With the influx of competitors, making your product stand out may be challenging. However, labeling is a reliable way to get the attention of your customers. While traditional printing remains a good option, shrink sleeve printing is becoming more popular.
How are these two labeling methods different from each other? What are the pros and cons of each? Which one is better? Keep reading to find out which one’s suitable for your products and services…
Design
Traditional labeling can be personalized for different packaging shapes. However, given that they only stick to flat surfaces, they can’t cover the whole container. Meanwhile, shrink sleeve labels offer 360-degree coverage, making them ideal for cans, bottles, and other packaging shapes and sizes. This also means that you can include more information on the packaging, letting potential and existing customers know more about your brand. With more opportunities to highlight your brand, the chances of turning prospects into paying customers are much greater.
RELATED ARTICLE: 6 Advantages of Shrink Sleeves
Production Process
Traditional processes offer fast and easy labeling as you won’t need water, solvent, or heat to adhere to product containers. There are no complex procedures in terms of the design. Meanwhile, shrink sleeve printing requires more effort to fix imperfections resulting from shrinking on surfaces that aren’t flat. This means that you need to be more careful if the container includes several curves. Applying shrink sleeve labels also takes more time than traditional labels. However, the former allows you to ensure proper alignment more quickly than the latter.
Recyclability and Sustainability
Shrink sleeve labels make it possible to recycle both the container and label. Shrink sleeves containing polyolefin or PVC can be removed from plastic bottles to allow recycling. While various traditional custom labels use plastic that is hard to recycle, various shrink sleeve labels today use eco-friendly materials.
RELATED ARTICLE: What Are Shrink Sleeves and Why Should You Consider Them for Your Packaging?
Price
Compared to traditional pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeve labels often cost about 25% more. However, they provide a 150% increase in label area. They’re also cost-effective as you get to combine tamper-evident sealing and labeling into a single process. Considering shrink sleeves enhance your product packaging’s strength, you can opt for a lighter and less costly package.
Strength and Durability
The materials used for labeling, the material to be adhered to, and permanent and removable adhesives all contribute to the durability of traditional pressure-sensitive labels. For instance, labels with permanent adhesives last longer than removable ones. However, shrink sleeve labels are more durable. As they are waterproof, they remain intact even when placed in moist environments like refrigerators. Also, graphics are printed inside the shrink sleeves, offering protection against chemicals, heat, and abrasion.
Choosing the Best Labeling
Traditional printing and shrink sleeve printing both have advantages and disadvantages. However, shrink sleeve labeling is more cost effective, durable, and flexible. To find out how we can help you boost your sales through quality shrink sleeve labeling, contact us today.
