What Is a Shrink Sleeve Label? PVC, PET-G and OPS Compared

Short answer: A shrink sleeve is a 360° label printed on heat-shrink film, slipped over the body of a product and shrunk in a heat tunnel until it takes the product’s shape. It covers whole bottles, jars and curved packs, so it offers a large print area.

A classic label does not sit well on a curved bottle. A sleeve follows the shape of the pack and the print wraps all the way around. That is why beverage, cosmetic and food brands choose sleeves to stand out on the shelf.

How is a shrink sleeve applied?

The film is cut into a tube (sleeve), slipped over the bottle and passed through a steam or hot-air tunnel. The film shrinks with the heat and takes the shape of the product. No adhesive is used; the label is held by the film’s own shrinkage.

PVC, PET-G and OPS compared

PVC

• An economical option with a wide range of uses.
• Print quality and colour saturation are very good.
• Recycling can be limited.

PET-G

• Compatible with PET packs and favoured by brands that aim for recycling.
• High clarity and print quality.
• Usually costs more than PVC.

OPS

• A thin, light film that prints well.
• Preferred for some food and cosmetic packs.
• May need to be separated during PET recycling.

Which material suits your product depends on the shape of the pack and the filling conditions. Talk to our sales team for exact thickness and shrinkage values.

What is the difference between sleeve, adhesive label and sticker?

A sticker is stuck onto a surface and usually covers a single area. A sleeve wraps the whole body. On curved bottles a sleeve looks better and lasts longer; on flat surfaces an adhesive label is more economical.

See the product pages for details: shrink sleeve labels, preform sleeve labels, printed sleeve labels and sleeve safety seal bands.

Frequently asked questions

Are body sleeve and shrink sleeve the same?

Body sleeve is the name for a shrink sleeve label that wraps the whole body. In daily use the two names mostly mean the same product.

What is a preform sleeve?

A one-piece sleeve label that fits pre-shaped bottles and jars with special forms.

Does a sleeve label use adhesive?

No. The film shrinks with heat and sits on the product without adhesive.

Which packs use sleeves?

Curved or specially shaped bottles, jars and boxes; common in beverage, cosmetic, food and cleaning products.

Can it be applied on a filling line?

Yes. It is applied with a sleeve applicator; size and roll winding are prepared to suit the line.

How do I choose between PVC, PET-G and OPS?

Budget, recycling goals, pack shape and print expectations decide. PVC is economical, PET-G is recycling-oriented and OPS is thin and light.

Is a sleeve label water resistant?

The film resists moisture and water, so it can be used in cold and humid conditions.

What do I need for a sample or quote?

The pack type, size, approximate quantity and print needs are enough; send them through the quote form.

Thinking about sleeve labels? Tell us your pack and quantity and we will prepare a quote with a material recommendation. Get a quote