If your bottles, cans, or jars use shrink sleeves, you’ve probably heard the debate: PET vs PVC shrink film.
There is no doubt that both materials control the market of shrink sleeve material around the world; however, in terms of steam shrink tunnels, one of them obviously works better.
Want to know which is better?
Let us analyse both: based on actual production, not only theory.
What’s the Difference Between PET and PVC Shrink Film?
PVC Shrink Film (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Easy to use, low-cost and adaptable
- More often employed in older sleeve labeling systems.
- However, the shrinking process also releases chlorine gas, that makes it less eco-friendly.
PET Shrink Film (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
- Clear and tough like crystal, and has superior tensile strength than PVC.
- Less harmful to the environment, no chlorine emissions.
- Specifically built to serve modern high-speed labeling lines.
Hence, although PVC shrink film is less expensive, PET shrink film is cleaner, durable, and works better in most steam shrink tunnels.
The video below shows the difference between PET and PVC by burning both.
How Each Shrink Sleeve Material Reacts to Steam Heat
PET and PVC shrink film are both reactive in steam shrink tunnels at approximately 100 °C, and will shrink completely without compromising print quality.
In contrast, when utilizing a hot air shrink tunnel, both films shrink at the higher range of approximately $150–160°C
Label Clarity, Print Quality, and Environmental Impact
1.Label Clarity
PET shrink film provides a greater transparency and gloss. It improves the appearance of your bottles, providing a high-end appearance that looks perfect with beverages, cosmetics and personal care brands.
2.Print Quality
PET is more efficient in keeping the ink intact in a humid and hot environment without fading and distortion. Relatively, PVC shrink film is prone to aging faster: the film becomes brittle and turns yellow.
3.Environmental Impact
- PVC contains chlorine and may emit toxic compounds during the disposal.
- PET can be completely recycled and it is generally acceptable in recycling centers.
PET shrink film is the obvious choice in case your brand considers sustainability and cleaner image.
Cost and Supply Considerations
Of course, cost remains a key factor.
PET shrink film is a little more expensive than PVC shrink film at equal thickness, costing approximately USD4.2/kg, whereas PVC shrink is approximately USD2.81/kg.
However, long-term advantages that PET offers (improved print quality, recyclability, and brand perception) make the investment worthwhile.
That is why most giant beverage and cosmetic plants are incorporating the use of PET to replace PVC in shrink sleeve labeling.
Why the TY-W300 Steam Heat Tunnel Works Best with PET Films
Tengyi TY-W300 steam shrink tunnel is designed to work with PET shrink film. It is designed to operate at low-to-medium temperature, that makes the shrinking labels smooth and vibrant.
key Features:
- Steam temperature range: 90-105 °C to shrink without wrinkles.
- Adjustable steam nozzles: Customize the heat zones for various bottle shapes.
- Condensate drainage system: Maintains steam tunnel dry and reduce downtime.
- Digital controls: Facilitate the control of the temperature and flow of steam accurately.
In case you are about to replace PVC with PET, the TY-W300 will provide your production line with the stability and precision it requires.
Final Verdict: PET Wins for Steam Shrink Tunnels
After comparing performance, cost, and sustainability, it is apparent that PET shrink film achieves better outcomes in a steam shrink tunnel.
| Criteria | PET Shrink Film | PVC Shrink Film |
| Shrink Temperature | 95–105°C | 95–105°C |
| Label Clarity | Excellent | Moderate |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes | No |
| Wrinkle Resistance | High | Moderate |
To sum up, PET shrink film is the most effective in the long term when it comes to working with steam shrink tunnels. It performs better, is more sustainable, and has a better visual effect compared to PVC shrink film.
Request a Free Test on Your Label Materials
Confused about which shrink sleeve material would best fit your bottles? We will provide a free shrink test on your label samples using the TY-W300 steam heat tunnel. Contact Tengyi Engineers today to schedule your Free Material Test.
