Introduction
For industrial buyers, choosing PETG shrink film is not just about price — it’s about consistent performance, stable specifications, and production reliability.
Understanding key PETG shrink film specifications helps packaging companies reduce defects, improve efficiency, and avoid costly production issues.
This guide explains the most important technical parameters buyers should check before placing bulk orders.
1. Shrink Ratio (TD & MD)
Shrink ratio is the most critical specification for PETG shrink film.
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Transverse Direction (TD): typically 65%–75%
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Machine Direction (MD): usually 0–5%
A higher TD shrink ratio allows the sleeve to conform smoothly to complex bottle shapes such as curves, neck transitions, or containers with handles.
Buyer Tip:
If your bottles have irregular shapes, always request actual shrink test data, not just datasheet values.
2. Film Thickness & Tolerance
Common PETG shrink film thickness ranges from 30μm to 50μm.
| Thickness | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| 30–35μm | Small bottles, simple shapes |
| 40μm | Medium bottles, most common |
| 45–50μm | Large bottles, higher strength needed |
Equally important is thickness tolerance.
Inconsistent thickness can cause:
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Uneven shrinking
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Sleeve distortion
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Cracking during application
Recommended tolerance: ±5% or better for industrial use.
3. Shrink Temperature Range
PETG shrink film performs within a relatively wide heat window, making it suitable for different shrink tunnel types.
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Typical shrink temperature: 80°C–95°C
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Compatible with:
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Steam tunnels
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Hot-air tunnels
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Stable shrink behavior within this range helps reduce wrinkles and ensures consistent results on high-speed sleeve applicators.
4. Printing Compatibility
PETG shrink film is widely used for high-quality printed shrink sleeves.
Supported printing methods:
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Gravure printing
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Flexographic printing
Key printing considerations:
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Reverse printing is recommended
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White ink layer improves color opacity
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Proper pre-distortion design is essential to avoid image deformation after shrinking
High-quality PETG film ensures good ink adhesion and minimal graphic distortion.
5. Mechanical Properties
Industrial buyers should also review mechanical performance indicators, including:
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Tensile strength
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Elongation at break
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Tear resistance
PETG shrink film offers better toughness than OPS, reducing sleeve tearing during high-speed application and transportation.
6. Flatness & Roll Quality
Poor roll quality often causes application problems even when film specs look correct.
Check for:
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Good flatness
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Uniform winding tension
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Clean edges
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No blocking or telescoping
These factors directly affect feeding stability on automatic sleeve applicators.
7. Storage & Shelf Life
PETG shrink film should be stored:
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In a cool, dry environment
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Away from direct sunlight
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At stable room temperature
Typical shelf life is 12 months when stored properly.
Improper storage can lead to premature shrinkage or loss of dimensional stability.
8. Quality Control & Testing
Before mass production, buyers should always request:
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Material datasheet
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Sample rolls
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On-machine shrink testing
Testing ensures the PETG shrink film matches your actual production conditions, not just laboratory values.
Conclusion
Understanding PETG shrink film specifications helps industrial buyers make informed sourcing decisions, reduce production risks, and achieve consistent packaging results.
Instead of focusing only on price, evaluating technical data, testing samples, and choosing an experienced supplier are key to long-term success.
