink sleeve film materials: PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) — the most widely used material; balanced shrink rate, good printability, and compatible with PET container recycling streams in many markets; excellent clarity. PVC — lower cost, but less preferred in recycling-oriented markets; higher shrink rate suited to complex container shapes. OPS (oriented polystyrene) — high shrink rate, used for complex shapes; less common than PETG.