Shrink sleeve
PVC-free shrink film, full-body coverage500 minimum · 8 to 10 business daysA shrink sleeve is a printed tube of heat-shrink film that slides over a bottle or jar and shrinks tight to the container's exact contours when heat is applied, covering an irregular shape, taper, or ridged surface that a flat label can't conform to cleanly. We run them on a PVC-free shrink film from 500 units, ready in about 8 to 10 business days after proof.
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose a shrink sleeve for a bottle or jar with a pronounced taper, ridges, an hourglass shape, or an unusual profile where a flat label would wrinkle or fail to cover the full surface cleanly.
Choose a flat wraparound label instead if your bottle or jar is a simple straight cylinder. A flat label costs less and applies faster than a shrink sleeve, which is only worth the extra step for genuinely irregular shapes.
Specifications
| Film | PVC-free heat-shrink film |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full-body wrap, top to bottom, or partial neck band |
| Up to 8 color rotogravure or digital, 360-degree coverage | |
| Application | Heat tunnel shrink-fit, conforms to tapers and ridges |
| Fit | Sized to your exact bottle or jar profile |
| Minimum | 500 units |
| Lead time | 8 to 10 business days after proof |
| Prototype | On request; timing confirmed in your quote |
| Sizes we run | Full-body sleeve for a standard 12-16 oz bottle Neck band only for a smaller accent wrap custom size for your exact container profile |
Questions people ask
Will the sleeve actually conform to our container's exact shape without wrinkling?
Yes, that's what heat-shrink film is built for. Tell us your container's exact profile, including any taper or ridge measurements, and we'll size the sleeve to shrink-fit cleanly.
Do we need special equipment to apply the sleeves ourselves?
You'll need a heat tunnel or steam shrink applicator. If you don't have one, we can discuss options or point you toward co-packers who offer sleeve application as a service.
Can the sleeve cover the entire bottle including over the cap?
Full-body coverage over the cap is possible with a tamper-band style sleeve. Tell us if you want that added security feature and we'll size accordingly.
What's the difference in cost between a shrink sleeve and a flat label?
A shrink sleeve runs higher per unit than a flat label due to the film and application process. It's worth it specifically when your container shape can't be labeled cleanly with a flat wraparound.
Is the film recyclable or does it interfere with bottle recycling?
We run a PVC-free film, which is friendlier to standard PET bottle recycling streams than a PVC sleeve. If full recyclability certification matters for your brand, tell us and we can discuss specifics.
Can we test a shrink sleeve on our actual bottle before a full production run?
Yes, a printed sample sleeve is standard before committing to a full run, so you can confirm fit and shrink behavior on your real container.
How is a shrink sleeve different from a bottle label?
The shrink sleeve is PVC-free heat-shrink film printed by rotogravure or digital and shrunk in a heat tunnel, so it covers the whole container, ridges and tapers included, from 500 units in 8 to 10 business days after proof. A bottle label is a flat pressure-sensitive label that applies without heat, from 200 units in 5 to 7 business days. Unless the bottle shape needs it, the flat label costs less and applies faster.
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Ready to price your shrink sleeve?
Send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day. Your digital proof follows, usually within one business day of your artwork. Design help and the Swatch Book of materials are free.