Shrink Sleeves for Cans

We support a wide variety of container sizes, from small tubes to larger jugs. Standard size examples include 12 oz. standard aluminum cans, 12 oz. sleek aluminum cans, and 16 oz. standard aluminum cans, but we can accommodate custom shapes and sizes as well. Shrink sleeve labels conform snugly to both standard and custom-shaped cans without compromising on the vibrancy or clarity of the label design.

The application of shrink sleeves to cans starts with a polyester film material (sometimes referred to as PETG) designed specifically for its ability to snugly conform to the contours of the entire container.

Pre-printed sleeves are carefully positioned over each container. Following this placement, cans are then moved through a steam or a radiant heat tunnel (also known as a shrink tunnel or a heat tunnel) where they undergo an application of heat. This step causes the polyester film material to contract uniformly around the entire container, ensuring a smooth and seamless adherence from top to bottom.

The controlled environment within the tunnel guarantees that heat is evenly distributed across the surface area of the sleeve, allowing it to fit perfectly around the container shape without compromising on design integrity or product protection.

Shrink sleeve packaging is an excellent option for products across various industries, particularly due to its versatility. The beverage industry, with a wide range of shaped containers—from sleek energy drinks to robust craft beer bottles—is one of the most popular applications for these labels.

Beyond beverages, industries dealing with uniquely shaped containers such as health supplements, beauty products, and household cleaners also find shrink sleeves advantageous. That’s because they not only conform seamlessly around any product container but also add a layer of tamper-evidence, helping reinforce consumer trust and safety standards.

Absolutely. Shrink sleeves are built to last, even in tough conditions like condensation, refrigeration, or frequent handling. Here’s why they hold up so well:

• Water- and moisture-resistant: Shrink sleeves won’t peel or smudge when exposed to wet or humid environments, which makes them ideal for cold-filled products like beer cans or refrigerated beverages.

• Scuff- and scratch-resistant: Since the artwork is printed on the inside of the sleeve, the graphics are protected from abrasion during shipping, storage, and use.

• UV and chemical durability: These labels can stand up to sunlight, heat, and many chemicals without fading or degrading.

• Tamper-evident by design: A shrink sleeve conforms tightly to the container, so any tampering is easy to spot.

Shrink sleeves are made from heat-sensitive films that shrink to fit your container when exposed to heat. The most common materials include:

• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): Offers the highest shrink rate (up to 75%) and excellent clarity, making it great for contoured containers and full-wrap designs. It’s also more recycling-friendly than other shrink materials.

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): A cost-effective option with good shrink performance and strong printability. It works well for containers with moderate curves but is less eco-friendly.

• OPS (Oriented Polystyrene): A less common material that provides lower shrink force, which is ideal for thin-walled or heat-sensitive containers.

BOPP, while an excellent material for pressure-sensitive and wraparound labels, isn’t used for shrink sleeves because it doesn’t shrink with heat. That said, we regularly recommend BOPP labels for customers who want durability, moisture resistance, and a sleek look on flat or gently curved surfaces without the need for 360-degree coverage.

We offer a wide range of shipping options through several vendors, including UPS, Fedex, and USPS. Ground, Next-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day, and custom freight options.

Our preferred file formats are Adobe Illustrator or High-Resolution PDF. You can view our complete artwork file standards here.

While Blue Label Packaging does not directly offer label design services, we do have resources to help with your custom label design needs. We maintain a directory of Blue Label Approved designers who specialize in label and packaging design and understand the unique requirements and technical details involved. We also showcase a gallery of label designs for inspiration.

Our printers are capable of matching up to 97% of the full color spectrum, allowing us to achieve precise color reproduction for your beer labels. We use advanced CMYK printing to produce an extensive gamut of colors. For designs requiring an expanded range, we also print using WOVG ink sets which add white, orange, violet and green. Our top-of-the-line color management program and processes ensure we hit the correct hues, tints and shades. We color calibrate and profile all of our presses so your unique color palettes and gradations print true to your vision.

Before printing your shrink sleeves, we will provide a digital proof via email for your approval. This allows you to review your artwork and give proof approval, confirming details like positioning, color accuracy, text legibility, and more, prior to full production. We are committed to ensuring your complete satisfaction through this streamlined proofing process.