what is floatable shrink film?

What is floatable shrink film?

Floatable shrink film is a type of packaging material specifically designed to improve the recyclability of plastic bottles, particularly those made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

Here's a breakdown of what makes it "floatable" and why it's important:

• Low Density: Unlike traditional shrink films (which are often made from materials like PVC or PET-G and have a high density, causing them to sink in water), floatable shrink film is made from low-density materials, usually polyolefin. This low density is the key to its function.

   

   

• The "Sink/Float" Recycling Process: During the plastic recycling process, bottles are shredded into small flakes. These flakes are then put into a water bath. The goal is to separate the different types of plastic. Since PET flakes are denser than water, they sink to the bottom. Floatable shrink film, being less dense than water, floats to the top along with other polyolefin plastics.

   

• Separation and Purity: This "sink/float" separation allows the label and the bottle flakes to be cleanly and efficiently separated. This prevents the label material and its inks from contaminating the PET flakes. The result is a high-quality, pure PET recyclate that can be used to make new bottles, even for food-grade applications, which helps close the recycling loop.

   

• Versatile Applications: Floatable shrink film is used for shrink sleeves on a wide range of containers, including beverages, food, and personal care products. It can be clear or opaque, with white opaque versions offering light-blocking properties for sensitive products like dairy or cosmetics.

   

In essence, floatable shrink film is a sustainable packaging innovation that addresses a key challenge in plastic recycling. It ensures that the label doesn't hinder the recycling of the container, making the overall package more compatible with existing recycling infrastructure.