A new film structure introduced by Klöckner Pentaplast at Label Expo on Sept. 9 is engineered for use with high-resolution digital printing for shrink-sleeve packaging and for high-speed application onto containers.
Jim Mullen, business manager, shrink films, spoke with Packaging Digest at Label Expo this week, noting that there is a challenge having a shrink film that both prints well and is readily converted into a roll of printed film. That two-fold challenge has been met through the debut of Pentalabel LV PETG Films with Y460 coating. One year in development, the new material offers these key attributes:
It is certified for use for a number of HP Indigo digital presses;
- The film is highly receptive to digitally printed inks;
- The film is optimized for seaming into a tube in roll form;
- It is readily applicable for manual application as well as for high-speed application by automated shrink-sleeve label applicators at rates to 180 bottles/min.
Along with a number of partner companies that helped in product develoment, Mullen said the material was field tested by Verst, a major contract packager for shrink sleeving of containers.
Pentalabel PETG roll-sleeve films are claimed to provide the best shrinkage capabilities (more than 20%) available today to ensure smooth seams and the ability to shrink onto simple as well as multiple contour containers made of plastic, glass or metal.