Shrink Sleeve Labelers, Neck Banders & Heat Tunnels

Machines that use heat to apply plastic film material so that when cooled, it conforms to the body of the container for a snug fit, such as a full-body shrink sleeve label for a single-serve bottle of chocolate milk. Included here are neck banders, which employ similar heat application technology to apply neck bands for tamper-evidence in applications such as a neck band on a bottle of aspirin. Includes any equipment related to these technologies such as heat tunnels.

Category Explained

Shrink sleeve labelers, neck banders, and heat tunnels are integrated systems that apply heat-shrinkable plastic film to containers for labeling, decoration, or tamper-evident purposes. Shrink sleeve labelers are used to apply full-body labels that wrap 360 degrees around containers, conforming tightly to curves and contours for an eye-catching shelf presence. Neck banders function similarly but apply heat-shrink film around the necks or closures of bottles to indicate tamper evidence, offering consumers reassurance about product safety.

Once the film is applied, the container is passed through a heat tunnel that evenly distributes heat, causing the sleeve or band to shrink tightly around the container. These systems offer flexibility for various container shapes and materials and are widely used in industries where product integrity, visual impact, and consumer safety are essential.

Typical products and applications include:

  • Single-serve beverages: Full-body shrink sleeves for juices, chocolate milk, or energy drinks
  • Pharmaceuticals: Tamper-evident neck bands on bottles of aspirin or liquid medicine
  • Condiments and sauces: Sleeves that enhance branding on curved glass or plastic bottles
  • Personal care products: Full-wrap decorative sleeves on shampoo or lotion bottles
  • Household cleaners: Safety bands and labels for spray bottles or refill containers

Additional Considerations:

  • Provides 360-degree branding with high-impact graphics
  • Accommodates containers with complex shapes or contours
  • Neck bands offer a clear tamper-evident feature for consumer safety
  • Heat tunnels ensure even application and high-quality shrink results
  • Compatible with various materials including PET, PVC, and OPS films