Shrink Sleeve Labels

AmeriGraphPackaging Group was founded in 1998 as a manufacturer of printed, pressure-sensitive prime labels, tags, and shrink sleeve packaging for both the food and consumer goods markets.  Over the past 20 years, AmeriGraph Packaging Group has received numerous accolades and awards for product packaging and labeling design innovations, as well as outstanding customer service.

AmeriGraph Packaging Group

In 2020 AmeriGraph Packaging Group became a part of General Data Company Inc. (GDC), the parent of Color Label Solutions.   GDC is a national supplier of labeling solutions for both industrial and consumer goods markets.  Learn more about the purchase of Color Label Solutions by GDC here:

One key aspect that AmeriGraph brings to GDC is the design and manufacture of shrink-sleeve labels.  Shrink Sleeve labels are 360-degree printed labels that utilize heat in the application process to conform the label to the shape of the product. These labels are printed on either plastic or polyester film material.   According to Paul Thompson, General Manager of AmeriGraph, “The main reason to use shrink-sleeves is the 360-degree real estate provide by this type of label.    With a shrink-sleeve label, you can print anything all around the container.  Brand designs, ingredients, and regulatory information can be position anywhere on the container.  Marketing can use the entire space for their messages."

AmeriGraph Shrink Sleeve Example

Continuing, Paul says, “In addition, shrink-sleeve labels make it easy for companies to maintain brand colors when using standard containers that are typically white or clear.  Using standard packaging saves money.”

AmeriGraph Shrink Sleeve Example

In my conversation with Paul, I asked him what type of companies use shrink-sleeve labels on their packaging.  According to Paul, “Consumer good and food companies are large users of shrink-sleeves primarily for branding purposes.  And recently, we’ve had a large increase in business from sanitation companies; for cleaners, disinfectants and other type of products.  For AmeriGraph specifically, we produce a lot of shrink-sleeve labels for spirit companies. For example, Ole Smoky Moonshine, is a customer who uses both our labels and shrink sleeves.  Branding is very important to Ole Smoky, and the combination of both types of labels gives them flexibility in their messaging.”

AmeriGraph Shrink Sleeve Example

In spirits, it seems most wines use labels to communicate their brand persona.  However, shrink-sleeve labels would fit when a unique brand proposition was desired.  With the growth of boutique brands in the spirits, shrink-sleeve labels would seem to fit well in this market.

AmeriGraph Shrink Sleeve Example

After learning more about shrink-sleeve labels, I asked Paul, why choose AmeriGraph?  Paul says, “shrink-sleeve labels are complicated to design and print; and AmeriGraph are experts in this area.  We take an art file, typically created in Adobe Illustrator, and print it on a grid material.  We shrink the material onto the package to calculate how much each area of the label has shrunk.  Based on the percentage shrink, we can redesign the artwork to fit the container.  We are really good at managing the amount of shrink of the label and the design required to work in this situation. Overall, our ability to manage the design and test the material prior to production is our key strength with shrink-sleeve labels.”

To put together a quote for a shrink sleeve label, AmeriGraph requires this information:

• Graphic file, probably created in Illustrator.
• Specification length and lay flat width.
• 3-D design of the packaging from the manufacturer.

If you are interested in learning more about the options or getting a quote for shrink sleeve labels for your brands and company, contact us.  We’ll help you explore how shrink sleeve labels from AmeriGraph can work for you.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com