Innovia launches next-generation RayoFloat high shrink polyolefin sleeves

Innovia Films has announced the wider launch of the next-generation shrink sleeve made out of recycling-friendly polyolefin (PO) material. It offers shrinkage of up to 73 percent to fit most packaging shapes and detaches automatically during recycling.

The sleeve is crafted from a low-density polyolefin material that floats, facilitating the essential sink/float separation process in PET recycling. During this process, the heavier PET flakes sink to the bottom of the container, while the floatable sleeve material rises to the top, where it can be easily collected and removed. This efficient separation results in high-quality, clean PET flakes suitable for recycling back into food-grade packaging for the dairy and other industries.

‘The improvement of this high-shrink version of our RayoFloat shrink sleeve enables our customers to switch from PVC or PET-G shrink sleeve that are detrimental to recycling, to a recycling-proof and more sustainable option made from polyolefin. This material is certified by recyclers and has been endorsed by RecyClass in Europe and APR in the US,’ said Lucija Kralj, business unit director for labels in EMEA at Innovia Films.

‘Polyolefin material was traditionally thought to have lower shrinkage than other materials. However, with up to 73 percent controlled TD shrinkage, the new generation sleeves are now compatible with most packaging formats, particularly bottles, in the market. The shrink sleeves feature a high-gloss finish, excellent clarity, scuff resistance and are compatible with steam and hot air shrink tunnels,’ added Jonathan Hewitt, global strategic innovation projects manager at Innovia Films.

The sleeve is also available in a low-density white version, known as RayoFloat WAPO. This opaque film contributes to the shrink sleeves' light-blocking properties and can later be applied to containers for light-sensitive products. It was developed for light-sensitive products such as dairy, supplements and vitamins.

The film enables brands to switch from a white HDPE bottle or opaque PET bottle that is generally not recycled back into food-grade packaging to a transparent PET bottle that is widely food-grade recycled. The light-blocking barrier is moved to the printed sleeve itself.