top of page

Printed Shrink Film: A Cleaner, Cheaper Alternative to Paperboard Sleeves

If you’re currently using paperboard sleeves or corrugated trays to brand your multi-packs, there’s a smarter, more sustainable option on the table: printed shrink film.


Printed shrink film offers the shelf appeal of traditional cartons, without the extra cost, labor, or waste. It’s a game-changer for manufacturers looking to streamline operations, reduce materials, and meet rising retailer demands.


Here’s why more brands are swapping sleeves and trays for Polypack’s printed film solutions.



1. Get Full Branding Without the Bulk

Printed shrink film allows you to apply high-resolution graphics directly onto your product bundle. That means:

  • No more glued-on sleeves or inserts

  • No cardboard trays under shrink wrap

  • Seamless branding on all visible sides


With Polypack’s printed film wrappers, your packaging goes from functional to retail-ready—while eliminating unnecessary components.



2. Cut Material Costs by Up to 30%

Paperboard trays and sleeves require multiple materials, cutting, gluing, and labor to apply. In contrast, printed film combines containment and branding into one streamlined step.

By replacing cartons or sleeves with film, CPG companies can reduce packaging costs by 20–30%.


Six-pack Dole Pineapple Orange juice, blue packaging. Club pack with printed film.

3. Improve Throughput with Fewer Touchpoints


Every time a sleeve is glued, or a tray is inserted, that’s a labor cost—and a slowdown.


Printed shrink film simplifies the process:


  • Wrap and brand in one step

  • Fewer operators needed

  • Faster line speeds, especially with Polypack’s high-speed shrink bundlers

For manufacturers producing for club stores or retail chains, this efficiency adds up fast.



Six-pack of green cans wrapped in plastic with tropical leaf and red-orange flower design. "FILMSOURCE PACKAGING" text on top.

4. Sustainability Without Compromise


While paperboard is often seen as eco-friendly, it’s heavier to transport and not always sourced sustainably. In contrast, polyolefin and polyethylene shrink films are lightweight, 100% recyclable in many U.S. facilities, and use less material overall.


Polypack also offers film made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, helping brands lower their carbon footprint and meet evolving EPR regulations.


5. Perfect for Club Stores, Retail Multipacks & Personal Care

Printed shrink film is ideal for:

  • Beverage multi-packs

  • Cosmetic and personal care sets

  • Food bundles for Sam’s Club, Costco, and mass retail

  • Promotional packaging

Polypack’s machines are built to run printed film at high speeds with registration control—so your artwork lands where it’s supposed to, every time.


Shrink Your Costs. Elevate Your Brand.

Printed shrink film gives you the flexibility to brand, protect, and ship your products—without trays, sleeves, or extra labor. With Polypack’s American-built wrappers and support team, it’s never been easier to make the switch.


Ready to simplify your packaging line and reduce costs?

 
 
 
bottom of page