Sleeve Shrink Tunnel: Technology that Transforms Packaging Design

Differentiation on store shelves is one of the biggest challenges for the industry. With consumers making decisions in seconds, packaging design becomes crucial. In this scenario, the sleeve shrink tunnel stands out as a technological solution that ensures a perfect finish and adds value to products. This article explores this technology in detail, including its advantages, applications, and selection criteria.

How the sleeve shrink tunnel works

The sleeve shrink tunnel applies controlled heat to shrink sleeve labels around packaging. These labels, usually made of PET, PVC, or OPS, are placed over bottles and, when passing through the tunnel, undergo thermal contraction, adhering perfectly to the shape of the container.

Main types of sleeve shrink tunnels:

• Electric tunnel: ideal for smaller operations or facilities without steam.

• Steam tunnel: provides better finishing with uniform heat distribution.

• Hybrid tunnel: combines electric resistance and steam for specific applications.
  
  

Precise control of temperature and exposure time guarantees the integrity of both the label and the container, even for complex formats.

Benefits and advantages

Adopting a sleeve shrink tunnel brings numerous benefits to the industry:

• Uniform shrinking without deformations.

• High-standard aesthetic finishing.

• Compatibility with containers of any shape.

• 360° visual communication at the point of sale.

• Integration with labelers and conveyors.

• Reduced waste and simplified maintenance.

• Possibility of using thinner labels (sustainability).

• Energy savings with optimized technology.

• Versatility for production lines with different volumes.
  
  

These features are well represented in IMEK equipment, which offers sleeve shrink tunnels with national technology and full focus on sleeve labeling.

How to choose the best sleeve shrink tunnel

Key criteria to consider:

• Label type and material (PVC, PETG, OPS).

• Shape and dimensions of containers.

• Production line capacity.

• Available energy source (steam or electric).

• Integration with other equipment.

• Available space in the plant.

• Need for customization.

• Technical support and spare parts.

• Sustainability of the operation.

• Desired automation level.

Industrial applications

The sleeve shrink tunnel is used in several industries, such as:

The sleeve shrink tunnel is essential for companies seeking quality, agility, and visual impact in packaging. By choosing high-performance equipment with specialized technical support, such as IMEK’s solutions, your company ensures shelf visibility and industrial productivity.

📩 Contact IMEK and discover which model best fits your production process.