PET Shrink Film ( PET G ) is a type of shrink film made from Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). It is widely used in the packaging industry, especially for labelling, shrink sleevs for PET Bottles, Cans, etc. PET shrink films are known for their clarity, strength, and environmental advantages over other shrink film materials like PVC.
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For PET HIGH SHRINK film production – needed PET-G resin.
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified refers to a plastic material commonly called "PETG" which is essentially a modified version of standard PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) where glycol is added to enhance its properties, particularly making it highly shrinkable when exposed to heat, making it ideal for applications like shrink sleeves and labels; the "G" in PETG stands for "glycol”
Advantages of PET Shrink Film Over PVC:
Due to complex nature of production + RM issues, most cases, many companies claim that they can produce the PET Shrink, however actual supply not possible.
· PET G is Heat sensitive
· PET G has Tendency to Stick
· High shrink stress as required but it makes production challenging as keeping uniform shrinkage is tough & need experience
· PET-G is moisture sensitive.
· Due to shrink properties – Temp needed to be in control in overall process.
· Due to limited process flexibility, this is a high waste process in case production team is inexperienced
· Need storage & transportation in Refrigerator Containers.
· Most important is PRICE of PET -G resin, its much higher than normal PET.
o Shrink Sleeve Labels: Commonly used for beverage bottles, food containers, and cosmetic products to provide 360° branding and labeling.
o Tamper-Evident Packaging : Used in caps, seals, and bands to ensure product integrity and prevent tampering.
o Other Labels: : PETG can be used for labels that need to tightly adhere to various surfaces.
o Packaging: PETG is also used in various packaging applications where flexibility and impact resistance are required.
o Medical devices: Certain medical devices can be made from PETG due to its biocompatibility and formability.
There might be other application like Multiple Bundle pack or Food Packing, however seen such application with stock PET G as other films are work better there.
Companies offers a variety of PET shrink films catering to high, medium, and low shrink requirements for diverse applications:
· High Shrink PET Films:
These monoaxially oriented co-polyester films have a shrinkage rate exceeding 75% in the transverse direction. They are ideal for full-body sleeve labels, providing excellent printability, machinability, and tamper-proof properties. They also come in post-consumer recycled (PCR) variants for sustainability-focused needs. Common uses include labeling and wrapping glass and plastic containers
· Medium Shrink PET Films:
These are designed as replacements for PVC shrink films, offering compatibility with existing machine parameters. Medium shrink films are available in thicknesses of 40, 45, and 50 microns and are suitable for various packaging applications without requiring significant equipment adjustments
· Low Shrink Force PET Films:
These films are engineered for use on flexible containers such as LLDPE and HDPE, where high shrink forces could deform the packaging. They are also printable using the same inks and processes as high-shrink PET films
· OTHERS SPECIALIZED SHRINK FILMS
I. White Shrink Film: A solid white PET film that blocks UV light and is used in the dairy and beverage industry for added protection.
II. Industrial Shrink Wrap: Designed for thin-walled containers, these PET shrink films provide low shrink force, avoiding deformation during the shrinking process.
III. Shrink Film with UV Optical Brightener: These films have UV traceability for security and tamper-evident applications, making them ideal for labels on bottles and containers.
IV. UV Stabilized Shrink Films: With UV inhibitors, these films protect dairy and vitamin-based beverages from UV rays and are used as full-body shrink labels.
V. Pearl Float Film: Made with PET-G, this lightweight, recyclable film has a pearl-like appearance and is used for labeling and wrapping.
VI. LIT Shrink Film: A high-shrink film that activates at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption.
VII. PCR Shrink Film: Incorporating 30% post-consumer recycled content, these films reduce the carbon footprint while maintaining high shrink properties.
Selection of adhesive depends on your application / Environmental factors / Films characters / production process & finally cost.
- 1-3 DIOXALANE & THF – are commonly used adhesive & recommended by manufacturer.
- PU adhesive also recommended by few supplier.
Recycling PET-G (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified) is more complex compared to standard PET due to its modified chemical structure, which impacts its processing and compatibility with traditional PET recycling streams. Here's a detailed overview:
Challenges in Recycling PET-G
Mechanical Recycling:
Chemical Recycling:
PET shrink film is a versatile, sustainable, and high-performance material, widely used in modern packaging applications. Its superior qualities, including clarity, durability, and recyclability, make it a popular choice across industries such as food, beverage, personal care, and pharmaceuticals.
Ø Need Better recycling method
Link to JFPolyFilm
Ø Need Better PCR segregation to use PETG recycling for PETG films.
Ø Need Better method where PETG & PET become homogeneous to make one recycling output.
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Food and Beverage Packaging：
PETG heat shrink film is extensively used in the food and beverage industry, especially in producing various bottles and cans.
Its heat shrink properties are particularly important in this field as they allow for creating packaging containers with complex shapes and attractive appearances.
For example, in the design of beverage bottles, PETG heat shrink film can adapt to the unique curves and shapes of bottles through the heat shrinking process, providing a seamless fit and elegant appearance.
This material not only ensures the aesthetic appeal of the packaging but also maintains its structural integrity and strength.
Bottles and cans made with PETG heat shrink film as a packaging material can withstand pressure and impact while maintaining transparency, allowing consumers to see the products inside the packaging clearly.
Medical Device Packaging：
PETG heat shrink film is favored in the medical device industry for its heat shrinkability and sterilizability.
It is extensively used to manufacture casings and packaging containers for various medical devices.
The heat shrinkage of PETG heat shrink film allows it to conform closely to the complex shapes of medical devices, offering superior protection and preventing movement or damage during transportation.
Additionally, PETG material can withstand high-temperature sterilization processes, such as gamma radiation and electron beam sterilization, which is crucial for maintaining the sterility of medical devices.
Such packaging transparency also allows medical personnel to inspect the integrity and condition of the instruments without opening the packaging.
Both PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) are polyester films, they have critical differences in their chemical structure, properties, and applications. Here’s a breakdown:
Chemical Structure:
PET: Formed by combining two monomers, terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG).
PETG: Shares the same TPA component as PET, but incorporates an additional glycol modifier, giving it slightly different properties.
Properties:
Clarity: Both offer excellent transparency.
Strength and Flexibility:
PET: More rigid and brittle, prone to cracking under stress.
PETG: More impact-resistant, flexible, and less likely to crack, making it suitable for applications requiring bending or shaping.
Chemical Resistance: Both offer good chemical resistance to common chemicals like acids, bases, and oils.
Temperature Resistance:
PET: Higher melting point, making it suitable for high-temperature applications like food packaging for hot products.
PETG: Slightly lower melting point, limiting its use for very high-temperature applications.
Biodegradability: Both are not readily biodegradable, though research on more sustainable alternatives is ongoing.
Applications:
PET:
Food and beverage packaging (bottles, trays)
Pharmaceutical packaging (blister packs)
Textile fibers (polyester clothing)
Engineering films (electrical applications)
PETG:
Thermoformed products (blisters, trays)
Signage and displays
Printing films (graphics, labels)
Food packaging (lower temperature applications)
3D printing filament (due to its good printability and strength)
Choosing between PET and PETG:
The choice between these films depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider factors like:
Required strength and flexibility: If flexibility and impact resistance are crucial, PETG might be the better choice.
Temperature requirements: PET is preferable for high-temperature applications.
Application: PET is more common in food and beverage packaging, while PETG is found to be used in various non-food applications like printing and signage.
Remember, this is a general overview; specific product variations within each category might have additional features or limitations.