A COMPLETE STUDY FOR PET-G ( PET SHRINK FILMS )

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.

For PET HIGH SHRINK film production – needed PET-G resin.

What is 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”

Why PET SHRINK FILM is part of sustainability initiative : ?

Advantages of PET Shrink Film Over PVC:

• Eco-Friendly: PET is recyclable, while PVC is non-recyclable and releases toxic chlorine during disposal.
• Better Clarity: PET offers superior transparency for a more attractive appearance.
• Thermal Properties: PET handles higher temperatures better than PVC, resulting in fewer shrinkage defects.

WHY IT IS CHALLENGING TO PRODUCE PET-G films :

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.

>> Key Features of PETG Shrink Film:

1. High Shrinkage Ratio: PET films can achieve shrinkage rates of up to 70–80%, allowing them to conform to complex container shapes.
2. Clarity and Gloss: Offers excellent transparency and a glossy finish, enhancing the product's appearance on shelves.
3. High Strength: PET shrink films are strong and durable, resisting tears during handling or application.
4. Recyclability & Eco-Friendliness: Unlike PVC, PET is considered more environmentally friendly. It is recyclable and does not release harmful toxins when burned.
5. Thermal Stability: PET films can handle higher temperatures compared to other shrink films, making them suitable for a variety of packaging processes.
6. Printability: Excellent surface properties for high-quality printing, making it ideal for shrink sleeve labels.

>> Applications of PET Shrink Film:

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.

>>TYPES OF PETG SHRINK FILMS :

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

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?????? 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.

>> ADHESIVE USED FOR PET-G high shrink films :

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.

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RECYCLING ISSUE OF PET-G

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

• Chemical Modification: PET-G contains glycol, which prevents crystallization during the manufacturing process. This property makes it incompatible with standard PET recycling systems.
• Contamination Issues: Even small amounts of PET-G in a PET recycling stream can lead to defects in the recycled products, such as haze or brittleness, due to its lower melting point.
• Processing Temperature: PET-G has a lower melting point (~230°C) compared to PET (~260°C), causing it to degrade during high-temperature PET recycling processes.

>> Recycling Methods for PET-G

Mechanical Recycling:

• PET-G can be mechanically recycled if segregated from standard PET.
• The material is shredded, washed, and melted to produce recycled pellets for non-food-grade applications like strapping, automotive parts, or packaging materials.

Chemical Recycling:

• Advanced chemical recycling technologies (like depolymerization) can break down PET-G into its monomers (terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol) for reuse.
• This process allows for higher purity and retains material properties, but it is more energy-intensive and expensive.

Conclusion

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.

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?? Need Better recycling method

?? Need Better PCR segregation to use PETG recycling for PETG films.

?? Need Better method where PETG & PET become homogeneous to make one recycling output.

For any correction / information – Please write at [email protected]

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Best regards

Sachin Kothari