Waterproofing Your Shrink Sleeve Or Pressure Sensitive Label
Picture an average consumer enjoying an outdoor event on a hot summer day.
There’s nothing they want more than a refreshing drink.
They dig around in the cooler’s slushy ice-water and grab a nice cold beer. But as they go to crack it open, they notice the label is starting to disintegrate and rub off on their hands.
The soggy, ruined label has spoiled their perception of that brand, perhaps even turning them off from any future purchase. Studies show that consumers typically associate quality of packaging with quality of product/brand.
The unfortunate reality is that beverage products can easily have their labels ruined by exposure to wet and damp conditions. They spend a great deal of time in ice chests, coolers, fridges, and freezers.
With all that in mind, what’s the best way to protect your beverage packaging from this kind of unattractive water damage?
Pressure Sensitive Labels
Pressure sensitive labels are an incredibly cost-effective packaging solution, but their water-resistance is questionable.
A product’s ability to withstand moisture comes from the material and adhesive used.
Pressure-sensitive labels can be reinforced to resist wet conditions through the use of a moisture-resistant label adhesive. This option does the best job at combating water, oils, humidity, and other wet environments.
Water resistance can also be increased by using permanent adhesives instead of removable ones, and by paying attention to the surface the label is adhered to - the surface the label adheres to should be smooth and clean, rather than textured or oily.
Pressure-sensitive adhesives are especially important in the beer industry. Since containers often get wet during the packaging process–even before they hit store shelves–using a wet-apply adhesive is best.
The material used for pressure-sensitive labels is typically paper based. Paper is prone to disintegration, but using paper with a higher strength can slow down water penetration.
But the key word here is slow.
None of these options can totally stop water; even highly resistant paper labels will eventually become saturated.
Water-resistant acrylic labels are a more durable option that can hold up in moist environments.
Another option to increase the protection on pressure-sensitive labels is to use laminates or varnishes, which can shield labels from moisture damage.
This is particularly useful for products in glass bottles, such as beer, kombucha, or bottled soda.
Still, the important thing to know about pressure-sensitive labels is they can be made water resistant, but not waterproof.
Water resistant packaging is still useful, but is a better fit for less demanding applications, such as products that are only used indoors, and without as much direct contact with water.
Shrink Sleeves
Shrink sleeves are the most waterproof option possible.
When it comes to material, shrink sleeves use synthetic film labels. Film is not only waterproof, but also highly durable.
There are several options when it comes to film materials, with two in particular often used for beverages:
Oriented Polystyrene (OPS) - This option is a rigid synthetic film, with superb stiffness and tear resistance.
Polyester (PET) - This preferred, recyclable option is a synthetic plastic, designed for maximum durability and typically considered weatherproof. It can stand up to temperature changes, direct sunlight, and UV exposure, which prevents the deterioration of label material. It can also survive various wet conditions, from being left in the rain to being run through a dishwasher, or even submerged in cold or hot water.
Many companies are switching over to PET plastic, such as Coca-Cola, who recently switched to a 100% recycled PET bottle for their DASANI water - largely because PET is also easier to recycle.
Since shrink sleeve labels can be adhered to the product by the use of heat alone, there is usually no need for adhesives, which is an important element in increasing the recyclability of your product’s packaging since adhesives can make recycling difficult or even impossible.
But shrink sleeves aren’t just waterproof and recyclable.
They mold to any container shape, offer 360 degree label real-estate, and won’t tear or weaken when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Once sealed, this label won’t sag, or fall apart, even when facing the toughest of terrains.
Want to protect your product?
Each beverage product has a unique set of packaging needs and applications.
That’s why our team is ready to assist you in selecting the best options to protect your beverage product from water damage.
Step 1. Schedule a packaging consultation with one of our packaging experts. We’d be happy to walk you through our waterproof packaging solutions, including pressure sensitive labels, full body shrink sleeves, and partial body shrink sleeves.
Step 2. We’ll send you complimentary samples to test.
Step 3. We’ll provide you with a quote.
Schedule your complimentary consultation by filling out our contact form, emailing us at info@tangopackaging.com, or calling (844) 33-TANGO [82646].