A shrink sleeve label (shrink label) is a printed plastic film that slides over a container and shrinks under heat to fit its shape, giving 360° full-body branding. Million Polyseal manufactures shrink sleeve labels for drinking water, beverages, food and cosmetics, using 9-color gravure printing for high volumes and digital printing for short runs with no minimum order. Produced under our ISO9001 and GMP/HACCP-certified quality systems.
Key Benefits
- Conforms closely to most container shapes, including glass bottles and curved or irregular surfaces
- Easy to apply: slip on the sleeve and shrink with a heat gun, steam tunnel or hot-air tunnel
- Waterproof, with vivid colors that resist fading and peeling
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Materials | PVC, PET, PLA |
| Thickness | 30–60 microns |
| Shrink ratio | 40–70% |
| Printing | 9-color gravure / digital |
| Minimum order | Gravure: 30,000 pcs / Digital: no minimum |
| Lead time | Gravure: 30 days (new), 14 days (repeat) / Digital: 7 days (new), 5 days (repeat) (from artwork approval and deposit; shipping not included) |
| Shrinking method | Heat gun, steam tunnel or hot-air tunnel |
| Industries | Drinking water, beverages, food, cosmetics and more |
Gravure or Digital Printing: Which Should I Choose?
| 9-Color Gravure | Digital | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Established products, high volume | New launches, market tests, multiple SKUs or flavors |
| Minimum order | 30,000 pcs | No minimum |
| Lead time | 30 days (repeat: 14 days) | 7 days (repeat: 5 days) |
| Printing plates | Cylinders required | No plates needed |
PVC vs PET vs PLA Shrink Film
- PVC: shrinks well at lower temperatures, easy to run, cost-effective
- PET: strong and durable with high shrinkage; a common alternative to PVC
- PLA: made from plant-based materials, for brands focused on sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order quantity for shrink sleeve labels?
30,000 pieces for gravure printing. Digital printing has no minimum order, though the unit price is higher for small quantities.
How long does shrink sleeve label production take?
Gravure: about 30 days for new jobs and 14 days for repeat orders. Digital: about 7 days for new jobs and 5 days for repeat orders. Estimated lead time begins after final artwork approval and receipt of the required deposit. Actual lead times may vary with order specifications and production schedules. Shipping time is not included.
What film thicknesses are available?
30–60 microns, depending on the material and container shape.
What is the shrink ratio?
40–70%, selected to match the curves of your container.
Should I choose PVC, PET or PLA?
It depends on your container shape, budget and sustainability goals. Our team will recommend the right material for you.
Can you help with artwork?
Yes. If you have artwork, our in-house team will prepare and adjust it for production on your packaging free of charge. This covers production file preparation, not full brand or packaging design.
Can I test samples before ordering?
Yes, and we recommend it, subject to the job and sample arrangements. Our team records the application parameters for you to ensure the best results in production.
Do you export?
Yes. We serve customers in many countries, and our team communicates in English, Thai and Chinese.
Why choose Million Polyseal?
Over 30 years of plastic label manufacturing, ISO9001 and GMP/HACCP-certified quality systems, 9-color gravure and digital presses, print inspection equipment, and the HP Digital Print Excellence Award 2020 (Asia Pacific).
Request a Quote
Email info@millionpolyseal.com or call +66 2 810 7918. Our team will get back to you with material and printing recommendations for your product. You can also reach us on LINE.