How petg shrink film produced?

How PETG Shrink Film Is Produced: A Step-by-Step Guide

PETG shrink film is one of the most popular choices for high-quality labeling and packaging. Known for its exceptional clarity, printability, and shrink performance, it is widely used in shrink sleeve labels, tamper-evident seals, and promotional packaging. But how is PETG shrink film actually made? Let’s explore the production process step-by-step.

1. Understanding PETG Material

PETG stands for Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified.
It is a thermoplastic polyester resin created by adding glycol to standard PET during polymerization.
This modification:

• Prevents crystallization, keeping the film clear.

• Improves shrinkage properties.

• Enhances impact resistance.

2. Raw Material Preparation

The production begins with PETG resin pellets:

• Sourcing: PETG resin is sourced from specialized polymer manufacturers.

• Drying: Before processing, pellets are thoroughly dried in a dehumidifying dryer to remove moisture, preventing defects like bubbles or haze in the final film.

3. Extrusion

The extrusion process transforms PETG pellets into a continuous sheet:

1. Feeding – Dried resin pellets are fed into the extruder hopper.

2. Melting – Inside the extruder barrel, heating elements and screw rotation melt the pellets into a molten polymer.

3. Filtration – Melt passes through a fine screen to remove impurities.

4. Sheet Formation – Melt is extruded through a flat die to form a uniform PETG sheet.

4. Quenching

To preserve the film’s amorphous structure and clarity:

• The hot PETG sheet is quickly cooled on a chill roll.

• Rapid cooling prevents crystallization and ensures optical transparency.

5. Biaxial Orientation

PETG shrink film gains its shrink properties through biaxial orientation:

• Machine Direction (MD) Stretching – Film is stretched lengthwise between heated rollers.

• Transverse Direction (TD) Stretching – Film is then stretched sideways in a tenter frame.

This stretching aligns the polymer chains, giving the film controlled shrinkage when exposed to heat during application.

6. Heat Setting

The oriented film passes through controlled heating to stabilize dimensions while retaining shrink capability. PETG shrink films typically offer high shrink ratios—up to 70–80% in the transverse direction.

7. Winding and Slitting

After heat setting:

• The film is wound into large master rolls.

• Rolls are slit into required widths for different applications—narrow widths for shrink bands, wider rolls for full-body shrink sleeves.

8. Quality Control

Every production batch undergoes strict quality inspection:

• Thickness measurement for uniformity.

• Optical clarity testing.

• Shrink ratio testing in hot water or steam tunnels.

• Surface tension testing to ensure printability.

9. Printing and Converting (Optional)

While not part of the core production, PETG shrink film is often printed using rotogravure or flexographic printing before being delivered to packaging converters or brand owners.

Key Advantages of PETG Shrink Film

• High Shrinkage for contoured containers.

• Excellent Print Clarity for vibrant designs.

• Impact Resistance for durable packaging.

• Eco-Friendly Options with recyclable grades.

Producing PETG shrink film involves precision engineering—from resin preparation to biaxial orientation—to deliver a high-performance packaging material. Its combination of clarity, shrink control, and printability makes it a top choice for premium packaging worldwide.

JF a professional shrink sleeve labeling film manufacturer. We strictly control the production process of PETG shrink film to ensure the transparency and shrinkage rate of the shrink film. If you would like to know more about shrink film, please contact us.

FAQ

Q: What is PETG shrink film made from?

A: PETG shrink film is made from Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified (PETG) resin, a thermoplastic polyester known for its clarity, flexibility, and high shrink properties.

Q: How is PETG shrink film manufactured?

A: The process includes resin drying, extrusion into a sheet, rapid quenching, biaxial orientation for shrink capability, heat setting for stability, and final slitting into rolls.

Q: Why is PETG shrink film preferred for shrink sleeves?

A: It offers high shrinkage (up to 70–80%), excellent print clarity, impact resistance, and the ability to conform to complex container shapes without distortion.

Q: Is PETG shrink film eco-friendly?

A: Some PETG shrink films are recyclable, and manufacturers are developing eco-friendlier options to meet sustainable packaging demands.

Q: What is the difference between PETG and PVC shrink film?

A: PETG shrink film has better clarity, higher shrink rates, and improved impact resistance, while PVC shrink film is cheaper but less environmentally friendly.