Addressing problematic shrink sleeves on PET bottles

The document advocates for the substitution of problematic shrink sleeve materials (PET, PETG, and PVC) with floatable polyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), to enhance the recyclability of PET bottles. It highlights that problematic sleeves cause recycling facilities to reject bottles, leading to landfill waste and pollution. The transition, supported by the SA Plastics Pact and early adopters like Woolworths and SPUR Corporation, is part of the broader 'Plastic Reboot – South Africa' project aimed at implementing upstream circular interventions in the food and beverage sector.

• PET, PETG, and PVC shrink sleeves on PET bottles in the food and beverage industry are a priority for elimination because they constitute the largest share by weight of problematic and unnecessary plastics placed on the market by SA Plastics Pact members.
• Problematic shrink sleeve materials interfere with the PET bottle recycling process, resulting in the rejection of technically recyclable bottles and their subsequent disposal in landfills or as environmental pollution.
• Floatable polyolefin materials, specifically polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are identified as viable, scalable substitutes that maintain functional and marketing benefits while remaining compatible with PET recycling processes.
• The transition to polyolefin sleeves has been initiated by brand owners such as Woolworths and SPUR Corporation through collaboration between packaging manufacturers, brand owners, retailers, and recyclers.

APA

GreenCape (2026). Addressing problematic shrink sleeves on PET bottles. https://greencape.co.za/library/addressing-problematic-shrink-sleeves-on-pet-bottles/

Chicago

GreenCape. Addressing problematic shrink sleeves on PET bottles. 2026. https://greencape.co.za/library/addressing-problematic-shrink-sleeves-on-pet-bottles/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=GreenCape |title=Addressing problematic shrink sleeves on PET bottles |date=13 April 2026 |url=https://greencape.co.za/library/addressing-problematic-shrink-sleeves-on-pet-bottles/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{greencape2026addressing, author = {{GreenCape}}, title = {{Addressing problematic shrink sleeves on PET bottles}}, institution = {GreenCape}, year = {2026}, month = apr, url = {https://greencape.co.za/library/addressing-problematic-shrink-sleeves-on-pet-bottles/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }