CCL Label introduces EcoFloat Shrink sleeves in Southeast Asia

ASIA – CCL Label has launched the next generation of EcoFloat shrink sleeves in Southeast Asia, advancing the region’s sustainable packaging solutions.

Made from recycling-friendly polyolefin (PO) material, EcoFloat sleeves offer up to 73% shrinkage, allowing them to conform to various packaging shapes while ensuring easy separation during recycling.

The EcoFloat shrink sleeve plays a crucial role in the sink-float separation process used in PET recycling.

Since the sleeve is made from low-density polyolefin, it automatically detaches and floats, while PET bottle flakes sink.

This separation results in high-quality, clean PET flakes, which can be efficiently recycled into food-grade packaging.

According to Marika Knorr, Global Head of Sustainability at CCL Label, the innovation aligns with the industry’s push toward eco-friendly packaging materials, “This high-shrink version of our award-winning EcoFloat shrink sleeve enables brands to transition from PVC or PET-G sleeves—which hinder recycling—to a more sustainable polyolefin alternative.

“The material is approved by recyclers and endorsed by RecyClass in Europe and APR in the US.”

Ken Loh, Technical Manager at CCL Label Thailand, highlighted the advancements in shrinkability, “Polyolefin material was long believed to have lower shrinkage than other materials, but with up to 73% controlled TD shrinkage, our new generation sleeves fit most bottle formats in the market.

“They work with both steam and hot air shrink tunnels, and feature high gloss, clarity, and scuff resistance.”

Expanding the EcoFloat Portfolio with EcoFloat WHITE 

Early last year, CCL Label introduced EcoFloat WHITE, a specialized version designed for light-sensitive products such as dairy, supplements, and vitamins.

This version allows brands to replace non-recyclable white HDPE bottles with clear PET bottles, which can be fully recycled into food-grade material. 

Traditionally, dairy packaging relied on opaque HDPE bottles for light protection, but these bottles face recycling challenges due to food contact regulations.

Guenther Birkner, a key member of CCL’s management team, explained how EcoFloat WHITE addresses this issue, “By shifting the light-blocking barrier from the bottle to the sleeve, brands can use transparent PET bottles while still protecting their products.

“This innovation extends packaging lifespan and improves recyclability within a closed-loop system.”

Aligning with global sustainability goals

As sustainability regulations tighten under frameworks like the European Green Deal and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, brands must embrace eco-design principles.

Marika Knorr emphasized the importance of designing for recycling, “Packaging should not only be recyclable but also facilitate the recycling process itself. With EcoFloat WHITE, brands achieve full recyclability while maintaining the aesthetic appeal required for marketing.”

To enhance light-blocking properties without compromising recyclability, Norbert Fenkart, Head of R&D at CCL’s Sustainable Sleeve Label Center, detailed their carbon-free ink technology, “These inks provide effective light protection while remaining fully compatible with standard recycling technologies.

“This ensures seamless sorting and detection, yielding high-quality PET flakes for food-grade reuse.”

By combining cutting-edge material science with recycling efficiency, CCL Label’s EcoFloat and EcoFloat WHITE are setting new standards in sustainable packaging. They help brands meet environmental goals while enhancing circularity in the industry.

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