How Do Heat Shrink Labels Work?

One of the most effective label marketing solutions in the market is heat shrink label, also known as shrink sleeve label. Heat shrink label is efficient, beautiful and practical, and is widely used in various packaging fields such as beverage bottles, food packaging, daily chemical products and medical supplies.

As a manufacturer that provides professional customized shrink sleeve label services, we have rich experience in the field of heat shrink label. Next, I will introduce the working principle, application scenarios and core advantages of heat shrink label to you.

What Are Heat Shrink Labels? ​

Heat shrink labels are made of flexible plastic films such as PETG, PVC or OPS, which shrink and closely follow the contours of the container when exposed to heat.

Unlike traditional labels that are attached to a flat surface, shrink sleeves completely wrap around the product, providing full surface coverage, perfectly displaying product information, and providing moisture, anti-counterfeiting and anti-abrasion functions.

How Heat Shrink Labels Work​

Heat shrink labels work by using the material’s “shape memory” properties, a three-step process:

Material Properties​

The label film is pre-stretched during production and set at high temperature. When heated again, the film will return to its original size due to the contraction of the molecular chain, thus achieving tight wrapping.

Heat Shrink

The shrink sleeve label on the container is heated by hot air, steam or infrared (usually at a temperature between 120°C and 150°C). The film will shrink quickly and fit the contour of the container, even complex shapes can be perfectly adapted.

​​Cooling and Shaping​

After heating, the label is quickly cooled and fixed to maintain a high-strength fit, ensuring that it will not fall off during transportation and storage.

The Heat Shrink Label Process

The following is a step-by-step introduction to the heat shrink label process.

Design & Printing

The process begins with the label design, which is printed on a flat sheet or roll of shrink film using high-quality flexographic or rotogravure printing. Special consideration is given to how the artwork will appear after shrinking, as the graphics may distort slightly during the process.

Sleeve Formation (Tube formation)

After printing, the film is formed into a tube and seamed together using a strong adhesive or weld. These sleeves are then cut to the desired height or wound onto rolls for application.

Application to Product

Shrink sleeves need to be applied to containers, whether they are bottles, jars, cans, or other uniquely shaped items. Depending on the scale of production, this process can be done manually or using an automatic sleeve labeling machine.

Heat Shrink

The labeled product is heated by a hot air oven or heat gun. As the heat is applied, the shrink film begins to shrink and conform closely to the shape of the container. The result is a smooth, professional label that fits the container like a second skin.

Wide Application of Heat Shrink Labels

Shrink sleeves are widely used in various industries, including:

Food and beverage industry: mineral water bottles, cans, beer bottles, etc., labels are low temperature resistant and waterproof.

Daily chemical products: shampoo bottles, cosmetic bottles, to achieve 360° full wrap design.

Medical packaging: anti-counterfeiting labels on medicine bottles to ensure the safety of medication.

Why Choose Heat Shrink Labels?

Shrink sleeve labels offer several advantages:

• 360-degree coverage: Maximize brand space with full-body decoration.
• Tamper-evident seal: Add extra security and integrity to your products.
• High-quality graphics: Enable vivid, detailed designs that enhance shelf appeal.
• Versatility: Works with nearly any shape of plastic, glass and metal container.
• Durability: Resists moisture, wear and fading.

Automated Shrink Sleeve Labeling Machine — Large-scale Application of Heat Shrink Labels

Here’s a breakdown of how an automated shrink sleeve labeling system typically works:

Container Infeed

Containers, such as plastic water bottles, are fed into the machine via a conveyor belt. The machine aligns and spaces the containers so that they can be evenly sleeved.

Shrink Sleeve Cutting

The film label is automatically cut into preset sizes, and a robotic arm or vacuum suction cup puts the label on the specified position of the container.

​​Heat Shrink Treatment​

After the sleeve is put on, the product will enter the heat shrink channel (tunnel or oven type), and the label will shrink evenly through precise temperature control.

Cooling & Discharge

After shrinking, the container is cooled and goes to the next step in the production line, such as packaging or quality control.

Conclusion

Heat shrink labels are a smart, stylish and secure solution to modern packaging needs. They completely wrap around your product, creating a striking shelf presence and offering practical benefits such as tamper-evident and resistance to environmental factors.

As a professional custom shrink sleeve label manufacturer, GQ PACK specializes in customizing shrink sleeve labels according to your exact specifications. Whether you are launching a new product or rebranding, our team can help your dreams come true through high-quality, cost-effective label solutions.