Light exposure can damage the quality of yogurts, milk, and fruit juices, negatively affecting colour, vitamin content, and even flavour.
Multilayer or pigmented containers are common solutions to this problem but Atlanta-based Printpack claims to its new NeoAffinia PETG film does the same job for less. The white backed film wraps around entire bottles and therefore provides comprehensive protection from light, according to Printpack spokesperson Barbara Drillings.
Apart from the light protection properties the new shrink sleeve label also has a matte finish with a soft and velvety touch. Drillings said this should help attract consumer attention on crowded shelves because the vast majority of films have a shiny finish.
Having an unusual soft feel and look also makes the film suitable for the health and beauty market. Drillings said the film is “a very good fit” for beauty products.
Some colours found in cosmetics and personal care products can also be affected by light so the barrier properties in the new film may also be of interest.
In terms of suitability for different packs Drillings said NeoAffinia fits around all sorts of contoured bottles. It has a 70 per cent shrinkage rate thanks to the use of PETG which offers better shrinkage properties than PVC.
Up to 10 colors can be printed on the film using rotogravure or flexographic printing. Any standard shrink label machine can be used to apply the films. With regards to sustainability, Printpack said NeoAffinia delivers more film per pound due to its lower density and higher yield.
Printpack is a manufacturer of flexible and rigid packaging headquartered in Atlanta. It operates 27 manufacturing facilities in the US, Mexico, the UK, Poland and China.