Innovia Films, a pioneer in material science and a leading producer of BOPP films, has launched its latest innovation: RayoFloat, a next-generation shrink sleeve made from recyclable polyolefin (PO) material. This breakthrough product provides a sustainable alternative to conventional shrink sleeves, meeting the increasing demand for environmentally friendly packaging solutions. 

Impressive shrinkage

The RayoFloat sleeves feature an impressive transverse direction (TD) shrinkage of up to 73%, making them adaptable to a wide variety of packaging shapes, including PET, HDPE, and PP packaging, especially bottles. This high-shrink capability enables brands to move away from less sustainable materials like PVC or PET-G and adopt a more eco-conscious option. 

Aesthetic appeal and functional versatility

Beyond their functional benefits, RayoFloat sleeves are visually striking, offering a high-gloss finish, exceptional clarity, and resistance to scuffing. They are also versatile, compatible with both steam and hot air shrink tunnels, providing flexibility for various packaging applications. 

For products sensitive to light, such as dairy items, supplements, and vitamins, Innovia offers RayoFloat WAPO, a low-density white version of the sleeve. This opaque film provides effective light-blocking properties, enabling brands to transition from white HDPE or opaque PET bottles—which are rarely recycled into food-grade packaging—to transparent PET bottles that are widely recyclable. The light-blocking feature is integrated into the printed sleeve, maintaining functionality while enhancing sustainability. 

Revolutionary recyclability

A key advantage of RayoFloat is its compatibility with standard recycling processes. Crafted from low-density polyolefin, the sleeves are engineered to float during the sink/float separation stage of PET recycling. This design ensures that heavier PET flakes sink, while the lightweight sleeve material rises to the surface for easy removal. The result is high-quality, clean PET flakes that can be recycled into food-grade packaging, particularly for sectors like dairy. 

Lucija Kralj, Business Unit Director Labels EMEA at Innovia Films, highlights the significance of this development: "Our high-shrink RayoFloat sleeves allow customers to replace PVC or PET-G sleeves, which hinder recycling, with a polyolefin-based solution that is both recyclable and sustainable. The material has received certifications from recyclers and endorsements from RecyClass in Europe and APR in the United States." 

Jonathan Hewitt, Global Strategic Innovation Projects Manager at Innovia Films, notes, "While polyolefin was traditionally seen as having lower shrinkage, our new generation sleeves achieve up to 73% controlled TD shrinkage, making them suitable for most packaging formats on the market." 

The introduction of RayoFloat marks a significant step forward in sustainable packaging. By combining high performance, recyclability, and aesthetic appeal, these sleeves provide brands with a practical and environmentally responsible choice. As the packaging industry continues to prioritize sustainability, innovations like RayoFloat™ are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a greener future.