ALUMINUM CANS SLEEVE LABELING

Sleeve Labeling for Aluminum Cans – Low MOQ Solution

1. Overview

Shrink sleeve labeling is an excellent option for branding aluminum cans when the required order volume is too small for direct-printed cans.
It allows full-color, high-impact designs with minimal production quantities, making it ideal for:

• New product launches

• Seasonal or limited-edition beverages

• Market testing before large-scale production

2. Process

1. Base Can Supply

   • Plain silver or white aluminum cans (e.g., 250 mL, 330 mL, 500 mL)

   • Supplied without pre-printed graphics

2. Shrink Sleeve Printing

   • Full-body film is printed in CMYK or Pantone colors

   • Can include gloss, matte, or metallic effects

3. Application

   • Sleeves are slid over cans, then heat-shrunk to fit perfectly around the contour

4. Final Packaging

   • Labeled cans are filled and packaged as normal

3. Advantages

• Low MOQ – As low as 30,000 cans per design (compared to 100,000+ for direct printing)

• High-Impact Design – 360° coverage with vibrant colors and photo-quality graphics

• Fast Turnaround – Artwork to finished cans in 3–4 weeks (varies by supplier)

• Flexibility – Easy to produce multiple designs in the same order

4. Considerations

• Cost – Per-unit cost is higher than mass-produced printed cans, but ideal for small runs

• Durability – Sleeves are resistant to water and scuffing but can scratch under heavy handling

• Recycling – Sleeves must be removed for some recycling systems (transparent shrink film helps)

• Storage Conditions – Avoid prolonged heat exposure before filling, as sleeves can distort

5. MOQ Guidelines by Size