The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Craft Beer Shrink Film

Author: Ruby

Jun. 30, 2025

Buying Guide on Best PETG Shrink Sleeve Label Films

When it comes to packaging, PETG shrink sleeve label films have gained significant popularity due to their durability, clarity, and versatility. These films provide a high-quality, cost-effective solution for labeling a variety of products, including bottles, containers, and other consumer goods. This buying guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when choosing the best PETG shrink sleeve label films for your needs.

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1. Understand the Benefits of PETG Shrink Sleeve Labels

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) shrink films are popular due to several key benefits:

  • Durability: PETG is highly resistant to impact and tears, making it perfect for products that need to withstand rough handling during shipping or storage.
  • Clarity and Visual Appeal: The material offers excellent transparency, ensuring vibrant colors and clear print on your labels.
  • Eco-friendly: PETG is recyclable, which makes it a more sustainable choice compared to other plastic films.
  • Shrinkage Control: PETG films shrink uniformly when heat is applied, ensuring a tight, smooth fit around the container.

These characteristics make PETG shrink sleeve labels a preferred option for industries such as food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

2. Consider the Shrinkage Percentage

The shrinkage percentage refers to how much the PETG film contracts when exposed to heat. Depending on the shape and size of your product, selecting the correct shrinkage rate is crucial:

  • Low Shrinkage (10-30%): Ideal for products with straight or cylindrical shapes that need a minimal shrink effect.
  • High Shrinkage (40-80%): Best for products with irregular shapes, such as bottles with curves or contours, where a tight, seamless fit is needed.

Be sure to match the shrinkage rate with the container's design to ensure the label fits perfectly after the shrink process.

PETG Shrink Sleeve Label Film

3. Evaluate Printability

One of the key factors to consider when selecting PETG shrink sleeve label films is their printability. You’ll want a film that allows for high-quality, vibrant prints for branding and product information. Look for these features:

  • High-Resolution Printing: Choose PETG films that offer a smooth surface for clear, crisp printing, ensuring your labels look professional and appealing.
  • Compatibility with Printing Methods: Ensure the film is compatible with the printing method you plan to use, such as flexographic, rotogravure, or digital printing.
  • UV Resistance: Consider whether you need UV-resistant films, especially for products that will be exposed to sunlight or harsh lighting conditions, to maintain the label’s color quality over time.

Opting for a high-quality, printable PETG shrink sleeve film ensures that your product’s branding and information are effectively communicated to consumers.

4. Thickness of the Film

The thickness of the PETG shrink film determines its strength and durability. Thicker films offer more protection, while thinner films are more flexible and cost-effective:

  • Thicker Films (60-80 microns): Provide more durability and are ideal for products that require extra protection during transport or those that experience rough handling.
  • Thinner Films (40-50 microns): Suitable for lighter products or those that don’t require as much durability, helping to reduce costs.

Choosing the right thickness depends on your product’s handling needs and the type of protection your label must offer.

PETG Shrink Sleeve Label Film

5. Assess the Sustainability and Environmental Impact

With increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly packaging solutions, many manufacturers now produce PETG shrink sleeve films that are recyclable. Here’s what to consider:

  • Recyclability: Ensure the PETG film you select is recyclable, contributing to waste reduction and promoting sustainability in your packaging.
  • Low Environmental Impact: Look for PETG films that are produced with eco-friendly processes and low emissions to minimize your carbon footprint.

Sustainability is not only an important consumer consideration but also a growing regulatory requirement in many industries. Choosing eco-friendly packaging materials helps reduce environmental impact and can improve your brand’s reputation.

6. Compare Prices and Suppliers

When buying PETG shrink sleeve films, it’s essential to compare prices from different suppliers to ensure you get the best value for your budget. Consider these factors when evaluating suppliers:

  • Quality vs. Cost: While price is important, make sure you’re balancing it with the quality of the film. Sometimes, spending a little more upfront for higher-quality films can save you in the long run by reducing waste or label failures.
  • Bulk Discounts: If you need a large volume of shrink sleeves, look for suppliers that offer bulk purchasing options or wholesale rates.
  • Supplier Reputation: Check reviews and ask for recommendations to ensure you are purchasing from a reliable supplier with consistent quality and customer service.

Shopping around and comparing multiple suppliers can help you find the best PETG shrink sleeve labels for your needs at a competitive price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are PETG shrink sleeve labels resistant to moisture?

Yes, PETG films are highly resistant to moisture, making them ideal for products exposed to water or high humidity environments, such as beverages and cleaning products.

2. Can PETG shrink sleeve labels be used for non-cylindrical containers?

Yes, PETG shrink sleeves can conform to the shape of irregularly shaped containers, such as bottles with curves, thanks to the material’s high shrinkage capability.

3. How do I apply PETG shrink sleeve labels?

PETG shrink sleeve labels are typically applied by first placing them over the container and then using heat (usually through a heat tunnel or steam) to shrink the film tightly around the product.

4. Are PETG shrink sleeve labels durable outdoors?

Yes, PETG labels are durable in outdoor environments. If UV exposure is a concern, you may opt for UV-resistant PETG films that prevent fading and maintain clarity.

5. Can I print custom designs on PETG shrink sleeve labels?

Yes, PETG films can be customized with high-quality printing methods like flexographic and digital printing, allowing for vibrant, detailed designs tailored to your brand.

Conclusion

Choosing the right PETG shrink sleeve label film for your product involves considering factors such as material quality, shrinkage percentage, printability, thickness, and sustainability. By selecting the right film based on your specific needs, you can ensure that your products are well-labeled, visually appealing, and protected. Always compare different suppliers, review their offerings, and consider your production requirements to make the best decision for your business.

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Shrink Sleeve vs. Pressure-Sensitive Craft Beer Can Wrap Labeling

The market for canned craft beer has exploded in the past few years, thanks to more cost-effective production and life cycle, as well as sustainability and reduced environmental impact. But, if you’re switching to can production, you need to make several choices regarding new product labels. 

The company is the world’s best Craft Beer Shrink Film supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Are pressure-sensitive can wraps or shrink sleeve can wraps a better fit for your production system and your marketing? What features should you look for in a can label? How does a can labeling system fit into your production system? 

Here’s what you need to know, so you can make an informed decision about your labeling needs.

Why Should I Consider Canning My Craft Beer?

Cans are lighter and less prone to failure than glass bottles. This saves money and lowers your business’ ecological footprint. In fact, switching from glass bottles can cut your transportation and refrigeration emissions by 35-50%.

Why Wrap Cans Instead of Printing Them?

When printing directly on cans, most printing companies require a minimum order of one truckload, which is typically 150,000 cans. For small craft breweries, this one order could be more than your entire output for the year. (And, even if you have a large operation, you probably have some seasonal product lines that sell in much smaller numbers than this minimum order.) 

But, good news–numerous craft brewers are switching to cans nowadays, thanks to new labeling technology. Unlabeled cans, called “brites,” are available by the pallet, and labels can be purchased by the reel, which lets brewers purchase small, manageable orders. It also simplifies storage, since you can have a few pallets of reels to go with your can inventory, instead of storing cans for every line you offer.

Can wraps offer maximum shelf appeal for your product while providing a more flexible packaging inventory scenario.

Pressure-Sensitive Labels vs. Shrink Sleeve Labels

There are two choices for the label application process for your cans: pressure-sensitive labeling and shrink sleeve labeling. Each method of craft beer labeling has its advantages and disadvantages.

Pressure-Sensitive Labeling for Beer Cans

Pressure-sensitive labels wrap around the flat surface of the entire container. On cans, that means they cover most of the can, leaving the base and lip untouched. These adhesive labels stick to the can on contact. Application equipment is simple, and it’s easy to add information during label application with a print engine.

Pressure-sensitive labels cost a little more than the cut and stack cold glue labels used on some bottles. However, if you already use pressure-sensitive labels on your bottles, you’ll find little difference in labeling costs when you switch to cans.

Shrink Sleeve Labeling for Beer Cans

When shrink sleeves are heated, they form around the entire side of the can, including the curved areas. This gives you more real estate to add graphics and information to the label design. 

This option also utilizes the container shape for 360 degree design. Plus, the printing is on the inside of the sleeve, so it’s harder to damage via abrasion. 

However, the label printing, materials and complicated labeling system required for shrink sleeve application makes it more expensive than pressure sensitive labeling. Unless you have a large operation, many small brewers find that they need to outsource shrink wrap labeling, which complicates logistics. (Expect to spend at least 25% more on a shrink sleeve label than a pressure sensitive label.)

Cans have to survive in warm, cold and moist environments, including trucks, refrigerator cases, cars and ice-filled coolers. Shrink sleeves are plastic, and they don’t use adhesive, so they aren’t affected by moisture. However, moisture can be a problem for pressure sensitive labels, both during packaging and throughout the life cycle of the product. Condensation created after filling can keep some adhesives from setting. (This can be avoided by using a “wet” adhesive, or by wiping off the cans with an air knife shortly before processing. And, condensation issues during the product life cycle can be avoided by choosing water-resistant labels.)

Since shrink sleeves aren’t bonded to cans, they can peel off during transit, and they can warp when exposed to extreme temperatures. To limit the heating of the beer during application, beer can sleeves must be pre-shaped to something close to the container size before application. This adds complexity and cost. A pressure sensitive label, by comparison, is much harder to damage.

Keep in mind that it’s all but impossible to print directly onto shrink sleeves, so any container-specific information has to be applied to the bottom of the can using a high-speed printer. With pressure-sensitive labels though, information can be printed directly on the label during application. This is especially handy if you want to add a “best by” date to the can.

As for appearance, each design has its advantages. Shrink sleeve can wraps offer the widest coverage, so you have more space to add information. However, pressure-sensitive can wraps are available with a wide range of full-color options and finishes, helping your beer stand out on the shelf.

Recyclability May be Affected by Label Material

Aluminum cans are a great choice if you want more of your containers to be recycled. While most curbside recycling programs won’t pick up glass, virtually every program accepts aluminum cans. However, the labeling you choose can be an issue

Both shrink sleeves and labels burn off cans when they’re melted down. Currently, this isn’t a problem because these cans make up a small percentage of the total waste stream. However, the residue shrink sleeves leave behind is hard on equipment, and they may be mistaken for plastic bottles during sorting. Vinyl labels have similar problems, but on a smaller scale. Paper labels burn cleaner, but the fire they produce can still damage equipment. If their use increases, we could see recyclers refuse to take labeled cans, or apply an upcharge for waste streams that include these cans.

Shrink sleeves are easy to remove, but they almost always end up in the trash. PVC sleeves can’t be recycled anywhere. PETC sleeves can be recycled, but most recycling programs can’t take them. Treated paper labels can be recycled, but waterproof vinyl labels cannot. If you want to minimize your product’s environmental impact, you need to pair your recyclable labels with adhesives that allow the label to be removed by the end user.

What Does an Effective Craft Brewing Labeling Solution Look Like?

If you want to see what a can wrap system can do for your production system, check out our video with Birdfish Brewing Company. We worked with them to create a new labeling solution for their products that addresses their production problems and speeds up application.

If you need a flexible can labeling solution, consider our 360a WR Wrap System. This machine can apply labels to a range of round containers, and it can switch between several pre-calibrated label configurations. This lets you use one machine for several sizes of cans, from standard 12 ounce containers to crowlers.

In most craft breweries, space is at a premium. That’s why we design our labeling equipment for compactness and compatibility with our adjustable bases. Our H-base stand has a low profile base, so it can slide under conveyors and other equipment. It uses an internally-routed lift system that has both fast and fine adjustments. This makes it easy to line up your labeling machine with your production line’s conveyor belts. At CTM Labeling, we offer this stand with stainless steel components, so you don’t need to worry about contamination from paint or rust.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Good Gloss Shrink Film. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

We Can Help You Make the Switch to Cans

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